Interviewing Tips for Applicants

Interviewing is a matching process. You are interviewing the supervisor and the position as much as you are being interviewed. You should not only be prepared for their questions, but you should also ask questions you may have about the position and job responsibilities. You want the job to be a good fit. Here's a step-by-step plan to succeed in an interview. If this interview doesn't result in the job for you, keep looking!

1. Do your homework.

• Review your work history to refresh your memory.
• Review your accomplishments, skills and strengths in anticipation of questions.
• Anticipate possible questions you may be asked and how you would answer them.
• Write down questions you have about the position.

2. Be prepared.

• Get a good night's sleep. (It is better to be wide awake for your best performance.)
• Give yourself plenty of time. Plan for time to get ready, time to get to the interview (anticipate possible traffic or parking problems), and time to relax for a few minutes before your scheduled interview.
• Wear professional attire to the interview (a suit or a nice dress). It is always better to be over-dressed rather than under-dressed. First impressions are lasting!

3. The Interview.

• Breathe deeply and relax before you go inside. Take a few minutes to yourself to be quiet and alone.
• NERVOUSNESS is NORMAL. It will give you some energy and keep you on your toes.
• Be sure you greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the interview.
• Be aware of your body language and facial expressions. Try to appear confident but not arrogant, attentive but not intimidating, relaxed but not slouched.
• Keep your answers concise and only answer the question that was asked. Avoid rambling or taking the lead from the interviewer.
• Ask what the next step in the process is, when the decision will be made, and when you will be notified.
• Have your questions prepared so you are ready when they ask you if you have questions.

4. After the Interview.

• First and foremost, write a thank-you note.
• Use the interview as a learning experience. Ask yourself what you did well and what you could have done better or differently.

Here are some questions you could expect to hear on a typical interview. When you go into the interview, make sure you know what information you want to convey to the interviewer. By knowing what you want to get across, you can more effectively target your answers to your strengths and qualifications. Check below for a list of questions you may want to ask about the position for which you are interviewing.

• What do you consider to be one of your strengths? Weaknesses?
• What have been your greatest work and non-work accomplishments over the past two years?
• What qualifications do you have that indicate that you will be successful in this position?
• How would you handle this situation ________________________?
• What features of your past/present positions do you like and dislike?

• What kind of boss do you prefer to work for? Why?
• How do you react to pressure or stress?
• What are your career objectives, short-term and long-term?
• Where would you like to be five/ten/twenty years from now?
• How will employment with us contribute to your career plans?

• Describe your ideal job.
• What are your salary requirements?
• How would a co-worker or boss describe you?
• What did you like most/least about your last job?
• How does your previous experience relate to this position?

• Why did you leave your last job?
• What career-related skills do you possess as a result of your academic preparation?
• What activities did you participate in during school?
• How does your education relate to this position?
• What classes did you like most/least in school? Why?

• How do you define success?
• What do you expect from a job?
• What are your location preferences?
• What motivates you?
• How would you describe your work style?

• What new skills or capabilities have you developed over the past year?
• How do you solve problems?
• How long can you commit to this position?

Listed below are some questions you may want to ask along with questions that are specific to your field.

• How would you describe a typical day in this job?
• What specific skills and experiences would you look for in an ideal candidate for this position?
• What is the typical career path for a person who is successful in this position?
• To whom would I report?
• How many people have been employed in this position and where have they gone? What is the average length of stay in this position?
• How often are performance reviews conducted?
• What kind of training can a new hire expect in the first three months?
• How much travel is normally expected?
• How much evening, weekend or overtime work is expected?
• If I am extended an offer, how soon would you like me to start?
• What else can I tell you about my qualifications?
• When can I expect to hear from you?

Some do's and don'ts to keep in mind for your interview.

• DO go to the interview alone.
• DO arrive at least 10 minutes early.
• DO dispose of cigarettes and chewing gum before entering the office.
• DO smile and give your name clearly when greeting the interviewer.
• DO wait to be asked to sit, and try to sit comfortably and with good posture.
• DO look directly at the interviewer when talking.
• DO relate your qualifications and experiences readily (including volunteer work).
• DO stress your skills and your strong points.
• DO answer questions in full instead of just "yes" or "no".
• DO indicate preference of jobs. Never say "I'll take anything."
• DO show interest in the job.
• DO leave promptly when the interview is over.
• DO express thanks to both the receptionist and the interviewer when finished.
• DO offer a firm handshake to the interviewer.
• DO follow-up with a thank-you note to each interviewer.

• DO NOT sit down until asked.
• DO NOT slouch or fold your arms.
• DO NOT use slang expressions.
• DO NOT criticize others, including your former employer, even if justified.
• DO NOT beg for a job or, on the other hand, be boastful.
• DO NOT contradict the interviewer.
• DO NOT discuss personal problems.

If you were not satisfied with the way in which you handled the interview, LEARN from your mistakes. Note the areas you wish you had handled differently. PRACTICE the areas in which you feel you have shortcomings. Remember that each interview gives you more practice and time to enhance your interviewing skills!

• Did I have a firm handshake?
• Was I neat and clean, wearing professional clothes similar to those worn by people who do the kind of work for which I am applying?
• Did I maintain good eye contact with the interviewer(s) and refrain from exhibiting nervous mannerisms?
• Did I supply information about my skills within the first few minutes of the interview?
• Did I answer the question, "Why should we hire you?" by referring to my skills and strengths?
• Did I respond to open questions such as, "Tell me about yourself" by discussing my work skills and abilities?
• Were my answers to questions short but thorough? Did they end in a positive statement about my being able to do the job?
• Did I state sometime during the interview my desire to work in the position?
• Did I show enthusiasm about the position by asking work-related questions?
• Did I walk in and out of the interview briskly and confidently?
• Did I ask specific questions about the job?