Preparing to Interview

Research

Research is critical in preparing for an interview. Employers consistently provide feedback to Babson which emphasizes that the best candidates are the individuals who have done their homework on the company and the job before the interview.

Some areas to consider about the company:

• Organizational structure of the company
• Key business lines
• Major products or services
• Key people in the organization
• Size in terms of sales and employees
• View of the company by clients, suppliers, and competition
• Major competitors
• Locations other than your community
• Latest news reports on the company or on local or national news that affects the company

Consider requesting a Company Info Pac from the Horn Library to ensure you are gathering as much information as possible.

Some things to consider about you:

• What are the top five things I want this employer to know about me?
• What have I done that directly correlates to the position and job description?
• Why am I attracted to this company?
• Why would I fit?

Mock Interviews

Practicing answers to questions is extremely important when beginning to interview for any job. You want to make sure you have thought through the major “why” questions and that you are prepared to answer them.

For example,

• Why this industry?
• Why this job?
• Why this firm?

Write your answers down to some of the general questions that you know each employer will likely ask. Practice answering questions out loud. It may feel awkward at first, but the difference between how an answer sounds in your head and how it comes out when you are nervous in an interview can cost you major points. CCD offers InterviewStream through Babson Career Connections to help you prepare for interviews from the comfort of your home or dorm room as well as mock interview appointments with career advisors.

Questions for the Interviewer

Employers want to know that you have a desire to work with them. A great way to continue to sell yourself in your interview is to end with a bang. When the interviewer asks you to fill the last 10 minutes of an interview with questions you’d better be prepared. Based on your company research, prepare a list of questions you could ask your interviewer. Don’t forget, an interview is a two way street. While impressing an interviewer with your knowledge and charisma, you also need to explore whether this opportunity and environment will be a positive step for your career.

Sample Questions to Ask Employers