The impression you make on the interviewer often can outweigh your actual credentials. Your poise, attitude, basic social skills, and ability to communicate are evaluated along with your experience and education.
You and the interviewer must engage in a conversation – a mutual exchange of information and ideas. Only through such a dialogue can you both determine if you, the organization, and the job are well matched. Preparation is the key.
- Be on time.
- This often means 10-15 minutes early. Interviewers often are ready before the appointment.
- Know the interviewer’s name, its spelling, and pronunciation.
- Use it during the interview. If you don’t know the name, call beforehand and ask the secretary. Also, note the secretary’s name in case you have to call back. Secretaries can influence the hiring decision!
- Have some questions of your own prepared in advance.
- There is nothing wrong with having a short list of questions and thoughts – it shows you have done your research and want to know more about the organization and the position.
- Bring several copies of your resume.
- Also, bring a copy of your transcript. Carry your papers in an organized manner.
- Have a reliable pen and a small note pad with you.
- But do not take notes during the interview. However, immediately afterward, write down as much as you can remember, including your impression of how well you did.
- Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile.
- Remember to maintain eye contact (which does not mean a stare down).
- Expect to spend some time developing rapport.
- Don’t jump right in and get down to business. Follow the interviewer’s lead.
- Don’t be embarrassed if you are nervous.
- As you gain experience, you’ll become more at ease with the interviewing process.
- Focus.
- On your attributes, your transferable skills, and your willingness to learn; don’t apologize for a lack of experience; describe your strengths in terms of what you can do for the organization.
- Tell the truth.
- Lies and exaggeration will come back to haunt you.
- Listen carefully to the interviewer.
- Be sure you understand the question; if not, ask for clarification, or restate it in your own words. Answer completely and concisely. Stick to the subject at hand.
- Never slight a teacher, friend, employer, or your university.
- Loyalty ranks high on the employer’s list.
- Watch your grammar.
- Employers are interested in candidates who can express themselves properly. Even if you have to go slowly and correct yourself, accuracy is preferred over ungrammatical fluency.
- Be prepared for personal questions.
- Some interviewers may not know what they can and cannot ask legally. Anticipate how you will handle such questions without losing your composure.
- Wait for the interviewer to mention salary and benefits.
- Don’t expect a job offer at the first interview.
- Often you will be invited to a second or even third interview before an offer is made several weeks later.
- Close on a positive, enthusiastic note.
- Ask what the next step will be. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and express your interest in the job. Leave quickly and courteously with a handshake and a smile.
- No interview is complete until you follow up with a thank-you note.
- Express your appreciation for the interview and, if true, reaffirm your interest. This last step can make a difference. Don’t forget it.
- What are your long-range goals; when and why did you establish these goals; how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
- What are your short-term goals?
- How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
- What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
- What do you really want to do in life?
- What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
- What do you expect to be earning in five years?
- Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?
- Which is more important to you, the money or the type of work you do?
- What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
- What do you consider to be your major weaknesses?
- How would you describe yourself? Tell me about yourself.
- How do you think a friend or professor who knows you would describe you?
- What motivates you to put forth your greatest efforts?
- How has your college experience prepared you for a career?
- Why should I hire you?
- What skills, experience, and training do you have that qualify you for the job?
- What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful?
- How do you determine or evaluate success?
- What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
- In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company/organization?
- What qualities should a successful manager possess?
- Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to him or her.
- What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
- Describe your most rewarding college experience.
- If you were hiring a college graduate for this position, what qualities would you look for?
- Why did you select your college or university?
- What led you to choose your field of major study?
- What college subjects did you like best? Why?
- What college subjects did you like least? Why?
- If you could do so, how would you plan your academic study differently? Why?
- What changes would you make in your college or university? Why?
- Do you have plans for continued study? An advance degree?
- Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement? Do they reflect your potential for success?
- What have you learned from participation in extra-curricular activities?
- In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
- How do you work under pressure? Give an example.
- In what part-time or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why?
- How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation?
- Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
- What do you know about our organization?
- What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
- Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why?
- What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
- Do you have a geographical preference? Why?
- Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you?
- Are you willing to travel?
- Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee?
- Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our company is located?
- What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?
- What have you learned from your mistakes?
- Tell me about your greatest risk-taking experience.
- What is the toughest decision you have had to make?
- What is your most humbling experience?
- What is your definition of leadership and how would you apply it to your campus experience?
- What was your most exciting experience?
- What is your salary requirement?
- What do you like most about this position?
- Do you have any questions?
- Please describe the duties of the job for me.
- What kinds of assignments might I expect the first six months on the job?
- What products (or services) are in the developmental stage now?
- Do you have plans for expansion?
- In what ways is your organization involved in the community or in the environmental concerns?
- Is this a new position?
- What is the largest single problem facing your staff (or department) now?
- What is the career ladder for this position?
- How are job performances evaluated? How often?
- What is a typical work day like?
- Is there a formal training program or on the job training?
- Is there a probation period? Afterwards, will I have increased authority and responsibilities?
- Will I have my own projects?
- Will I be supervising others?
- Do you fill positions from the outside or promote from within first?
- To whom would I report?
- What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position?
- What skills are important? Are creativity and individuality encouraged?
- Where does this department fit in the organization?
- What characteristics do the achievers in this company seem to share?
- Is there team/project work? Will I have the opportunity to work on special projects?
- What kind of equipment/technology is available for use on the job?
- Does your company provide/encourage additional training or education?
- What is the next step in the hiring process?
- When might I expect to hear from you?
- What is the salary?
- How much vacation will I get?
- What are the benefits?
- How secure is the job?
- How soon will there be a promotion?