Interview Tips
Prior to the Interview Day:
Research the company, their mission, and the job. If you are able to quote the mission or use their ‘lingo’, you’ll show the interview committee that you’ve done your homework. Also review the job description and highlight key qualifications…be sure to use these words to describe yourself (in the cover letter, resume, and interview).
Review your resume and cover letter – the interview committee will expect you to explain more about your past experiences when answering questions.
Go through example interview questions: review the provided list and also ask friends about their past interviews and any tips they may have.
Make sure you know exactly where you are going, how to get there, where to park, etc.
The Day of the Interview:
Make sure to shower, brush your teeth, style your hair conservatively, and wear minimal jewelry/accessories on your interview. Also make sure you have food in your stomach and have gone to the bathroom prior to the start of your interview. Before you get to your interview have a breath mint (no gum). Dress professionally and conservatively. Men – wear a button‐down shirt and tie. Women – wear a suit skirt or pants, button‐down shirt and/or nice sweater, etc. (women have a bit more flexibility in their shirt choices.) A suit jacket is preferred and a definite the more ‘professional’ or ‘senior’ the position. Even though you may be applying for a job that you’d normally wear jeans at, you still want to be professional in appearance during the interview. Be a minimalist when it comes to what you bring to the interview– a small bag/briefcase/purse, a clean notebook with pen, etc. Do not come in with a lot of items – you’ll look cluttered and disorganized. Bring with you a bottle of water (you’ll be talking a lot during the interview).
Arrive 10‐15 minutes early. Give yourself plenty of time to get there, but make sure to walk in the reception room no more or less than 10‐15 minutes before your interview. When you are checking in with reception, make sure you treat the receptionist kindly and with respect.
As you meet your interview committee, smile warmly, make eye contact, shake hands, repeat their names back to them, etc. This is your chance to make a positive first impression.
When you sit down, pull out your notebook and pen and be poised to take notes. Typically an interview begins with the interviewer describing the job position…you may want to jot down what he/she says. You may also want to write down the names of all the individuals on the interview committee.
While answering questions, be sure to annunciate, make eye contact, speak at a normal speed (don’t speak too fast – this is a classic response to nervousness), and don’t fidget. If you have a tendency to fidget, fold your hands in your lap.
ANSWER the question – use examples, stories, etc. Examples back up your generic claims (i.e., I’m a really flexible person, for example when I was working at…) In addition, sometimes people begin to tell a story and then later realize that they forgot what the question was that they were answering. Be brief but detailed.
Remember that as you are interviewing, the committee is wondering if you are qualified for the position AND if you would get along with the other employees.
At the end of your interview be sure to ask questions. NEVER leave an interview without at least asking a couple of questions.
Once you are done asking questions, sincerely thank the interview committee for their time and let them know you enjoyed meeting them. Shake their hands while making eye contact and smiling, then exit the room.
After the interview (later that day or the next day), write out a thank you card (or email, as most appropriate, and if you want it to them faster), and send it to the interview committee thanking them again for their time. You may also want to briefly highlight your qualifications in the thank you card.
Sample Interview Questions Questions the interview committee may ask you – these are generic, and not specific to one field. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Why are you interested in this position and what makes you the best candidate? Why do you want to leave your other job? What are your goals for this position? What ideas and programs would you like to implement/change? How would you describe yourself? Tell us about yourself. How would others describe you? Tell us about a time when you said or did something that changed someone’s behavior?
7. 8. 9.
Tell us about a conflict you have had with another person and what was the outcome? What have you learned from that? Tell us about a time when you made a decision that you felt was the right decision though it might not have been the most popular. How do you think you would handle a situation with a disgruntled customer, especially if they become angry and argumentative?
10. Describe your ability to successfully interact with persons of cultures or races different from your own. Give an example or two. 11. What is your experience with…public speaking, program planning, reference work, cataloging, archiving, web design, information management, etc? 12. What are some personal challenges for you if you get this position? What are your weaknesses? 13. What accomplishment are you most proud of? 14. What has been your most rewarding job, and why? 15. What has been your least rewarding job, and why? 16. How would you characterize your work style, and give an example. 17. Why should we hire you?
Questions for the Interview Committee Always have a few questions prepared for your interview committee – it shows that you are greatly invested and interested, and is a great chance for you to mention that you’ve done your homework on their company (i.e., “I see that last year you went through a strategic plan, could you tell me more about how that affects your goals and possibly this position?”) Here are some generic questions:
1. 2. 3. 4.
What is the typical work cycle for the year? Are there especially busy times, etc.?
What are some of the best parts/ most challenging parts of working as a ___ (position title)?
5.
How did each of you come to working here?
6. 7.
What are you looking for in a colleague/employee?
How would you describe a day‐in‐the life of a ___ (position title). How would you describe the work environment (atmosphere, colleagues, etc?)
What is the expected timeline for the interview process? Is there a possibility of a second interview?
![Verbal Sample Questions [questionpaperz.in].pdf](https://p.pdfkul.com/img/300x300/verbal-sample-questions-questionpaperzinpdf_59d182661723dd6a4d307d29.jpg)
