What is in an interview?

A mutual exchange of information between the employer and the applicant.

What is the purpose of an interview?

For Employers:

• To determine if your education and experience are a good match with the specific job responsibilities.
• To determine if you will "fit into" the organizational environment.

For the Applicant:

• To have an opportunity to emphasize your abilities and interest in the job.
• To learn more about the job and the organization to decide if you will be happy working there.

Types of Interview

• Informational Interview - seek more information about the company or a career
• Screening Interview - designed to eliminate less suitable candidates
• Stress Interview - create situations to see how you might handle job-related stress
• Series Interview - consecutive interviews with different people from the same company
• Group Interview - involves the interviewing of several candidates at the same time
• Board Interview - interview conducted by two or more people at the same time
• Behavioral Interview - asks questions that determines how you handle challenges

Preparing for the Interview

• Arrive fifteen minutes early.
• Dress appropriately.
• Bring necessary information, recommended items:
  • Extra copies of your resume
  • Reference list with 3-5 individuals
  • Good quality pen and/or pencil
  • Work samples that demonstrate skills and abilities
  • Briefcase
  • Purse or wallet (hidden in briefcase)
  • Leather bonded portfolio/notebook
• Have directions to the interview; understand needed park and travel time.
• Know the name and title of the person you are meeting; get the interviewer's business card.
• Research the company and position; understand what the employer is looking for.
• Practice answering questions; be prepared for personal or inappropriate questions.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
• Send follow-up thank you letter within 24 hours of the interview.

During the Interview

• Greet the employer with a firm handshake and refer to the interviewer by name.
• Watch your nonverbal communication.
• Maintain good eye contact and smile appropriately.
• Be alert and attentive. Show enthusiasm for the position and company.
• If you do not understand the question, ask for clarification. Answer the question asked.
• Emphasize your strong points, showing a match between yourself and the position.
• Know your resume and be able to discuss every aspect.
• Be prepared to answer tough questions.
• Never criticize a former employer, teacher, colleague or school.
• Follow the interviewer's lead. Avoid non sentences (um, uh, ya know, yeah).
• Avoid discussing salary or benefits during the first interview unless a job offer is made.
• Be yourself!

Appropriate Dress

• Navy, black or charcoal suit
• White or colored blouse
• Polished shoes with low heels
• Neutral skin tone pantyhose
• Simple jewelry
• Little or no perfume

Interview Knockdown Factors

• Not prepared for the interview; no research has been conducted on the employer.
• Unable to express self and ideas clearly; poor communication skills.
• Poorly defined career goals; little or no sense of direction.
• Lack of enthusiasm.
• Unprofessional or inappropriately dressed.
• No real interest in the employer.
• Asks too few or poor questions about the job or employer.
• Poor match for the position or organization.
• Unhappy personality; disliked former jobs, supervisors, school, activities.
• Makes excuses during the interview, evasive.
• Only interested in best dollar offer.
• Lack of confidence or poise - fails to look the interviewer in the eye; weak handshake.
• Unwilling to relocate. Unrealistic expectations.
• Did not market self well in the interview.

Common Questions

• Tell me about yourself, - OR - How might a friend or co-worker describe you?
• Why did you choose to interview with our company? - OR - What do you know about us?
• Describe your ideal position, - OR - What is the most important to you in a job?
• What can you offer us, - OR - Why should I hire you?
• Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years?
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
• What is a major weakness you have, and what are you doing to correct it?
• Would you be successful working on a team?
• What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
• Do your grades accurately reflect your abilities?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• What sets you apart from other qualified candidates? What motivates you to do well?
• Tell me about your work habits, - OR - How do you work under pressure?

Questions to Ask Employers

(if not readily answered through company literature)

• Why is this position open now?
• What specific responsibilities are required of this position?
• Would you describe a typical day's activities?
• What personal qualities or characteristics are important for success in this position?
• To whom would I report?
• What are some of the organization's short-term goals? Long-term goals?
• When do you expect to make a hiring decision?
• What challenges might I face in this position?
• What is the next step in the search to fill this position?