Tips on how to overcome many people’s fears during job interviews will be one of the main topics explored at the “Building Interview Confidence” workshop from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 3 at the Career Services office in the Human Services Center.

Bobbi Kingery, director of Career Services, said the biggest challenge for people during interviews is being prepared and comfortable speaking about skills that match to the position that they are applying for.

“The workshop will cover appropriate interview preparation—how to research the position and company to determine if it is a match,” Kingery said. “We will also discuss workplace culture and how important it is to understand that and use that information in the interview process.”

Kingery said another topic to be discussed is how to prepare for behavioral interview questions.

Diane Smith, marketing specialist and career adviser at Career Services, said the workshop can help participants learn how to handle the interview process effectively and appropriately.

“Sending off your resume to a prospective employer is just the first hurdle,” Smith said. “The interview process is the most critical part of your search and should be given a significant amount of preparation and practice, rather than just trying to wing it.”

Smith said employers have indicated that practicing for interviews is a key skill that applicants need to work on.

Students can practice their news skills during mock interviews held by Career Services on April 5.

“Students can take the skills they have learned and apply them in a practice interview at our Career Center,” Smith said. “Maybe they are unaware that they are saying ‘um’ for the 20th time, or fidgeting in their chair. Perhaps they did not expect a certain type of interview question to be asked. Isn’t now the time to find out?”

Andrew Paisley can be reached at 581-2812 or at abpaisley@eiu.edu.