Interviewing

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Nov 01, 2018

Interviewing

Job Searching Tips
To a large degree, the success of your interview will depend on your ability to discover needs and empathize with the interviewer. You can do this by asking questions that verify your understanding of what the interviewer has just said, without editorializing or expressing an opinion. By establishing empathy in this manner, you'll be in a better position to freely exchange ideas, and demonstrate your suitability for the job.

In addition to empathy, there are four other intangible fundamentals to a successful interview. These intangibles will influence the way your personality is perceived, and will affect the degree of rapport, or personal chemistry you'll share with the employer.

  • Enthusiasm: Leave no doubt as to your level of interest in the job. You may think it's unnecessary to do this, but employers often choose the more enthusiastic candidate in the case of a two-way tie. Besides, it's best to keep your options open. Wouldn't you rather be in a position to turn down an offer, than have a prospective job evaporate from your grasp by giving a lethargic interview?
  • Technical interest: Employers look for people who love what they do, and get excited by the prospect of tearing into the nitty-gritty off the job.
  • Confidence: No one likes a braggart, but the candidate who's sure of his or her abilities will almost certainly be more favorably received.
  • Intensity: The last thing you want to do is come across as "flat" in your interview. There's noting inherently wrong with being a laid back person; but sleepwalkers rarely get hire.

Before The Interview

  • Preparation is the key to successful interviewing.
  • Research the position and the organization.
  • Be sure you understand the position for which you are applying.
  • Do a through self-evaluation of your skills.
  • Be prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit the organization.
  • Preparation is the key to successful interviewing.
  • Research the position and the organization.
  • Be sure you understand the position for which you are applying.
  • Do a through self-evaluation of your skills.
  • Be prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit the organization.

During The Interview

  • Be yourself.
  • Be positive, speak slowly and pause before answering.
  • Be prepared with extra copies of your resume.
  • Be courteous to everyone you meet: receptionists, secretaries and others.
  • Meet the interviewer with a firm handshake, a friendly smile and a polite greeting.
  • Be confident, poised, show interest and enthusiasm.
  • Be professional and use professional language.
  • Use body language to show interest (appropriate posture and eye contact).
  • Ask about follow-up procedures and collect a business card.
  • Remember to breathe and smile!

Prepare For Questions

  • List 2-3 functional skills you have to offer.
  • Find unique skills to talk about with the employer.
  • Think about 1 or 2 weaknesses and how you are working to overcome them.
  • Know the information on your resume.
  • Review your work and extra-curricular experience and find ways to relate it to the position for which you are applying.
  • Listen attentively to the questions.
  • Ask for clarification when you don't understand a question.
  • Prepare for open-ended as well as factual questions.
  • Give complete answers and use specific examples whenever possible.
  • Be prepared to describe specific successes from your background that demonstrate how you can contribute to the organization's continued success.
  • Don't be negative about previous bosses, employers or companies.
  • Be prepared with questions to ask the employer.

Sample Interview Questions

  1. Tell me about yourself.
  2. What can you do for us?
  3. Why would you be good in this job?
  4. What do you know about this job?
  5. Why are you changing fields?
  6. What do you know about this job?
  7. How do you define success?
  8. How well do you work under pressure?
  9. What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?
  10. What are your most important accomplishments thus far in your career?
  11. Could you have done more in your last/present job?
  12. What do you know about our company?
  13. In what way do you feel you can make the biggest contribution to this firm?
  14. What suggestions have you offered former employers that were actually adopted?
  15. What would you do to improve this firm?
  16. Are you willing to relocate?
  17. What did you like best about your last/present job?
  18. Give an example of your: - creativity? - adaptability? -analytical skills? - innovative abilities? —leadership skills?
  19. What direct supervisory experience have you had?
  20. How do you interact with subordinates?
  21. How do you motivate people?
  22. What are your thoughts regarding promotion for yourself? For your subordinates?
  23. How did you get along with your last boss?
  24. How would you describe the "ideal" boss?
  25. Is your present/past income commensurate with your abilities? What salary range are you expecting?

Questions to Ask Employers

  1. Why is the position available?
  2. If I work hard and prove my value to the firm, where might I be in five years?
  3. How do you evaluate the employee's performance during the training period?
  4. What types of assignments may I expect the first six months on the job?
  5. Dose your company have a training program each year?
  6. When dose the training program begin?
  7. What is the length and structure of the training program?
  8. What career paths have others generally followed after completing the program?
  9. Why do you enjoy working for this company?
  10. Is relocation likely or required?
  11. What are your expectations for new hires?
  12. How will the person who accepts this position be evaluated? By whom?
  13. Do you have a detailed description of the position for which I am being considered? • When can I expect to hear from you?

Follow Up

  • Take a moment to make some notes after each interview and record your impressions and thoughts.
  • Follow up with a thank you letter within 1-2 days.
  • Forward any requested materials promptly.
  • Be persistent and maintain an optimistic outlook. Employers will assume you can perform the job successfully.
  • Follow-up! Again.