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INTERVIEWING
First relax, take a deep breath, and think about all of your skills, accomplishments, and abilities. Are you talented, outgoing, intelligent, able to work well with others, handle instructions well? Do you enjoy people or prefer to work alone? How do you handle criticism? Are you good at evaluating the work of others? Do you prefer to supervise or to be supervised? What did you enjoy the most about your last position? What would you change about it? What has been your major contribution to your last job? What are your long and short-term goals? What would you like to be doing in five years? How would you like to improve? What are you looking for in your next job?
Keep in mind that employers are interested in what you can contribute to the company by:
- Making Money
- Saving Money
- Saving Time
- What is an interview?
| An interview is a formal name for an exchange of information and impressions. It is an opportunity for an employer and potential employee to begin to get acquainted. An employer has to basic goals in meeting with you: |
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| - To find the right person for the job |
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- To find someone who can contribute to the organization's
goals
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| An interview is not a casual conversation. It can be friendly, cordial. . . but it is still serious |
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CARDINAL RULES FOR APPLICANTS
| - Know about the company and be ready to ask questions |
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- Know your resume well and be ready to expound on the
statements in your resume using numbers and
accomplishments |
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- Be yourself
- You may have two possibilities:
| - Your qualifications may fit for the open position |
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| - An interviewer might try to find another position for you |
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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU THE INTERVIEWER MAY ASK:
- Will you give me an idea of your background in ____________?
- Tell me about yourself.
- What prompted you to apply for this position?
- What are you good at doing?
- What do you dislike doing?
- How do you get along with different kinds of people?
- What are your goals?
- What are you doing to achieve these goals?
- What do you hope to be doing in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
- What kinds of things worry you?
- Tell me about the last time you were angry at work?
- How did your previous employer get the best out of you?
- Are you interested in sports?
- Do you prefer working with others or alone?
- How do you manage to interview while still employed?
- What sets you apart from other candidates?
- When do you expect a promotion?
- Who are your heroes?
- What do you admire most? Why?
TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR APPROACH TO THE JOB
- What do you look for in a job?
- What frustrated you in your previous jobs?
- What was your single most important contribution in your last job?
- If you could create a job for yourself, what would it be?
- How do you feel about travel and/or relocation?
TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR APPROACH TO PROBLEMS
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Suppose you ran into a problem with ___________________? How would you handle it?
- What was a tough situation that you had to handle?
- Tell me about a situation that really challenged you and how you met the challenge.
- What kinds of decisions are most difficult for you?
- What is the most difficult problem that you have faced?
- Are you willing to take calculated risks when necessary?
- Describe some problems from your previous job and how you solved them?
- What problem are you most proud of having solved? How did it benefit your company?
TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR APPROACH TO THE BOSS
- What is or was the title of your boss?
- What are her or his responsibilities?
- Tell me about your best boss?
- What did you learn from your best boss?
- Do you prefer to work for a delegator, or one who gives you close supervision?
- What approach works best to get the most out of you?
BE PREPARED TO ASK QUESTIONS
- Why is this job open?
- How many people held this position in the last 2 years. What happened to them?
- Where does this position fit in the overall organization?
- To whom would I report?
- Where is the job located?
- What type of training is required for this position? How long is the training period? What other training opportunities are provided?
- What are the chances for growth within the company?
- Where are the greatest opportunities for growth within the company?
- What are the most important skills and characteristics needed to progress in the company?
- What made you decide to join the company? How long have you been a part of the organization?
- What has been the pattern of growth of the company in the last 5 years? Is it profitable? How profitable?
- What is the growth plan of the company?
- Who are the company's major competitors? How does the interviewer compare the company to its major competitors?
- Which markets do you regard as most important?
- Who are your major customers? Are they mostly local, regional, national, or international?
- Is there a written job description. May I see it?
- What will my priorities be? What will be my first assignment?
- How often are performance evaluations conducted and how are the evaluations made?
WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT
Employers try to find the best person, with the right qualifications and best potential to fill the job. Employers look for these attributes in an employee:
- Professional Appearance
- Ability and Aptitude
- Experience
- Training
- Drive and Goal-Orientation
- Motivation
- Communication Skills
- Good Grades
- Energy and Enthusiasm
- Perseverance
- Confidence
- Reliability
- Honesty and Integrity
- Pride
- Dedication
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Teamwork Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Listening Skills
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Knowledge and Interest in their organization
Special qualities employers seek in managers or supervisors:
- Previous successful supervision
- Broad understanding of management
- Leadership
- Team-building Skills
- Career-mindedness
THE INTERVIEWER MAY OFFER INFORMATION
- Describe the job - discuss the content as well as the importance of the position.
- Identify the duties - specifics about time, quality, and quantity.
- Explain what is expected and the criteria for evaluating performance.
- Indicate the level of authority - what decisions will the employee make, how much power will he or she have?
- Describe the support systems - what kind of assistance is available to help the employee carry out assignments.
AN EMPLOYER MAY ASK WHY YOU LEFT YOUR PREVIOUS JOB
According to Martin Yate, author or Knock 'Em Dead 2008 and numerous other job-finding/career books, there are 6 acceptable reasons for leaving jobs (CLAMPS):
- Challenge - you were not able to grow professionally
- Location - the commute was too long
- Advancement - there were no opportunities to get ahead within the company or the opportunities were taking too long
- Money - you were not being paid enough for your skills and accomplishments
- Pride - you wanted to be with a better, larger, or more prestigious company
- Security - the company was not stable
PORTFOLIOS
You can put together a portfolio that will help you at interviews. Visual techniques are remembered, and showing skills and achievements mean much more than telling. Your portfolio can accompany you at every interview and can be adapted according to the needs and requirements of the job. Starting a portfolio now will enable you to build a history of skills, strengths, and achievements.
You may want to include the following in your portfolio:
- Résumés
- Fact sheet highlighting your skills and what you like to do best
- Biography - if there is anything unusual about you not described in your résumé
- Certificates, Awards, Honors
- Clippings of any accomplishments, community involvement, or activities
- Letters of thanks, commendation, or recommendations
- Writing samples
- Creative writing, artwork, or design samples
- Examples of training programs or educational tools developed, and responses indicating successes
- Evidence of computer skills or technical knowledge useful in the job
- Programs from events you helped to plan or participated in, including relevant volunteer programs
- A list and description of workshops, seminars, trade shows, and any special training programs relevant to the work you want to do
- Quantitative indications of achievements - pictures, drawings, computer designs, numbers, and percentages
You can purchase a 9X12 portfolio for under $20.00. This project takes time, effort, and organization, but it works. Try, and see what happens.
DRESSING FOR INTERVIEWS
How you look, what you wear, and your nonverbal communication are important in determining if you will be considered beyond the first interview.
Employers are interested in finding people who look professional. Unfair as it may be, first impressions are almost everything. It is a compliment to most employers to have you overdressed rather than underdressed for the interview. To look professional, in most cases:
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Men wear:
- Conservative navy or gray suits
- Long sleeved white or pale blue shirts
- Silk ties with small patterns
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Men do not wear:
- Beards - which are considered nonconformist
- Cologne, aftershave, or hair spray
- More jewelry than a watch and a wedding ring
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Women wear:
- A navy blue, gray, or dark colored suit or dress with jacket
- A conservative white or pastel blouse
- Carry an attache case or briefcase
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Women do not wear or carry:
- A purse
- Cologne, perfume, or hair spray
- More jewelry than a watch and a ring
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ILLEGAL QUESTIONS
Under Federal Law there can be no job discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or age. This applies to employers, unions, and employment agencies. In most circumstances you should not be asked questions about your:
- Age (for certain jobs you may be asked if you are over 18)
- Birthplace
- Sex
- Marital Status
- Spouse
- Religion
- Race
- Country of Origin
- Children
- Pregnancy or Family Plans
- Parents
- Height
- Weight
- Credit Ratings or Financial Status
- Union Membership (in a nonunion company)
- Arrests with no convictions
- Convictions unrelated to the job
METHODS OF ANSWERING ILLEGAL QUESTIONS
- You are free to answer the question. If you choose to do so, realize that you are providing information that is not job-related. You could hurt your candidacy by giving the "wrong" answer.
- You can refuse to answer the question. By choosing this option, you are running the risk of coming off as uncooperative or confrontational - hardly the words an employer would use to describe an "ideal" candidate.
- You can examine the intent behind the question and respond with an answer as it might apply to the job:
Question: " Are you a U.S. citizen?" or "What country are you from?"
Answer: Instead of answering the question directly, you could say, " I am authorized to work in the United States."
Question: "Who will take care of your children when you have to travel?"
Answer: " I can meet the travel and work schedule that this job requires."
EXAMPLES OF ILLEGAL AND LEGAL QUESTIONS
NATIONALITY
Illegal: Are you a U.S. Citizen? Where were you / your parents born? What is your native tongue?
Legal: Are you authorized to work in the United States? What languages do you read, speak, or write fluently?
AGE
Illegal: How old are you? When did you graduate from college? What is your birthday?
Legal: Are you over the age of 18?
MARITAL / FAMILY STATUS
Illegal: What is your marital status? Who do you live with? Do you plan to have a family? When? How many children do you have? What are your child care arrangements?
Legal: Would you be willing to relocate if necessary? Travel is an important part of the job. Would you be willing to travel as needed by the job? (All applicants should be asked this question for it to be legal.) This job sometimes requires overtime. Would you be able and willing to work overtime as necessary? (All applicants should be asked this question for it to be legal.)
AFFILIATIONS
Illegal: To what clubs or social organizations do you belong?
Legal: Do you belong to any professional or trade groups or any other organizations that you consider relevant to your ability to perform this job?
PERSONAL
Illegal: How tall are you? How much do you weigh?
Legal: Are you able to lift a 50 pound weight and carry it 100 yards, as this is part of the job?
DISABILITIES
Illegal: Do you have any disabilities? Please complete the following medical history; have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations? If yes, list and give dates. What was the date of your last physical exam? How is your family's health? When did you lose you hearing?
Legal: Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations? (This is OK if the interviewer thoroughly described the job.)
As part of the hiring process, after a job offer has been made, you may be required to have a medical examination. Exam results must be kept strictly confidential, except medical/safety personnel may be informed if emergency medical treatment is required, and supervisors may be informed about necessary job accommodations, based on the exam results.
ARREST RECORD
Illegal: Have you ever been arrested?
Legal: Have you ever been convicted of __________? The crime should be reasonably related to the job in question.
MILITARY
Illegal: Were you honorably discharged from the military? In what branch of the armed forces did you serve?
Legal: What type of training or education did you receive in the military?
FOLLOWING-UP
Following-up can help you:
- Influence the decision-makers
- Move things along
- Show interest and enthusiasm
- Exhibit confidence and willingness to take risks
- Stand out from your competition
- Reassure the hiring manager
- Turn a losing into a winning situation
ALWAYS send a thank-you note or follow-up letter within 24 hours after the interview:
- Make sure you have the name (correct spelling) and title of all those with whom you interviewed
- Send a thank you to all of the interviewers
- In the thank you note describe how your skills/achievements may contribute to the company/organization. Always write in terms of what you can give them, not what you can get from them.
- Try to get business cards from your interviewers
- Find out when and how you can expect to hear from the organization
- Follow-up with a phone call - some employers tell me that they often select the person that calls back the most
- Don't be overly aggressive, but don't just sit back and wait for something to happen
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- To help prepare you for the interview process try role-playing with a family-member or friend using some of the above questions.
- The best time for an interview is very early in the morning before the work day begins.
- Arrange for no more than one interview in a morning or afternoon.
- Be prompt. Arrive 15 minutes early.
- Completely fill out application forms even if you are asked information already on your resume.
- Always be honest.
- Be able to quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages.
- Think in terms of increasing productivity, decreasing costs, and increasing profitability for the company - how can you do that?
- Try to appear poised and alert.
- Be friendly and enthusiastic.
- If an employer tells you that they dress casually, ignore it. Dress in a suit and tie/suit and look professional at all interviews - first impressions count.
- Polish your shoes.
- Be well-groomed.
- Wear clothing that is professional and comfortable.
- Sit comfortably without sprawling.
- Let the interviewer be in control. Do not put anything on the interviewers desk.
- Ask questions. If you want to clarify certain aspects of the job, ask. Interviewers look badly on interviewees who have no questions.
- Wait until you are offered a job to ask about paid holidays and vacations.
- Carry extra résumés and references with you.
- Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat candy.
- Do not wear fancy jewelry or cologne.
- Be polite. Do not show hostility.
- Show a can-do attitude which demonstrates that you can get along well with bosses, colleagues, and subordinates.
- If asked general questions, answer in terms of your professional abilities and experiences.
- Employers are interested in what you can contribute to the organization, not what you can get from it.
- Never, never be critical of former employers.
- Only 15% of getting a job is qualifications. Your tone of voice, posture, facial expressions, and eye contact give clues about your inner feelings and attitudes. Non-verbal communication is important:
| - Use good posture |
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| - Don't hide with sunglasses |
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| - Don't cover your mouth when you speak |
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| - Use direct eye contact |
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| - Give a firm handshake before and after the interview |
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| - Speak clearly in a firm, confident, and not too loud voice |
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| - Smile, when appropriate |
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| - Try to relax |
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- Give specific answers to all questions. Don't be vague.
- Get the name and title of the interviewer(s). Try to get a business card from all of those who interview you.
- At the end of the interview, find out when and how you will be notified.
- Thank the interviewer for his or her consideration.
- If you are really interested in the job, tell the interviewer again before you leave.
- Leave promptly, don't drag it out.
- Send a thank-you with-in the next 24 hours.
- Don't be discouraged if you don't get the job. Try to learn from the experience.
- Remember - you only need one YES!
EMPLOYERS INDICATE THAT YOU CAN HURT YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING A JOB BY
- Poor career planning
- Lack of qualifications for the position
- Inability to communicate clearly
- Insufficient evidence of achievement
- Failure to research the organization
- Showing a lack of enthusiasm or interest in the organization
- Unwillingness to relocate
- Appearing overbearing, aggressive, conceited
- Seeming more interested in money and benefits than anything else
- Failure to follow-up after the interview
THE GOLDEN RULE OF INTERVIEWING
- Be yourself, know yourself, and sell yourself. Successful interviewing requires successful selling.
I've met men who saved lives, built nations, or unlocked the mysteries of the universe . . . and the most easily observable thread which connected these people was their ability to present well on an interview. Winston Churchill to Franklin Delano Roosevelt
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