Black Collegian Career Center

Although the on-campus interview is extremely important, it is just the first step in the process of securing that dream job or internship you want. The on-campus interview is a screening process to determine whether to extend an invitation for the next step – an on-site interview, which might determine whether or not you are offered a job.

In some instances, the first on-site interview might lead to a second one, depending on the company. In fact, you may go through up to 10 or 12 interviews before you land the job. Companies place a high value on the interview process and want to have a successful return on their investment.

The questions asked during the on-site interviews tend to be more specific and technical in nature than those asked on campus, but don't be surprised if you are asked questions similar to those asked in the campus interview. You will typically meet many individuals, some formally and some informally, and each of them will be evaluating you. They have not heard your interactions with others, which means you may have to answer the same question more than once.

A meal or reception may be part of the schedule. Although it may seem more like a social event, it's still an interview, so be very careful to maintain your professional behavior! Meals are usually a part of on-site interviews, and your dining etiquette will be observed and can be a deciding factor in whether or not you secure a job offer. Before you order a meal, think about how easy the dish will be to eat while you're conversing with others. In a reception setting, don't latch on to any one person; talk to others and mingle around the group. Don't drink too much alcohol (and
don't drink any if you're not of age!). You may let down your guard inappropriately or demonstrate that you don't take work seriously. You also have the opportunity to observe the corporate environment, ask detailed questions, and provide more in-depth information about your attributes and skills.

So What Does the On-Site Interview Look Like?

No two interviews are the same. Some may last 30-45 minutes, while others may involve a two-day itinerary. Be proactive and ask for the agenda in advance if it is not provided. Interviews may be scheduled in one-on-one or group settings (with multiple interviewers and/or multiple interviewees). Some companies set up a full day of half-hour interviews with people from human
resources, supervisors in the department(s) where openings exist, middle-level managers, younger employees, etc. Other companies limit the number of interviews to five or six individuals who
are directly related to the particular opening. Be prepared for varied interviewing styles. Keep in mind that the three most crucial interviewers you will see are the manager of recruiting, your future managers, and your manager's boss.

Keep in mind that interview styles vary from company to company, but behavioral-based interviewing is becoming the standard and is the best predictor of how talent will perform in the future. Don't forget to use the STAR format when answering these types of questions:

• describe the Situation you faced and/or the Task you performed during the work and/or activity
• describe the specific Action(s) you took and describe the Results that occurred from your actions.

Typically, the day begins with a meeting at which you will be given an overview of the day and the names and titles of the people you will be meeting. This is the perfect time to see if any changes have been made to your itinerary, which is fairly common. (If you have spent the previous night in a hotel, you may be met at the hotel for breakfast.) Either during this meeting or at the end of the day you will receive general information about benefits, the organization, and the community. After this briefing session, you will be escorted to the first of your interviews.

Details, Details, Details!!!

Don't forget the little things! Keep an accurate account of your on-site visit. Maintain a list of names and titles of persons with whom you met, business cards, copies of letters/resumes sent,
dates of interviews and follow-up correspondence, and date of intended employment decision(s) to be made.

Inquire whether you need to bring any materials (i.e., writing samples, course projects, transcripts, company application, research, drug testing forms, letters of recommendation, references, etc.). Ask if it's OK to take notes during the interview process. This may spark
ideas for questions during the interview process.

Inquire whether you should make travel arrangements and hotel reservations, or whether the organization will provide these services. Most companies will ask you to fill out an expense report for expenses incurred, so keep accurate records of parking fees at the airport, meals, car mileage, etc. Be as accurate as possible when filling out expense reports, and return them promptly to the organization for review and reimbursement. Ask questions if you don't understand the process; this will prevent any potential misunderstandings.

Preparing for Your Visit

Please don't forget to review your resume once again, specifically for the job you are seeking, and update it accordingly. Take more than enough copies for each individual involved in the interview process. Don't assume that each person who interviews you will have seen your resume or, even if they have seen it, will necessarily have it in hand or recall its contents. Sometimes interview itineraries get changed at the last minute and you may interview with someone who hasn't been given your information.

Consider the clothing you will need to take and wear when traveling. Are there dinners, receptions, or presentations involved? Pack lightly so that you can carry on your luggage with you; this should help avoid embarrassment in case your luggage is delayed or lost. You will need business attire, and perhaps business-casual items. If you are unsure of the appropriate clothing, ask the employer or your career services office. If this is a follow-up to your on-campus interview, you will have already researched the organization thoroughly; compass group however, it won't hurt to review the information you researched once again and revisit the company's website to see if there's new information about the company. Of course, if this is the first interview, be sure to conduct detailed pre-interview research. Prepare a list of questions about the company that you would like to have answered. Construct the questions in a way that your knowledge of the company and the field will be apparent.

After the On-Site Interview Visit

Now is the time to use all of those business cards that you've collected from everyone during the interview process! If you were unable to get business cards, make sure you do verify the names, their correct spellings, and the title of those who interviewed you. Make notes of critical information so that crucial details don't slip your mind. Send personalized thank-you notes to
all pertinent individuals who met you. This adds a very professional touch to the interview process, and gives you the opportunity to reiterate your strengths and interest in the job and company to the interviewer.

If you were asked to follow up with information as a result of your interviews, please do so in a timely fashion (one-to-two days). You probably will be given a date by which you will hear a
decision from the employer. Please wait until that date has passed before you contact the employer about the decision. If the decision doesn't go your way, follow up with the interviewers and ask for feedback. Chances are you will gain valuable information to help you in future interviews.

Marlon J. Doles Campbell Soup Company Sr. Human Resource Manager, Strategic Staffing & Diversity.