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Alumni Career Services

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Interview Assistance

An interview provides you the opportunity to share your skills, experience, education and passion to an employer. Successful interviewing requires research, preparation and practice.

Career Services can help you learn to present yourself in the best possible light by:

  • Advising on preparation prior to and during an interview, as well as following-up afterwards.
  • Advising on common interview questions and strategies.
  • Hosting a mock interview to practice for a full-time job, graduate/professional school admission or medical school.

To obtain interview assistance, schedule an appointment with a career advisor.

Additional Interview Resources

Big Interview

Unable to schedule an appointment with a UD career advisor, or want additional preparation? The Big Interview is a free tool to practice your interview skills and learn from experts. You can even practice through the app, which is available in the App Store or by using Google Play.

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Big Interview Features
  • LEARN: Short 5-6 minute videos with expert advice on how to craft an interview answer (especially the tricky "Tell me about yourself"), different interview formats and more!
  • PRACTICE: Respond to a wide range of interview questions from general to industry-specific. Then look back at how you did.
  • ANSWER BUILDER: Record the stories to highlight your skills in one place for easy review before future interviews.
  • RESUME AI: With ResumeAI, Big Interview can give you immediate feedback on your resume writing and immediate coaching on improving. You get guidance on Readability, Credibility, ATS Fit and more.

Informational Interviewing

One way to learn more about an occupation and make an important contact is an informational interview. Find someone in a field of interest and ask if you could have 15-20 minutes of their time to learn more about their field. Join Flyer Connection or utilize the UD LinkedIn Alumni tool to find a contact for an informational interview.

Know Your Goals

The primary objectives of informational interviewing are to:

  • Investigate a specific career field.
  • Uncover career options you never knew existed.
  • Assist in narrowing (or expanding) options.
  • Obtain advice on where your skills might be applied.
  • Learn about important issues in a career field.
  • Broaden your own network of contacts for future reference.
Be Prepared

Before meeting someone for an informational interview, you should:

  • Learn as much as you can about the organization.
  • Have your questions written down.
  • Learn about the career field.
  • Be yourself and relax.

Sample Questions

  • What are the most interesting aspects of your job?
  • What do you do in a typical day?
  • How did you enter this job/career?
  • How would you recommend someone break into this field?
  • What educational background is required?
  • What kind of experience would help in this career?
  • Are there specific courses a student might take that would be particularly beneficial in this field?
  • What are the disadvantages and advantages to this career?
  • Is a great deal of travel connected with this job?
  • What types of training do companies give to people entering this field?
  • What technologies are integrated into this career?
  • What recommendations would you have for an entry-level person considering this career?
  • What special advice would you give to someone entering this field?
  • How do you see the jobs in the field changing over the next ten years? What could someone do to prepare for such changes?
  • How can I learn more about this career/job?
  • What professional organizations are active and responsive in this career field?
  • Who else would you recommend I contact for more information about this career?
  • Do you have any career literature that contains job descriptions/specifications for positions in this field?

Quick Reference Guides

Attire Tips
Professional Attire

What you wear to an interview has a large impact on the first impression you make on the interviewer and will greatly influence how you are perceived. Keep your look simple and follow these suggestions:

  • Common interview attire includes a suit, skirt or pants, or a suit dress.
  • Pants should not be too tight.
  • Skirt length should be just above the knee or longer.
  • Blouses, long-sleeve or button down shirts can be worn under a suit.
Casual Attire

Information sessions and/or networking sessions are often times where it is appropriate to wear casual attire. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

  • Khaki pants or skirts.
  • Long-sleeved shirts or short-sleeved polo shirts.
  • Slacks or skirts with a blouse, sweater or long-sleeved shirt.
  • Flat or low heels.
  • Limited accessories.
Casual Fridays or Events

Some events are more casual than others. Many organizations dress casually on Fridays. In general, casual attire includes:

  • Jeans (avoid holes or rips in the jeans).
  • Short or long-sleeved blouses.
  • Button down shirts or polo shirts with a collar are common.
  • Casual shoes such as loafers, sandals or flats.
Contact Career Services
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 2711
937-229-2045 email
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