How to prepare for an Interview

University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

RISE Program

Self-Assessment: How Ready Are You for the Interview Process?

Instructions: Checkmark (√) to the left those tasks you have already completed or planned for. Place a star (*) to the right of the tasks you need to work on.

Before the Interview

—Do a self-assessment

—Update your resume/curriculum vitae (or make a list of all of your

accomplishments)

— Plan to sell yourself

—Research the institution and interviewer

—Use your alumni network to the best advantage

—Practice typical and targeted interview questions

—Prepare questions to ask

During the Interview

—Select appropriate attire

—Know the location of your interview

—Bring extra copies of your resume or portfolio

—Collect business cards from interviewers

—Show interest in and fit for the job

— Establish the relationship

—Let our personality shine through –confident, natural, focused

After the interview

—Send a thank-you note within 24-48 hours of your interview

Job Interview Prep Sheet by Louise

Giordanohttp://www.quintcareers.com/job_interview_prep_sheet.html

Position Requirements Your "Stories"

Abilities:

1. Ability to lead others

2.

2. Ability to be a team

player

3. Ability to communication effectively

4. Ability to learn quickly

5. Ability to follow directives

Ex. Coordinated volunteers to produce on-campus event in.

____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Skills:

1.Bio-medical lab skills: using equipment and making measurements

2.Computer skills

related to science

3.People skills

4.Presentation/writing skills

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Attitude:

1.Inquisitive

2.Determined 3.Hard-working

4. Dedicated 5. Committed

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Knowledge: _____________________________________________

1. Scientific knowledge

Modified by Elena González October 19, 2013

Practice Typical and Targeted Interview Questions

1. —Tell me about yourself.

2. —What are your interests in science?

3. —What are your future goals?

4. —Why are you interested in the internship?

5. —Why are you interested in this field of research?

6. — What type of research are you interested in?

7. — What related experiences do you have?

8. —What are your weaknesses?

9. — What are your strengths?

10. —What leadership experiences have you had?

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/LabsAndResources/labs/training/summerInternships/P

ages/phone.aspx

descriptor: video biomedical research internship interview

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases:Summer Internship Program in

Biomedical Research

Phone Interviewing for Internships

Overview of Phone Interviews

Telephone interviewing has become a popular method of refining the applicant pool because it allows interviewers to interact with a high number of applicants in a very

short period of time.

Although not as formal as a face-to-face interview, telephone interviews should still be treated with equal seriousness. An interviewer can tell a lot about your style and personality just by your approach during a phone interview. Interviewers will be listening for your enthusiasm, technical interest, and knowledge. Taking time to lay

the groundwork is essential for a successful experience.

Preparation is Key

Prepare just as you would if you were meeting your interviewer face to face. Treat this as a formal meeting.

Research the department or lab that you are interested in joining.

Complete a list of your strengths and weaknesses.

Create a short list of your accomplishments and supportive “talking points” for how these accomplishments will contribute or relate to the position for which you are applying.

Create a well-thought-out list of questions regarding the position, course of research, and current opportunities that may be available to you. Consider the interview as a two-way street--an opportunity for you to discover if this position is a good fit to meet your needs and goals, as well as an opportunity for the interviewer

to assess how your skill set fits in with their lab.Some suggested questions are

Should I expect training or an orientation before beginning my internship?

Would I receive a stipend with this position?

Would I have regular meetings with a mentor?

Could you list some tasks and projects I could be involved with?

Practice interviewing. For example, have a friend or a family member conduct a mock interview. Anticipate what types of questions will be asked and rehearse your answers.

Pre-Interview

Keep your resume/CV in clear view.

Have a pen and paper close at hand for note taking.

Turn off call–waiting so your call is not interrupted.

Clear the room of distracting people and pets.

Turn off other distractions such as the stereo or television.

Consider using a land line as opposed to a cell phone so the call doesn’t get “dropped.”

During the Interview

Be enthusiastic. The first 15 seconds of the interview are crucial, and the level of interest in your voice is key.

Take your time. It’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts. You may need time to carefully consider an answer before responding; preface your conversation with the fact that there may be pauses in the discussion

as you do so.

Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.

Demonstrate a clear and concise career plan. The interviewer may start with the question, “Tell me about yourself?” This is not an invitation for you to detail your personal life. Bring hobbies to light only if they contribute to your overall career goals and objectives.

Smile. Even if the interviewer is unable to see you, your smile can be heard. Some people find it helpful to have a mirror close at hand so they can monitor their facial expressions.

Closing the Call

Thank the interviewer for his or her time, and reinforce your interest in the

position.

Ask the interviewer what the next step is. (You’re looking for actions and time

frames so you will know what you can anticipate.)

It is perfectly acceptable to let the interviewer know that you are considering another position if that decision has a bearing on your acceptance of this position.

After the Interview

Before you hang up, make sure that you have the name of your interviewer and their office and/or email address. Follow up with a note thanking them for their time and the opportunity to discuss the position. This is also an ideal opportunity to cover any additional strengths that you neglected to emphasize during the interview.