Between every job opening, application, and ultimate hiring stand an inevitable hurdle - the interview.  It is one of the most important events in the application process.  You can have a great résumé but the 30 minutes to 2 hours you spend telling about yourself, your experiences, and your skills, might make the difference between being hired or not.  Remember, you are 
being interviewed but you are also interviewing!  BE POSITIVE!

 

Come prepared - bring a pen, pencil, another copy of your résumé, letters of reference, list or copy of relevant courses, social security number, any completed applications, and dress appropriately (see Dress code for Interviewing sheet).

 

Research the company - go to a library and do research on the company.  
Read the newspapers where you will find company business reports that list promotions and product lines.  Ask friends, family, and associates if they know anything about the 
company you are interested in.

 

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS THE INTERVIEWER MAY ASK YOU

- Tell me about yourself.

- Why did you get into this field?

- How long have you been out of work?  Why?

- Explain the gaps in your work history.

- Why did you leave your last job?

- What are your salary requirements?  History?

- When are you available to start work?

- How do you feel about overtime?  Are you available for rotating shifts?

- Are you willing to relocate or travel for business?

- Are you considering other positions?  How do they compare to this one?

- Do you plan on going back to school?

- Why do you want to work here?

- What can you do for our company?

- Please expand on what is on your résumé.

- What is/was your favorite course?/What course(s) did you do best in?

- How does your education relate to this job?

- What job have you enjoyed the most?

- What skills have you gained?

- Of which accomplishment are you most proud?

- Where would you like to be in 5 years?  10 years?  What are your career goals?

- What is your major strength/weakness?

- How do you react to crises?  Give me an example.

- Why should we hire you instead of someone else?

- How is your health?  Are you married?  Do you have children?  (Although age, marital status, religious and political affiliations are personal matters, some interviewers still ask questions about them - be prepared.)

- What is your minimum salary? (If this is your first interview say open - only discuss salary, vacations, holidays, and benefits after the first interview.  Negotiable benefits sometimes include health, life insurance, stock options, bonuses, commissions, education, retirement plans, and incentive promotions including gifts, trips, money, etc.)

 

QUESTIONS THAT YOU CAN ASK

- What would my responsibilities be and why is the position available?

- What is a typical day like?

- What kind of training can I expect in the beginning?

- When will the first job performance evaluation take place?

- Does any authority go along with this position?

- Was the previous employee promoted?

- Who will I report to?  Could I meet this person?

- Do most managers have advanced degrees?  (Don't ask the interviewer about his/her qualifications.)

- How does this department fit into the company's growth plans?

- Could you elaborate on...?

- How many people are you interviewing?

- When will a decision be made?

 

HOW TO END THE INTERVIEW

The interviewer will usually end the interview and ask if you have any questions.  Have one or two in mind.  Thank the interviewer for their time and tell them how much you enjoyed the interview and tour, if applicable.  Tell them you are interested in the company and the position.  Give the interviewer a firm handshake and a smile.  Now is the time to make a pro and con list for the company and the position in question.  Call back in two weeks to check the status of your application if you have not heard anything.

 

DO'S AND DON'TS OF AN INTERVIEW

- Do make sure that your hands are attractive, your hair is clean and styled, you wear 
perfume or cologne in moderation, and have your outfit pressed.

- Do go alone and arrange for your own transportation.

- Do be prepared and do your background research on the company.

- Do look directly at the interviewer during the interview.

- Do smile and show them they have put you at ease.

- Do let the interviewer set the pace of the interview.

- Do show confidence in your past experience.

- Do observe the attitudes and appearance of the employees.

- Do write a thank you or follow up letter to thank the interviewer (be sure to get the correct spelling of the interviewer's name).

- Don't be late.  In fact, arrive 10 minutes early.

- Don't sit until you are asked.

- Don't have anything in your mouth (i.e., gum, cigarette, candy).

- Don't lean or put your elbows on the interviewer's desk.

- Don't wear sunglasses or stare all around the room during the interview.

- Don't wear flashy ties, wear excessive makeup or have unusually long fingernails.

- Don't show your nervousness by cracking your nails or strumming your fingers.

- Don't pick up anything from the interviewer's desk.

- Don't stand if someone else enters the room unless you are introduced.

- Don't listen in or comment on any of the interviewer's phone calls.

- Don't observe or read documents on the interviewer's desk.

- Don't call the interviewer by a first name.

- Don't be a jokester, give one or two word answers or interrupt.

- Don't use profanity or slang even if the interviewer does.

- Don't mumble, preach or say the same thing over and over.

- Don't make small talk while the interviewer is reading your resume.

- Don't interpret items on your résumé until you are asked to.

- Don't criticize your former boss or place of employment.

- Don't watch the clock or ask "Will I get the job?" or "Can I have the job?".

 

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