Tips for a Successful Interview

The impression you make on the interviewer often can outweigh your actual credentials. Your poise, attitude, basic social skills, and ability to communicate are evaluated along with your experience and education.

You and the interviewer must engage in a conversation - a mutual exchange of information and ideas. Only through such a dialogue can you both determine if you, the organization, and the job are well matched. Preparation is the key.

Be on time.This often means 10-15 minutes early. Interviewers often are ready before the appointment.

Know the interviewer’s name, its spelling, and pronunciation.Use it during the interview. If you don’t know the name, call beforehand and ask the secretary. Also, note the secretary’s name in case you have to call back. Secretaries can influence the hiring decision!

Have some questions of your own prepared in advance.There is nothing wrong with having a short list of questions and thoughts- it shows you have done your research and want to know more about the organization and the position.

Bring several copies of your resume.Also, bring a copy of your transcript. Carry your papers in an organized manner.

Have a reliable pen and a small note pad with you.But do not take notes during the interview. However, immediately afterward, write down as much as you can remember, including your impression of how well you did.

Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile.Remember to maintain eye contact (which does not mean a stare down).

Expect to spend some time developing rapport.Don’t jump right in and get down to business. Follow the interviewer’s lead.

Don’t be embarrassed if you are nervous.As you gain experience you’ll become more at ease with the interviewing process.

Focus.On your attributes, your transferable skills, and your willingness to learn; don’t apologize for a lack of experience; describe your strengths in terms of what you can do for the organization.

Tell the truth.Lies and exaggeration will come back to haunt you.

Listen carefully to the interviewer.Be sure you understand the question; if not, ask for clarification, or restate it in your own words. Answer completely and concisely. Stick to the subject at hand.

Never slight a teacher, friend, employer, or your university.Loyalty ranks high on the employer’s list.

Watch your grammar.Employers are interested in candidates who can express themselves properly. Even if you have to go slowly and correct yourself, accuracy is preferred over ungrammatical fluency.

Be prepared for personal questions.Some interviewers may not know what they can and cannot ask legally. Anticipate how you will handle such questions without losing your composure.

Wait for the interviewer to mention salary and benefits.To research pay scales, refer to salary surveys and information on the Career Services website on in the career library.

Don’t expect a job offer at the first interview.Often you will be invited to a second or even third interview before an offer is made several weeks later.

Close on a positive, enthusiastic note.Ask what the next step will be. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and express your interest in the job. Leave quickly and courteously with a handshake and a smile.

No interview is complete until you follow up with a thank-you note.Express your appreciation for the interview and, if true, reaffirm your interest. This last step can make a difference. Don’t forget it.

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Study Abroad

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ESF Education Abroad is devoted to making transformational international experiences accessible to all ESF students regardless of major, cost, identity, or other defining factors. We do this by working with students on an individual basis to find the opportunities that best fit their personal needs and goals.

ESF students have hundreds of education abroad programs to choose from! Programs vary in length from one week up to a full academic year and are located all over the world, so there is something for everyone! Start to browse programs below, and please reach out to oie@esf.edu with any questions or to start planning your experience abroad.

Before researching programs, think about your goals for education abroad. What type of experience are you hoping to have and what are you most interested in learning? What type of opportunities do you have limited access to in Syracuse and how might you gain those abroad? Use these questions to help guide you to better understand what it is you want out of your international experience and how you might be able to find a program that fits those criteria.

In addition to thinking about what is important to you, take some time to recognize what is not important to you. When choosing a education abroad program, it can be easier to find a "perfect" match if you understand what you are willing to compromise. Are financials the most the important piece to you? Specific classes for your major? Perhaps a research topic in a specific field? Rank the things that are most important to you so we can help you find that "perfect" opportunity.

You never know where you might find recommendations, advice or input. Ask your classmates, professors, advisors, parents, guardians, coaches, etc. You never know what you might discover. Don't forget to visit OIE as well – we serve as the repository for all of the different opportunities in front of you and can help guide you when you're not sure where to even start.

Study Abroad

Saint Louis University offers a wide selection of study abroad opportunities. Participation in all study abroad programs — except SLU's Madrid campus — requires your coursework to be approved by your mentor, advisor or dean's office.

Study abroad courses must be approved through the Office of the University Registrar before your semester abroad. This approval process can take up to two weeks to complete.

Grades for SLU-approved study abroad programs are calculated into your GPA for the fall and spring semesters only. Grades from exchange programs are not calculated into your GPA.

Remember to request that final transcripts from the program abroad be sent to the Office of the University Registrar to have the credit added to your official student record.

To view equivalent courses, choose the study abroad or exchange program of interest below (PDFs):

If the courses you want are not listed, complete the equivalency request form and return it to the Office of the University Registrar, Attn: Study Abroad, 1 N. Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Learn about Study Abroad at SLU