Interview Help

1. Learn all you can about the position requirements: how does your background match, what are the specific job duties, how/where does the job fit into the organization, what can you do in the position that will benefit the company? Draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. On the left side, make a list of what the employer is looking for based on the job announcement. On the right side, make a list of the qualities you possess that fit those requirements.
   
2. Research the organization -- history, mission statement, annual reports, key personnel, recent publicity, etc. What does their culture value in terms of qualities and traits of employees? (See their recruiting literature, web-site).
   
3. Be prepared for open-ended and behavior based questions, communicate your qualities, traits and accomplishments that will be valued by the organization. Prepare answers for the 10 most common interview questions:
   • Tell me about yourself.
   • Why did you leave or are you leaving your last position?
   • What do you know about this company?
   • What are your goals?
   • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
   • Why do you want to work for this company?
   • What has been your most significant achievement?
   • How would your last boss and colleagues describe you?
   • Why should we hire you?
   • What are your salary expectations?
4. Prepare your 2-minute personal statement: Your answer to the , "Tell me about yourself," question.
5. Be prepared to ask questions that are relevant to the position or operation of the organization. DO NOT ASK questions relative to salary at this point unless initiated by the interviewer.
6. Dress appropriately -- dress should be conservative and professional for men and women. Stay away from excesses, and be aware of personal hygiene.
7. Practice your interview with family, roommates, etc.

1. Do you look professional? Check yourself in the mirror; part of your confidence will come from looking good.
   
2. Carry these items to the interview:
   • Several copies of your resume on quality paper.
   • A copy of your references.
   • A pad of paper on which to take notes (notes are optional).
   • Directions to the interview site and contact phone number.

1. Be on time or early, go alone, check in with the individual coordinating the interviews (they may make observations as part of the interview process), act professional, be prepared with any requested information, and get rid of gum or other distractions.
   
2. Greet the interviewer(s) with a smile and firm handshake; wait for instructions on when and where to be seated. Try to feel relaxed and comfortable; watch posture and mannerisms that might cause distractions.
   
3. Answering and Asking Questions -- Attempt to answer questions thoroughly but as briefly as possible. Present yourself as an individual who has qualities, skills and competence. If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification or repeat back the question to make sure you understand what is asked. Listen for opportunities to indicate your knowledge of the organization as you answer questions -- watch for clues and the body language of the interviewer(s). Be prepared with questions relative to the position or company that reflect your interest(s), and ask any appropriate question(s) that may have come to you during the course of the interview. Learn the STAR response system. When a question is asked, think of a Situation/Task you have experienced, the Action you took and the end Result. This can provide a clue to answer many questions.
   
4. Concluding and exiting the interview -- thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity to interview, ask when you can expect to hear from them, and also express appreciation to the individual coordinating the interviews for his or her assistance.
   

1. Assess your role and performance in the interview -- identify strengths/weaknesses, observe what and how you could have done better. Don't dwell on the past, but learn from the interview.
   
2. Follow-through -- write a note to the interviewer(s) expressing appreciation for the interview and reaffirming your interest in the position; make contact later at the time suggested by the interviewer(s). Don't be discouraged, learn from the interview, and look for other opportunities.
   
3. Keep a good record of all contacts for future reference.
   
4. More information on Interview Follow-up.