Ideas to Keep in Mind During Your On-Campus Interview

I have been told on numerous occasions that the interview begins as soon as you are picked up from the airport or when you meet the first person from the institution you are interviewing with. As I have mentioned before:

• It is in your best interest to be yourself.
  
• Recognize that you are being evaluated almost immediately.
  
• Stay positive with your conversational topics.
  
• Continue to show your enthusiasm for the institution.
  
• Perhaps you can ask yourself how you would like to be remembered from your on-campus interview.

During various meals, ensure that you are thinking about your eating etiquette. Do not talk with your mouth full, take small bites, and keep your elbows off the table are just a few examples. It is not uncommon that you will be interviewed over a meal by a direct supervisor, Director of the program, or students. You do not want your eating behavior to distract those that you are sharing a meal with. This is a great time to get to know their career paths and interests, as this will be more of a conversation rather than a formal interview.

I cannot stress enough the importance of having a few questions for each of your interviews throughout the day. Having questions demonstrates that you have spent some time researching the institution and department, as well as have a real interest in working at the institution. You will more than likely have a portfolio with you, so be sure to write down your questions prior to the on-campus interview. Once it is your cue to ask your questions, you can take notes directly on the sheet of paper with your questions. Helpful items to take note of are the peoples’ names that are interviewing you, and indicate which person is responding to your question. This information will be helpful when you write your thank you’s and want to bring in a personal aspect of a comment or interest they discussed during the interview.

Take each break that is offered to you. Even if you do not need to use the restroom, take a few moments to step away. You can refocus and re-energize in these short moments. Check to see that you do not need to adjust your collar, tie, or suit. Ensure you have nothing in your teeth, and have a breath mint. Knowing how you are presenting yourself will help you to feel more confident and comfortable as you continue with your interviews.

Finally, enjoy yourself! The interviews can be intense, but take the time to envision yourself being at this institution. What do you like about the environment and your potential future colleagues. This is really a time to get to know a new place and culture. Are there any red flags for your? As you go throughout the day start asking yourself if this is a place you think would be a good fit for you, your values, and lifestyle. Ask yourself overall, “how did this experience make me feel?”

Amy Moreno-Kieffer
Co-Editor
Student Affairs Job Hunting Blog

Preparing For An On-Campus Interview

Now that you have made all of the necessary arrangements for your on-campus interview, it is time to prep. Keep in mind that each institution has their own way of conducting on-campus interviews, so preparation for each will be important. Here are some of the steps I am taking to prepare:

• Review your itinerary multiple times and in detail. You may have names and positions of those that you are interviewing with. Determine which area of the department or campus each person or group of people belong, and tailor your institutional website search to those areas. Look at the mission, values, and programs of each area.
  
• Look at the institution’s Mission, Values, and Vision and determine how they fit with your own values and beliefs. Be sure that you can communicate how these fit with your career aspirations, because you will often be asked why you are interested in being a professional on that campus.
  
• Read the student newspaper online! This is a great way to see the current issues or interests of the institution. It is especially enlightening to read the opinion section, so you are aware of some of the ideas and concerns of students. There is often a section advertising upcoming events and performances, and this can be telling of the culture of the institution.
  
• Discuss your interview with a mentor. Ask questions about what you can expect from the various departments or people that may be interviewing you. Your mentor may also know more about the institution or have a friend that is currently working there. This can allow for you to get an insider’s perspective into working for the institution.
  
• Write down three or four questions you would like to ask during each of your interviews. It is important that you always have questions to show your interest in the position. Spend some time thinking about what you would like to know from each individual or group you are interviewing with. Often you will interview with the person that would be your direct supervisor, so what would you like to know about that relationship? A couple questions I ask include: “What are some examples of the support you provide for new professionals in this position?” or “Can you describe what your relationship is like with those that are currently in the position?”
  
• Remember to always be yourself. As you prepare remember that this stage in the process is all about fit. Being genuinely you will allow you to determine if this would be a good fit as well as help the department to determine the same. You wouldn’t want to be in a place that didn’t appreciate and support the real you, would you?

Amy Moreno-Kieffer
Co-Editor
Student Affairs Job Hunting Blog