Washington State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 36
Career & Resume Guide
for Cougs, 2024 Edition
INTERVIEWING AND JOB OFFER
NEGOTIATION BASICS
Interviewing is a two-way exchange and/or conversation where all involved parties have specific goals:
Interviewer Goals:
• To further determine whether the interviewee can fulfill the position.
• To determine whether the interviewee is a good fit for the organization and position.
Interviewee Goals:
• This is your opportunity to determine if the position is a good fit for you and your career goals.
• This is your opportunity to gather more information about the position and determine whether it is in
alignment with your knowledge, skills and abilities.
Pro-Tip: NO interview is ever a failure, no matter what the interview outcome. Interviews are a great
networking opportunity for employers and job seekers. It allows them to gain valuable information. More
importantly, you get experience interviewing. Like anything else, the more you interview, the better you
get at it.
PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
PLANNING AHEAD
Practice Your Interviewing
Skills with Others
Practice your interviewing skills with friends, family, professors,
and schedule a mock interview with an career coach at least a
week before your interview.
Know Logistics
Allow plenty of time to get to the interview and, if possible, visit
the site in advance and time how long it takes to get there.
When scheduling your interview, ask about the interview format
(discussed in the following section).
Plan Interview Attire
Dress for success! Plan your interview attire in advance and
make sure your clothing clean and presentable.
Articulate Your Experience
Be able to relate your skills, abilities, experiences, and
accomplishments clearly and succinctly to the position.
Pro-Tip: Develop a list of your top skills and experiences that
match the job qualifications in the position description.
Do Your Research
Get to know the job description and the field you're applying for.
Do some research on the company too. It shows you're serious,
helps you have a better conversation in the interview, and
makes you stand out from other applicants.
36 | Career & Resume Guide for Cougs, 2024 Edition
