Interviewing Techniques

Quick Tips on Interviewing

The interview has been described as a "mutual exchange of information." Its objectives are to supply information about you to the employer that is not contained in your resume and to enable him/her to evaluate your skills and personality in terms of the demands of the company or a possible position; to enable you to gain additional information about the company not available in published materials; and to gain an offer of employment.

Prepare Before the Interview

Research the Organization: Preparation involves homework about the employer. How much do you know about the company you are trying to get a job with? Do you know what the company makes or what service it performs? Do you know how large the organization is and the principal locations? Do you know anything about the person who will be interviewing you? Annual reports, investment services, faculty, friends, employment brochures, and current employees can all help. Also, much information can be gained by checking library reference material. Two books on interviewing techniques in the Career Planning Center library which students have found helpful are Sweaty Palms, The Neglected Art of Being Interviewed and Knock 'Em Dead with Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions.

Research Yourself: Just as important as knowledge of the company is knowledge of yourself. Don't wait for the interview to try to think of a coherent response to the question, "Tell me about yourself." This is a frequent opener for an interview and the effectiveness of your answer will help to determine whether it turns out to be a successful beginning.

Prepare to Answer Specific Questions: Listed below are questions frequently asked by recruiters and employers in general. It is very important that you take time to formulate responses to these questions. Understanding your response to these questions is a great form of practice interviewing.

•	Why did you choose to interview with our company?
•	Describe your ideal job.
•	What can you offer us?
•	What skill have you developed?
•	What did you enjoy most about your last employment?
•	What did you enjoy least about your last employment?
•	What did you learn from these college work experiences?
•	Why should we hire you rather than another candidate?
•	Why did you choose your major?
•	What do you consider your greatest strengths?
•	Can you name some weaknesses?
•	Why did you select your college or university?
•	What do you know about our company (product or service)?
•	Which college classes did you like the best? Why?
•	Which college classes did you like the least? Why?
•	What is your overall GPA? What is your major GPA?
•	Do your grades accurately reflect your ability?
•	Who are your role models?
•	What problems have you solved in your previous positions?
•	Define success. Failure.
•	Have you ever had any failures?
•	How does your college education or work experience relate to this job?
•	Of which three accomplishments are you most proud?
•	Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years?
•	Tell me about yourself.

Prepare to Ask Specific Questions: An interview also provides you with an opportunity to ask questions about the organization so that you can more carefully plan your job search. Questions should be prefaced with statements indicating that homework about the firm has been done and now additional information is needed. Here's a good example:

"I noticed in the job description printed in your employment brochure that all candidates enter a rather structured program. With my prior experience in sales, would it be possible to move any faster than two years into a marketing position?"

Here are some additional samples of good questions:

•	Identify typical career paths based on past records.
•	What is the realistic time frame for advancement?
•	How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
•	Describe the typical first-year assignments.
•	What are the challenging facets of the job?
•	What are the company's plans for future growth?
•	What industry trends will occur in this company?
•	How has this company fared during the recent recession?
•	What makes your firm different from its competitors?
•	What are the company's strengths?
•	Is it company policy to promote from within? Tell me the work history of your top management.
•	What are your expectations for new hires?
•	Describe the work environment.
•	Why do you enjoy working for your firm?
•	What qualities are you looking for in your new hires?
•	What characteristics does a successful person have at your company?

After the Interview

Notes and Thank-You Notes: As soon as possible after the interview, make notes about what was discussed, include the next steps that you should take, such as writing to indicate your continuing interest. A follow-up letter to the interviewer thanking him/her again for his/her time is a highly effective device that will indicate your conscientiousness and interest in the position or organization.

Basic Tips to Ensure a Good Interview

•	Arrive on time - your promptness indicates your interest, professionalism and commitment as a potential employee.
•	Dress appropriately - when in doubt, the conservative route is usually the best.
•	Do not put yourself in an adversarial relationship with the interviewer. We often think interviewers will do everything possible to make sure that they shouldn't hire us. Remember that they have a need to fill a spot that will benefit the organization, and you have something that will be beneficial for them.
•	Accentuate the positive - strong points impress employers; they should be emphasized at every appropriate opportunity.
•	Relax - practice interviewing. It will help put you at ease for the real thing. Career Planning Center offers many opportunities to brush up on interviewing skills via workshops and mock interviews.