Interviewing, Negotiating and Networking

Prepare, evaluate and connect with confidence.

The John P. Fahey Career Center offers resources to help you prepare for interviews, navigate job and internship offers, and build meaningful professional connections. As you move through each stage of the process—from preparation to decision-making—the tools on this page are designed to help you approach each step with clarity and confidence. If you have questions, just contact one of the Career Center’s advisors.

Prepare for an interview.

There are three main steps to preparing for an interview:

  1. Know yourself
  2. Know the organization and position
  3. Practice

You can learn and practice interviewing skills through Hiration, an AI-powered interview preparation platform that's free to Creighton students and alumni. You can participate in a general interview or practice interviews tailored to specific job roles or resumes.

For additional support, refer to the Career Center’s Interview Guide and schedule a mock interview with one of our career advisors.

Student learning negotiation tactics

Evaluating and Negotiating Offers

After interviewing for a job or internship, be prepared for follow-up communication by checking your email regularly and ensuring your voicemail is set up and not full. When an employer extends an offer, follow the guidance below to acknowledge, evaluate, negotiate (if appropriate) and accept or decline it.

Receiving a job or internship offer is an exciting milestone. When an offer comes in, respond professionally by expressing appreciation and reaffirming your interest. Request the full offer in writing—if it was not already provided—so you can review salary or compensation, start date, benefits and other terms.

You do not need to decide immediately, though the offer may include a decision deadline. If it does not, or if you need additional time to consider the offer, communicate that respectfully. If you are unsure how to request more time, consult a Career Center advisor.

Before accepting or declining an offer, take time to evaluate the opportunity from both a personal and practical perspective. If you accept, you will invest significant time and energy in the role, so ensure the opportunity aligns with what matters most to you. Trust both the information you gathered and your observations during the interview process. Considerations include:

  • Your short- and long-term career goals
  • The work environment and company culture, and their ability to support your best work while aligning with your values
  • Location and expectations regarding time in the office versus remote work
  • The job duties and their potential to hold your interest and challenge you
  • Opportunities for growth through advancement, mentorship or additional training
  • Your potential supervisor’s communication style and how supportive you believe they will be

Along with evaluating how an opportunity aligns with your goals and values, determine whether the offer is competitive and whether negotiation may be appropriate by researching the following:

  • Salary ranges for similar roles by occupation, industry and geographic location
  • Company-specific data (when available)
  • Cost of living if the job is in a different city or region

Look beyond base salary to consider the value of health, dental and retirement benefits, bonuses or incentives, paid time off, relocation assistance (if applicable) and professional development support. A lower salary may be offset by strong benefits, while a higher salary with minimal benefits may require closer examination. The Career Center recommends the tools below.

Salary Research

Cost-of-Living Research

You can also contact the Career Center if you would like information on average salaries of past Creighton graduates or an outside perspective to help you weigh competing factors and make a thoughtful decision.

Negotiation is a professional conversation about aligning expectations. Not every offer should be negotiated, and not every component is flexible. Negotiation should be based on data—not simply a desire to ask for more. Consider negotiating if one or more of the following are true:

  • Your skills, education or experience support a higher salary than what was offered
  • The offer falls below industry averages for similar roles
  • The cost of living in the location is significantly higher than reflected in the salary
  • You have multiple comparable offers

Before initiating a conversation, determine your realistic low, target and stretch compensation ranges based on your financial needs and salary research. Also consider that adjusting the timeline for a performance review or salary increase may be more feasible than increasing base pay immediately.

Starting the Conversation

Approach the conversation with a collaborative and professional tone. Ask questions to better understand how the offer was determined and where flexibility may exist.

  • “Can you share how this offer was determined?”
  • “Is there flexibility in the salary range?”
  • “Based on my experience and research, I was expecting a range between $X and $Y.”

Frame any request around the value you bring and the contribution you expect to make. For example:

  • “Based on similar roles in this market, I was hoping for…”
  • “Given my background in ___, I believe…”

Responding to Objections

You may hear that the offer is outside the budget or constrained by internal pay structures. If that happens:

  • Reiterate the value you bring
  • Ask clarifying questions to better understand the constraints
  • Remain calm and professional

If the employer indicates the offer is final, pause and evaluate what is on the table. Avoid pushing the conversation to the point that it becomes strained.

Once you have made your decision, respond promptly and professionally. Your actions at this stage reflect your integrity and contribute to your professional reputation.

If you decide to accept:

  • Follow the employer’s instructions for confirming your acceptance
  • Submit any required paperwork by the stated deadline
  • Express appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity

Even if you verbally accept an offer, you are expected to honor that commitment. Discontinue your job or internship search; continuing to apply or interview after committing to an employer can harm your professional reputation.

Additionally, please inform the Career Center when you have accepted an offer.

If you choose to decline:

  • Notify the employer as soon as possible; avoid holding onto an offer you do not intend to accept, which can affect your professional standing
  • Express appreciation for the offer and the opportunity to interview
  • Communicate your decision respectfully and concisely

You may decline by phone or email, depending on your prior communication with the employer. If you built relationships with multiple individuals during the interview process, consider sending brief thank-you messages.

After the Decision

Once you accept or decline, confirm any final details in writing and keep copies of your documentation. If you have questions at any point, consult a Career Center advisor.

Building Your Professional Network

There are many ways to build your professional network, depending on your field of interest, current connections and comfort level. Most approaches involve identifying someone new to add to your network—ideally a professional connected to you through a shared affiliation—and finding an appropriate way to reach out. Below are several places to begin.

  • Your current network: Consider family members, friends’ parents, teachers or acquaintances from communities you belong to (e.g., church or service organizations) who may be open to a professional meeting or informational interview.
  • LinkedIn: This professional networking site allows you to search for and connect with individuals who share a common connection. For example, you can use the Alumni Tool to find Creighton alumni. Because LinkedIn is widely used in professional settings, we’ve included additional resources below to help you create your profile and join relevant Creighton groups.
  • CareerShift: Creighton students can access this national database of company and individual contact information at no cost. After creating an account, search for professionals under the My Contacts tab. Filters include geographic area, industry and company.
  • ReferenceUSA: This national database of companies, executives and healthcare providers can be sorted by metro area, industry, school attended and more. Along with LinkedIn and CareerShift, it can help you identify contacts at organizations relevant to your interests.
  • Handshake: Managed by the Career Center, this site is used to search internships, jobs, career events and interview sign-ups. It also includes a database of employers open to hiring Creighton students and alumni, accessible by selecting Employers under the Jobs tab.
  • Career Center: If you are unable to find a suitable professional, are having difficulty connecting or are unsure how to locate contact information, the Career Center can help. Call 402.280.2722, stop by Harper 2015 or email the Career Center staff.

Additional options for expanding your network include professional organizations, conferences and campus, alumni or networking events.

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you’ll make on employers, so it’s worth investing the time to get it right. While your profile should include the information on your resume, it should be even more comprehensive—think of it as your online portfolio. When creating your profile, avoid vague descriptors or overused buzzwords. The guidelines below can help you build a strong profile.

  • Complete every section: Recruiters are more likely to find and contact students with complete profiles. From education and experience to skills, accomplishments and volunteer work, your profile should provide a clear picture of what you offer.
  • Customize your URL: Create a personalized LinkedIn URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname). It looks cleaner on resumes and is easier to share on business cards or email signatures.
  • Use a professional photo: Upload a high-quality photo in attire appropriate for your field. A simple, well-lit headshot with a neutral background works well. If you need assistance, visit the Career Center’s headshot studio.
  • Create a compelling headline: Instead of listing only your title or “Student at Creighton University,” highlight your goals or value. For example: Aspiring Finance Analyst | Finance Student at Creighton University.
  • Maximize your summary: Think of your summary as an elevator pitch. Use a narrative to highlight your interests, strengths and career goals.
  • Highlight education and involvement: List your major(s) and minor(s). Employers value well-rounded involvement, so include activities such as clubs, leadership roles, study abroad or honors.
  • Treat experience like a resume: Describe your roles using action verbs and measurable results. Focus on what you did, how you did it and the impact you made.
  • Showcase achievements and projects: Add documents, videos or links that demonstrate your work (e.g., presentations, designs and writing samples).
  • Add additional sections: Include certifications, languages, coursework or volunteer experiences—especially if they reflect skills that distinguish you.
  • Establish your initial network: Aim for at least 50 connections. Start with classmates, professors, colleagues and mentors. A well-connected profile signals that you are active and engaged.

Career Conversations

A career conversation—sometimes called an informational interview—is an in-person, virtual or phone meeting with someone working in a field you are exploring. The purpose is to gather information, receive advice and expand your professional network. It is not a job interview, and you should not ask for a job. Instead, approach the conversation as an opportunity to learn about the industry, the individual’s career path and potential next steps for you.

Conversations

Professional Attire and Dining Etiquette

Attire and etiquette expectations can vary by industry and organization. When interviewing and networking, the goal is not to erase your identity—it’s to present yourself in a way that aligns with the setting and communicates preparation, professionalism and respect. The guidelines are intended to help you make informed choices.

This type of attire is typically expected in traditional industries (e.g., law and finance) and for formal interviews or professional school settings. Your attire can reflect your culture, identity and personal style; the key is to present yourself with the level of intention and polish appropriate to the environment.

Attire

  • Choose tailored, well-fitting clothing in classic or structured styles
  • Select neutral or subdued colors and simple patterns, unless the setting suggests otherwise
  • Ensure clothing is clean, pressed and in good condition
  • Select shoes and bags (e.g., portfolios or handbags) that are clean and professional
  • Keep accessories minimal and avoid items that are audibly distracting

Grooming

  • Maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance
  • Hair, facial hair and nails should be clean and maintained
  • Use fragrance sparingly, if at all

Business casual varies widely by organization. When in doubt, observe the organization’s culture, website and social media to guide your choices and select attire that is slightly more formal than you think is necessary. Clothing should allow you to move comfortably and focus on the conversation rather than adjusting your outfit.

Attire

  • Wear clothing that is clean, pressed and fits comfortably and appropriately
  • Choose polished, professional pieces rather than athletic, lounge or nightlife attire
  • Select shoes and bags (e.g., portfolios or handbags) that are clean and professional
  • Keep accessories minimal and avoid items that are audibly distracting

Grooming

  • Maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance
  • Hair, facial hair and nails should be clean and maintained
  • Use fragrance sparingly, if at all

Dining events may be part of interviews, networking or professional travel. Etiquette signals awareness and professionalism—not perfection. The goal is to remain present, engaged and respectful of those around you.

General Guidelines

  • Follow the host’s lead (napkin placement, ordering and timing)
  • Wait until others are served before beginning to eat, when possible
  • Use utensils from the outside in
  • Keep your phone off the table and silenced
  • Engage in professional, inclusive conversation

Ordering

  • Choose items that are easy to eat
  • Avoid the most expensive item unless encouraged by your host
  • Ask questions about ingredients if needed (e.g., if an item contains an allergen)
  • If alcohol is offered, abstain or moderate your consumption

For more detailed dining etiquette guidance, refer to the Emily Post Institute or the Protocol School of Washington for additional information.

Contact Us

John P. Fahey Career Center 
Creighton University 
Harper Center, Suite 1088 
2500 California Plaza 
Omaha, Nebraska 68178

Phone: 402.280.2722 
Fax: 402.280.3450

Office Hours: 
Weekdays: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Central)

Interview Rooms

Need a quiet space for a virtual interview? The Career Center offers private interview rooms for professional and graduate school, internship and job interviews. Call the front desk at 402.280.2722 to check availability and reserve a room.

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