Job Interview Tips

The thirty- sixty minutes or so you spend on a job interview can determine your future. Your presentation of your skills, your personal appearance and preparation for the interview will influence the employers decision about offering you a job. (Note: Phone interviews are becoming more popular. Most of the information given in this handout applies to phone interviews as well.)

Preparing for the Interview

1. Be prepared to present your qualifications and skills to the employer in a positive manner. Review your accomplishments before the interview and be ready to talk about them.

2. It is helpful to practice with a Career Specialist or a friend.

3. Do your homework and learn about the employer. Know the companys full name, locations, purpose and products. Look in the Times Union and the Business Review for more information about the company. Have some questions ready to ask the employer about the company.

4. Know what job you are applying for and the skills it requires. An Ill take any job attitude suggests poor preparation and little self-knowledge.

5. Know the exact time and location of the job interview. Find out the interviewers name and how to pronounce it beforehand. Make sure to be on time.

6. Bring a few copies of your resume for the interviewers as well as a writing sample and your grade report.

7. Appearance contributes to the overall impression you make and can influence the employers decision. Dress neatly and wear clothes appropriate to the job you are applying for. Traditional business attire such as blue or gray is most appropriate.

Beginning the Interview

1. First impressions are important. Smile, shake hands firmly, and introduce yourself. Use the interviewers name.

2. Allow the interviewer to show you where to sit. Body language conveys the way you feel about yourself. Sit up comfortably but dont sprawl, slump over or hold your body rigidly. Also, dont let your hands betray your nervousness. Dont drum with them or tap a pencil.

3. Offer a clean or updated copy of your resume to the interviewer or members of the interview group.

4. Think positively. Lack of enthusiasm about yourself and the job leave a poor impression. Look interested and alert.

Exchanging Information

1. In the interview, the interviewer will want know about your skills, training experience and education. Be prepared to talk about your past accomplishments and your potentialhow you can help the company. Know why the employer should hire you.

2. Interviewers may ask questions like Where do you want be in five years? Tell me about yourself, etc. (See list of questions below). Be prepared to answer these questions and dont be afraid to ask for clarification.

3. Throughout the interview maintain eye contact but dont stare. Speak clearly and slowly.

4. If you left a job under unfavorable circumstances or were fired, frankness is important.

5. Tell the interviewer you learned from your mistakes. However, NEVER make unfavorable references to the past employers. It may indicate to them that you are difficult to get along with or not a loyal employee.

6. Your goal is to speak clearly and directly. Avoid qualifiers or statements which compromise the integrity of your words (this may not be important/directly related, but). Dont use the words such as well, may, sort of, kind of or like as a reply or start your answer. Remember empty fillers such as um or you know leave a poor impression to the interviewer.

7. Find out the salary range for the job ahead of time, if you can. In the earl stages of the interview do not discuss the salary and benefits. Although it is important to you, it is inappropriate to ask about. You may appear to be more concerned about the money than working. Wait for the employer to bring it up.

Closing Interview

1. Thank the interviewer.

2. Summarize why you are interested in the company and tell them again why you are a strong candidate for the position.

3. Inquire when you will be contacted about the position--shake hands at the close of the interview.

4. If you are offered the job during the interview tell the interviewer that you would like to consider the offer and get back to him/her within a specified period of time. Go home and gather all the information necessary to make a good decisionposition responsibilities, salary, benefits, travel, etc. if you need additional information contact the person who made the offer and ASK!

Following Up

1. Write a brief thank you note immediately after the interview to thank the employer for his/her time, and to express an interest in the position (call the company if you do not have the correct information).

2. If you do not hear from the employer within two weeks or the agreed upon time, you can telephone and check on the status of the search.

3. Keep notes on the interview for reference.

4. If the interview fails to get you the job, ask the interviewer about other companies or people to contact.

Sample Questions Asked By the Interviewer

• Why did you choose a career in _____?
• Tell me about yourself.
• What do you know about this company?
• What are your career objectives? Where do your see yourself in 5 years?
• Why should we hire you?
• What were your five biggest accomplishments in your last job (in school)?
• What do you consider to be your greatest strength and weaknesses?
  What interests you most about this position?
• Describe a few situations in which your work was criticized. How did you handle it?
• What have you learned from participating in extracurricular activities?
  How would you describe your personality?
• What do you like to do in your spare time?

Questions You May Ask During Your First Interview

• What are you looking for in hiring someone for this position?
• What are your expectations for this position in the first 1-2 months?
• Are there opportunities for job-related training?
• Are there opportunities for advancement?
• Is this a new position? If not, where has the previous person gone?
• Who would I be working with on a daily basis? How would you describe the management or decision-making style?
• What are the companys plans or projections for growth?
• What do you see as strengths of this department?