When it comes to interviewing, the Career Resource Center (CRC) offers plenty of opportunities for you to practice talking with potential employers. With a competitive talent pool, it’s imperative to be polished and prepared with your delivery. 

With recruiting season approaching, the CRC recommends that UF students take advantage of every opportunity to learn how to improve their interviewing skills.  It’s not uncommon for students to get nervous, but preparation helps. The CRC has services to help students polish their skills, such as Express Drop In, where students can request a mock interview with a Career Ambassador, or using InterviewStream, a tool in Gator CareerLink.

Career Showcase, the largest career fair in the southeast, will host over 300 employers looking for students to consider for full-time positions and internships.  The two-day event which is held on the O’Connell Center on October 2^nd and 3^rd, is expected to have over 5,000 students attend. Angel Iverson, assistant director for career events, says that most students don’t realize that interviewing skills can be improved with time and practice. In a high energy environment such as Showcase, she recommends students take a moment to gather themselves before meeting employers. “Take a moment to breathe at the bleachers,” says Iverson. “Practice what you’re going to say before you approach an employer.”

With practice, students will feel confident with themselves and with what they are saying to employers.  Below are four tips on being prepared to meet an employer:

• Practice your introduction with a friend or with a CRC Career Ambassador, who can provide feedback
• Research the company in advance to show you’re knowledgeable and prepared
• Practice at other events with employers, like information sessions hosted by the CRC
• Have your resume critiqued or have a mock interview during an Express Drop-In service.

For more information about preparation tips or Career Showcase, visit www.crc.ufl.edu

Written by: Kelsey Reese