Getting it right face-to-face.
If you’ve made it to the interview, then you’ve made it to the last step of the placement process and perhaps, the most important. It offers both you and the employer the opportunity to meet, exchange information and come to a tentative conclusion about working with one another. Remember, this is a two-way process; you’re both evaluating each other. This is time to project yourself in a positive, enthusiastic manner.
Before the Interview
Research the Employer – Thoroughly research the organization to impress those with whom you meet and to better understand company culture and structure. Some information you’ll want to know includes:
- Size of organization
- Location of facilities
- Structure of organization
- Types of clients
- Product line or service
- Recent items in the news
Know Yourself – Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and know exactly what you want to say and do not want to say during the interview. Write out answers to possible questions from the interview. Do a mock interview with a friend or relative.
Prepare Yourself – Know the name, role and level of responsibility of each individual with whom you are to meet. Know exactly how to get to the organization and dress to project an image of confidence and success.
During the Interview
First impressions are made right away….You will want to convey sincerity, a dedication to achievement, confidence and a high energy level. These attributes are communicated through your attitude and actions, as well as through your verbal response. Follow these tips to ensure you are portrayed as confident and competent.
- Do wear clean and well-pressed clothing.
- Don't wear wild or large print clothing.
- Skirts should touch the knee and slacks should touch the top of the shoe.
- Don't wear tight, revealing, trendy or out of style clothing.
- Go light on the cologne or perfume.
- Have clean, well-manicured fingernails.
- Hair should be clean and conservatively cut.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Maintain good posture, which should be well balanced, erect, relaxed and open.
- Hands should be placed comfortably in your lap or holding a notebook.
- Handshake should be firm, but not bone crushing.
Questions the Interviewer May Ask
Here are the types of questions an interviewer may ask. Before your interview, it's a good idea to review these questions and your answers so you’re well prepared and confident.
- What are your long-range and short-range goals and objectives and how are you preparing to achieve them?
- Where would you like to see yourself two years from now?
- What job was your most favorite (and least favorite)? Why?
- What type of people do you like to work with?
- How would you describe yourself?
- Why are you interested in this specific position?
- How do you think a friend who knows you well would describe you?
- If offered this position, how soon can you start?
- How do you determine or evaluate success?
- Why are you looking for a new job?
- Why did you leave your last position?
- How have prior jobs or experiences prepared you for this position?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What can you do for us that someone else can't do?
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Asking questions of the interviewer shows that you are truly interested in the job, the company and finding the right match for both of you. By questioning the interviewer you'll appear more self-assured and professional.
- Describe the typical first-year assignment.
- Tell me about your training programs.
- What is the company's vision in the next five years? Ten years?
- What makes your firm different from your competitors?
- How would you describe the corporate culture and management style of this company?
- What are your expectations of new hires?
- What qualities are you looking for in new hires?
- Describe a typical day for this position
- How many steps are there in the interview process?
- How did you get started in this company?
- What do you think it takes to be successful within your company?
- When are you planning to make an offer?
- I am very interested in this position; will you please keep me in mind?
Back to Career Center