2,5,4 Job interview

Coursebook: pp. 149 – 153

Vocabulary

Job interview — a meeting in which an employer asks the person applying for a job questions to see
whether they would be the right person to do that job.

Types of interview
* Face—to face — the traditional and still most common form of interview. You'll attend the
employer's office and be questioned on your suitability for the job by an individual or panel. Face—
to—face interviews usually last between 45 minutes and two hours, and may be preceded or
followed by tests and exercises. Questions may be strength—based or competency—based.

* Telephone — often used by employers early in the application process to filter large numbers of
applicants. If you're successful you'll typically be invited to a face—to—face interview or assessment
centre. Expect a telephone interview to last around half an hour.

* Video — increasingly popular among large employers, particularly for applications to graduate
schemes. Video interviews can be live or pre—recorded, and tend to last around half an hour. These
have increasingly been used due to the COVID—19 pandemic, which saw the majority of things move
online.

* Assessment centres — enable employers to compare the performance of lots of candidates at the
same time. You'll attend an assessment centre with other applicants and take part in tasks such as
presentations, team exercises and psychometric tests. Assessment centres usually last a full working
day and have more recently been adapted to be held online.
Interview research
Your performance in an interview depends, to a significant extent, on how well you prepare. Don't
leave this until the last minute. In the days leading up to the interview, focus your research on the:

* Employer — you need to show that you understand the business beyond the basics. What sector
does it operate in? What challenges does it face? Who are its competitors? What major projects has
it recently completed? What are its culture and values? This kind of knowledge demonstrates a
genuine interest.

* Role — read the job description again and, if you completed an application form, go over it to
refresh your memory of how your skills and qualifications match the job. It's vital that you can
explain why you want the job, that you understand the role and, even more importantly, why the
employer should choose you over other candidates.

* Interview panel — try to find out who will be interviewing you. The email inviting you to the
interview may include this information. Use LinkedIn and the 'About us' section of the company
website to find out more about their professional interests and experience. This may help you to
connect with your interviewers and create a positive impression during the interview.

* Questions — consider how you'll answer common interview questions, as well as preparing some
questions you'd like to ask the interviewer.

Practical things to plan

There are also some practical things to plan. Exactly when and where is the interview taking place?
Have you planned your journey and checked the timetables for any public transport you need to
take? Does all your equipment work for video and telephone interviews?

Avoiding alcohol the night before and having a healthy breakfast on the morning of your interview
will stand you in good stead. If your interview is scheduled after lunchtime, make sure you eat
something even if you're feeling nervous — you won't put in your best performance on an empty
stomach.
Practice job interviews
It's a good idea to do at least one mock interview before the real thing. Your university careers and
employability service will help you to practice your interview technique.

You can also write and practise answers to common interview questions with someone you trust —
possibly even recording yourself and then reviewing your performance.

It's also worth testing your telephone connection and making sure that your laptop, microphone and
any other technical equipment you need is working and you know how to use them.

What to take
 pen and notebook
 your CV and interview invitation
 your academic certificates and work examples if requested
 photo ID
 breath mints or gum
 a bottle of water
 money for transport and food.

In addition for online interviews you may also need:

 laptop/computer
 headset/earphones
 microphone
 log in for the software you need to use.

What to wear to an interview

While many employers expect candidates to dress smartly, a growing number encourage casual wear
at work, making it trickier than ever to choose an interview outfit.

What you'll be expected to wear depends on factors such as the size of the company, the industry it
operates in and the culture it promotes. For example, a small creative agency may have different
standards to a major accountancy firm.

If you're unsure on the dress code, ask before attending the interview. The key point to remember is
that it's better to be too smart than too casual. Only opt for a more casual outfit if you're certain
that's acceptable — if there's any doubt, go for smart business attire. Whatever you choose, make
sure that your clothes are ironed and your shoes are clean.

For telephone and online interviews make sure you dress as though the interview is in person. Sitting
in your tracksuit bottoms trying to act professional probably isn’t going to go too well.
After the interview
As your job interview comes to an end, make sure you find out when you'll be informed of the
outcome — and thank the interviewer for giving you the chance to attend.

Make some notes about the questions that were asked and how you answered them while the
interview is still fresh in your memory. This will help you prepare even better for future interviews.

There are three potential outcomes:

* Success — if you're offered the job, make sure it's right for you by discussing it with friends and
family, and double—check details such as the salary before deciding whether to accept.

* Rejection — if you're unsuccessful, don't be too downhearted as graduate employers receive large
numbers of applications for every role. Email the company to thank them for the opportunity and
request feedback from your interview so that you can improve your performance next time.

* Further steps — interviews are typically the final stage in the application process, but if the
employer has not been able to make a decision you may be asked back for a second interview.

4 ways to make a good impression

As you're preparing for the interview, think about ways you can show yourself in a positive light:

* Punctuality — arriving late will increase your stress levels and give the employer a bad first
impression, so do your best to arrive in good time.

* Positivity and enthusiasm — be polite and professional with any staff you meet before or after the
interview and, if you're feeling particularly nervous, remind yourself that the worst thing that could
happen is not getting the job. During the interview, respond to questions with positive statements,
be enthusiastic about the job and avoid badmouthing your previous employers or university tutors.

* Body language — give a firm handshake to your interviewer(s) before and after the session. Once
you're seated, sit naturally without slouching in your chair or leaning on the desk. Throughout the
interview, remember to smile frequently and maintain eye contact.

* Clarity — answer all questions clearly and concisely, evidencing your most relevant skills,
experiences and achievements. It's acceptable to pause before answering a difficult question to give
yourself thinking time, or asking for clarification if you're unsure what a question means. When
answering, don't speak too quickly.
Top five interview dos and don'ts

dos
1. Do your homework

2. Make a good first impression

3. Listen and respond accordingly

4. Prepare smart, open ended questions to ask the interviewer

5. Sell your strengths and expertise

don’ts

1. Don’t speak poorly about your present or former employers

2. Don’t falsify information

3. Don’t speak over the interviewer

4. Don’t assume it isn’t an interview

5. Don’t let any past rejections infringe on future ones

Common mistakes of interviewees

 Unprepared for interview – lack of knowledge of the organ. and/or available positions. Did
not research the organization!
 Overbearing – over aggressive – conceited – superiority complex – know—it—all
 Inability to express self clearly and explain strengths – poor communication skills
 Lack of career planning – no purpose, goals or direction, not focused on what he/she wants
to do
 Asks no questions about the job/company
 Lacks involvement in campus activities
 Does not belong to professional association associated with his/her major
 Poor communication skills – uses slang – improper grammar
 Lack of enthusiasm, doesn’t smile, appears uninterested
 Poor appearance – inappropriately dressed for interview
 Lack of confidence – nervousness (to a fault) – ill at ease
 Overemphasis on money
 Poor academic record
 Expect too much too soon; unwilling to start at the bottom
 Makes excuses – evasiveness
 Lack of tact, courtesy & maturity
  Condemnation of past employers
 Poor eye contact
 Limp handshake
 Candidates who are merely “shopping around”
 Candidates who want job only for short time
 Lack of or little sense of humor
 No interest in organization or in industry
 Too much emphasis on whom one knows – trying to impress
 Unwillingness to relocate
 Strong prejudices
 Narrow scope of interests
 Little or no interest in community activities
 Inability to take criticism
 Late for interview without good reason
 Indecisive

Do try to:
 Know yourself (skills, abilities, goals, interests, values, strengths/weaknesses, etc.)
 Know your potential employer (position you’re interviewing for, primary products, services,
etc.)
 Read employer literature.
 Look professional.
 Be on time (arrive at the site 15 minutes early to check your appearance, compose yourself,
etc.)
 Be clear, concise, and to the point.
 Send a thank—you follow—up. Get correct names and titles.
 Bring appropriate materials (resume, transcript, etc.) in a portfolio.
 Share your success stories.
 Find out when a decision is expected to be made.
 Give a firm handshake.
 Maintain eye contact.
 Prepare several insightful questions.
 Be positive and enthusiastic.
 Listen carefully.
 Market yourself.
 Think before you answer.
 Give concrete examples to support your points.
 Be assertive, not aggressive.
Don’t do these things:
 Don’t be late.
 Don’t ask about other applicants.
 Don’t request salary information.
 Don’t smoke
 Don’t chew gum/eat life savers, etc.
 Don’t slouch
 Don’t criticize previous employers, professors, etc.
 Don’t dress inappropriately. (You must dress to fit in.)
 Don’t dominate the conversation.
 Don’t invade the interviewer’s physical space.
 Don’t make excuses. (Give reasons instead.)
 Don’t tell the interviewer what he/she doesn’t need to know such as personal information.
 Don’t patronize the interviewer.
 Don’t ramble (make your point and stop talking.)
 Don’t try to be what you’re not.
 Don’t interrupt.
 Don’t make assumptions.
 Don’t apologize.
 Don’t ask obvious or inappropriate questions (about vacation, sick leave, etc.)
 Don’t be aggressive. (Be assertive.)
 Don’t rely on other people’s words or thoughts. (Use your own.)
Interview questions

Basic interview questions

1. Can you explain these gaps in your resume?
2. Are you willing to travel?
3. Are you overqualified for this role?
4. Would you be willing to work nights and weekends?
5. What qualities make a good leader?
6. What is the name of our CEO?
7. What questions haven’t I asked you?
8. What do you know about our company?
9. Why are you changing careers?
10. Can you walk us through your resume?
11. Why is our company interesting to you?
12. Who was your favorite manager and why?
13. Who are our competitors?
14. Why are you the right person for this job?
15. What is your greatest personal achievement?
16. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
17. What do you know about our industry?

Behavioral interview questions

1. Describe a time when your boss was wrong. How did you handle the situation?
2. How would you feel about reporting to a person younger than you?
3. Describe a time you went above and beyond at work.
4. Tell me about the last mistake you made.
5. What do you want to accomplish in the first 30 days of this job?
6. Describe a time you got angry at work.
7. Describe a time when you had to give a person difficult feedback.
8. Describe a time when you disagreed with your boss.
9. Would you ever lie for a company?
10. Tell me about how you dealt with a difficult challenge in the workplace.
11. What do you really think about your previous boss?
12. What has been the most rewarding experience of your career thus far?
13. How would you deal with an angry or irate customer?
14. Describe a time you chose to not help a teammate.
15. Describe a time you went out of your way to help somebody.
16. Describe a time when your work was criticized?
17. What do you want to accomplish in the first 90 days of this job?
18. Do you think you could have done better in your last job?
19. How would you fire someone?

Questions about salary

1. Can you discuss your salary history?
2. How much do you expect to be earning in five years?
Questions about you
1. What makes you uncomfortable?
2. What is your ideal working environment?
3. What commonly accepted view do you disagree with and why?
4. What are some positive things your last boss would say about you?
5. What differentiates you from our other candidates?
6. Are you a morning person?
7. How would a good friend describe you?
8. Are you more of a leader or a follower?
9. Do you have a personal mission statement?
10. What do you like most about yourself?
11. How long do you expect to work for this company?
12. How do you keep yourself organized?
13. What character traits would your friends use to describe you?
14. What is your favorite movie of all time and why?
15. What are three skills or traits you wish you had?
16. Describe your perfect company.
17. Do you prefer to work alone or on a team?
18. What is your proudest achievement?
19. How do you want to improve yourself in the upcoming year?
20. Who are your heroes?
21. What is your favorite memory from childhood?
22. What is your favorite website?
23. When were you most satisfied in a previous job?
24. What’s the last book you read?
25. What is the best job you ever had?
26. What is your greatest fear?
27. What was your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
28. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from a mistake you’ve made?
29. If you won a $10 million lottery, would you still work?
30. What was the last project you led and what was the outcome?
31. How many hours per week do you normally work?
32. Do you ever take your work home with you?
33. What three things are most important to you in your job?
34. What is one negative thing your last boss say about you?
35. What will you miss about your previous job?
36. Describe your work style.
37. What is your management style?
38. Who has impacted you most in your career?
39. What is your least favorite thing about yourself?
40. What is your biggest regret and why?
41. What are your coworker pet peeves?
42. Why did you choose your major?
43. What is your ideal company size?
44. What is a book that everyone needs to read and why?
 45. Do you prefer working alone or in a team environment?
46. Do you find it difficult to adapt to new situations?
47. Do you have a mentor?
48. Explain why you’ve had so many jobs?
49. What do you do in your spare time?
50. Describe your top three technical skills?
51. What causes are you passionate about?

Brainteasers
1. If you suddenly gained the ability to time travel, what’s the first thing you’d do?
2. If you could get rid of any US state, which would you choose and why?
3. Which is more important, creativity or efficiency?
4. Is it better to be good and on time or perfect and late with your work?
5. How many times per day do a clock’s hands overlap?
6. How many stacked pennies would equal the height of the Empire State Building?