In person interviews are used as part of the final candidate selection process. At Wichita State University it is common to have 3 or more interviewers on the panel.

 Pre-Interview:

  • Make sure that you have the correct date, time and location for your interview.
  • Get contact information in the event an emergency should arise and you are late or need to reschedule your appointment.
  • Ask for specific directions to the building and room or office where your interview will be conducted.
  • Ask about where you should park once you arrive on the WSU campus.
  • Print the job description and take it with you to the job interview.
  • Give yourself plenty of time in case you have difficulty finding your interview location or there are parking problems.
  • Dress professionally and appropriately for your interview. Fashion attire and professional attire are not always the same.
  • Arrive early for your interview.
  • Silence your phone or any other electronic devices you have with you.
  • Use your extra time to visit the restroom and get yourself visually prepared for your interview.
  • Dispose of your gum before starting your interview.
  • Check in with the receptionist at your interview location. Be cordial to everyone you meet. You never know who may be on your interview panel.
  • You may be given some materials to complete and review before your interview.
  • Review the job description so you are fully prepared for your interview.

Interview:

  • Remember there are two parts to finding the right person for the job; does the candidate have the right skills and qualifications and will the candidate fit in.
  • Interviews at Wichita State University are generally panel interviews. The panel will consist of a group from the campus and community generally consisting of 3 or more people from diverse backgrounds.
  • It is okay to be nervous. Your interviewers probably are too.
  • Introduce yourself to the interviewers if they don't introduce themselves first.
  • If you don't understand the question, ask for more information or ask the questioner to clarify their question or phrase their question differently.
  • Pause and think before you answer any question.
  • Your first answer might not always be the best answer to a question.
  • Paraphrase the question when offering your answers.
  • Don't rush your words.
  • Make eye contact with whomever you are responding.
  • Speak loud enough so that everyone on the interview panel can hear.
  • Be polite and respectful by using "please" and "thank you" when appropriate.
  • Avoid using acronyms unless you define them for your interviewers.
  • Don't use slang terms or profanity in your answers or comments.
  • Speak slowly and clearly.
  • Good posture helps create a favorable impression.
  • Avoid checking your phone or other electronic devices.

Post Interview:

  • Have 2 or 3 pertinent questions ready from your earlier research should your interviewers ask.
  • Listen to their answers.
  • Ask when you can expect to hear from them next.
  • Thank each of your interviewers by name before leaving.
  • Send a thank you letter or email thanking them for their time. This is an excellent opportunity to further explain something that may have come up in the interview or to inject something you feel the interviews might have misunderstood or was left out. Keep your focus on skills and qualifications.

SME: MH/JW/MJ/MW/LH

Revised: 02/28/2018