Interview Preparation

Do Your Homework

Learn as much as you can about the opportunity and the interviewing organization. Evaluate your own knowledge, skills and abilities and think about how you qualify for the opportunity. Find out information about the organization ahead of time.

General Questions

• What is the name of the interviewer(s)?
• Where will your interview be conducted? When and for how long?

College or University

• Is it public or private? State or municipal? Land grant? What majors are the most popular? How many students attend? Can you study online?
• Do you know any students who attend? If so, ask them how they like going there.
• What is the rate of admission? Of graduation? What scores do students usually need for acceptance? What is the rate of employment upon graduation in your field or area of interest?
• What are the expectations? Do you need to have a laptop when you arrive? Will you be traveling during breaks?

Award

• Is this award given every year? How is it funded? How many winners will be selected?
• Do you know any previous winners? If so, talk to them about their experience as an award winner.
• What are the criteria and qualifications for selection? Do they offer other awards similar to this one for which you might apply?
• What are the expectations? Will you be writing a report or making a presentation about your experience as the winner?

Employment

• How long have they been in business? What goods or services do they provide? How many employees do they have?
• Do you know any people who currently work there? If so, ask them how they like working there.
• What will the responsibilities be? What skills and knowledge will you need to do this job? Are there opportunities for increased responsibility or advancement?
• What are the expectations? Is this a full-time or a part-time job? Is the schedule flexible and will it fit your other responsibilities?