Alumni

• Know what to expect.  When you are invited to an interview, the employer typically shares an itinerary of your day(s), to include the start and end times of the full interview day, the interview schedule and who you will meet with during each part of the day, as well as instructions for travel arrangements and reimbursement. Details about each of these aspects is outlined throughout the Interviewing | Before, During, and After section of the website. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the information needed; ask the employer if you need clarification or if something is missing. 

• Save a copy of the job description. When you apply for a position, be sure to save the job posting so that you may reference it later as you prepare for an interview.  Once the posting deadline has passed, you typically won’t have access to the description unless the organization has attached it to your online application profile. 

• Contact your References. Prior to applying for the position, you should have secured your references. Once you have been invited to an interview, inform your references so that they are aware of your status with the employer.  If you have not already done so, provide them with the position description, as well as a copy of your resume and cover letter. After the interview, update your references on next steps so that they are aware of what to expect.  

• Research the company/organization. Know some facts about their history, services/products, organizational structure and size, sales and earnings, corporate culture, reputation, and competitors.  Consult resources including the organization’s website, social media, newspapers/magazines, professional organizations they may be associated with, and literature the company produces such as annual reports and brochures.  

• Review the job posting and your application materials.  It may have been a while between when you applied and when you interview.  Make sure you remind yourself what you shared about your candidacy through your application and refamiliarize yourself with the job description. 

• Interviewing is a two-way process.  Prepare to answer more in-depth questions about your skills and experience as they relate to the job to help the employer determine whether you are the best candidate.  Formulate answers to potential questions and practice answering out loud. Likewise, prepare a list of questions (bring this to the interview) to ask the employer that will aid you in determining if the organization is the best fit for your career journey.   

• Print copies of your resume and cover letter. While the employer has already received and reviewed your application materials, not everyone who will be involved in your interview has necessarily received a copy. And as a courtesy, it is also appropriate to bring a few extra copies to make available should anyone need them.  

• Bring a notebook and pen to take notes.  Be careful not to have your attention diverted to the note taking process; you need to continue being engaged with your interviewers. Jot down key points, as well as keep a record of the names and titles of those interviewing you. 

• Plan appropriate attire.  You only have one chance to make a first impression. While the company may have a casual dress code, unless the employer specifically indicates that you may dress casually for the interview, it is a good idea to dress more conservatively (wear an appropriate combination of a suit, tie, pants, dress shirt, skirt, blouse, dress). Keep jewelry to a minimum and avoid using strongly scented colognes and perfumes. You want the attention to be directed toward your qualifications. 

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early.  Do this for in-person, as well as virtual and phone interviews to ensure you are ready to start on time. If going to a new location for the interview, test the route a week ahead to know traffic issues, where to park, how to access public transportation, etc. If the interview is virtual, test the platform to make sure you have speakers and video in working order.  Have a phone number to call the employer should you encounter something unexpected, such as an internet or power outage.  Make sure your phone is charged and turn off all notifications to avoid interruptions during the call. 

Reimbursement policies for travel expenses for interviews vary dramatically.  Some employers will reimburse you completely, others only partially, while still others will not reimburse you for any of the expenses incurred.  Therefore, it is important for you to be aware of the employer’s policy before committing to a visit. 

In most cases, the correspondence (email or letter) inviting you for an interview will inform you as to whether the employer will coordinate and cover any or all your travel expenses, or if you need to make your own arrangements and turn in receipts for partial or full reimbursement. However, if no reference is made to travel expenses, it is appropriate to, and you should, inquire about the employer’s policy on travel expenses. 

Travel reimbursement, if provided, typically covers: 

• If traveling by air: airline ticket (tourist class), airport shuttle to hotel, Uber/taxi from hotel to interview location, and sometimes baggage service tips at airport and hotel. 

• If traveling by car: automobile mileage based on employer policy, parking and baggage handling at hotel and interview location. Mileage covers use of your own vehicle and gasoline. 

• Lodging: hotel stay duration depends on length of interview and company policy to include the night before the interview, if necessary, as well as through the night following the last interview (i.e. per airline flight arrival and departure schedule). 

• Meals: expenses for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while you travel to and from the interview, if covered, are typically through a per diem amount.  Some employers may cover the entirety of your receipt. Meals that take place during the interview day are typically covered by the employer (i.e. part of your interview may include a lunch interview). 

In the following section, you will find sample interview questions to practice as well as examples of the types of questions you should ask the employer. Determine which methods work best for you to practice among any combination of the following:  prepare written answers and then practice saying them out loud, practice with a friend or in front of a mirror, and/or record yourself using Big Interview which offers a variety of practice questions and provides feedback on your performance. Keep in mind that the more you practice, the more natural your conversation will be in the interview.  You want to avoid your responses coming across as rehearsed.     

• Interview Practice Questions (Includes traditional and behaviorial interview questions as well as sample questions to ask an employer).  Please Note: The link provided will take you to Handshake where you can access the sample questions. Over time we will aim to provide the samples on the website as well.

• Practice answering the most common interview question: Tell me about yourself.  Use this opportunity to provide details of your experiences and tie in skills and strengths as they relate to the job for which you have applied. 

• Avoid asking questions about salary and benefits until the interviewer has raised the subject.  This may not happen until a second/final interview or when a job offer is made.  While these are important questions, there is an appropriate time to broach them.  Your initial interview should focus on why you are the best candidate for the job. 

• Prepare a “closing question” to help confirm your strong interest in the position. Doing so helps to make a lasting impression on the interviewers. For example, “what else may I tell you about myself to help you with your decision-making?” Have several ideas of how you will answer such a question, knowing that during the interview, you may have already covered a few of your planned topics. 

When you are discussing the details of your interview, be aware of the following to ensure you have all the information needed to prepare and know what to expect on the day of the interview. 

Duration: 

• Interviews can be held for just a few hours or less.  

• Some employers may hold multiple interviews so that the candidate can meet with several different departments within the organization.  These interviews can be held on one day or across multiple days.   

• In some cases, you may have an initial interview via phone or virtually and then be invited to an on-site interview if you pass the initial screening.   

• Other interviews are designed to get the initial candidate pool narrowed such that you may have multiple interviews across a 2–3-week period if you are selected to move onto each phase of the process. 

Types: 

• In-person interviews can be held with one or more interviewers at one time. 

• Group interviews are typically arranged when there will be multiple candidates hired to do the same job.  The employer usually presents a typical type of problem those in the position may encounter and wants to observe how everyone contributes to the conversation, which candidates demonstrate leadership and teamwork, and the thought processes that go into solving the problem.  Keep in mind it is about the process and not so much about being correct or knowledgeable regarding every company protocol and procedure. 

• Phone interviews should be conducted in a quiet space with strong cell service. It is recommended that you still dress the part as it tends to help keep your mind focused on the formality of the event. For example, even though you couldn’t be viewed wearing sweatpants, your mind might become too relaxed and affect how you contribute thoughtfully to the conversation.  Organize yourself before the call by having your resume, cover letter, job description, and questions you plan to ask placed in front of you for quick reference.   

• Video interviews should also be conducted in a quiet space with strong service. Try to set the scene around you if you are not using filters to keep the interviewers from being distracted by your background.  Make sure you have good lighting as well. Practice in advance using the video platform to make sure you have your speaker, microphone, and video working correctly. 

Format: 

• Regardless of the duration of your interview, the typical format begins with an introduction and greeting between the interviewers and the candidate to set the stage and outline expectations.   

• Next, the interviewers will ask questions and may either ask the candidate to wait until it is their turn to ask questions or invite them to ask throughout the interview.  

• The interviewer typically closes the interview by asking the candidate if they have other questions or anything else to share.  Avoid saying “no” so that you stand out as a candidate who is interested in learning as much as possible about the position and the company.  Reserve a few questions that were not addressed or asked during the interview.   

• If the employer does not share the next steps of the process at the beginning or end of the interview, be sure to ask and to find out who you can contact should you have any questions. 

• Show your enthusiasm and interest in the position by greeting the interviewers with a confident smile and handshake if appropriate.   
• Adjust your posture if possible so that you are seated comfortably but not appearing too relaxed.   

• Listen and gather information.  The employer wants to learn about you, just as much as you want to learn about the job and the company.  Listen carefully to the information shared with you about the position, the work environment, and the company itself to help you determine if the opportunity is a good fit for you.  Jot quick notes to help you with recalling details later.  Your attention needs to be focused on the interviewers and not your business binder. 

• Ask clarifying questions.  If you do not understand what was asked of you or perhaps you missed some of what was spoken, it is appropriate to ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase the question. Just as your resume is an example of your written work, the interview is an example of your verbal communication. 

• Pause and reflect.  Some questions may catch you off guard or as is the case for many, the stress of an interview can leave anyone a little speechless at times.  If you are unsure of how you plan to answer, it is okay to take a slight pause before responding or even state something like, “that’s a great question” while you quickly compile your thoughts in your head. 

• What happens next?  The employer will likely communicate the next steps of their process during the interview, typically at the end. If they do not share these details, it is your responsibility to ask. 

Illegal questions are those relating to issues of race, color, gender, national origin, age, or religious affiliation.  Some inappropriate questions that may lead to legal liability include those pertaining to marital status, medical history, children, or pregnancy.  The interviewer may or may not intentionally be asking illegal or inappropriate questions.  You have several options as to how you respond if this occurs: 

• Address the concern expressed by the question, rather than addressing the question itself.  For example, should an employer ask if you have children, you might respond by saying, “If you are asking me if I can travel or work overtime, if necessary, I can.” 

• Indicate that you wish to provide necessary information, but you are having difficulty in understanding the relevancy of the question in relation to the requirements of the job.  Try to remain professional and tactful while still protecting your rights. 

• If you believe that the interviewer is purposefully asking illegal or inappropriate questions, you may choose to end the interview and inform the human resources department of the company or make a complaint with the nearest Equal Employment Opportunity Commission office. 
   

If you are asked inappropriate or illegal questions by a company recruiting at the College of Charleston, be sure to inform a Career Center staff member immediately.   

• Reflect on your impressions immediately following the interview (in your car, at your hotel, on the plane, etc.).  Add to any notes you made during the interview to help you evaluate the process and the opportunity. 

• Evaluate yourself.  Take notes on what questions you handled well vs. those you were not sure how to best answer.  How will you improve for future interviews? 

• Send a Thank You Letter  to the interviewer(s) within 2 business days of the interview. Doing so demonstrates your understanding of business etiquette and helps to reiterate your interest in the position and the company.  Sending the letter by email helps keep the process moving forward, but it is also a good idea to send a hand-written letter by mail to help you stand out as a candidate.  If you interviewed with around 4 people or less, it is appropriate to write a thank you letter to each person, identifying something specific discussed during the interview.  If you interviewed with more than 4 people, it is appropriate to send one thank you letter to the person who served as your main point of contact. If you were asked to complete a form or provide additional information for your application, make reference to this in your letter. Please Note: The link provided will take you to Handshake where you can access the sample thank you letter. Over time we will aim to provide the samples on the website as well.

• Keep track of your interviews using a spreadsheet or other means, to organize the next steps of the process, your follow-up, and your thoughts on the position.  Update after each interview. 

• Be aware of the next steps in the company's interview process.  The employer will typically provide this information at the end of the initial interview. Allow the interviewer and/or company to get back to you within the allotted time indicated. If you do not hear anything around that time, follow-up to inquire about your status in the process.  Keep in mind that recruiters travel for weeks at a time and may need to delay the original follow-up plans.  However, they still expect to hear from you.  Thus, you need to find a balance between too much and too little follow-up on your part. 

• Understand company policy regarding travel reimbursement.  Each company has a policy on how, when, and if they reimburse candidates at each stage of the interview process for their travel. 

• Prepare for a more in-depth interview when invited to additional interviews.  Review your notes from the initial interview.  You may need to repeat some information since you will meet with others who have a stake in who is hired but also be ready to share new insights into your candidacy.  Also be ready to interview on-site to get a look at company operations.  If suggested dates do not work with your schedule, advise your contact and determine alternative dates that may work.  Follow-up interviews may be held for an entire day and may involve a business dinner the night before or following the interview.  Plan your schedule accordingly. 

• Promptly respond to all correspondence (email, letter, and phone) from an employer.  Not only is this considerate, but it also shows you know preferred business practice.  If you are no longer interested or have accepted another offer, do not ignore communication from the employer; follow up with them.  If the employer has not contacted you but either circumstance applies, it is appropriate for you to let the employer know that you are no longer interested or accepted another job. 

Ask questions of the employer if any details are unclear.  If you have any concerns regarding your contract, have an attorney look it over before you sign. Below are details you should know and understand before accepting. 

• When you need to inform the employer of your decision to accept or decline 

• Initial assignment including any training or temporary work assignment 

• Starting salary and benefits (vacation, sick days, 401k, insurance, etc.) 

• Whether the company assists with relocation expenses 

• Start date, where to report, what you need to bring for any further personnel-related paperwork, and who to contact with any further questions 

• Location where you will work 

• Expected work hours, including start and end times as well as breaks and lunch 

• Parking options and whether there is a parking fee 

• Opportunity for advancement 

Accepting or declining an offer should not be taken lightly.  Develop a pros and cons list. If you need to ask for an extension of time to consider your decision, take the following steps: 

• Express to the employer your strong interest in the existing offer. 

• Ask for enough time to explore your other options while recognizing that the employer has a timeframe of their own to move forward in their process. Thus, a month is likely too much of an extension whereas a few days to a week or so could be viewed as more reasonable. 

• Mutually agree with the employer on a date for your decision and honor your commitment to respond to the employer by the established date. 

• Be aware that the employer may or may not grant your request for an extension.  However, most employers understand the fact that you may need to consider various factors before making a decision of this magnitude.

• Don’t accept a job offer until you are completely certain you are committed. 

• Respond to the offer in a timely manner. 

• While it is not illegal to back out of a job offer (also referred to as renege) after accepting it, some still consider it a breach of ethics to do so.  You have now placed the company in a tough position whereby other candidates they would have considered had you declined in the first place have now accepted other offers and thus they may need to re-start their search and further delay getting someone on board. The impact of your decision to change your mind can follow you. Should you be considering this, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of both offers as well as the short and long-term impacts your decision will have on your reputation.  

• Once you have accepted a job offer, notify any other employers with whom you were in discussions about employment to inform them that you are no longer a candidate.  Cancel any upcoming interviews in a courteous way, explaining that you have accepted another job offer. You never know if one of these companies will have another opportunity in the future that is of interest to you. 

• Respond to the job offer in a timely manner.  Be professional and courteous at all times. Keep in mind two important realities.  First, while you have decided this opportunity is not a fit for you currently, there could be another opportunity with the same company in the future and they will remember how you handled yourself. Second, someone at this company could have a connection with another company for which you seek current employment. 

• Thank the person extending the offer and briefly explain why you are rejecting it.  A general statement that another offer is a better fit with your career goals and interests, without going into specifics, would suffice. 

1. When you know the pay range for the position is less than the industry average 
2. When you know that the cost of living is higher in the area where the job is located, and the salary does not reflect that 
3. When you have been made multiple offers with similar salary and benefits packages 
4. When you know that your skills, experience, and education are worth more than the offered amount 

• Find out what your skills and level of experience are worth in the job market.   

• Know what the job is worth by studying salary surveys and researching what similar jobs pay.   

• Investigate cost of living adjustments to salary based on employment location. 

• Consider the benefits as well as the salary.  Benefits packages can be worth up to one-third of your total compensation package. 

• Wait to begin salary negotiations until the end of the interview process and after the employer has decided to hire you. 

• If/when asked what your salary requirements are by a potential employer during an interview, indicate a RANGE, not a specific dollar amount.  This range should be slightly higher than the low end of your range. 

• Refer to salary tools such as Payscale to help determine your worth based on your skills, years of experience, and geographic location. 

• Once the employer has made the salary offer, if you wish to negotiate, be prepared to make a counteroffer.  If the offer is lower than you expected, you can indicate that it is lower than you expected based on your research.  Be prepared to specify where you obtained your information!  Then counteroffer with your research response and desired range.  They will respond with what they are able, or not able, to offer.  Sometimes this may involve getting back to you.   

• Be realistic!  Don’t be arrogant or ask for a salary that is higher than the top of the salary range for the position, especially if you are a new graduate without skills or experience relating to the job. 

• Don’t use personal problems or needs in negotiations.  This will hurt, rather than help, your chances. 

• Know when to say when.  If you feel that the employer is becoming frustrated with your proposals or states that this is all they can do for you, stop and evaluate what is on the table.  You do not want to give the impression that you are impatient or greedy.  When the company comes back with their final offer, be prepared to evaluate the offer and make a decision. 

Salary is not the only area to be negotiated in a job offer.  There may be other options you can negotiate such as bonuses, retirement or pension plans, stock options, company car/expense accounts, relocation/moving expenses, parking fees, additional vacation or personal days, and more.  Don’t expect the employer to offer these up; you need to do your research and ask on your own. Avoid viewing your negotiations as an all-or-none arrangement. If your first suggestion is not amenable to the employer, consider an alternative that may work for both parties, but as stated above, know when to say when.  The position and the company will dictate what is offered and what is ultimately negotiable. 

• Remote Work. If remote work is a part of the initial benefits package, the employer will discuss how it works in terms of how often, the expectations of your role while working remotely, as well as what equipment (i.e. computer, phone, desk, chair, etc.) the employer will provide vs. what the employee is expected to provide (if not, be sure to ask). Also note that your salary could be reduced, especially if you are fully remote and where you live has a lower cost of living than where the company is located.   
   
  However, if remote work is not on the table, it can be something to negotiate as something you do in full or in part (hybrid arrangement). Demonstrate how being able to work remotely will benefit the employer; while showing the impact you can make for them.  Keep in mind that new employees regardless of experience level are generally expected to work on-site, at least for a probationary period, so that they get accustomed to the inner workings of the company. For example, if there is push-back after asking for a fully remote or hybrid arrangement, ask if it would be possible to have 1 or 2 days per week remote after successfully (and make sure you define what that means to the employer and have it in writing to reference at that later date) completing your first 6 months on the job. 
   

Unfortunately, not all interviews result in a job offer.  (If there were 50 candidates and 1 job, that means 49 people receive rejection letters)!  Competition for jobs is intense with large, well-qualified applicant pools for specific positions.  Even if you aren't the most qualified applicant, you can compensate for that fact by being well-prepared, by practicing your interview skills, and by exhibiting a professional demeanor.  However, in some instances, this still will not result in a job.   

Rejections are a normal part of the process, and you should not be discouraged when this happens.  If you allow a rejection to discourage you or to damage your confidence, this may have a negative impact on your performance in your next interview, which could lead to another rejection.  Try instead to learn from each interview in order to be better at the next one.