| On-site
interviews |
| On
this page: |
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Differences from an on-campus
interview |
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Format |
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Preparing |
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During
& After |
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| Differences from
an on-campus interview |
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The on-campus interview is a screening
process to determine whether to extend an invitation for an on-site
interview, whereas the on-site interview might determine whether
or not you are offered a job. In some instances, the first on-site
interview might lead to a second on-site interview. |
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The questions asked during the on-site
interviews tend to be more job-specific and more technical in nature. |
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However, do not be surprised if you
are asked questions that you were already asked in an on-campus
interview. |
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In an on-site interview, you typically
meet with many individuals — some formally and some informally.
Remember that each individual with whom you meet has not heard your
interactions with others — you may answer the same question
more than once. |
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Usually a tour of the facility is conducted
and you meet potential supervisor(s) and/or manager(s) and/or co-workers. |
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Meals are often a part of on-site interviews.
Your dining
etiquette will be observed and can be a make-or-break factor
in whether or not you get a job offer. |
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You as the interviewee have the opportunity
to observe the organization's environment, ask questions, provide
more in-depth information, and evaluate the community. |
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| Format |
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Length of the interview: |
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Interviews vary from organization to
organization. Some may last an hour and others may involve a two-day
itinerary. Ask for the agenda / itinerary in advance if it is not
provided. |
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Format of the interview: |
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You might encounter individual interviews,
group interviews (with multiple interviewers and/or multiple interviewees),
testing (paper and pencil aptitude assessment, drug testing, psychological
testing), meals with Virginia Tech alumni or other employees, receptions,
etc. When meals are involved dining
etiquette is critical. |
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Logistics: |
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Maintain detailed records related to
your on-site visit. Keep track of names and titles of persons with
whom you met, copies of letters/resumes sent, dates of interviews
and follow-up correspondence, date of intended employment decision(s)
to be made (on their part or your part). An itinerary provided by
the employer should assist you in keeping track of names and titles. |
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Request an interview agenda / itinerary.
This should tell you of the length of time and nature of the interview(s)
(i.e., group, one-on-one, or panel interview; assessments; drug
testing; meals), and name(s) and position(s) of those participating
in your interview(s). |
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Inquire whether you need to bring any
materials (i.e., writing samples, course project, transcript, company
application, research). |
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Find out from the contact person whether
you should make travel arrangements and hotel reservations or whether
the organization will provide that service. Keep track of expenses
incurred (i.e., parking fee at the airport, meals, car mileage). |
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| Preparing |
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Prepare an updated copy of your resume.
Take enough copies for each individual involved in your interview
process (plus a few extras). Don't assume that each person with
whom you meet will have already seen your resume or, even if they
have seen it, will necessarily have it in hand or recall its contents. |
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If meals are on the itinerary, dining
etiquette is critical. |
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Consider the clothing you will need
to take and wear when traveling. Are there dinners, receptions,
or presentations involved? Pack light so that you can carry your
luggage with you; this should help avoid embarrassment in case your
luggage is delayed or lost. You'll need interview
attire, and perhaps business
casual attire. If you are unsure of appropriate attire, ask
the employer. |
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If this is a follow-up to your on-campus
interview, you will have already researched the organization. If
this is an initial interview, be sure to do your basic
pre-interview research. |
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Prepare a list of questions that you
would like to have answered. Construct questions such that
your knowledge of the company and the field will be apparent. |
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| During
and after |
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Collect business cards from everyone
with whom you meet during the interview process. If you are unable
to get a business card, make sure you do verify name, correct spelling
and title. |
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Make notes of pertinent information
— before details slip your mind. |
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Send thank-you notes to all pertinent
individuals who met with you. See sample
letters. |
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| Also
see: |
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Typical interview format |
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Interview attire |
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Sample questions |
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Sample questions for teaching
candidates |
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Behavioral interviewing |
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Interview DOs & DON'Ts |
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Researching employers
— why and how |
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Questions to ask the employer |
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Responding to salary questions |
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Dining
Etiquette |
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Interview expenses |
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After
your interviews / follow up / thank-you letters |
|
The
Mock Interview Program |
