Before the Interview
Before your interview find out everything you can about the company (read their annual report which can be obtained by telephoning them). Re-read your application, thinking through your own career and the questions they might ask you. You should try to anticipate the general questions which they will ask and also prepare some questions to ask them.
To do well at the interview you will need to convince the interviewer you are technically qualified to do the job. You will also need to show that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well and that you will fit in with the company's organizational structure and the team in which you will work.
You should dress smartly for the interview and should leave home earlier than you need to on the day of the interview - you may be delayed by traffic or for other reasons. Be courteous to all employees of the company. At the interview itself you must be positive about yourself and your abilities - but do not waffle.
Here are some tips:
1. Assemble all necessary papers
Resume or personal data sheet
Know your resume well enough that you can discuss every line if necessary
Licenses, Social Security card and/or military records
Samples of work, if relevant
List of questions you want to ask the interviewer about the job
Many employers will use your resume as a source of questions during the interview. Review your resume prior to the interview and be able to develop answers to questions that relate to your employment and educational experience listed on your resume. Be prepared to discuss gaps in employment. If called upon, you must be able to demonstrate the skills you stated on your resume. Focus your answers on the skills and experience that will be most useful to the position you are interviewing for.
_____________________
2. Learn all you can about the prospective employer
What are the products and services?
What is its reputation?
What types of jobs are available?
What are the hiring policies and practices?
What are their salary ranges?
What are their goals?
Researching the company you are interviewing with and the position you are pursuing demonstrates genuine interest and initiative. It will be obvious to the interviewer whether you did your research or not. Many interviewers will focus questions on finding out how much preparation you did for the interview.
One can research a company utilizing many different sources:
The Internet
Company brochures and year end statements
The area Chamber of Commerce
Networking – ask friends, relatives, teachers, social and business contacts
You do not need to know everything possible about the company. The information most helpful for the interviewing process includes knowing the product manufactured or service offered. You should find out the size of the company and if they have multiple locations. Who are their competitors? Did they recently merge with another company? What is their sales volume and is that down or up from previous years?
_____________________
3. Identify what you have to offer.
Your education, training and experience—what you have done, know how to do and can do.
Remember all the skills, abilities and talents you possess that will make you an excellent employee.
_____________________
4. Consider your potentials as an employee
Why do you feel you can do the job?
What makes you qualified for the job?
What do you have to offer the company or organization?
Why do you want to work for the employer in question?
_____________________
Pre- Interview Checklist
Before you leave home for your interview, check the following:
Have you researched the organization you are interviewing with?
Do you know the interviewer’s name? If not, get it from the receptionist before the interview.
Have you formulated answers for usual interview questions?
Do you have all necessary information for the interview? This includes items such as resume or personal data sheet, names and addresses of references, pen and note pad.
Is there someone you could do a practice interview with? You will benefit from suggestions for improvement.
Do not forget the most obvious research, simply knowing where you are going BEFORE the interview. What is the company address? How long should you plan for travel time? Drive by the company to be sure that you know how to get there and how long it will take. Also, remember to give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes in case they ask you to complete their job application.
Other tips on preparing for your interview:
Consider how the position relates to your talents and goals, such as specialty area and opportunities for advancement.
Schedule the interview at a time that will not conflict with your working hours. Most interviewers will understand you not wanting to take off work at your current position to interview for other jobs.
Find out the name and position of the person you will meet with and get his/ her telephone number in case an emergency arises.
Be prepared with answers to why you want to work at that particular organization, and how you would be the best candidate for this position. Understanding the company, their mission and their environment will help you with these questions.
Dress properly for the interview. Dress slacks, dress shirt, a tie and possibly a sport coat for men. Women should wear a knee length (or longer) skirt or pants, and blouse. If a skirt is your choice, be sure to wear nylons. Don’t forget the dress shoes.
Day of the Interview
Material to Bring to an Interview
As appropriate, you should have copies of the following with you at every interview: resume, transcript, references, portfolio, work sample, and performance evaluations from previous employers (if you have them). Make sure you can leave the copies with the interviewer because they will not have time to read them during the interview. Also bring a notepad and pen.
_____________
The Routine of an Interview
Most interviews can be divided into four major sections: the introduction, the employer sell, the candidate sell, and the closing.
During the “introduction” the employer will use the first few minutes of the interview, to create a comfortable, friendly environment so that a meaningful conversation can follow. A mutual topic of discussion such as the weather, sports, or a major news story, etc., will normally be pursued.
The "employer sell" will cover organizational structure, products or services, geographical location(s), specifics on the position under consideration, salary (usually not discussed during an initial interview), benefits, etc.
The "candidate sell" is the time spent answering questions about your goals and qualifications and demonstrating your communication skills.
During the "closing", both parties should indicate their level of interest in the other and understand what the next steps to be taken will be.
_____________
Contact Log
It is important to maintain current records of all your job search activities. Record all contact and address information for each organization to which you apply, updating the log with each follow-up call or letter, interview, etc. Accurate records can help to remind you about the current status of each job opportunity, as well as when a follow-up should be done.
_____________
Interview Ethics
Interview only when sincerely interested in a position with the employer.
Provide accurate information on your qualifications and interests. Never falsify data such as GPA, academic major, coursework completed or extracurricular activities on a resume or in an interview.
Notify the Cooperative Education and Career Services Office, at least 24 hours in advance, if you cannot make an on-campus interview or employer presentation.
Acknowledge invitations for on-site interviews promptly, whether you accept or reject them
Notify employers well in advance if you must postpone or cancel an on-site interview
After The Interview
Even though the interview is over, your work is far from complete...
After each interview mentally review the questions asked by the interviewer and your responses to them. Were you caught “off-guard” by any questions? Could you have answered a question better, in more detail, or in a more focused manner? Quiz yourself after each interview and take notes. This will enhance future interview efforts.
It is advisable to send a thank you letter to the person(s) who interviewed you within twenty-four hours after the interview. It reinforces your interest in the position and can serve as an additional opportunity to separate you from the other candidates by recalling a notable topic or attribute discussed in your interview.
Most employers will tell you when you can expect to hear from them. If you do not hear by that date, it is appropriate for you to call them.
If the employer requests additional materials, such as an application, transcript, or references, send them as soon as possible.
If an employer indicated an interest in pursuing things further with you, but you are no longer interested in the opportunity, inform him/her of that fact as soon as possible.
Here are some things you can do:
Type or handwrite the letter. E-mail is not as personal, therefore it should be used in conjunction with a personal letter. If you absolutely cannot write a letter, an e-mail is better than not following up at all.
The letter should be brief and include the following:
1. Thank the interviewer for his/her time.
2. State the position for which you are applying.
3. Mention something from your interview to remind the interviewer who you are.
4. Describe in one or two sentences why you are the best applicant.
Address it to the recruiter, by name and title
Mention the names of the people you met at the interview.
Send a letter to appropriate individuals you interviewed with (always send to the main interviewer).
Keep the letter short, less than one page.
Mail the letter within 24 hours of the interview.
Thank the interviewer for his/her time.
Send a thank you letter for every interview you go on.
Demonstrate employer knowledge in 2-3 sentences.
Restate employment objective.
Answer the question – “What can you do for them?” based on something specifically discussed during your contact. Use accomplishment/ results statements that demonstrate your ability to meet those needs.
25 things to avoid in an Interview
* Poor personal appearance
* Lack of interest and enthusiasm; passive and indifferent
* Over-emphasis on money
* Criticism of past employer
* Poor eye contact with interviewer
* Late to interview
* Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time
* Asks no questions about the job
* Unwillingness to relocate
* Indefinite answer to question
* Overbearing, aggressive, conceited with ‘know-it-all’ complex
* Inability to express self clearly; poor voice, poor diction, poor grammar
* Lack of planning for career, no purpose or goals
* Lack of confidence and poise, nervous, ill at ease
* Failure to participate in activities
* Expects too much too soon
* Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavourable factors on record
* Lack of tact
* Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered
* Lack of vitality
* Lack of maturity
* Sloppy application form
* No interest in company or industry
* Cynical
* Intolerant, strong prejudices
Before your interview find out everything you can about the company (read their annual report which can be obtained by telephoning them). Re-read your application, thinking through your own career and the questions they might ask you. You should try to anticipate the general questions which they will ask and also prepare some questions to ask them.
To do well at the interview you will need to convince the interviewer you are technically qualified to do the job. You will also need to show that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well and that you will fit in with the company's organizational structure and the team in which you will work.
You should dress smartly for the interview and should leave home earlier than you need to on the day of the interview - you may be delayed by traffic or for other reasons. Be courteous to all employees of the company. At the interview itself you must be positive about yourself and your abilities - but do not waffle.
Here are some tips:
1. Assemble all necessary papers
Resume or personal data sheet
Know your resume well enough that you can discuss every line if necessary
Licenses, Social Security card and/or military records
Samples of work, if relevant
List of questions you want to ask the interviewer about the job
Many employers will use your resume as a source of questions during the interview. Review your resume prior to the interview and be able to develop answers to questions that relate to your employment and educational experience listed on your resume. Be prepared to discuss gaps in employment. If called upon, you must be able to demonstrate the skills you stated on your resume. Focus your answers on the skills and experience that will be most useful to the position you are interviewing for.
_____________________
2. Learn all you can about the prospective employer
What are the products and services?
What is its reputation?
What types of jobs are available?
What are the hiring policies and practices?
What are their salary ranges?
What are their goals?
Researching the company you are interviewing with and the position you are pursuing demonstrates genuine interest and initiative. It will be obvious to the interviewer whether you did your research or not. Many interviewers will focus questions on finding out how much preparation you did for the interview.
One can research a company utilizing many different sources:
The Internet
Company brochures and year end statements
The area Chamber of Commerce
Networking – ask friends, relatives, teachers, social and business contacts
You do not need to know everything possible about the company. The information most helpful for the interviewing process includes knowing the product manufactured or service offered. You should find out the size of the company and if they have multiple locations. Who are their competitors? Did they recently merge with another company? What is their sales volume and is that down or up from previous years?
_____________________
3. Identify what you have to offer.
Your education, training and experience—what you have done, know how to do and can do.
Remember all the skills, abilities and talents you possess that will make you an excellent employee.
_____________________
4. Consider your potentials as an employee
Why do you feel you can do the job?
What makes you qualified for the job?
What do you have to offer the company or organization?
Why do you want to work for the employer in question?
_____________________
Pre- Interview Checklist
Before you leave home for your interview, check the following:
Have you researched the organization you are interviewing with?
Do you know the interviewer’s name? If not, get it from the receptionist before the interview.
Have you formulated answers for usual interview questions?
Do you have all necessary information for the interview? This includes items such as resume or personal data sheet, names and addresses of references, pen and note pad.
Is there someone you could do a practice interview with? You will benefit from suggestions for improvement.
Do not forget the most obvious research, simply knowing where you are going BEFORE the interview. What is the company address? How long should you plan for travel time? Drive by the company to be sure that you know how to get there and how long it will take. Also, remember to give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes in case they ask you to complete their job application.
Other tips on preparing for your interview:
Consider how the position relates to your talents and goals, such as specialty area and opportunities for advancement.
Schedule the interview at a time that will not conflict with your working hours. Most interviewers will understand you not wanting to take off work at your current position to interview for other jobs.
Find out the name and position of the person you will meet with and get his/ her telephone number in case an emergency arises.
Be prepared with answers to why you want to work at that particular organization, and how you would be the best candidate for this position. Understanding the company, their mission and their environment will help you with these questions.
Dress properly for the interview. Dress slacks, dress shirt, a tie and possibly a sport coat for men. Women should wear a knee length (or longer) skirt or pants, and blouse. If a skirt is your choice, be sure to wear nylons. Don’t forget the dress shoes.
Day of the Interview
Material to Bring to an Interview
As appropriate, you should have copies of the following with you at every interview: resume, transcript, references, portfolio, work sample, and performance evaluations from previous employers (if you have them). Make sure you can leave the copies with the interviewer because they will not have time to read them during the interview. Also bring a notepad and pen.
_____________
The Routine of an Interview
Most interviews can be divided into four major sections: the introduction, the employer sell, the candidate sell, and the closing.
During the “introduction” the employer will use the first few minutes of the interview, to create a comfortable, friendly environment so that a meaningful conversation can follow. A mutual topic of discussion such as the weather, sports, or a major news story, etc., will normally be pursued.
The "employer sell" will cover organizational structure, products or services, geographical location(s), specifics on the position under consideration, salary (usually not discussed during an initial interview), benefits, etc.
The "candidate sell" is the time spent answering questions about your goals and qualifications and demonstrating your communication skills.
During the "closing", both parties should indicate their level of interest in the other and understand what the next steps to be taken will be.
_____________
Contact Log
It is important to maintain current records of all your job search activities. Record all contact and address information for each organization to which you apply, updating the log with each follow-up call or letter, interview, etc. Accurate records can help to remind you about the current status of each job opportunity, as well as when a follow-up should be done.
_____________
Interview Ethics
Interview only when sincerely interested in a position with the employer.
Provide accurate information on your qualifications and interests. Never falsify data such as GPA, academic major, coursework completed or extracurricular activities on a resume or in an interview.
Notify the Cooperative Education and Career Services Office, at least 24 hours in advance, if you cannot make an on-campus interview or employer presentation.
Acknowledge invitations for on-site interviews promptly, whether you accept or reject them
Notify employers well in advance if you must postpone or cancel an on-site interview
After The Interview
Even though the interview is over, your work is far from complete...
After each interview mentally review the questions asked by the interviewer and your responses to them. Were you caught “off-guard” by any questions? Could you have answered a question better, in more detail, or in a more focused manner? Quiz yourself after each interview and take notes. This will enhance future interview efforts.
It is advisable to send a thank you letter to the person(s) who interviewed you within twenty-four hours after the interview. It reinforces your interest in the position and can serve as an additional opportunity to separate you from the other candidates by recalling a notable topic or attribute discussed in your interview.
Most employers will tell you when you can expect to hear from them. If you do not hear by that date, it is appropriate for you to call them.
If the employer requests additional materials, such as an application, transcript, or references, send them as soon as possible.
If an employer indicated an interest in pursuing things further with you, but you are no longer interested in the opportunity, inform him/her of that fact as soon as possible.
Here are some things you can do:
Type or handwrite the letter. E-mail is not as personal, therefore it should be used in conjunction with a personal letter. If you absolutely cannot write a letter, an e-mail is better than not following up at all.
The letter should be brief and include the following:
1. Thank the interviewer for his/her time.
2. State the position for which you are applying.
3. Mention something from your interview to remind the interviewer who you are.
4. Describe in one or two sentences why you are the best applicant.
Address it to the recruiter, by name and title
Mention the names of the people you met at the interview.
Send a letter to appropriate individuals you interviewed with (always send to the main interviewer).
Keep the letter short, less than one page.
Mail the letter within 24 hours of the interview.
Thank the interviewer for his/her time.
Send a thank you letter for every interview you go on.
Demonstrate employer knowledge in 2-3 sentences.
Restate employment objective.
Answer the question – “What can you do for them?” based on something specifically discussed during your contact. Use accomplishment/ results statements that demonstrate your ability to meet those needs.
25 things to avoid in an Interview
* Poor personal appearance
* Lack of interest and enthusiasm; passive and indifferent
* Over-emphasis on money
* Criticism of past employer
* Poor eye contact with interviewer
* Late to interview
* Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time
* Asks no questions about the job
* Unwillingness to relocate
* Indefinite answer to question
* Overbearing, aggressive, conceited with ‘know-it-all’ complex
* Inability to express self clearly; poor voice, poor diction, poor grammar
* Lack of planning for career, no purpose or goals
* Lack of confidence and poise, nervous, ill at ease
* Failure to participate in activities
* Expects too much too soon
* Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavourable factors on record
* Lack of tact
* Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered
* Lack of vitality
* Lack of maturity
* Sloppy application form
* No interest in company or industry
* Cynical
* Intolerant, strong prejudices
