The Interview Day
Interviews are usually held in the Career Resource Center on the first floor of the J. Wayne Reitz Union but can also take place in various rooms throughout the Reitz Union. Interviews in the CRC are held in "CRA" or "CRB," interview modules in the back of the CRC. Go to the interview room and wait outside for the recruiter to call your name.
Preparation
Review the job listing and peruse the employer’s Web site before your interview. Be knowledgeable about the industry, company and position. If the employer holds an interview session, be sure to attend.
Tip: Anticipate and practice possible interview questions by attending a CRC workshop, meeting with a CRC staff member or participating in the Mock Interview program.
The CRC cannot release recruiter’s names or contact information, so it is crucial that you gather your own information from Career Showcase, Information Sessions, company Web sites or Gator CareerLink. Having recruiter information will allow you to contact him/her directly in an emergency to cancel or send a thank you note after your interview. Taking the initiative to get this information yourself shows a level of professionalism and will set you apart from other candidates.
Don't be Late
Arrive 10-15 minutes before your interview time. If you miss your appointment, you will be subject to “no show” penalties/cancellation policies. Review the cancellation policy to make sure that you are familiar with the expectations that the CRC has for all students and alumni interviewing.
Tip: Provide enough time for traffic and parking.
How to Dress
You only have one chance to make a good first impression, and a professional appearance can help you. A dark suit (navy blue, black and dark grey) or coordinates is best. Professionalism is a sign of respect and indicates that you are taking the opportunity seriously. Jeans, t-shirts and running shoes are never appropriate, however, note that some employers may request that you come in business casual, which is dress pants or khakis and a button-down shirt/blouse.
Respect is a key component in a successful interview. Using appropriate language and remembering to thank the recruiter is always a good idea. Foul language does not create a favorable impression.
Tip: Turn your cell phone off.
Ask Questions
Prepare to ask the interviewer questions at the end of your interview. This shows your interest in the position.
Tip: Ask when you can expect to hear from them, and remember to get their business card!
Follow Up
Send a thank-you card, letter or e-mail within 24 hours of your interview. This shows that you are grateful for the opportunity to speak with the recruiter, and maintains your positive relationship with them.
Tip: If you are unsure about how to write a thank-you letter, visit the CRC!
CRC Policies
At the Career Resource Center we strive to make our policies clear for our students. Listed below are policies concerning canceling an interview and accepting a job offer. Contact us at 352-392-1601 with questions.
Once you have accepted an offer, please report this information on Gator CareerLink . This information will allow us to collect data about employment market trends and track where UF students go to pursue their careers.
After you accept a position with an organization, you should stop the job search process immediately. If an employer reports to the CRC that you have turned down a position after you accepted it, you will be banned from using Gator CareerLink for two years and will be asked to meet with a CRC advisor. You will also be required to submit an apology letter to the employer. A second offense of this policy will result in lifetime ban from Gator CareerLink.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) suggest that a minimum of three weeks should be given to a candidate to consider an offer. During this time, you should research and evaluate your offer and may consult with the CRC staff to help make a well-informed decision.
According to NACE Principles for Professional Conduct, “the best employment decisions…are those that are made with the greatest amount of information. Students given sufficient time to gather thorough information related to available job opportunities are more likely to make good long-term employment decisions and less likely to renege on job acceptances." NACE, along with the UF CRC, recognizes the need to accept or reject offers in a timely manner.
We have encouraged organizations to make offers at the beginning of the academic semester and keep the offers open until the end of the semester. This will allow you to thoroughly explore your options.
Should you have questions, please contact the Career Resource Center at 352-392-1601.