Overview about the Importance of Interviewing

College students spend significant time developing skills to be used in their careers following graduation. In order to apply these skills in the workplace, they must first obtain a job. Students therefore should not forget to spend time learning how to communicate effectively during an interview. Developing these communication skills will allow them to perform better, increasingly their likelihood of receiving job offers.

Although interview formats vary by employer, recruiters have been increasingly using behavioral-based interviewing techniques. Studies have found that behavioral-based interviews allow employers to more successfully locate good candidates for positions. Since this method has become more popular, it is essential for students to prepare for this method of interviewing. This site provides tips on how students should prepare for interviews, and it concentrates on how to prepare for the behavioral-based interview format.

This website provides information to help you begin preparing for interviews. However, it is not comprehensive. We suggest using all resources available here at the University of Northern Iowa. Advising and Career Services provides numerous resources for job searching. The center has several handouts about interviewing, maintains a career library, and provides current magazines with tips about all aspects of the job search process. Advising and Career Services also offers mock interviews. The office is located at 242 Gilchrist Hall and is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. during each weekday.