Get Rid of Interview Spooks with InteriewStream

Do you get nervous about interviews? Do you feel like you need more preparation? Need more time to think about your responses?

There is no need to be scared... JMU Career and Academic Planning has exactly what you need!

JMU is proud to introduce a brand new way for students to practice interviews online:

Because Halloween is right around the corner…why not get in the spirit of things and check out Scary Interview by InterviewStream! Simply head over to http://scaryinterview.com. Trust us… there’s nothing to be scared about when it comes to interviewing!

InterviewStream is now available to all JMU students, regardless of major or anticipated graduation date! Use this preparation to increase your confidence for upcoming job & internship interviews. 

With InterviewStream, you can:

•   Conduct practice interviews online with your webcam* (where you can choose to be interviewed with frequently asked questions in interviews or create your own question set)
•  Filter down interview questions that cater to your specific major/focus/interest
•  Review your performance or send the link to someone else for feedback 
•  Watch videos with expert tips on how to answer some of the toughest interview questions

*You must have a webcam to do an interview on InterviewStream. If you don’t have a webcam, you can schedule an interview using a computer and webcam in Sonner Hall.

All JMU students are encouraged to take advantage of this new program!

For more information on InterviewStream, visit http://tinyurl.com/JMUInterviewStream. To start using InterviewStream, login through Recruit-A-Duke at http://tinyurl.com/JMURADLogIn. You will see the InterviewStream logo in your sidebar.

By: Melissa Peale
contact: pealeml@dukes.jmu.edu

You, the Interviewer

Generally, when you go in to interview for a job position, your goal is to impress. You wake up early, get dressed up in your most professional business attire, arrive well before your time slot with your freshly reviewed resume in hand, and put on your flashiest "I'm your guy" smile. You might be a bit nervous, but that's good- some anxiety will do you well. You're probably thinking something along the lines of  "I hope they like me".

Perhaps we turn the tables. Suppose instead, you do all of these things in preparation, but walk into your interview thinking "I hope I like them". Now the whole mood has changed. You are the top dog, and you want to find the best possible job to suit your personality and working style. Think about it; for one, this job's a great opportunity, but not the only opportunity in the world. Also, the company has a need just like you, otherwise they wouldn't be hiring, let alone interviewing you. This interview is not just about you and your answers to their questions. You need to interview them too.

So how does one go about interviewing a company? Incorporate two types of questions: first, the fit between the job demands and your skills, and second, the company culture. Consider these examples:

Job Questions:

• What is the position?
• What are the job duties?
• Who is the ideal candidate for the job?
• What skills are most important to success in this position?
• What would I be doing on a day-to-day basis?
• Who will I report to? What is that person like?
• What resources will I have to do this job?

Company Questions:

• How does it feel to work here?
• What is the turnover like here?
• What reasons have people given for leaving? What are the people generally like who leave?
• How is conflict handled? 

Not only does interviewing the employer help you to decide if you would like to "hire" the company, but it also shows that you are intelligent, self-confident, and sure of what you are looking for!

Original article from EQleader.net by Dana C. Ackley, Ph.D.
*See full article at http://www.eqleader.net/how_to_interview_a_company.htm

By: Kelly Gooch
contact: goochke@jmu.edu