Interviewing 101!

Hello Future CSAA Members!

My name is Courtney Hamil, I am currently a first year masters student in the program. I also work full time at a small college about forty minutes away from UGA. Yes, it is possible to work and attend school full time. You can do it! Some of my interests and future goals include research, teaching, student conduct, administrative level positions, residence life, and assessment.

Many of you are probably feeling many emotions at this point in your application process to UGA. Anxiousness, Excitement, Nervousness, and Anticipation! Don’t worry, these are all quite normal and to be expected! As you approach the interview portion of your process, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• It is important that the interviewers be able to see your personality come through in the interview. Be yourself, you are enough! Relax, Breathe, and be Positive :)

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early to your graduate school and assistantship interviews. If applying for assistantships, you may have multiple ones back to back so just do the best that you can in terms of arriving early.

• Know the locations prior to your interview dates/times.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions to current students. No question is too dumb.

• Your interview will be approximately 15-25 minutes. Take the first few minutes to introduce yourself and get to know your interviewer.

• Dress professional! This doesn’t mean that you have to spend $300 on a suit. Simply wear an outfit that says “I’m serious.” See our previous blog post about how to dress :)

• Bring several copies of your resume to each interview that you have. Have someone PROOFREAD your materials before submitting them.

• Maintain good and appropriate eye contact.

• Listen closely to the interviewer’s questions to make sure that you fully understand them. Be sure that you answer or address each part of the question. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

• Don’t try to dominate the interview/conversation.

• Be concise in your answers.

• Do not ever slight a former colleague or employer.

• Bring some snacks to keep you going throughout your day of interviews. You don’t want to lose energy.

• Be aware of your body language and posture.

• PRACTICE interviewing with someone prior to your real interview. Use this link for sample questions: http://career.uga.edu/interviewing/sample_interview_questions/common_interview_questions

• Be confident! WE BELIEVE IN YOU!

Your interview weekend will never go as perfectly as you plan it out to be in your mind. Realize that it is okay and roll with the punches! Don’t stress over the small things. Enjoy getting to explore the beautiful campus of UGA and the downtown area. Make the most of your time by getting to know fellow interviewees, faculty, and current students.

We wish you the best of luck!