Skip to main content
 
Career Services 

 Day of the Interview Guide 

 

SPOTLIGHT

Arrive at least 15 minutes early 
  • Make sure to allow extra time if you don't know the area or parking will be difficult.
  • Allow yourself time to read your resume, catch your breath, use the restroom and prepare your mind set for the interview.
  • If you know you're going to be late, be sure to call and let someone know.

Dress professionally and organizationally appropriate 
  • Dress conservative.
  • If fear of over or under-dressing worries you, call and ask the secretary for typical wear of the hiring manager and try to match their level of professional dress.
  • Suits are safest for both men and women; a tailored dress may also be appropriate.
  • Colors in the navy, gray, and charcoal families are best; stay away from pastels and bright colors.
  • Keep in mind the following tips for looking and feeling professionally dressed:
    • Hair should be clean, neat and simply styled.
    • Make sure fingernails are trimmed and clean.
    • Men should be clean shaven.
    • Be sure to polish and clean your shoes.
    • Make sure your clothing is well-pressed and well-fitting.
    • Keep make-up simple, jewelry minimal, and perfume/cologne subtle.
    • See Proper Dress for Interviews for more information.

Bring your resume, cover letter, and references 
  • Your resume/cover letter/references should be printed on good resume paper and be carried in a professional looking folder.
  • If you are in a field that prefers a professional portfolio which highlights your work, be sure to have one available.
  • Be sure to bring extra copies of everything (in the event that you are interviewed by more than one individual), a good pen, and a notepad in case there is anything you want to take note of.

Greet the interviewer with a handshake 
  • A firm, friendly handshake along with a confident smile gives off an initial positive impression.
  • This will serve you well throughout the interview, whereas a negative first impression is almost impossible to overcome.
  • Keep materials in your left hand when greeting the interviewer and at the end of the interview so that you can shake hands without fumbling around first.

EXPLORE
Discover a Career
Majors & Careers
Career Planning

PREPARE
Cover Letter
Build a Resume
Education Majors
Interview Preparation
Standardized Testing

PURSUE
Internships
Job Fairs
Find a Job
Graduate School
Graduate Statistics

CAREER SERVICES LINKS
Home
Parent Guide
Employer Services
Contact Our Staff

SRU Career Services on College Central

   

 

  

WestPACS Job & Internship Fairs

 

 Upcoming Career Events

May 01

Western PA Education Recruiting Job Fair. Edinboro University, Time 9:00AM - 3:30PM

On Going

On Campus Interviews

 
Skip Navigation LinksSlippery Rock University > Academics > Enrollment Services > Career Education and Development > Day of the Interview Guide