Interview Preparation

Self-Preparation

Your goal is to present yourself as the kind of candidate the employer is looking for someone with a good knowledge of self, capabilities and shortcomings, someone with a clear vision of goals and opportunities.

Research on the Employer/Employing Organization

Find out as much as you can about the potential employer. Doing so will allow you to match your unique skills and qualifications to the employer’s needs. Find out whom they are where they are located, what their major products/services are, and what kinds of opportunities they have available. Compose specific questions for the interviewer based on your research.

Positive Attitude

Project a favorable image to the interviewer by arriving early, dressing appropriately, and behaving in a courteous manner. Be poised and enthusiastic about your opportunities with the employer, and confident in your abilities. Doing so ensures that you make a good impression, especially in the first five minutes of the interview, during which an interviewer frequently determines whether or not you are a serious candidate.

Interview Awareness

Prepare for the kinds of questions the interviewer might ask. Familiarize yourself with interview questions in general and formulate several ways you might answer them (see the next section for a list of commonly asked interview questions). When asked a question, listen carefully and respond directly. Some interviewers rely heavily upon body language. Be conscious of your posture and do not shy away from direct eye contact.

Common Questions Asked by Employers

What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
Can you name some weaknesses?
Define success/failure.
Have you ever had any failures? What did you learn from them?
Have you ever spoken before a group of people? How large?
What can you offer us?
Why did you choose to attend your college/university?
Why did you choose your major?
In what extracurricular activities did you participate?
Did your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not?
Did you work while going to school? In what positions?
Give an example of a situation in which you provided a solution.
Give an example of a time in which you worked under deadline pressure.
How do you think a former supervisor would describe your work?
What did you enjoy most about your last employment? Least?
What kind of boss would you prefer?
What other types of positions are you considering?
How do you feel about working in a structured environment?
Are you able to work on several assignments at once?
How do you feel about working overtime/travel/relocation?
Would you be successful working with a team?

Questions to Ask an Employer

What is the largest single problem facing your staff/department right now?
What kinds of assignments might I expect during the first six months on the job?
Are salary adjustments geared to the cost of living or job performance?
In what ways is a career with your company better than one with your competitors?
Please describe the duties of the job for me.
Does your company encourage further education?
How often are performance reviews given?
Do you have plans for expansion?
What are your growth projections for the next year?
Have you cut your staff in the last three years?
How do you feel about creativity and individuality?
What is the usual promotional time frame?
What do you like best about your job/company?
Has there been much turnover in this job area?
Is there a lot of team/project work?
What characteristics do the achievers in this company seem to share? Where does this position fit into the organizational structure?
Do you fill positions from the outside or promote from within first? What skills are especially important for someone in this position?
What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position?
Will I have the opportunity to work on special projects?
What is the next course of action? When should I expect to hear from you, or should I contact you?