Interview Tips

Understanding the Interview

The job interview is a key critical step on the road to your future. It’s your opportunity to shine. An interview gives you a chance to display your intelligence, talent and enthusiasm. How you handle yourself can make or break your chances of getting the job you want. Preparation for interviews can be complex but it is very necessary. If you are not prepared, it will not matter how good you look on paper. You must convince a prospective employer that you have something special to offer.

Why do some people have great success with interviews while others seem to struggle? The key lies in understanding the dynamics of the interviewing process as seen through the employer’s eyes. What is their strategy? How are interviews orchestrated? What kinds of questions are they likely to ask and what answers are they looking for?

Knowing, to the best degree possible, how an employer approaches the interview will be invaluable data as you prepare for the real event. The better you understand the interviewing process, the better the results.

Key points to remember . . .

Each organization, whether large or small, has an idea (criteria) of what their ideal candidate will be, which usually falls into two categories:

In today’s marketplace, it is very unlikely that you will get hired if you do not generate positive impressions on both sides.

How to get started . . .

Knowing yourself is critical to your job-hunting success. Think about your:

• Interests - What types of work excite you? What job do you really want?
• Abilities - What skills do you have? What do you need for the job you want?
• Experience - Think about all of your previous jobs, including part-time, free-lance and volunteer work. What skills and knowledge have you gained from these experiences?
• Values - What basic attitudes do you have toward the world, other people and yourself?
• Strengths and weaknesses - What are you good at? What weaknesses must you overcome to get the job you want?
• Goals - Know your immediate and your long-range goals.

Know the organization. It may give you the edge you need. Research the employer’s:

• History
• Products or services
• Business methods
• Philosophy
• Location(s)
• Organizational structure

This information can be gathered from:

• Current or former employees
• Organization’s annual report, catalogs, press releases or other literature
• Business directories, trade associations, professional organizations, newsletters
• Internet
• Family, friends, co-workers, alumni director, industry experts
• Chamber of Commerce

Prepare for the interview...

• Gather any needed work samples. Show what you have already done!
• Rehearse your answers. Generally you can expect to be asked questions like the examples given below. Rehearse answers with a friend or in front of a mirror!
• Think of questions about the company from your research. It is very appropriate and almost expected that you have questions about the job and the organization. It may show apathy if you do not ask any questions. Samples are given below.
• Review your work history. Review dates of schools attended and employment; reasons for leaving; your accomplishments and skills.
• Be prepared and flexible. You may face more than one interviewer, a test or some other surprise. Be ready for anything.

Sample questions you might face:

Answer questions in a short and succinct fashion. Do NOT run on or ramble. Be able to organize your thoughts quickly. Ask for clarification if needed.

1. What are your career goals, both short and long term?
2. What are you doing to achieve your goals?
3. How would you describe yourself?
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
5. Why did you choose this career?
6. What achievements have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
7. Do you work well under pressure? Give an example.
8. What is your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?
9. Why do you want this job?
10. How can you contribute to this company?
11. Why should I hire you?
12. What qualifications do you have?
13. Why do you want to work for us?
14. How did you learn about us?
15. What motivates you to do a good job?

Sample questions you might ask:

1. What would my responsibilities and duties be?
2. How would my performance be evaluated?
3. What opportunities for advancement exist?
4. How would I be trained or introduced to the job?
5. Who would I be working with?
6. Would you describe a typical workday and the things I would be doing?
7. How is the job important to the company-how does this contribute?
8. If hired, would I report directly to you, or to someone else?

Do not raise the subject of salary or benefits until the end of the interview or wait for a second interview.

How to conduct yourself at an interview...

• Be on time. Be sure you know how to get to the interview. Arrive 10 or 15 minutes early.
• Dress properly. Dress nicely, but do not wear trendy clothing, flashy jewelry, or strong perfume or cologne.
• Be friendly. Greet the interviewer by name. Smile and give a firm handshake. Treat EVERYONE you talk with in a polite, professional manner.
• Show your enthusiasm. Enthusiasm and a sense of humor can help create a good impression.
• Be positive. Keep the atmosphere friendly and pleasant. Do not put others down to make yourself look good.
• Maintain eye contact. Good eye contact is a key to building trust in a relationship. Nodding while listening is a nice complement to eye contact in communicating understanding, support or agreement.
• Express yourself. Speak clearly. Use complete sentences; avoid one-word answers. Do not use slang, and do not ramble.
• Be aware of body language. Your tone of voice, posture (sitting/standing), hand gestures, facial expressions and handshake all give clues about your feelings and attitudes. Be sensitive to these signals in yourself and others. Face the interviewer in a relaxed, open manner.  Remember, the smile is a powerful communication medium.
• Be a good listener. Be alert to nonverbal cues indicating when you should start or stop talking. Do not be thinking of your response while the interviewer is still talking. Answer only what is asked.
• Be yourself; but be your BEST self! Do not try to change your personality. Give the interviewer a chance to find out who you are.
• Thank the interviewer. Be sure to thank the interviewer for his or her time and interest. Ask when you can expect a decision and if you should call. Make sure the employer knows how to reach you. Follow up the interview with a thank-you letter within 5 business days. In it, restate your interest in the job, summarize key points of the interview and add further information to help your case.

*** Try not to get discouraged if you do not receive a job offer from every interview you go on. Rejection is part of any job search and is a valuable key to the learning process.