Interviewing Insights

Whether you are a new graduate looking for your first job or an experienced employee looking for a fresh start, embarking on the interview process can be daunting and downright nerve-wracking. But in most cases, it is merely the unknown that makes us uncomfortable.

As recruiters who interview dozens of people each year, we have compiled a list of tips to remember and practice as you interview with prospective employers, including Copeland Buhl.

(1) To begin with, remember the 4 Ps:
Prepare. Do your homework before you pump out resumes. Where do you want to work? At a big company or a small one? In the public or private sector? Research geographic areas by consulting state societies, college professors, business professionals and other people with whom you have networked. Check Career Services for job postings. Research the companies that your investigations have yielded.

Create a cover letter that complements your resume. It should emphasize why you would be a great candidate, articulate the kind of position you are looking for, and include important information that is not in the resume. Make sure the wording flows well and is free of grammatical and spelling errors.

Keep your resume fresh and pertinent to the company receiving it. Update it often. Include only the relevant information. Choose an appealing format. Ask someone to proofread it.

Send out your resume during the summer months, and be proactive in setting up office visits.

Practice. Put yourself in your interviewer’s shoes, and anticipate how the interview might proceed. Think about what questions he or she might ask, and then go over how you might answer them. During the real interview, be sure to answer the question being asked. Don’t dodge the difficult ones. Use examples that highlight your strong points.

Present yourself confidently and professionally. Dress for success. Give your interviewer a firm handshake and establish direct eye contact. Remember to smile!

Pose perceptive questions. The questions you do ask should demonstrate that you have done your homework. Some sample questions may be:

• What should I expect the first year?
• What makes you want to work for this company?
• What kind of atmosphere does the company have?
• What would my responsibilities be?
• Is there opportunity for advancement?
• Is there a mentor/mentee program?
• Stick to career-oriented questions. Never say you do not have any questions. At minimum, ask about why the interviewer likes to work at the firm.

(2) Once you have done your prep work and have applied the 4 Ps, you are ready. All that is left now is to continue to be who you are. Be honest. Be confident. Be proactive and engaged during the discussion. Be ready to apply every ounce of effort into making the interview a success.

About Recruitment at Copeland Buhl & Company

Here at Copeland Buhl, we hire several new college graduates each year as both interns and permanent hires. In the spring and fall we conduct informational sessions and host socials on campus at St. Cloud State University, University of Minnesota – Duluth and University of North Dakota. (Watch for our posters or contact your Career Services department for a current schedule.) Then, in late September or early October, we hold on-campus interviews for prospective candidates. Our first interviews, if you are attending one of the schools we recruit at, are held on campus. (If you attend a different school, please submit your resume online and we will contact you for a potential interview.) If you are called back for a second interview, you will come to Copeland Buhl, meet with 2 or 3 members of our staff, tour our firm’s offices, and stay for lunch or a social event. We feel this is the easiest way for us to get to know each other better and for you to truly experience the firm’s culture.