A workshop presented by the Office of Career Connections supplied students with information on how to succeed in a future job interview.

“Be professional but be yourself,” said Kyle O’Neal, coordinator of academic internships and presenter of the workshop.

In his presentation, O’Neal highlighted the areas in which students can prepare for a job interview.

He discussed steps to take for a successful interview: prepare, execute well and follow up in a memorable way.

The presentation emphasized a need for applicants to research the company, the company’s philanthropic and community involvement and to know the company’s history.

O’Neal also advised students to research the position itself and to know specialized language or skills necessary for the position and to prepare to be tested on such knowledge.

He gave an overview of different interview types such as structured, unstructured, group, video and telephone interviews.

Several of these interview types are designed to observe how an individual handles stressful situations.

O’Neal said to students, “You’re going to have a bad interview and that’s okay.”

He reminded students that interviewers were once also “in the hot seat.”

Adequate preparation involves gathering proper materials.

An employment portfolio consisting of such things as a résumé, reference page, recommendation letters, certifications or work examples should be kept and updated.

Preparation right before the interview might include planning proper dress, practicing with a mock interview and planning enough time for arrival and for unexpected travel issues.

Combatting anxiety is also a major part of preparation.

“Don’t let nervousness affect your interview,” said Katie Glover, a freshman general business major.

At the time of the interview, O’Neal advised a sociable and polite manner upon arrival at the interview site.

According to O’Neal, applicants should be ready for small talk, connect with the interviewer, ask questions, be honest and show desire for the position.

Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time.

The last part of the workshop covered is the follow-up for the interview, which includes writing a note of thanks for the interview.