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ANTICIPATE WHAT THEY WILL ASK
• Think about what you would want to know if you
were doing the hiring.
• Predict the questions based on the job description
and practice your responses.
• The more you practice and think about hiring from
the employer’s point of view, the less likely you will
be taken by surprise.
HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
• Say positive things about your former supervisors,
previous companies and working conditions.
• Show that you focus on solving problems rather
than broadcasting them.
• Find ways to let them know you are a team player
who will work overtime to meet a deadline and are
open to traveling if necessary. Employers want to
hire people with a "can do" attitude.
ANSWER QUESTIONS EFFECTIVELY
• Maintain eye contact 70% of the time.
• Give short, crisp, smooth answers that do not sound
memorized.
• Be sure not to talk too much and modify your verbal
style and actions to match those of the interviewer.
• Be honest, but not confessional. Do not embellish
your answers.
• Your body language has a big impact on the
impression that you create.
• Utilize the STAR method to answer behavioral
interview questions.
ASK QUESTIONS THAT SHOW INTEREST
• Be prepared with questions that show your concern
for the employer’s welfare, not just your own.
• Good questions are related to the job for which you
are applying.
• Ask about job duties, the department, company goals
and growth opportunities.
• Do not ask about salary. Let the employer be the first
to discuss money.
• Examples:
• Describe the type of person who succeeds in this
company.
• What freedom would I have in getting the job done?
• What is your method of training and orienting new
employees?
MAKE A POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSION
• Employers often use the interview as a way to confirm
their first impression of you.
• Make a favorable first impression by offering a firm
handshake and dressing appropriately.
• Practice your small talk and avoid negative comments.
• Learn how to pronounce your interviewer's name and
prior to the interview, review their LinkedIn profile.
• Do not chew gum!
ARRIVE EARLY
• Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview.
• Employers often use being on time as a measure of how
well a person will perform on the job. They assume
your actions during an interview represent you at your
best. If you arrive late, they assume the worst about
your work habits.
BE FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS
• Receptionists and administrative assistants are often
asked for their impressions of a job seeker. You may
never know who has a deciding vote on extending the
offer.
• Be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet.
• Smile!
KNOW THE POSITION AND THE ORGANIZATION
• When answering questions, match your strengths to
the job description and the organization.
• Talk about both your core competency development
and discipline-specific knowledge.
• Bring copies of your résumé in a professional padfolio
or folder.
d
uring
the
i
nterview
TYPICAL INTERVIEW STRUCTURE
• Rapport establishment = small talk
• Opener = first serious question from the
interview is often “Tell me about yourself”
• Exploration of facts = questions about your
experience, education and goals
• Conclusion = summary of the interview and your
opportunity to ask questions