Interviewing
Interview Essentials
The interview is the most important element in the job search process. When an employer invites you to an interview, he or she generally already thinks you may be qualified to do the job. Now you both need to exchange enough information to allow you both to determine whether you and the organization are a good "fit" for each other. Therefore, think of an interview as a highly focused professional conversation. Use the limited amount of time you have to learn about the employer's needs and discuss the ways you can contribute to meeting them.
Be Prepared! Know as much about the position/organization and interview as you can. It is essential that you prepare yourself for the interview by doing research on the organization. Interviewers will want to know why you want to work for them as opposed to working for some other organization. Knowledge of their services, products, or goals can help you prepare good answers to their questions.
Stay alert for clues that you are on track and have interviewers interest at all times. Try to maintain eye contact as an aid in holding interest. Watch for indications that the interviewer received enough information and is ready to close the interview. He or she will make this evident so do not try to extend the interview unless you have an extremely important question to ask. If so, make it brief or you run the risk of overselling yourself and losing the good impression you have made.
Be aware of the impression you make in nonverbal communication. Body language and facial expressions can also assist you in establishing good rapport with the interviewer. In addition to the manner in which you speak, and your works, silences, gestures, facial expressions, and the way you sit or stand, may all indicate what you understand, or would like to emphasize. Be aware of your nonverbal clues.
Most interviews consist of three parts:
- Opening (5-10 minutes)
- Information Exchange (questions and answers, 20 minutes)
- Closing (2-3 minutes)
Opening
During the opening minutes try to "size up the employer" so you can tailor your performance
to his/her style and expectations. Observe the nonverbal habits. The opening sets
the stage of the exchange of information in the next few minutes. The first impression
is often critical. You should make eye contact, smile and appear eager, and gave
the interviewer a firm handshake.
Information Exchange
During the information exchange, be ready to answer questions about your education,
work experience, related activities, your interest in the organization, and the type
of work you are seeking, present and future goals.
The employer will be looking for answers that meet his/her self interest. He/she will also be observing your personality, your communication skills, and your nonverbal signals. During the information exchange, you should also ask any questions you have about the organization. Try to ask questions that indicate you know something about the organization and want to work there.
Closing
This is a very important step in the interview. This is the time for the interviewer
to be sure that a climate of goodwill is established, especially for candidates who
may not be selected. Further steps in the interview process are outlined. A check
is made to be sure that the candidate has supplied required forms (transcripts, application
forms, references, etc.). The interviewer needs to make a statement about any further
action the organization will take and must make a statement about the time of notification
of decisions. A cordial farewell is a must!
Personal Assessment and Career Direction
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your long-term and short-term goals?
- What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
- What are your long-range career objectives?
- How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
- In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
- How do you work under pressure?
- Are you willing to travel?
- What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
- How would you describe yourself?
- How do you think a friend or colleague who knows you well would describe you?
- Why should I hire you?
Work Attitude
- How do you determine or evaluate success?
- What qualities should a successful manager possess?
- Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to him or her.
- How has your education prepared you for a career?
- Describe you most rewarding academic experience.
- What subjects did you like the best? Why?
- What subjects did you like the least? Why?
Knowledge Factor
- What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like ours?
- In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?
- If you were hiring an individual for this position what qualities would you look for?
- Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
- What do you know about our company?
Other Interests and Experiences
- What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
- What have you learned from your participation in activities?
- What major problems have you encountered and how did you deal with them?
- What have you learned from your mistakes?
- How would you describe the work environment?
- What would you say is the most important attribute for this position?
- What is a typical day like?
- Can you tell me how success in this position is measured?
- How would you characterize the management philosophy of this firm?
- How does the company's performance review and evaluation program work?
- What are the company's goals and future plans?
- What are the core values of the company?
- Is the company active in the community?
- What makes your company different from its competitors?
- What qualities are you looking for in your new hires?
- What characteristics do the successful employees at your company have in common?
- What kinds of career opportunities are currently available for my degree and skills?
- How would you describe your corporations' personality and management style?
- How soon does this position begin?
- How soon do you plan to hire? Will you contact me or shall I contact you?
- Be on time, preferably 10 to 15 minutes early
- Be respectful and friendly to the receptionist or secretary
- Give a firm handshake and smile during introductions
- Address your interviewers as Mr. or Ms. unless they ask you to address them by their first name
- In the interview room, do not sit until invited to do so
- Always accept a beverage if it is offered
- Be pleasant, poised, and maintain eye contact
- Project self-confidence. Relax!
- Listen carefully to the questions; seek clarification, if needed
- Select relevant information for your responses
- Be honest
- Be specific with your response; give examples of past events to support your response
- Be clear and concise with your responses
- Be confident and enthusiastic
- Have some questions for the interviewer
- Thank the interviewer at the conclusion of the interview and reiterate your interest in the position