More than fifteen years ago, we really started to promote the idea of using Homecoming season as the official kick off for the campus job interview season. 

As a former Dean, I know my HBCU students are well versed in campus Homecoming activities.  Why wouldn't they be?  Most campuses are talking Homecoming the minute the fall semester begins.

My challenge to HBCU students is this for the fall and all future falls: sign up for at least one campus job interview for every Homecoming event you plan to attend. 

Here is how to get a campus job interview

1. Stop by the college career center for resume writing help such as sample resumes or free resume critiques.

2. Find out which companies are coming to campus or doing virtual interviews.  Visit the company website and do your interview research.  Recruiters are more impressed with job seekers who do company research. Learn how to do that by watching Interview Like a P.R.O.

3. Practice answering job interview questions to demonstrate your skills.

4. Prepare your job interview attire a day or so before the interview so that you can avoid wardrobe malfunctions.

5. Arrive early for the campus job interview and bring pen, paper and a clean, up-to-date copy of your resume.  Don't think that because it's a campus job interview that the recruiter doesn't expect a professional approach.

6. Be polite with every recruiter visiting your school for the fall campus job interview season.  Companies spend money to come to campus and make deliberate choices about which schools to target.  How you interact with these on campus recruiters will help create a positive brand for your school. That adds value to your school and your college degree!

7. Speak clearly and answer all the questions. You can say you do not know, ask them to rephrase the question. It is better to do that instead of mumbling.

8. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the recruiter in the campus job interview.

9. Make sure you show up for your scheduled campus job interviews.  I can tell you that most career centers will restrict your campus interview rights if you are scheduled to interview and don't show up.

Do not be disappointed if you do not ace your first campus job interview.   Keep practicing because practice will improve your job interview performance. That is the same whether you are a student, new graduate or experienced professional.

Dr. Marcia F. Robinson, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is the CEO of The HBCU Career Center. She’s an award-winning HR and leadership expert with 25 years of experience in HR and Career Development Education. Known as Dr. R, she’s on a mission to make workplaces more inclusive and to help professionals find welcoming spaces that align with their V.I.S.A. (Values, Interests, Skills and Abilities).

Need help finding a job? Check out our Student Resources page for resume and job interview support.