Interview Skills

“There are two terrible places to be during an interview – sitting in front of the desk wondering what one earth is going to happen next, and sitting behind the desk asking the questions. The average interviewer dreads the meeting almost as much as the interviewee...”
- Martin Yate, Knock ‘Em Dead


“The goal of an interview is to get you a job offer or at least another interview. If you handle the interview well you will show the employer that, in addition to your outstanding technical qualifications and background, you are a good communicator, an
organized, prepared, and logical thinker, and someone who would add value to the organization.”
- Peter Fiske, Put Your Science to Work




Before the Interview

1. Study the job description carefully
2. Know where you are going. Get driving directions
3. Research! Research! Research!
Find out:
The vital facts of the organization
Work atmosphere/ The corporate culture
Mission of the organization
Other research: Competitors, Salary

4. Practice your handshake
5. Get comfortable speaking about yourself. Know yourself. Know what your personal
and career goals are.
6. Practice! Practice answering questions. This means answering them out loud. Have a friend listen and give constructive criticism. While this may seem silly, it will go a long way to preparing you for an interview. Nerves and adrenaline make people inclined to rush or babble, two things that should be avoided during an interview. Practicing beforehand will help to combat this.

Types of Questions:

Common Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why this organization? Why this job?
What can you do for us?
Why are you leaving___________? (If applicable.)
Develop Your Own Follow-up Questions
What does the job entail?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
What about your professional development?
What are the future goals for the organization?
What are the roles of different team members?
What is the culture like in the organization?


Tailor questions and answers for the company


The Day of Your Interview

1. Show up with energy
2. Dress appropriately (Even if you don’t want to) Dress well. Regardless of a winning personality or stunning intelligence, much of a first impression is based on physical appearance. Follow the old adage to “dress for success” and demonstrate by your attire and how you carry yourself that you are professional, organized and confident.
3. Bring materials
4. Allow extra time


During the Interview

1. Promote yourself and your strengths
2. Don’t assume that the interviewer has read your application materials
3. Mind your manners
4. Be enthusiastic
5. Never talk negatively about prior jobs or employers
6. Be prepared to talk about weaknesses
7. Answer questions as best you can
If needed, pause for thought
Ask for clarification
Stay in the moment
Be mindful of how long your answers to questions are
Never lie. About anything. Really
8.Don’t name a number first
9. Be mindful of nonverbal communication
Handshakes
Eye contact
Stay focused
Posture
Fidgeting
Speak clearly

10.Prepare for following-up
How will the process proceed?
Get business cards

Illegal questions
Employers should not ask about any of the following, because to not hire a candidate because of any one of them is discriminatory:

* Race
* Color
* Sex
* Religion
* National origin
* Birthplace
* Age
* Disability
* Marital/family status

Your Options:

Answer the question.

Answer the "intent" of the question. For example, if you are asked whether you
are a United States citizen (not legal to ask), reply that you are authorized to work in the U.S., which is a question the employer can ask you and which is appropriate to answer.

Try to change the topic of conversation and avoid the question.

Refuse to answer the question which might cost you the job if you are very uncomfortable with the question. However, consider whether you really want to work somewhere where you are asked questions that are not appropriate.


After the Interview
1. Write notes
2. Send thank yous
3. Follow up, if needed


In Conclusion

Be confident
Be courteous
Be positive
You learn from each interview
“Be yourself. People tend to do a poor imitation of
anything else”
- Peter Fiske, Put Your Science to Work