Before The Interview

• Research the sites- In both your field placement and site interview, it is expected that you are
  knowledgeable about the sites you are interested in. Go to the sites’ websites, explore their mission
  statement and goals, or read previous students’ final logs to see if you and the site parallel in
  interests. This will make it easier for you to make comparisons about what the site does and what
  your future goals may be.
  • Quickfind guide
  • Examples of Personal Experiences
• Practice Interviewing Skills- This includes reflecting on previous experiences to create concrete
  examples that highlight your skills. Prepare main points you wish to communicate about your
  interests and experiences (this will help make you more proactive about sharing your strengths.)
  Prepare any questions you wish to ask interviewer during this time.
• Be “On Time”- Arrive to your interview 10 to 15 minutes early. If you are early, you are considered
  “on time”, if you are on time you are considered late, and if you are late you are forgotten about.
  Time is valuable to whomever you are interviewing with, and being late is considered inconsiderate
  and disrespectful. If you are unsure of the exact location of your interview, drive to the site a day
  before to confirm the location while triple checking any directions and addresses
• Dress Professionally- For a typical job interview, business professional is expected (suit jacket,
  dress slacks etc.) so please strive to wear dress slacks and a professional top. How you dress to your
  interview not only represents yourself, but also the psychology department and James Madison
  University. Represent yourself well by avoiding low cut tops, and short skirts (It is advised to just
  wear pants.) If you have to ask yourself whether something is “appropriate” then it may not be.

During The Interview

• Greet interviewer with handshake - First impressions are key, so make sure you introduce
  yourself in a professional manner.
• Make frequent eye contact - Eye contact shows the interviewer that you are engaged, listening,
  and confident. Wandering eyes gives interviewer impression that you are nervous and may not
  know how to answer the question.
• Stay professional and positive! - Even if you know your interviewer, stay professional at all times.
  Avoid “ums,” “likes” and casual chatting.
• Answer questions directly - Elaboration is necessary at some points during interviews, but be
  aware of when you are elaborating, and when are rambling or repeating something you may have
  said already. If the interviewer wants more elaboration or clarification they can always ask!
• Have questions prepared to ask interviewer - Memorize or write down any important question
  you wish to ask interviewer about topics pertaining to field placement (expectations, supervision
  styles, office protocol, class requirements etc.) Avoid generic questions and make questions specific
  to site. However, do not ask your question if it was covered in the interview.
• Thank them for their time and consideration - End the interview on a good note! This is your last
  chance to leave a lasting impression, so be appreciative for the time they spent interviewing you.

Interview Questions

1. What are your long and short-term professional goals?
2. What undergraduate experiences have you had that make you qualified for field placement?
3. What previous experience, special skills/knowledge do you have that separates you from other
   candidates?
4. What would you consider is a weakness of yours?
5. What do you hope to learn, and what skills do you hope to acquire from field placement?