How do I Prepare for a Campus Interview?

Colleges offer recruiting events, hiring fairs, and on-campus interviews for students on a regular basis. They are typically open to current students and alumni. Preparing for a campus interview includes putting together an accurate resume, doing some research, dressing the part, and seeking help when needed.

Pay special attention to your resume before attending a campus interview. Beyond including personally identifiable information such as name, address, and contact phone number, also include past work history. Provide details related to your past work history, including information about the various duties associated with any previous positions and the length of employment. Any volunteer activities should also be included.

Resumes for a campus interview should provide a thorough review of all educational pursuits. Identify any degrees, the date earned, and the grade point average (GPA) received during college or up to that point. For those currently in college, provide details on the course of study and current GPA. Identify any special honors, such as Dean’s List awards or acceptance into academic honor societies.

Once the resume is in order for a campus interview, take some time to research the company and the position. This includes understanding the history, culture, and mission of the company. Review the responsibilities and necessary qualifications for the position. An applicant can use this information to draw attention to any specific qualifications and experience that will help set him apart from other applicants.

Start preparing for possible interview questions. Candidates attending a campus interview should be ready to address questions related to past work experiences, short-term goals, and future plans. An interviewer may also ask about past volunteer work or hobbies and extracurricular activities in an attempt to get a complete picture of the candidate. Candidates should be confident about their abilities and show an eagerness to learn more about the company and the position.

Candidates should consider what to wear for the interview ahead of time. Appropriate business attire, possibly a business suit, is appropriate for interviews on campus with potential employers. Those interviewing for part-time work may be able to wear more casual attire. Always consider the culture of the business when making decisions about what to wear to an interview.

College career counselors and academic advisors make great resources for interview preparation. Career counselors can give an applicant an insight into what types of information to include and what information to leave off of a resume. Academic advisors can help students highlight success in certain coursework or degree-based classes that may be of interest to the potential employer.