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Last week we showcased recruiter responses to the question above in the areas of preparation, resume, and asking appropriate questions. This week's topics include: how much of yourself to show through an interview, how to frame effective answers, and what to do after the interview.

What do "You" Have to Offer?

Employers aren't simply in search of a specific "bundle of skills." A number of interviewers responded that students should think hard about what they want out of the job and how they can contribute outside of a specific set of skills or competencies. What other qualities such as initiative, attention to detail, and reliability do you bring to the table? Said one,

"Be prepared to have a conversation with the interviewer detailing your experiences and accomplishments working with people, projects, and events during [your] academic and extracurricular activities. Technical and professional skills are only one of the dimensions that we evaluate candidates on, and [they are] not the only aspect [we use] to guage the individual's potential."

Expand on your Answers & Give Examples

Short answers are rarely effective answers. They may answer the specifics posed by the question but they don't shed any light on the larger issue of what kind of person you are and whether you're a good fit for a certain organizational style or culture. Recruiters suggest that you:

"Have five stories about your resume that you would like to talk about in the interview that demonstrate some of the qualities that we are looking for - teamwork, leadership, etc. Don't memorize them. Just have them in mind to discuss with your interviewer."

"Expand on your answers. Do not answer a recruiter's questions with as few words as possible; instead, offer examples without being asked for them. Don't answer questions in one sentence; use the answer period as an opportunity to tell the interviewer anything you want about yourself. Personality is what distinguishes one candidate from another, not how he or she appears on paper."

"Think out what your goals are, and where you would like to head with your career. The most disturbing thing to happen in an interview of a very young person is for them to have no idea of where they are headed or what they want to accomplish in their career. Those who have set goals are much more well received."

Confidence/Attitude

It's not simply what you say; your manner and presence often count more than your words.

"My advice would be to be confident, exude energy and enthusiasm. We know that we are going to have to train new hires in the basics of their profession, and so while grades and subjects studied are important, there is not much a candidate can do at the interview stage to change them. However, an enthusiastic person who demonstrates that he/she wants to learn the profession and to contribute will do a lot to convince an employer that he or she is worth investing in. A candidate who can 'engage' the interviewer has a good chance of getting the job offer."

"Attitude is always the best seller. An applicant with a positive attitude will rate higher than others. In general, your resume gets you the interview and tells the employer you can do the job. For employers, the decision-making factor after the interview is not only qualifications, but the 'right' fit for the position and department."

Follow-Up

Don't be shy or worried that recruiters are much too busy to want to hear from you. They can't guage your level of interest or readiness to follow through unless you show them.

"My best piece of advice would be to ALWAYS follow up. If I don't hear from a candidate after I have interviewed them, that will significantly impact my desire to make them an offer. I personally don't mind if the follow up comes in the form of an email or a written note -- although I know there are very distinct opinions about this -- just as long as it comes."

Get the Offer

"I would tell students that all interviews should have one common goal - getting the job offer. Regardless of the company, regardless of the position, regardless if the student decides within the first two minutes of the interview that the job is not right... you should leave each interview with the interviewer saying 'Wow, I want to hire that person.' They should remember that they always want to be in the decision-making position. They can only achieve that position if they receive a job offer first."

Additional Resources

Interview Advice from Employers: Part I

Interviewing & Job Offers