Job Interview Guide

Introduction

An interview is an opportunity for an employer and job seeker to learn about each other. There are hundreds of interview questions that you may be asked, but there are three basic questions an employer is asking you: 

1st Question - Do you have the skills and experience for the job?

This is often the start of the job interview. An employer may use both open and closed-ended questions. A sample of an open-ended question might be, "Tell me about yourself." An example of a closed-ended question might be, "Did you use X computer program in your previous job?" There is no right or wrong answer.

2nd Question - Are you willing to do the job?

An employer may be asking how this position fits in with your career plans. If you are interested in the position, you will need to demonstrate to a potential employer how the position meets your career goals. In addition, employers are also looking to see your commitment to stay and progress with the company, learn new skills, and understand the company's mission.

3rd Question - Will you fit in with the company's organizational structure?

This question is often based on an employer's instinct about whether you're the right person for the job. Prepare for this question by visiting the company's website and researching the mission and vision statements. It is important for you to remember to be yourself since you are also evaluating whether you can see yourself working for the employer. Some factors to consider are the workplace atmosphere, supervision style, mission of the employer, and personalities of those you'll be working with. For example, if you are someone who wouldn't enjoy wearin ga business suit and sitting behind a desk all day, then you may not enjoy working at a bank as a loan officer.

Sample Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to work here?
• What do you know about our company?
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• How does this position fit in with your career goals?
• What did you enjoy/dislike about your previous job?
• Describe your ideal work environment.
• Do you prefer to work with people or things?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• Do you prefer to work alone or with people?
• How would you describe your own personality?
• Why should I hire you?

Behavioral-Based Interview Questions

This type of interview question asks the applicant to give an example of a skill or situation, for example, "Give me an example of how you handled a disagreement with your boss." There is no wrong or right answer since each person will respond differently to the question. You should be prepared to answer behavioral-based interview questions since they can be part of the interview.

Examples of behavioral-based interview questions

• Are you a good manager? Give an example.
• Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what were the reasons and how did you handle it?
• How have you increased profits, reduced cost, or saved time? Give an example.
• Would you describe a situation in which your work was criticized?
• What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make? Give an example.

You Should Ask Questions, Too

You should be prepared to ask the employer questions too. This is usually at the end of the interview when the interviewer will ask, "Do you have any questions for us?" Never say, "No." By asking questions, you are demonstrating your interest and careful consideration whether you would like to work for this employer. This information may be used later to help you evaluate whether you should accept the job offer.

Sample questions for you to ask the employer

• Can you tell me about the duties of this position?
• What type of training is there for new employees?
• What do you enjoy/dislike about the company?
• Are there opportunities for advancement?
• What do you feel would be the challenges of this position?
• Who would be my supervisor? How would you describe their management style?
• What professional development opportunities would be available to me?
• How would you describe the work atmosphere here?

Note: Do not ask questions regarding salary, benefits, vacation time, etc. The empolyer has not extended yo a job offer yet and asking these questions is inappropriate during the initial stage of the hiring process. If an employer asks, “What are your salary requirements?” Never give them an exact figure. You may say, “ Based on my market research it is my understanding that this type of position pays $20‐$25k, but I’d like to wait until we have reached a mutual agreement about the position before we discuss salary.” Once you have a job offer, you ask these types of questions. For information on benefits, you can speak with someone in the compay’s Human Resources Department. 

Preparing for the Interview

Research the Company

Before you visit the employer, you need to know about the company and position you are applying to. You can gather information in business directories, annual reports, the company website, or if you know someone who is already an employee, ask them for their advice or opinions. If you do not have a job description, you should contact the employer for a copy.

Basic Information You Should Know About the Employer

• Corporate structure
• Location
• Job description of the career you are applying for
• Career path potential
• Company's economic situation (see annual reports)
• Company's reputation
• Competitiors
• Products or services offered

Identify Your SKills

Review your resume and be prepared to discuss your skills and experience with the employer. Pay close attention to the job description and the skills listed since you will need to discuss how your background relates to the position. When possible, give examples of your work.

Arrange for References

Identify three to five people you can ask to be your references. They should be former supervisors or colleagues who know you well and can speak about your background. Provide your references with a copy of your resume, job description of the position you are applying for, and list any skills you specifically want them to talk about with the employer. If your reference is a professor, list courses taken, semester of classes, and papers or projects that you worked on in their classes. Remember to keep in touch with your references, and let them know the progress of your job search. Your references might also be a good indicator if you are a final candidate for the position if they have been contacted by a potential employer.

Logistics

• When an employer calls you to schedule an interview, you will need to ask them for three pieces of information:
• Who will you be meeting with?
• Where is the company located/how should I get there?
• A telephone number to call for any last-minute emergencies that would require you to cancel the interview (If this situation arises, you should call as soon as possible, or if you are not able, have a friend or family member call for you).

Rehearsal

Practice your interview skills before you meet with an employer! Use this guide and also prepare a list of questions that you have for the interviewer. Employers use the interview, the only face-to-face contact, to determine whether to ask you back for a second interview or extend an offer. If interviewing makes you anxious , practice your interview skills beforehand which will help put you more at ease so that you can put your best foot forward in the job search. Visit Career Services to inquire about practicing your interview skills in a mock interview.

During the Interview

Arrive early and dress professionally

Remember you are meeting the employer in person and want to make a good first impression. If you don't know where the company is located, get clear directions or drive by the office beforehand so you will know how to get there. An interview suit is required for a job interview. See dress like a professional

Note: If you don’t own a suit, now is the time to invest in at least one professional business suit or borrow one from a friend. There are several stories in the area where you can find a reasonable priced interviewing suit. It’s not a necessity to have a designer suit but that you look clean and presentable to an employer. If you need help finding professional attire please stop by Career Services and we can offer suggestions.

Be polite

Remember that everyone you meet in the company over the telephone or in person may be asked to evaluate you.

Speak in a natural, conversational tone

Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Try to avoid using um, ah, like, and you know when talking.

Posture and body language

Sit relaxed and watch for body movements that might show nervousness such as tapping your foot or pencil, hair twisting, or overusing your hands or arms while talking. When you greet the employer, shake their hands firmly and look them in the eye.

Show the employer that you are qualified and interested in the position

Use examples during the interview to demonstrate how your previous experience and skills will benefit the employer. For example, do not say, "I have developed leadership skills." Instead, say, "I served as president of the Student Government Association, which helped me communicate with others, serve as a role model for other students, and delegate responsibilities."

Never speak negatively about a former employer, boss or colleague

If you had a bad experience, remain positive and discuss what you learned about yourself or the skills you developed while working for your employer.

Goodbye

Ask the employer when they expect to make a hiring decision. Collect a business card from the interviewer to help you draft a thank you letter later. This will assure that you have the correct information to send your letter.

After the Interview

Follow up with a thank you email or letter

Within 24 hours, send the interviewer a thank you email. Restate your interest in the position and address any concerns that may have come up during the interview about your qualifications.

Evaluate the job offer

After the interview, write some notes about the advantages and disadvantages of the position. If you decide to withdraw your name from the list of candidates, you should contact the employer right away. Remember it is a two-way street, and you have the right to refuse a job offer.

If you decide to accept a job offer, congratulations on your new job!

Let the employer know right away. If you need some time to evaluate your decision, it is appropriate to ask for some time. Depending on the employer's need to fill the position, they will let you know when they need to hear from you. You should also place a copy of a letter accepting the job offer in your personnel file with the Human Resources Department.