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Pre-Interview Preparation:
Research the organization you are interviewing with.
- Areas of specialty
- Growth potential
- Number of employees
- Any relevant facts about the organizations company's history
- Current press releases or news
Prepare yourself to answer a variety of questions that the interviewer will be asking. Some of the more common questions are:
- What kind of job are you looking for?
- Describe yourself?
- What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
- What do you know about our organization?
- Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?
- What did you enjoy most about your last position?
- What did you enjoy least about your last position?
- Have you ever quit a job? Why?
- Have you ever worked under the pressure of deadlines?
- Do you prefer working for large or small organizations?
- Have you ever had any failures?
- Do you prefer to work under supervision or independently?
- What do you consider your most significant accomplishments?
- Why do you believe you are qualified for this position?
- Why are you leaving your current position?
- How have you grown or changed over the course of your career?
- One our biggest challenges is __________, how would you deal with this challenge?
- What are your career goals?
- Describe your favorite boss?
- Why should we hire you for this position?
Think of pertinent questions that you want to have answered before leaving the interview. Make it a two way interview, because you are also judging whether you really want this position. Some questions you might have are:
- Details about the position?
- Reason the position is available?
- Types of training programs?
- Growth potential of position/organization?
- How would you describe your management style?
- What are some of the most pressing objectives for this position?
- What personality traits do you consider critical?
- What significant changes do you foresee within the organization?
As a rule of thumb, do not ask about salary, vacations, bonuses, etc. Should the interviewer ask you for a desired salary, don't state a specific amount, but be general. For example, "I am currently making $___ and would prefer to stay in that range or higher"
The Interview:
- Leave in plenty of time to ensure you get there in time for your interview. If possible, get there 10 minutes early in case there is paperwork to complete.
- Always take several copies of your resume with you, even if you sent one to the organization.
- Take a portfolio with a notepad to the interview. This way you can take notes during the interview and it is also someplace to keep your list of questions to ask the interviewer.
- The first impression is a lasting one!
- Dress in a conservative, professional manner. It is always safe to be conservative, save the latest fashions for social occasions.
- When greeting the interviewer, match his/her style of greeting. For example, if the interviewer introduces himself as "Mr. Jones", then greet him as "Mr. Jones".
- Always greet the interviewer with a firm handshake.
- Maintain good eye contact during the interview. This displays an air of confidence.
- Use proper grammar throughout the interview - never use slang.
- Answer all questions as completely and truthfully as possible.
- Make sure you understand the details of the position and find out where you stand in consideration.
- Thank the interviewer for his/her time and express your feelings about wanting (or not wanting) the position.
- Before leaving make sure you have answered the two questions uppermost in the interviewers mind: Why are you interested in this organization and what can you offer?
- Within the next 2 or 3 days, sit down and write a thank you letter. In the letter restate your best qualifications for the job and include anything you may have forgotten. Restate your interest in the position.
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