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Interviews

What is an interview and how do I prepare for the interview?

What do I need to know before my interview?

Strategies for handling interview questions.

Twelve attributes sought by employers.

Top qualities employers are seeking from potential employees.

What is an interview and how do I prepare for the interview?

A. Your objective as an Interviewee
1.	To receive an employment offer
2.	To be invited back for a subsequent interview
3.	To be considered for future positions
4.	To obtain information about the job or industry
5.	To practice interview skills

B. How to prepare yourself for the interview:
1.	Know yourself -interests, values, and skills
2.	Know t he industry- find information sources about that field
3.	Know the company-check the website, ask friends
4.	Know the job duties in a general way-refer to the job description
5.	Pay attention to physical appearance-be clean and professional
6.	Have an outstanding resume available-make sure it's current and error-free
7.	Have other support material ready (reference, portfolios, etc)
8.	Prepare answers to anticipated questions (especially about your application)

C. Structure of the Interview:
1.	Introduction-Keep it brief. Talk about goals, interests, why you're there.
2.	Be prepared to answer basic questions revolving around your past work history, education, and personal characteristics.
3.	Defer any discussion of salary or benefits until the second interview if possible.
4.	Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer.

D. How to answer interview questions:
1.	Answers should be complete, but they should not be too lengthy (2-3 minutes maximum)
2.	When asked about your last position, emphasize your accomplishments and problem solving skills, not simply your past work responsibilities.
3.	Use positive language and avoid criticizing or making negative comments about previous employers.

E. After the interview:
1.	Send thank you notes or a follow up letter to the interviewers. Mention any information about yourself and your qualifications that you did not present during the initial meeting. Stress how it will benefit the firm or interviewer.
2.	Enclose any article or news clipping that is relevant to the person's joy or business to show that you are in touch with current events in the industry.
3.	If you have not heard back from the interviewer within the expected time (6-10 days) make a follow up telephone call. Ask when a decision will be made and offer to appear for a second interview.

F. If you do not get an offer:
1.	Call the interviewer and request their feedback. Ask why you were not the successful candidate-explain that you would like the information in order to better prepare for subsequent interviews with other employers.
2.	Ask for a referral to another firm that might be interested in a candidate like you. Ask if you can use the interviewer's name when you contact the new company.
3.	If you would still like to work for this firm, send another thank you note/letter for the subsequent information that they provided. Ask if you may contact them again at some future time (sometimes the person they hire will not work out, or will accept another offer, perhaps making you a competitive candidate again).

What do I need to know before my interview?

CHECKLIST I
1.	Write down the time and place of the interview and the name of the interviewer
2.	Arrive early for the interview
3.	Bring a pen and notebook with you
4.	Write a synopsis of the interview immediately afterward
5.	Don't offer to shake hands unless the interviewer offers a hand first
6.	Remember the interviewer's name
7.	Don't smoke
8.	Don't chew gum
9.	Remember you are selling yourself
10.	Be honest

CHECKLIST II
1.	Write your autobiography
2.	Make a list of what things in a job make you happy
3.	Learn as much as you can about the company
4.	Learn about the product or service the company sells or performs
5.	Make a list of why you would hire you
6.	Have a list of questions you can ask of the interviewer (not about salary)
7.	Interviewers want to know specifically why you want to work for them
8.	One question usually asked is, "What can you add to our company?"

CHECKLIST III
1.	Do not lie, be completely honest and consistent
2.	When in doubt, always tell the truth, don't embellish
3.	An undiscovered lie will haunt you
4.	A discovered lie can destroy your credibility forever
5.	An employer does not want someone working for him whom he cannot trust
6.	Failure to tell the truth reveals a character trait that cannot be remedied
7.	Distinguish between a question calling for fact and one calling for an opinion
8.	Always answer questions calling for your opinion to your best advantage
9.	A job offer is a compliment, and you owe the interviewer the courtesy of being candid
10.	Inconsistency can lead to an inference of lack of honesty

CHECKLIST IV
1.	Dress to your advantage
2.	Dress to suit your interviewer
3.	Dress for the position for which you are interviewing
4.	Your colors and patterns should coordinate
5.	Dress conservatively
6.	Consider the effect your choice of colors will have
7.	Do not dress sensually
8.	Fingernails should be clean and properly cut
9.	Hair should be neat and bombed
10.	Clothes must be neat, clean and pressed
11.	Shoes should not be scuffed or run over at the heels
12.	Jewelry should be sparse
13.	Do not drink liquor or have food odor on your breath
14.	Bathe and use a deodorant-antiperspirant before the interview

CHECKLIST V
1.	Do not bring up the subject of salary yourself
2.	The interviewer will not want to discuss salary until he has made an initial determination that he is interested in you
3.	If it appears that the interview is ending with his expressing interest in seeing you again, then you can ask about salary
4.	Make a budget to determine how much money you must have
5.	Make a list of the things you have to offer an employer
6.	Try to find out what the job pays before you reveal your current salary
7.	Don't give the interviewer a copy of your tax return
8.	After he has revealed his interest in you, ask vacation and benefits
ALWAYS FOLLOW UP THE INTERVIEW WITH A THANK YOU NOTE WITHIN 24-48 HOURS.
Information based on SWEATY PALMS: THE NEGLECTED ART OF BEING INTERVIEWED BY H. ANTHONY MEDLEY

Strategies for handling interview questions.

1.	Listen carefully to the question. Seek clarification if needed.
2.	Select relevant information for your response. Outline information in your mind.
3.	Be specific with your response. Define your terms.
4.	Give examples of past events to support your response.
5.	Be clear and concise with your response. Do not ramble or go off the subject.
6.	Be confident and enthusiastic. If you lack confidence in your ability to do the job, the interviewer will also lack confidence.
PLANNING A PERSONAL STRATEGY FOR A JOB INTERVIEW
Answering the Question:
"Why should we hire YOU?"
Your personal outline or strategy is used to formulate answers to specific questions from the recruiter. It should list the key points of your background that you wish to cover during your meeting with the interviewer.
1.	Related education:
	a. GPA, relevant coursework, special projects
2.	Related experience:
	a. Internships, volunteer work, other jobs in your field
3.	Transferable Experience:
	a. Management, customer services, etc.
4.	Transferable Skill:
	a. Communication, organization, leadership, etc
5.	Involvement in professional organizations:
	a. Campus clubs, student government, church activities, community organizations
QUESTIONS ASKED BY EMPLOYERS
Before you begin interviewing, think about these question and possible responses and discuss them with a career advisor. Conduct mock interviews and be sure you are able to communicate clear, unrehearsed answers to interviews.
PERSONAL
	1. Tell me about yourself.
	2. What are your hobbies?
	3. Why did you choose to interview with our organization?
	4. Describe your ideal job.
	5. What can you offer us?
	6. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
	7. Can you name some weaknesses?
	8. Define success. Failure.
	9. Have you ever had any failures? What did you learn from them?
	10. Of which three accomplishments are you most proud?
	11. Who are role models? Why?
	12. How does your college education or work experience relate to this job?
	13. What motivates you most in a job?
	14. Have you had difficulty getting along with a former professor/supervisor/co-worker and how did you handle it?
	15. Have you ever spoken before a group of people? How large?
	16. Why should we hire you rather that another candidate?
	17. What do you know about or organization (products or services)?
	18. Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years?
	19. Do you plan to return to school for further education?
EDUCATION
	20. Why did you choose your Major?
	21. Why did you choose to attend your college or university?
	22. Do you think you received a good education? In what ways?
	23. In which campus activities did you participate?
	24. Which classes in your major did you like best? Lease? Why?
	25. Which elective classes did you like best? Least? Why?
	26. If you were to start over, what would you change about your education?
	27. Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not?
	28. Were you financially responsible for any portion of your college education?
EXPERIENCE
	29. What job-related skills have you developed?
	30. Did you work while going to school? In what positions?
	31. What did you learn from these work experiences?
	32. What did you enjoy most about your last employment? Least?
	33. Have you ever quit a job? Why?
	34. Give an example of a situation in which you provided a solution to an employer.
	35. Give an example of a time in which you worked under deadline pressure.
	36. Have you ever done any volunteer work? What kind?
	37. How do you think a former supervisor would describe your work?
CAREER GOALS
	38. Do you prefer to work under supervision or on your own?
	39. What kind of boss do you prefer?
	40. Would you be successful working with a team?
	41. Do you prefer large or small organization? Why?
	42. What other types of positions are you considering?
	43. How do you feel about working in a structure environment?
	44. Are you able to work on several assignments at once?
	45. How do you feel about working overtime?
	46. How do you feel about travel?
	47. How do you feel about the possibility of relocating?
	48. Are you willing to work flextime?

Twelve attributes sought by employers.

1. Ability to communicate:
	Do you have the ability to organize your thoughts effectively? Can you express them clearly when speaking or writing? Are you persuasive?

2. Intelligence:
	Do you have the ability to understand and conduct the job assignment? Can you learn the specific operations? Will you be able to contribute original ideas or actions?

3. Self-confidence:
	Are you mature? Can you deal positively and effectively with situations and people? Are you secure about your abilities?

4. Willingness to accept responsibility:
	Can you recognize what needs to be done and set about doing it?

5. Initiative:
	Do you have the ability to identify the purpose for work and to take action? Can you set goals and objective?

6. Leadership:
	Can you guide and direct other to obtain the recognized objectives?

7. Energy level:
	Do you demonstrate a forceful and capacity to move things ahead? Can you maintain your work effort over a period of time at a sustained rate?

8. Imagination:
	Can you conceptualize new situations and form solutions to them? Do you find new answers in standard approaches to problems?

9. Flexibility:
	Are you capable of changing? Are you receptive to new ways of doing things, new locations, meeting new people?

10. Interpersonal Skills:
	Can you bring out the best in people so they become effective, enthusiastic members of the work team?

11. Self-knowledge:
	Can you realistically assess your capabilities? Can you identify your strengths and weaknesses? Do you know what skills you bring to a job?

12. Ability to handle conflict:
	Can you contend with stress situations and antagonism? Can you resolve conflicts with others without personal attacks? Do you have a practiced approach to conflict-resolution?
Credit: City of Long Beach, Private Industry Council of Long Beach, and Employment Development Department, State of California.

Top qualities employers are seeking from potential employees.

1. Motivation/Initiative

2. Teamwork Skills

3. Communications Skills

4. Leadership Skills

5. Academic Achievement/ GPA

6. Interpersonal Skills

7. Flexibility/ Adaptability

8. Technical Skills

9. Honesty/ Integrity

10. Work Ethic

11. Analytical / Problem-Solving Skills

Source: National Association of Colleges and Employees

Career & Job Services
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Long Beach, CA 90808

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