Penn State Graduate Student Career Guide - Biomedical Sciences ...

44 THE SITE VISIT INTERVIEW
Penn State Grad Student Career Guide
2011
2012
The Site Interview
If the employer considers you a strong
candidate for an opportunity, the
employer will probably invite you to a
site interview—which entails visiting
the employer’s location(s) and learning
more about the opportunity while sharing
more information about yourself.
The site visit is also the employer’s way
to offer you the chance to convince, inperson,
many of the primary decision
makers, that you are the most ideal candidate
for the opportunity.
As a candidate, the site visit is your
opportunity to meet many of the people
you will work with and work for. It is
your chance to assess the work environment,
learn more about the position,
discuss long-term career possibilities,
and gauge the community where you
will work and possibly live.
There is not one standard format for the
site interview, and it is common for an
employer to share with you a detailed
schedule of the site interview. There
may be any number of people involved,
of varying positions and levels within
the organization. It is important for you
to remember that the interview begins
the moment you arrive at the location of
the employer, and that every person you
meet probably will have some input into
the decision of who will be hired. The
schedule should highlight if you will be
meeting with individuals, with groups,
if you will be asked to conduct a presentation,
and if you will be sharing any
meals with interviewers.
Preparing for the Site Interview
Prepare what you will wear well in
advance of departing for the interview.
Dress professionally for your site interviews,
unless specifically directed to do
otherwise by the employer.
Prior to the interview, learn as much as
you can about the organization. Spend
time reading literature, examining the
organization’s web page, reviewing any
publications related to the organization,
and if possible, talk to current
employees. Also, prepare yourself for
questions you will receive. Review your
resume and any additional materials
you may have sent to the employer (i.e.,
academic transcript, writing sample, or
application form). Pay particular attention
to limitations in your resume—lack
of related experience—and be prepared
to talk about these areas at length.
As site interviews are usually overnight
visits, prepare what you will need to
stay overnight. The employer should
communicate this in advance to you,
and should also communicate to you
whether you will be responsible for
any/all of the travel and accommodations
related expenses, or whether the
employer will assist you with payment
for these expenses. If the employer
offers assistance, there may be additional
directions for collecting receipts
and recording expenses. Be certain to
follow these instructions. Also, ensure
that you have received directions if you
are transporting yourself during any portion
of the site interview.
Format: What to Expect
The site interview may start with a
meal, or may contain a meal as one of
the components. Employers may be
evaluating your social graces, manner
of speech, opinions, ability to converse
with others, and maturity during the
meal. It is recommended that you eat
moderately and select a menu item that
is manageable with the utensils provided.
It is also recommended that you
avoid using alcohol and be prepared to
answer as well as ask questions related
to the opportunity you are seeking.
Interviews may be with a wide array of
groups and/or individuals—including
managers, colleagues, future supervisors,
organization leaders, administrative
assistants, and even clients. The
interviews may be 30 minutes to usually
not more than 2 hours in length per interview.
You may also be asked to lead a
presentation related to some aspect of the
work you will be doing. Again, not only
is your occupational knowledge being
assessed, but also your ability to professionally
lead a discussion and interact
with others. A tour is also usually included
in the site interview—your chance to
view the entire organization.