Center for Career Development
Interviewing Tips
Most people become extremely nervous at the prospect of a job interview. Some nervousness is to be expected. However you can cut down on your worry about an interview by recognizing it as a conversation between you and a potential employer designed to give both of you the information necessary to determine if you want the position and if they want to hire you. It is an exchange of information: your opportunity to learn more about the company and the job, their opportunity to learn more about you and your qualifications. The other key to interviewing successfully and with a minimum of anxiety is preparation. The better prepared you are the more confident you will be.
Preparing for an Interview
Research the organization. You need to know if you want to work there. What do they do? What products or services do they offer? Who are their customers, clients? With whom do they compete? What makes them stand out from their competition? The more you know about them, the better you will be able to explain how you can fit into their organization and help them succeed. How do you do this? Check and see if they have a web site. Use resources in the Career Library or in the public library. Network with people who work there. Call them up and ask them to send you information.
Research the industry. Know something about the field and what the trends are in the field. Is this field growing or changing in some way. Who are the major players in the field?
Make sure you know where the interview will be held and how long it will take to get there. If necessary, make a trial run. Always allow extra time.
Make sure you know the interviewer's name and title. Be prepared for additional interviews. Sometimes you will see a series of people. Sometimes you will be interviewed by a group of people.
Arrive for the interview on time. If you are unavoidably delayed, call as soon as possible. Ask if it is still convenient for you to come or if you could reschedule.
Go prepared with questions to ask the interviewer. Remember that you are trying to decide if you want this position. Be prepared to ask anything which is not explained during the interview. It is alright to write down your questions in a small notebook to use during the interview. Typical questions to ask the interviewer appear below.
Review you most important qualifications. Be prepared to talk about your education, your previous work experience, your strongest skills. Practice with a friend or ask the career center for a mock interview.
Bring extra copies of your resume. If you have samples of your work, bring them. Bring a pen and paper to take notes. It is useful to have a portfolio or briefcase to carry any information you receive while you are at the interview.
Dress appropriately. Usually this means a business suit. When in doubt, choose the more conservative outfit.
Professional Attire Advice
During the Interview
- Greet the interviewer warmly with a firm handshake.
- Be yourself.
- Follow the interviewer's lead.
- Maintain eye contact and smile. Sit up straight and slightly forward in the chair in an open posture. Don't cross your arms. Avoid nervous habits. A Mock Interview and help you become aware of and control these.
- Be positive, upbeat and enthusiastic. People want to hire people who are excited about working for them.
- Answer all questions honestly and briefly. Avoid yes or no answers by elaborating where appropriate, but don't go on endlessly. Be confident, but not arrogant.
- Speak clearly and distinctly—not too fast or too loudly. Use your best vocabulary, but be sure you use words correctly. Avoid slang.
- Be an active listener and speaker. Listen for cues the interviewer may give you. Don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview to clarify a point.
- Don't focus on negative parts of your previous experience. Do not complain about previous bosses or employers.
- Make sure you get a business card from the interviewer so you can follow up appropriately.
- Ask whether they need any additional information from you and when they expect to be making a decision.
- If you want the job, express your enthusiasm for the job and the company.
After the interview
- Make notes for your follow up.
- Send a thank you letter to your interviewer. If there was more than one, send each a note. Restate your enthusiasm for the position, briefly make any points you forgot to make during the interview.
- Evaluate your interview performance. What could you have done better? What should you have prepared that you didn't.
- If the position is offered, evaluate the offer and consider whether you want the job. Always make sure to inquire how soon they need to know if you are accepting the offer.
- If you don't get the job, ask why. Learn something from each experience.
Why people don't get jobs
- They are late for the interview.
- Poor personal appearance.
- Inability to express themselves: poor grammar, incorrect usage, slang.
- No Goals.
- Unable to clearly state strongest skills and abilities.
- No expressed interest or enthusiasm.
- Lack of confidence, overly nervous.
- Lack of courtesy or tact.
- Tells tales; lacks discretion, complains about previous bosses or employers.
- Lack of eye contact.
- Failure to say thank you or follow up.
- Too much interest in salary, benefits, time off.
Typical Interview Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- How did you hear about this position?
- What do you want to do with your life? Where do you hope to be in five years?
- Why did you choose this type of work?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why do you think you might like to work for us?
- What was your major? What activities have you been involved in? Did you play any sports? Do you have any hobbies?
- Why did you choose a liberal arts college?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- What are you doing to improve?
- How well do you work independently? How well do you work with supervision? Give me an example.
- How were your grades?
- If I were to contact a past employer, what might they say about you?
- What are your career goals?
- What are your salary requirements?
- Why should I hire you?
- Scenario questions: How would you handle it if....
- What accomplishments have given you the greatest satisfaction?
- What skills, training, experience and education do you have which qualify you for this job?
Questions You Can Ask the Interviewer
- What are the duties/responsibilities of the position? Do you have a job description?
- What would be the usual career path of this position?
- Whom will I be working for?
- How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
- Would you describe the work environment.
- What is the overall structure of the department where the position is located?
- Is this a new position? Why is this position available?
- What characteristics are exhibited by a successful person at your company?
- Do you provide training and education?
- At the end of the interview, if the interviewer has not already told you, you can ask about salary and benefits.
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