Preparation is one of the most important components of your interview. Take the following steps to ensure that you are ready:

• Research the potential employer.
• Practice your portfolio presentation.
• Bring extra copies of your résumé.
• Bring a sample portfolio to leave with the employer.
• Do not be late! Know where you are going, and arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Have questions ready to ask the interviewer regarding the position, the company and the latest projects.
• Dress appropriately and act professionally.
• Make sure your handshake is firm, not limp.
• Show enthusiasm for the position and speak with truthfulness, confidence (not arrogance) and energy.
• Maintain good eye contact. To practice with a career adviser or schedule a mock interview, e-mail the office of career services at careers@scad.edu.

Typical Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself.
• What motivates you in your work? What inspires you to be creative?
• What interests you in the company?
• What unique qualities do you see yourself bringing to this company?
• What are your some of your strengths? Weaknesses?
• Why did you choose this field?
• How do you think a professor would describe you?
• What are your long-term career goals?
• Why should I hire you?

  Sample Behavioral Interview Questions That Are Becoming Increasingly Common

Tell me about a time you made a significant mistake on the job and how you dealt with it. (Shows your ability to be candid and learn from your mistakes)

Tell me about a time when you generated excitement about one of your ideas despite initial resistance. (Shows your persuasive abilities/strategies and communication style)

Describe an innovative method or approach you initiated. (Shows how you think creatively)

Talk about a time when you had a difficult co-worker and how you dealt with this person (Shows how you deal with conflict).


Questions to Ask the Employer

The main part of your interview consists of providing answers to the employer. Once this is done, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions of your own. Although you may want to know more about your starting salary and benefits, it is not appropriate to ask about those yet. Use this opportunity to make a strong impression and increase your chances for getting the job. Here are some sample questions:

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the job?
• What training and development would I undertake once I was in the position?
• What skills are most essential for success in this job?
• How does this job fit into the overall corporate structure?
• What opportunities exist for career advancement within this company?
• How do you feel my experience and skills match up with your needs?

Important Interview Follow-up

Just because you aced the interview doesn't mean you can sit back and wait to get the job. Here is the action to take at a critical time in your job search — after the interview.

• Establish next steps — you can ask your interviewer when they will be contacting you or you can reverse it and ask if you can contact them in a few days to see where you stand. Either way, make sure you have a course of action set before you leave the interview.
• Always send a follow-up thank you note. Whether it's a handwritten or a carefully worded e-mail, you should always send a follow-up to the person(s) with whom you interviewed. This is your chance to reinforce your position and the reasons why you are the right candidate for the job.
• Be sure to get everyone's business card so you have the correct contact information.
• Make that call — it's not always easy, but it is essential that you follow through on your follow-up. Make sure you call on the day you established in your interview. If the answer is that no decision has been made, find out when you should check in again.
• Be patient but persistent: While you want to make sure you are staying in the employer's mind, it also is important to understand that decision-makers do not move according to your ideal time frame.