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