Interview Tips and Advice

Everything you find here can be found in a downloadable pdf format (including an additional Interviewing Information): Effective Interviewing (pdf 154KB)

Interviewing Advice from Employers

• Research organizations in advance of interviews
• Be enthusiastic and sincere during your interviews
• Be honest and realistic
• Conduct a practice interview, either through the XCEL Center's Mock Interview Program, CDC's Employer Mock Interview Program (held in the fall), or with a CDC staff member.
• Think about how your experience in work, classes, and activities can relate to the job you're seeking
• Allow plenty of time to get to the interview and visit the site in advance to make sure you know how to get there
• Make sure your interview attire is pressed, your shoes are shined, and you are well groomed
• Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references
• Speak slowly and clearly and don't be afraid to pause a moment to collect your thoughts before answering questions
• Be assertive
• Send a thank-you letter as soon as possible after the interview

Interviewing Advice from Binghamton Graduates

• Be prepared to elaborate on information from your resume without having to re-read your resume during the interview
• Identify your skills and experiences; be prepared to discuss how they relate
• Be ready to explain what you offer and why the organization interests you
• Listen carefully and don't interrupt
• Be prepared to ask questions
• Know what type of work (with this employer) interests you and why
• Be prepared to "Describe yourself and your interests"
• Be prepared to talk about your goals and how they relate to the position
• Make your interest in the position and organization clear
• Be concise, yet specific in your answers
• Be genuine

Additional Help from Binghamton Graduates
Over one thousand Binghamton graduates have volunteered to speak with students about their work. Through the Alumni Career Network (ACN) it is easy to identify volunteers by major, profession, employer, and state. Alumni Career Network volunteers tell us they would like to hear from more students. What a great way to find out about interviewing in your field of interest! Talk to people who have been through exactly what you have! They’re just a click away!

Other Resources:
General Questions You Might Be Asked with Guides for Answering, California State University, Chico
Monster.com's virtual interview
What's Your Greatest Weakness? How to answer everyone's least favorite interview question by Jennifer Burns

Liberal Arts and Sciences
Arts & Sciences sample questions

Engineering and Applied Sciences
Engineering and Applied Science Students sample questions
Potential Interview Questions for Engineering Majors

Nursing
Sample Interview Questions for Nursing Students

Business
Interviewing Guide for Business Students
Potential Interview Questions for Business Majors

Art and Design
Potential Interview Questions for Art & Design Majors

Education
Potential Interview Questions for Education Majors