Preparing for the Mock Interview

Now that you have developed a current curriculum vitae and determined how to write a cover letter that draws from your CV to apply for a position, you are almost ready for the final class, the Mock Interview.

I asked you all last class to locate a position that might be interested in, or one like one for a career you want to pursue in academia, a non-profit, or the private sector. What you want to concentrate on now is how to prepare for the interview.

First of all, learn as much as you can about the college or company. You can start by visiting their websites.

If it is a college, research the particular department (who teaches there? Where did they earn their degrees? Is it a young faculty or established? What publications does the faculty have?) and its program (are the course selections limited or extended? What don’t they offer that you can bring to their program?). Look at a recent course selection catalogue: what is offered regularly, periodically? How “spread” is the department across the courses, i.e., do several people dominate the selections or are they equally apportioned? If the faculty in the department have CV’s posted on their websites, look at what they did before they came, and what they have done since they came: this will give you a realistic sense of what it takes to get a position there, as well as what seems required for reappointment. Look on the website under information for faculty to learn about grants, travel funding, faculty governance, and, if the college has a faculty union, a copy of the current contract which outlines reappointment and tenure policies. Most universities also have a Wikipedia listing which often discusses the origins of the school, what it is best known for, and other interesting information.

For non-profits or private sector positions, again start with the website. What do they say “about” themselves? If non-profit, how is the organization structured? What can you learn about the Board? Read the mission statement. Find out what they feature as their notable accomplishments. See who they link with, what national organizations they may be connected with. How are they at securing grants? Google them for press releases, news. See if they have a Wikipedia entry—if not, why not bring it up in the interview as something you can do for them one hired? If a private sector business, study their “product” carefully. Find out who their competition is and how they stack up against the competition—are you joining a dull established business or a rising star? Google them and see what they show up in the news for, or in rankings, product reviews. And check the Wikipedia entry as it may give a history of the business that may not be on the website.

To learn about the communities in which these colleges, non-profits or private sector positions are located, look at the website for local links; check the Wikipedia entry on the city where these opportunities are available. Sometimes, local Chambers of Commerce can be helpful. Look at state or regional rankings for population growth or decline. For example, is this position in a state that is doing well despite the economy or in one devastated by economy—this is particularly important for colleges (state funding) and non-profits (grant base).

Dress for your interview. Dresses, skirts or an outfit for ladies, suit or jacket and tie for gentlemen. Always begin by thanking the interview committee for the opportunity to discuss your interest in the position with them—and it is also good to return back to that, i.e., thanks again, etc. You can bring in list of references (if you haven’t provided letters of reference, or only a few) to leave with the committee (do this at the end of the interview). You can also bring a portfolio of selected materials to leave with the committee. If you have interned with a publisher or community arts organization, this can include brochures, copy, a project, a manual, etc. This gives your potential employer to actually look at samples of your work after you have completed the interview. If you have interned with a teacher, your portfolio can include handouts, assignments, promotional materials. Be sure to include in your portfolio information on the business, non-profit, or college and teacher so that there is a context for the materials.

If you know who the interviewers are, try to learn about them (colleges attended, particular points of interest, accomplishments). Posted CV’s, quick google searches will provide some information. Take a small note pad with you. Start by writing down everyone’s name (even if only first name) and try to address people by name, as in, “That is a good question, Marilyn”—it shows you learn who people are, and it gives a feel of already being in a meeting with them. Also jot down questions you may want to ask.

During the interview, take a few seconds to consider the question, then answer clearly and briefly. Concision shows judgment. When you can, provide specific details, anecdotes, or a story to illustrate. People don’t remember generalizations as much as they remember stories, so don’t just say you felt you impacted the development of students, talk instead about one particular student to whom you taught revision skills and how the student went on to win a scholarship. Don’t just say you secured a grant, talk about how you put it together, who gave the grant, how much it was for, what you did with the grant that helped the school, non-profit or corporation.

Anticipate that after they have questioned you, that you will be asked if you have any questions. So, write out three-six questions, and select which 2-3 you want to ask based on what surfaces in the interview. Never ask about money or benefits—save that for when the offer you the job. But you can ask when they anticipate making a decision. Remember that you have less room to move around in with an entry level position; if this is for someone with experience, you do have more range.

And be sure to send a thank you note or e-thanks after the interview, reiterating your interest in the company.

Sample websites for learning about a university (and department) and the city in which it is located. You will have to copy and paste these into your browser.

Akron (city) Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akron,_Ohio

Akron (city) website: http://www.ci.akron.oh.us/

Akron Chamber of Commerce: http://www.greaterakronchamber.org/cms/site/841df35d572b686e/index.html

University of Akron Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Akron

University of Akron (website): http://www.uakron.edu/

University of Akron English Department: http://www.uakron.edu/colleges/artsci/depts/english/

University of Akron AAUP (faculty contract—tenure & promotion criteria):
http://www.akronaaup.org/

University of Akron Salary Scale (2008-2009) [AAUP national data]:
http://www.aaup.org/NR/rdonlyres/31AB5803-952B-446B-8791-8437F065BBA9/0/AppINDWY.pdf