These suggestions have been developed to help you prepare yourself for your cooperative job interview. It is important that you seriously consider them so that you may make the best impression possible on the interviewer in that short period of time that constitutes an interview.

A. Introduction

The employment interview is a tool used by industry to evaluate prospective employees. Without proper preparation for your co-op job interview or an adequate understanding of what to expect, your first contact with a prospective employer could be a trying and a futile experience. It is important to note that the hiring of a co-op is to many companies equally as important as their selection and hiring of college graduates. As a co-op employee and perhaps a potential permanent employee, you may be an investment in the future. Before you are hired, a company will want to assure themselves of your qualifications and potential. The following information is presented to help you prepare for interviews you may have while seeking co-op employment.

B. Before the Interview

1. Be sure you know:

1. Exact place and time of the interview

2. Full name and address of the company

3. Your interviewer's full name and how to pronounce it




2. Do some research on the company:

1. Industry Reports

2. Company Literature/Co-op Work Reports

3. Industry or Occupational Information




3. Prepare your questions ahead of time. This indicates interest in the company.

4. Plan to arrive at your interview at least 10-15 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment.

5. Dress conservatively: (Appropriate Business Attire)

1. Male candidates: A pressed suit, shirt, tie and shined shoes are a must.

2. Female candidates: A pressed suit or a business-style dress is a must.

3. Sport clothes are improper attire for an interview.

4. Neatness and good grooming are most important.

5. Avoid high heels, unless extremely graceful and professional in them.

6. Long hair should be neat and not hanging in ones face.

7. Male candidates: Earrings should be avoided.

8. Unduly long hair and untrimmed beards are to be avoided.

D. The Interview

You should regard the co-op interview as a business appointment. Your conduct should reflect the best principles of business etiquette and ethics.

E. Conduct During the Interview

Many people will be nervous during an interview and most interviewers recognize this as normal. Just remember your interviewer wants to hire you assuming you have something to offer his/her company.

1. Greet the interviewer by name.

2. Shake hands using a firm confident grip.

3. Do not chew gum. Do not smoke unless invited to do so.

4. Be prepared for a few personal questions.

5. Sit up and look alert and interested at all times.

6. Look your interviewer directly in the eye.

7. Show the interviewer that you are interested.

8. Ask some definite questions about the company or job.

9. Do not take notes unless advised to do so.

10. Do not be surprised if you are asked to spend some time talking to a second or third interviewer. Remember their names; write them down if necessary.

11. Be sure to thank the interviewer for his or her time.

F. Questions You May Be Asked

To say interviewers are interested in your answers to their questions is an understatement. By your responses, interviewers are able to judge your ability of self-expression, your degree of maturity and the extent of your motivation. A skilled interviewer will want you to do about 80% of the talking. This is the principal way of finding out everything about you and your reactions. Consider and prepare for the following questions:

About Yourself:

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What are your long-term/short-term goals?

3. What jobs have you held?

4. What makes you feel that you will be successful in your field?

5. What are your special abilities?

6. What are your weaknesses? What are your strengths?

7. What have you learned from jobs you have held?

8. In what extracurricular activities have you participated?

G. Questions You May Wish to Consider Asking:

Your intelligence and your interest in a job is reflected in the questions you ask or fail to ask during an interview. The following represents questions which you may wish to have answered during an employment interview:

Concerning the Job:

1. Degree of responsibility

2. Type of training

3. Travel involved

4. Location of Job

5. Future work periods - what kind of positions? Will they offer increased responsibility in a variety of assignments?

H. What the Interviewer is Looking For

During the interview, some of the areas in which a prospective employer will be evaluating you are:

1. Ability to communicate -- ease in speech and expression

2. Responsiveness -- replies to questions

3. Alertness -- attention to interviewer's questions

4. Self-confidence -- common sense, realistic outlook

5. Motivation -- desire to succeed, knowledge of company and field -- future plans -- long range goals -- questions you ask

6. Appearance -- dress, haircut, shoeshine, etc.

7. Maturity

8. Enthusiasm