BYU - Marriott School - Interviewing Setting

In Person/On-Campus Interview

Congratulations if you have been selected for an on-campus interview. Employers come to the Marriott School each year and are continually impressed with the quality of students we have. It is important in your interactions with these employers that you continue that legacy. There are several recommendations for succeeding in your in person or campus interview.

Dress the Part

Unless otherwise specified by the recruiter, men should wear a dark conservative suit with a light colored shirt and professional tie. Women should wear a dark conservative ladies suit. (Check in “Etiquette and Dress” portion for more details.)

Arrive Early and Prepared

Make sure to double check the location of your interview. Often companies hold interviews in both the TNRB and the WSC at the same time. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time to allow for check in procedures. Make sure to bring with you a copy of your resume and any other documents requested by the employer. Make sure you have completed your research and are ready to talk about the employer confidently. Utilize career center resources such as Optimal Resume and mock interviews to hone your skills before the big day.

Be Courteous and Friendly

Remember to thank the interviewer for the opportunity and be courteous in your discussion. Be sensitive of the time; do not ask so many questions that time is taken from your interviewer’s break or interviews with other candidates.

Ask for their business card and promptly send a thank you note. This can be done by an e-mail or a hand-written note in the mail. A thank you should be sent within 24 hours of the interview. (Check in the “Follow Up” portion for more details.)

Ask Questions

Often you are judged more by the questions you ask than the answers you give. Have a list of quality questions prepared before your interview. When you are asked if you have any questions, make sure to ask at least several. This is your opportunity to showcase your understanding of the company and depth as a candidate.

Possible Situations You May Encounter

One typically expects one-on-one interviews. However, there are various ways to conduct in person interviews. Some companies like to have a candidate meet with more than one recruiter; this gives them a better opportunity to learn more about you, etc. Some interview situations you may encounter are:

2-on-1 interviews (sometimes called Panel or Committee Interviews): In this case you will meet with you two interviewers at a time. Make sure to give both ample face time. However, when one asks a question, feel free to address the answer mainly to him/her. If you think taking notes would help, ask if that is appropriate. It will help you remember names and give you a little extra time to answer hard questions. Send each interviewer a separate thank-you note.

Flip flop interview: When you have a flip flop interview you will switch between two different recruiters. Typically, you will meet with one for 30 minutes, then meet with the other for 30 minutes. When you sign up for these on eRecruiting, you often sign up for an hour long interview rather than two separate interviews—please check the notes on the sign up so you can be clear on what to expect. Feel free to ask the support desks for information on that day’s interview schedule and other information as needed.

Check the “Other” portion for more information.

Phone Interviews

When employers do not come to campus to do interviews, interviewers often conduct phone interviews. While most of the actual interview content won’t vary much, whether you’re interviewing in person or by phone, there are a few additional considerations you should make prior to your phone interview.

Find a Quiet Place

When planning your phone interview, ensure yourself a quiet place where you will be able to concentrate fully while on the call. Find a location where you can relax and be free from distraction. You should never interview while driving, shopping, doing errands, babysitting, etc. Be sure to conduct yourself professionally on the phone. Your phone should have a clear connection that will not drop the call. If you have call-waiting on your phone, the paging function of the phone should not be audible to the employer.

Should you have difficulty securing a quiet place and a reliable phone, the Business Career Center has rooms and telephones which are available for you to reserve. Please see the Front Desk Staff in 446 TNRB for more information.

Be Prepared

Make sure you have completed your research and are ready to talk about the employer confidently. Utilize career center resources such as Optimal Resume and mock interviews to hone your skills before the big day.

Be Courteous and Friendly

Ask for their contact information and promptly send a thank you note. This can be done by an e-mail or a hand-written note in the mail. A thank you should be sent within 24 hours of the interview. (Check in the “Follow Up” portion for more details.)

Ask Questions

Video Conference Interviews

Due to the advances in technology and the price of travel, many companies are beginning to use video conferences to replace in person interviews. These are better than phone interviews because you can see and hear the candidate without the travel price tag. Some students can conduct these interviews on their laptops; if needed, the Business Career Center can schedule a video conference room for the designated interview time. You will need to contact the Front Desk a week in advance to set up such an appointment.

You need to treat this type of interview like you would any other. (Check “In Person/On-Campus Interview” portion)

Some visual advice:

Set up the camera to get a head and shoulders/desk shot of you.

Minimize background movement. If you are sitting by a window, close the blinds so the interviewers will not be distracted.
Dress in solid, conservative colors to avoid appearing washed out. Blues are great.

Keep movements subtle, including hand gestures. Keep your hands on the desk; never reach up past your shoulders.

(Interview Magic by Susan Whitcomb, p. 212)

On-Site Interviews

For smaller companies within Utah, some prefer to perform on-site interviews. This is may be the first interview. However, for bigger companies with more locations, the on-site interview is typically the last step before the employer makes the decision regarding your potential employment. In either situation it is imperative to look, act, and perform your very best. Some on-site visits consist of a dinner, three interviews, and a lunch. After each candidate has left all of the people at that employer who have had contact with you conference together and make a decision of whether or not to make you an offer.

There are several keys to success throughout this process.

Ask Lots of Questions

Make sure to ask several questions in every opportunity you have and with each person you visit with. Most employers evaluate you more upon the questions you ask than on the answers you give. Be prepared with a list of pertinent questions and ready to ask them throughout your visit.

Notice the Work Environment

One huge plus about on-site interviews is that it gives you an opportunity to see the company and its work environment. This can teach you much about the company, the work atmosphere, people you may work with, etc. Not only is it an opportunity for you to shine, but you get to see what it would be like to work there. For some, this is a revealing time. This can help you to know what to expect; dress code, co-workers, etc.

As with all the previously mentioned interviews, make sure that you are amply prepared and that you are courteous and friendly. (Check “In Person/On-Campus Interview”)

Other Interview Situations

While most of the interview situations you will encounter have been covered (see also In Person/On-Campus Interview”), here are a couple that are less common.

-Group Interviews: In a group interview, a number of candidates will be gathered into the same room for the interview. This is one of the few interview settings where you will see the competition. Interviewers may ask each individual the same or different question. In this case, you need to answer in a way that helps you stand out. You also need to prove that you can handle the pressure that comes with answering a question with competitors sitting all around you.

Group interviews are also used because they help interviewers discover leadership qualities they may be looking for. As a group interview progresses and questions are directed to the group for discussion, leaders emerge. They will watch how participants take charge, delegate, and include others. You will be observed for the basics of dress, manners, and body language, as well as key factors such as communication, teamwork, leadership, organization, etc. Candidates who shine in this setting can then be invited for more interviews (probably one-on-one).

In a group interview you want to stand out by participating, involving other team members, being gracious and helping to accomplish the task at hand (Interview Magic, p. 205).

-Lunch or Dinner Interviews: These are often encountered during an on-site interview and are important. You will need to make sure that your social skills and competencies are as good here as in any typical interview. (Check “Etiquette and Dress” for more information—manners, etc.)

-Note: If you have not met with an actual person in the interview process and do not have consistent contact with a specific person for an opportunity you are looking into, check it out. Be careful of offers that ask you to pay money up front.