When graduation nears, many students start thinking about job interviews, which companies they want to apply to, how much money they hope to make and what they are going to do after graduation.

But the School of Hospitality Business says students need to get a handle on their job interviewing skills before they can start their job search. One way to do this is through a mock interview.

Authella Collins Hawks, director of the school’s Student and Industry Resource Center, said the first part of having a good interview is to know about the company.

“Do your homework, check them out on the Web,” Hawks said. “As you present your credentials, see how they blend with what the company is looking for and show them why you would fit it.”

Eric Doerr, assistant director of the Lear Center Corporation Career Services Center, said the main feedback he gets from employers is that students have not done a good job researching the company before their interview. The Lear Center is a career development and placement center for business students.

“You can find a lot now online, or in the library,” Doerr said.

Hawks said the second component in a good interview is presentation, “so make sure your dress and your handshake and your great smile is that first impression.”

“You should never wear blue jeans and make sure to check your hygiene before the interview.”

The school advises students to be aware of how the management dresses and try to dress in the same way they do.

Hawks said it is important for students to be ready to answer hard questions.

“Many employers are using behavioral-based interviews, which assume that past behavior will predict what a person will do in the future,” she said.

“When employers ask, ‘Tell me a little about yourself,’ they don’t want to hear about the time in third grade, they are concerned with your job history or important leadership things you have done. You should be able to tell a smooth story that takes about five minutes or less.”

She also said students should never ask questions about salary during the interview.

“You can find that out later, or beforehand, but it is not something that you should worry about during the interview,” she said.

She also warned about burning bridges during the interview.

“During the interview you may start to think, ‘This is not for me,’ but if the offer turns out to be better than what you get somewhere else, you want to be able to go back to that company.”

Some students have found practice runs for an interview can be helpful. Sara Miller, a human biology senior, said she prepares with friends.

Miller said students should go over their answers ahead of time so they will know how to answer during the interview.

“I have my friends ask me questions that I think they will ask at the interview,” she said. “The most important thing during the interview is to remember to keep calm.”

Doerr said if students have not prepared for interviews by participating in a mock interview, they should.

“There are so many mock interview opportunities, the Career Services Center has mock interviews every Monday through Dec. 3, and the Lear Center also has openings,” Doerr said.

Mock interviews take a half-hour, and are treated like a professional interview. Students who would like more information or wish to sign up for an interview can contact Career Services at (517)355-9510 or visit monsterTRAK.com and follow the link to InterviewTRAK. Students wishing to do a mock interview at the Lear Center can call (517)432-0830.