Organized by:
Conducted by:
Purpose of the Interview
The Candidate
„
Clarify responsibilities of the position
„ Determine if you can/will do the job
„ Determine “fit”
The Interviewer
„
Evaluate candidate based on qualifications and employer needs
„ Determine “fit”
What Employers Look For
… 1/2
„ Confidence: Assertive, takes initiative, accomplishment-oriented answers, persistent in explanations, and poised in character
„ Communication Skills: Grammar and speech are acceptable for a business environment, thoughts were organized before answering the questions, clear expression of ideas
„ Administrative/Organizational Skills: Able to successfully manage at university, work and activities; meets goals; establishes priorities; demonstrates leadership skills
What Employers Look For
… 2/2
„ Time Management: Able to work within a deadline, conscientious of completing tasks quickly, does not procrastinate, ability to budget time realistically and efficiently
„ Stress Management: Shows ability to cope well while under stressful situations, able to remain composed during length of interview, remains calm when answers were challenged
„ Analytical Skills: Answers showed good attention to detail, supports answers with logical reasoning, demonstrates ability to problem-solve, pays attention to finding a solution
Typical Structure of an Interview
„ Small talk
„ “Tell me about yourself!”
„ Discussion of your background and how it relates to the position
„
Your opportunity to ask questions
„
Conclusion
PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW… 1/2
Preparation for the Interview
… 1/8
Know yourself
„ Review your education, experience, skills, interests, and abilities
„ Consider taking a career assessment
(interest inventories, etc.)
„ Speak with friends, family, teachers,
(former) employers, etc.
„
Consult a career counselor at Career
Services

PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW…
2/2
Preparation for the Interview
… 2/8
Know the organization and job for which you are applying
ƒ
Review the job title and description and seek clarification
ƒ
Contact the organization for a more complete description if necessary
ƒ
Arrange an "Information Interview" with someone who has the job or a similar one
ƒ
Spend a "day on the job" observing someone actually doing the job
ƒ
Find out who you would work for and ask questions of him or her
PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW…
3/8
Preparation for the Interview
… 3/8
„ Research the organization to become familiar with its reputation, work environment, "culture," problems, and prospects.
„ Talk to people who would know about the organization, such as job incumbents, former employees, family and friends, faculty, alumni, etc.
„ Peruse the company binders, directories, and other literature
Preparation for the Interview
… 4/8
Prepare questions you will ask during the interview.
„ Examples include:
„ How does the job/department fit in the organization?
„ What type of formal or informal training is given?
„ How would I advance? What "career paths" are available?
„ How is job performance measured?
„
What is the salary? (Usually not asked during the first interview.)
PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW…
5/8
Preparation for the Interview
… 5/8
Review the Questions Most Often
Asked by Employers in Job
Interviews and write out your answers to about ten of the most important ones.
„ The two major types of questions to expect are:
„ Why are you interested in/what do you know about our company?
„ What can you offer us/why should we hire you?
Preparation for the Interview
… 6/8
Have a friend or family member ask you some of the above questions and give you constructive feedback on your answers
ƒ
Audiotape or videotape yourself
ƒ
Schedule a Mock Interview
Preparation for the Interview
… 7/8
Make certain of the interview date, time, and location.
„ Write these down on your appointment calendar along with the interviewer's name and phone number.
„ Allow plenty of time to get to the interview location.

PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW…
8/8
Preparation for the Interview
… 8/8
Look your best for the interview, conforming to the organization's standards whenever possible (check a company manual).
„ Check out etiquette and grooming aspects
„ Be conservative in your dress when in doubt
„ Make a "trial run" in new clothes so you'll be more comfortable
„ Trim your hair, have shoes repaired and shined, etc.
„ Bring a pen and paper, extra resume, etc.
Here's How:
„ Wear a solid color conservative suit with a coordinated shirt or blouse (or salwar kammez)
„ Wear moderate shoes
„ Make sure your hair is well groomed and neat
„ Don't overdo the perfume, makeup, cologne or after shave
„ Limit your jewelry
„ Make sure to try on your outfit BEFORE the day of the interview
Tips:
„ Your clothes are your image, check the mirror and see what others see
„ It is better to be overdressed than underdressed
„
Portfolio
„
Copies of your resume
„
List of Professional
References
„
University transcripts
„
Pen
„
Notepad
„ Comb or brush
„ Breath mints
„ Arrive on time
„ Introduce yourself in a courteous manner
„ Read company literature while you wait
„ Use body language to show interest
„
Listen
„ Smile, nod, give nonverbal feedback
„ Ask about the next step in the process
„ Thank the interviewer
„ Obtain a business card
„ Write a thank-you letter to anyone you have spoken to
The Handshake
„ Keep your right hand free
„
Meet the other person’s hand “web to web”
„ Keep hand in a vertical position
„ Shake from the elbow, not the wrist
„ Two to three smooth pumps
Five Tough Interview Questions
„ The tell-all question: “Tell me about yourself.”
„ The surprise question: “What’s your passion?”
„ Strengths and weaknesses questions
„ Questions about the future: “What are your longterm goals?”
„
Scenario questions: “What if…?”

Questions to Ask in an Interview
„ What will my duties entail?
„ What kind of work can I expect to be doing?
Can you describe a typical day?
„ Where does this job fit into the organizational structure of the company?
„
Who would I report to? Who would I be working with?
„ What is the size of the department I would be working in? What is its structure? How is it organized? May I see it?
After the Interview
Write a thank-you letter to anyone with whom you have spoken
„
Use standard business letter format
„ Thank the interviewer
„ Reference a point of conversation which was of mutual interest
„ Recap how your skills and qualifications fit the position based on your interview conversation
„ Communicate your continued interest in the position
Tip : 1
„ Research the company before your interview. It's a great way to know where you would fit into the organization. It also lets the employer know that you really want to be a part of the company.
Tip : 2
„ Market your skills and related experience in the field that you are applying for. Be sure to do it in a way that is positive, but not cocky or aggressive
Tip : 3
„ Prepare answers to common interview questions ahead of time, and practice saying them, so you aren't stumped during the interview

Tip : 4
„ Dress for success, in the manner you would dress for the position you're seeking.
Tip : 5
„ Be a good listener and focus.
Some job seekers talk too much during interviews
Tip : 6
„ Don't volunteer your personal opinions to your interviewer about any subjects unless you are asked
Tip : 7
„ Try to establish a good rapport with your interviewer.
Be casual but professional, and most importantly
BEYOURSELF! Take the time to implement these interview tips before your next job hunt. It'll give you a leg upon your competition!
Fifty Standard Interview
Questions
…1/5
1.
Tell me about yourself.
2.
What do you want to do with your life?
3.
Do you have any actual work experience?
4.
How would you describe your ideal job?
5.
Why did you choose this career?
6.
When did you decide on this career?
7.
What goals do you have in your career?
8.
How do you plan to achieve these goals?
9.
How do you evaluate success?
10.
Describe a situation in which you were successful

Fifty Standard Interview
Questions
…2/5
11.
What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
12.
What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction in your life?
13.
If you had to live your life over again, what would you change?
14.
Would your rather work with information or with people?
15.
Are you a team player?
16.
What motivates you?
17.
Why should I hire you?
18.
Are you a goal-oriented person?
19.
Tell me about some of your recent goals and what you did to achieve them.
20.
What are your short-term goals?
Fifty Standard Interview
Questions
…3/5
21.
What is your long-range objective?
22.
What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
23.
Where do you want to be ten years from now?
24.
Do you handle conflict well?
25.
Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How did you resolve it?
26.
What major problem have you had to deal with recently?
27.
Do you handle pressure well?
28.
What is your greatest strength?
29.
What is your greatest weakness?
30.
If I were to ask one of your professors to describe you, what would he or she say?
Fifty Standard Interview
Questions
…4/5
31.
Why did you choose to attend your college?
32.
What changes would you make at your college?
33.
How has your education prepared you for your career?
34.
What were your favorite classes? Why?
35.
Do you enjoy doing independent research?
36.
Who were your favorite professors? Why?
37.
Why is your GPA not higher?
38.
Do you have any plans for further education?
39.
How much training do you think you'll need to become a productive employee?
40.
What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
Fifty Standard Interview
Questions
…5/5
41.
Why do you want to work in the _____ industry?
42.
What do you know about our company?
43.
Why are you interested in our company?
44.
Do you have any location preferences?
45.
How familiar are you with the community that we're located in?
46.
Will you relocate? In the future?
47.
Are you willing to travel? How much?
48.
Is money important to you?
49.
How much money do you need to make to be happy?
50.
What kind of salary are you looking for?