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Interviewing
Career Services
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Swenson Hall 1061
Belknap and Catlin
P.O. Box 2000
Superior, WI 54880
ph. 715-394-8024
fax. 715-394-8454
hours:
Mon - Fri 7:45am - 4:30pm
Daily drop-in hours:
Mon - Fri 11:00am - 4:30pm
You've searched, applied, and now it's time to make a great impression. Learn how to prepare, research, and present the best you to your prospective employer. Career Services offers a breadth of opportunities both online and in person through our office and campus events.
Interviewing Timeline
Before the Interview 
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Understanding Interview Formats
*Practice, Practice, Practice
- Participated in a Mock Interview through Career Services
- Conduct a Virtual Mock Interview with Optimal
- Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend
- Utilize sample interview questions
*Map It
Know where you are going and prepare materials, padfolio, copies of resumes etc
*Get a Good Night's Rest
During the Interview
- Arrive 10 minutes early
- Firm Handshake
- Watch your nervous habits (Verbal-slang, filler words, profanity and Non-verbal, posture, enthusiasm, hand gestures)
- Establish Eye-contact with all interviewers
- Smile, Be yourself! The interviewer is nervous too
- Keep answers professional-no babbling-focus on strengths
- Use the STAR Technique when answering questions
STAR Technique…
Behavioral interviews determine that what you did in the past often predicts what you would do in the same situation in the future
S - Situation
T - Task
A - Action
R - Result
After the Interview
- ALWAYS have questions for the interviewer, not about salary or benefits
- Express your interest and qualifications in a final closing statement
- You may ask about the hiring timeline if they haven't already told you
- Get business cards and shake hands again, thanking them for there time
- Send an email thank you and a formal thank you after the interview
- Evaluate your performance, what did you do great, what could you improve on next time
Interview Practice and Tips
One of the best things to do is practice and go into the interview with a plan of what you want to convey. Career Services offers multiple opportunities for you to refine your skills.
Practicing Online
- Optimal
- Utilize the mock interview feature and record your body language and answers so you know exactly what messages you are sending. Instructions
Dress for Success
Appearance matters, whether it is an interview, networking event, or a normal day on the job. Often individuals don't know the difference between professional, business and business casual attire. The variations between the three can make a big difference in the way you are viewed. Learn the ins and outs of business dress all the way from your hair to your shoes.
Categories of dress
Business Professional Attire
Business suits: navy, black or grey, skirts preferred for women
Shirt: long sleeved, button down (for men), light in color, no spaghetti straps (for women), be modest with clevage (women)
Ties: reach to your belt line. Best choices are solid, stripes or small patterns, no more than three colors
Shoes: Leather, black or brown, lace-up (for men), 1-2 inch heel (for women)close toe and heel, shiny
Socks: Dark color matches suit, long enough not to show skin when legs are crossed
Belt vs. Suspenders: One or the other, do not wear both, belt should be leather
Facial hair: Should be well groomed
Jewelry, make-up and nail polish: conservative color and minimal, one or two pieces, only one earring per ear.
Business Attire
Men: Blazer or casual jacket with dress pants or khakis
Women: Jacket or sweater set with dress pants, dress, or skirt no shorter than three inches above knee
Shirts and sweaters: Button down (for men), short or long sleeved, tucked in, no tie required, polo-type, crew neck sweaters, cardigans
Socks: Dark color, long enough not to show skin when legs are crossed
Shoes: leather loafers, oxfords, boots (for men), pumps, slides, mules, conservative sandals (for women)
Dresses: Straps should be at least one inch wide, length no more than three inches above knee
Facial hair: Should be well groomed
Business Casual Attire
Pants: dockers, khakis
Skirts: casual cut, no more than three inches above the knee
Shirts: short or long sleeve shirt, button up, polo, no t-shirts
Shoes: loafers or lace ups, no athletic-type shoes
Additional resources
Career Closet
Students, don't have something to wear to an interview? Don't worry, Career Services can help. The Career Closet, located in Swenson 1061 is a free service in which students are welcome to take one compete outfit.
Students have utilized the Career Closet in preparation for interviews, internships, Job Fairs or other events/activities requiring professional dress. When a student finds a item or outfit that they like, it is theirs to keep.
Career Closet items were generously donated by members of the Superior Sunrise Centennial Rotary Club, UW-Superior faculty, staff and students, as well as local community members.
Dress to Achieve
Learn the subtleties of dressing for gender and for varying work places. Also, find a measuring guide for the perfect "comfortable fit" in all your business attire.
More Interview Dress Tips...
Dining Etiquette
Whether its meeting potential employers over dinner or chatting with new clientele at a lunch social, table manners and dining etiquette remain a crucial piece of first impressions and building professional relationships.
Utilize this guide to learn the ins and outs of American dining, general tips, and how to politely handle difficult foods such as artichokes, bread, caviar, shellfish, and more.
Every country has their own ideas of manners and politeness. Make sure you are prepared so as not to offend your foreign hosts by reading this article from the BBC.
Salary Calculators and Negotiations
Congratulations! You've been offered a position. You may even be juggling multiple offers. Learning how to analyze the job offers and ultimately how to negotiate salary and benefits will help you obtain the best possible opportunity for both you and the employer.
Salary Negotiations
Learn about determining your worth, understanding the many potential benefits and compensation, and how to strategize obtaining the best possible outcome.
Use this worksheet to rank what's important to you and find your salary range based on your expenses and needed income.
Salary Calculators
More Resources
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