Preparing for Your Interview

1. Complete Your Pre-Interview Packet

   This information helps us prepare for your interview. Please submit a week prior to your interview date if at all possible.

   Pre-Interview Packet

2. What to Expect

   • We have allotted 60 minutes to record each interview, which includes buffer to get settled in before and wrap up after.
   • We're aiming for a final video around 15 minutes in length.
   • Our goal is a relaxed, conversational-style interview where the host and guest sit together for a natural, flowing dialogue—more like a chat than a formal Q&A.
   • Interviews will be between you and a member of our professional staff. We anticipate sitting side-by-side in chairs angled towards the camera, possibly with a small table between us.
   • Each speaker will wear a corded, clip-on microphone.
   • The final video will be composed of multiple camera angles of both speakers.

   

3. Tips and Tricks for Looking Your Best

   Interviews are being recorded from multiple angles for a composite video to be shared with OSU students in their Intro to Health Careers course.

   • Clothing Considerations
     • Dress your culture. If you wear a suit and tie to work everyday, do the same for your interview. If you are more comfortable in scrubs or in a polo shirt and slacks/skirt, then that's how you should dress.
     • Wear something you feel physically comfortable in. If it’s tight and uncomfortable, it will likely show.
     • Color matters. In particular, white causes issues with OSU's cameras and does not translate well into video. Additionally, there is orange in the studio and it can be disjointing if your orange and the studio orange are a mismatch.
     • Solid colors or big, bold patterns work best.
     • Busy or fine prints/patterns can create an optical illusion of moving around on screen, which distracts from what you are saying.
     • Consider your neckline, as the corded microphone will be clipped and can sometimes be hard with dresses.
     • If you are wearing a skirt or dress, ensure it is over the knees when you sit.
     • Avoid long dangly earrings, chunky bangles or noisy accessories as they can interfere with the mic.
     • Make up or not - follow your normal daily routine.
     • If you wear glasses, clean your lenses before hand.
   • Non-verbal Communication Tips

     Be aware of your body language.

     • Avoid distracting movements like fidgeting, twirling your thumbs or twisting your ring.
     • If you need a “prop” to help with distracting movements, bring a pen or object relating to your interview like a book to show the audience.
     • Sit back in your chair, cross one leg over another at the ankle and rest your arms on the desk or chair.
     • Try to avoid nervously touching your face or hair.
     • Right before the camera starts rolling, take a big breath, reach your chin to the sky, stretch your neck and lower your shoulders. This stretch can help you feel more relaxed and composed.

4. Head to Campus

   • Location & Parking

     The studio we will be using is in the ITLE building on the OSU-Stillwater campus. The address is 100 ITLE, Oklahoma State University, N Monroe St #100, Stillwater, OK 74078. Google Maps link here

     Closest On-Campus Parking

     Lot 41. Summer parking rules allow you to park anywhere in the lot as long as you have an OSU parking permit, including spots marked Staff or Residence Hall.

     Parking Permits

     • If you do not have an OSU parking permit, we will provide a permit that will allow you to park on most surface lots on campus, including Lot 41.
     • We will have your parking permit in the lobby of ITLE, or you can acquire it earlier in the day from our office.
     • If you need to make other arrangements or have questions, call us at 405-744-9965.
   • Driving Directions

     If you do not have an OSU parking permit, we will provide a parking permit for the day.

     Directions to Suggested Parking

     • Starting from the intersection of 6th Ave and Monroe St, south of the main campus:
     • Turn north onto Monroe St, towards campus.
     • Turn left at the light onto University Ave.
     • Just before the road construction, turn right on to University Circle.
     • Follow the bend of University Circle and turn right onto Cleveland Street.
     • Take the immediate first right onto Wentz lane (it comes up quickly!).
     • Go through all the speed bumps to the stop sign. ITLE is the short building directly in front of you, across the parking lot.
     • You may park anywhere in this surface lot (Lot 41) with an OSU parking permit, including spots marked Staff or Residence Hall.
     • The main entrance to ITLE is not on the same side as the parking lot, but instead directly opposite. We will have your daily parking permit in the main lobby.
   • Finding the Studio Space in ITLE
     • The studio space we are using is in ITLE on the OSU-Stillwater campus.
     • The main entrance to the building is on the opposite side of the building from the nearest parking lot, near the Public Information Office (PIO) building and facing towards the Student Union (east side).
     • If coming from the parking lot, you will have to walk around the building.
     • Once in the lobby, please check in with the front desk. Tell them you are recording with the Pre-Professional office.