Interview

preparation
Guide
From Classroom to Career:
How to Best Demonstrate Your
Professionalism and Skills
 Successful Interviews
Your impeccable resume has caught the eye of an employer and an interview is arranged. Now is the time to
verbally communicate your abilities and show that your skills will match those necessary for the job.

The interview process should be an exchange of ideas—a give-and-take of information between the interviewer
and you. Prepare to talk about yourself and to ask relevant questions about the company and the specific position
available.

Interview Guidelines
Do...
• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Dress appropriately
• Bring an updated resume and list of references
• Greet the recruiter with a firm handshake and a smile
• Make eye contact
• Ask relevant questions
• Read company literature before the interview
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its products
• Listen to the interviewer
• Promote yourself in the best possible light
• Indicate your readiness to learn
• Project enthusiasm
• Send a thank you letter after the interview
•
Don't...
• Freeze or become tense
• Arrive late for the interview
• Criticize yourself, anyone, or anything
• Present an extreme (or sloppy) appearance
• Interrupt the employer
• Discuss past experience that has no relevance
• Act arrogant
• Discuss compensation until your final interview

Before the Interview

Step 1: Research the Employer
Recruiters report (again and again!) that students are not taking the time to research the position and organiza-
tion before the interview process. Set yourself apart by gaining enough information and devising relevant
questions for the employer that will create an exchange of ideas and allow you to connect your skills to those
desired by the company.

There is absolutely no excuse in our technology-driven world for a student to fail to find information about a
potential company. It’s all at your fingertips—literally! Use the Internet to find company websites where you
can read up on company awards, management, culture, and contact information. Websites such as
http://finance.yahoo.com share many details of an organization's financial performance.

Use the guidelines on the following page to assist in your research of a potential employer.
 Successful Interviews

Organization Information Position Information

• Name of recruiters/interviewers • Job duties/description
• Recent mention in the news • Supervision involved
• Others you know in the organization • Level of teamwork vs. individual work
• Potential markets, products, and services • Training Procedures
• Competition • Professional development opportunities
• Current stock price • Amount of travel required
• Growth potential
• Mission, philosophy, values
• Locations
• Company size (sales, number of employees) After collecting this information, spend some
time developing a broad range of questions to
Industry Information ask the interviewer. Think in terms of the goals
• Trends of this business, as well as management style,
potential for growth, and opportunities for ca-
• Controversial issues
reer advancement.
• Important people or companies
• Industry “buzz words”
• Salary information

Step 2: Get to Know Yourself

Typically, a potential employer will focus on you for 60% of the time during an interview. Successful
candidates prepare by getting to know themselves and being able to relate their qualities to the position.
Interviewers will want you to use concrete examples to explain yourself. They are looking for comfort-
able candidates who can supply an answer for each question. Take time to analyze your academic, pro-
fessional, and extracurricular activities to determine how they can illustrate your strengths, values and
interests.

Examine your resume before entering an interview and be able to explain your accomplishments and
experiences in detail. Consider actual events that occurred while on the job that could help to describe
your skills and abilities and catapult you to the next level of your desired career field.

The Adams Job Interview Almanac shares twelve types of information that employers seek during an
interview. Completing the following exercise will help you in answering nearly any question an inter-
viewer may ask.

1. Passion for the Business: Why you want to work in this industry?
2. Motivation and Purpose: Why do you want this particular job at this specific company?
3. Skills and Experience: How will you use your previous skills and experience with this position?
4. Diligence and Professionalism: Provide key situations from your past that will demonstrate these
characteristics.
5. Creativity and Leadership: Describe situations in which you used these traits.
6. Compatibility with the Job: How well do your experiences fit in with this position? What are
you looking for from this job?
7. Personality and Cultural Compatibility: Describe your personality traits. Are you outgoing or
shy? A planner or spontaneous? How does this fit with the corporate culture/potential colleagues?
8. Management Style and Interpersonal Skills: What kind of boss/colleague/employee will you
be? Are you a team-player or prefer an independent working environment? Consider a leader that
you admire and express how your style compares to his/hers.
9. Problem Solving Ability: Describe certain situations where you were required to resolve difficult
issues. Accomplishments: When have you delivered more than what was expect of you?
 Successful Interviews
10. Accomplishments: When have you delivered more than what was expecd of you?
11. Career Aspirations: How do your actual career aspirations align with this particular position?
Which skills are you interested in developing?
12. Personal Interests and Hobbies: Are you involved with your community? How do you balance
your time?

It is common for an interviewer to ask you to describe difficult situations or times when you have
failed. Problem areas are normal and you should always prepare to discuss them if asked. To convey
these situations in a positive light. always include what you learned from the event or how you intend
to improve your skills based on your experiences. Never talk negatively about others or yourself —
everyone makes mistakes—it is all in your wording and delivery!

Step 3: Practice and Prepare

It is vitally important to schedule a mock interview with the Career Services office. You can alleviate a
substantial amount of stress by taking advantage of this dress rehearsal tool because it should help to
alleviate the "nervous jitters" that can occur when walking into the unknown. Mock interviews can also
help to improve your communication skills by identifying what you need to work on most. Do you use
“nervous” words, such as "like," "um," "you know," and "uh"? Nervous mannerisms, including hand
gestures, playing with your hair, and shaking your leg can also be controlled once you are aware of
them. Finally, a mock interview will allow you to practice proper posture and facial expressions and
increase your comfort level during the actual event.

The Appendix to this guide includes a list of potential questions that you may encounter during an in-
terview. Reviewing these questions and rehearsing (not memorizing) responses to them will greatly
increase your comfort level during an interview and alleviate the pressure you may feel.

While it may seem awkward to talk about yourself, it is imperative to strengthen your ability to do so in
order to guarantee interviewing success. Practice with friends, in front of a mirror, or even on a tape
recorder to become familiar with speaking clearly and in a positive light about your abilities. Also,
remember that you may have to verbalize your weaknesses to a potential employer. The key to success-
fully expressing a weakness is to focus on limited job experience rather than personal limitations.
Always explain how you intend to correct your weakness to portray it in a positive light.
 Successful Interviews

Dress for Success

How important can it really be to wear the right outfit to an interview?
Extremely important!

Interview Attire Guidelines for Women

Pant or Skirt Suit
• Black, brown, navy or dark-grey color
• No extreme slits, necklines, or hemlines
• Tailored dress with a jacket is acceptable if both are a matching solid/subtle color.
• Skirts and dresses should hit at knee
• Clothes should be pressed!
Blouse
• Cotton or silk material
• Solid color suggestions: white, black, light blue, beige
Basic Pumps
• Slight heel (about 2 inches) or flats
• Shoe color should be the same as suit or darker
• No open-toe or backless shoes
Accessories
• Wear pantyhose
• Keep jewelry to a minimum
• Avoid dangling earrings, chunky necklaces, and noisy bracelets
• Subtlety is key: Conservative makeup and light or no perfume
• Attache with room for resume and personal belongings
Hair
• Clean, classic style that keeps strands away from your face
• If pulled back, use a professional looking barrette
I

Interview Attire Guidelines for Men

Suit
• Black, navy, dark-grey with a 2-3 button jacket
• Suit should be pressed!
Dress Shirt
• Cotton solid, long-sleeved shirt, cleaned and pressed
Tie
• Conservative color
• Striped or quietly patterned
Shoes/Socks
• Polished dark leather dress shoes
• Socks high enough not to show skin when sitting
Accessories
• Briefcase or leather folder to carry resumes and a writing pad
• No fragrance/cologne, or light fragrance,
 Successful Interviews

During the Interview

Shake Hands
Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake—never limp or bone crushing.

Active Listening
Open up your body language by leaning forward slightly to communicate your interest.

Posture
Sit up straight throughout the interview

Gestures
Do your best to avoid nervous giveaways such as tapping or shaking.

Maintain Eye Contact

Avoid a glassy stare and remember that it’s OK if you break eye contact to think before answering a question.

Facial Expression
Don't let your face tense up, stay relaxed with a friendly smile.

Pace Yourself
Take your time to answer questions.

Relax
Attempt to sit comfortably without appearing stiff.

Grammar and Speech

Work at using proper grammar; do away with nervous, “filler” words such as "you know," "um," "like," and
"yeah."

Tone of Voice
Speak clearly with a warm, well-modulated, confident and relaxed tone; slow your words down to avoid
nervous chatter and control your volume.

Follow Up
Be proactive by asking for a business card from all of your interviewers to ensure you will have their contact
information for thank you notes. Ask about the most appropriate medium for following up (phone contact,
email, etc.).
 Successful Interviews
Tell Me About Yourself
You can expect to hear these words at any interview—but when properly prepared, you can remain impres-
sively calm and collected while providing a simple 90 second answer. This "ice breaking" exercise is yet
another chance to sell yourself to the interviewer by highlighting your strengths and talents.

Briefly Explain the Following

• Educational Background
• Work Experience, Campus Involvement, or Community Involvement
• Strengths and Abilities
• Career Objectives

It will be over before you know it and you will have a strong start to your interview. Read through the follow-
ing sample response for a better understanding.

Sample Response
I expect to graduate in May with a major in Events Management. During my college years, I have been very
active with the Central Florida chapter of Hospitality Sales and Marketing International. Last summer I even
interned with the marketing department at Sea World and gained invaluable practical, hands-on experience.

I have sharpened my research and planning skills while working on various community events with Sea World
and have spent a great deal of time working one-on-one with the promotional department to brainstorm new
concepts and ideas for reaching out to the wide array of tourism segments.

I love a good challenge and am extremely dedicated to my work. Also a self-motivator, I constantly try to learn
as much as I can. For some time now, I have been watching your company grow and am incredibly impressed
with your innovative approach to hospitality marketing and advertising.

Hopefully I can begin my career with your company and grow to become a true hospitality professional in the
years to come.

The Star Technique

The STAR Technique is a way to frame answers concisely and completely. STAR stands for:
• Situation - discuss a situation or problem you have encountered.
• Task - share the task that the situation required or the ideas for resolving the problem.
• Action - tell about the actions you took or obstacles you overcame.
• Result - reveal outcomes, goals achieved, and lessons learned.

Sample Question: Tell me about a time when you feel you gave exceptional customer service.

Situation: While working for a catering hall, I was responsible for booking reception rooms for special events.
Two weeks before her son's wedding, a mother called to cancel her reservation. The wedding was postponed
due to a death in the family.
Task: This customer was obviously upset about these sad circumstances and I wanted to do as much as I could
to ease her mind about the reception arrangements.
Action: I knew it wasn't too late to book another event for that room, so I checked with the manager regarding
the possibility of refunding her deposit. We were able to return her full deposit, and I assured her that we could
book another room for when her family was ready to make plans.
Result: The woman wasn't expecting to receive any money back and was pleasantly surprised that canceling
the room wasn't impossible. My manger complimented me for taking the initiative with this customer.
 Successful Interviews
After the Interview
After successfully completing an interview, you can continue to make an impression by properly following up
with an employer.

• Just Ask
Express your interest in the position by simply asking the interviewer what the next step should be.
• Business Card
Ask your interviewer for a business card so you will have the correct contact information for your thank
you note.
• Thank You Letter
Always send a thank you within 48 hours to each person you interviewed with. Use the thank you letter to
restate your interest and include any important or forgotten points.
• Request Time
It is acceptable to request a period of time to consider any other offers.
• Considerations
Make sure to carefully consider all aspects of the job before you accept an offer;. Remember that verbal
acceptance is considered binding.
• Take Notes
Use the interview as a learning experience and take notes after you are finished to help improve your
skills.
• Keep Searching
Regardless of how well your interview went, continue with your job search and contact as many other
companies as possible. You do not have an official job offer until it is in writing.
 Appendix A - Follow Up Letters

The “Thank You” Letter

Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date

Name of Contact
Title
Company/Organization Name
Address of Recipient
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Ms., Mr., or Dr. (Contact’s Name):

Begin by reminding the interviewer of the position for which you were interviewed, as well as the date and
place of the interview. Make sure to express your sincere appreciation for the time they spent with you.

Confirm your interest in the position as well as the organization. Express your strong qualifications for the job
and tailor the requirements of the position directly to your talents. Be sure to mention anything you have done
since the interview which would demonstrate your interest in the position. (This would include speaking with
alumni or faculty, or completing any research in the field.).

Include any information not previously mentioned that could supplement your resume, cover letter, and the
actual interview. Describe briefly how you would be an asset to the organization. Offer your phone number
and confirm your willingness to apply to any conditions set forth by the interviewer.

If appropriate, finish your letter with a request for action. Restate your appreciation for their help. Offer a sug-
gestion such as an additional interview.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Full Name
 Appendix A - Follow Up Letters

The “Acceptance” Letter

Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date

Name of Contact
Title
Company/Organization Name
Address of Recipient
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Ms., Mr., or Dr. (Contact’s Name):

I am pleased to accept the position of [Position Name] at [Propertv Name] in [Location], at an annual
salary of $ [Amount]. As we discussed earlier, I will be reporting for work on [Start Date].

In the event that you need to contact me before [Date], please note that I will be leaving the Orlando area on
[Date] and can be reached at [Phone Number] from [Date] through [Date].

Your consideration of my application and assistance throughout the interview process are greatly appreciated.
I look forward to working with you and your staff and continue to be excited about my new responsibilities
with [Company Name].

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Full Name

Acceptance Letter Tips

Include the following in your letter:
• Acceptance of the Offer
• Reference to salary, start date, and position title
• A list any travel or moving plans
• An expression of your appreciation and interest in joining the company
 Appendix A - Follow Up Letters

The “Decline an Offer” Letter

Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date

Name of Contact
Title
Company/Organization Name
Address of Recipient
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Ms., Mr., or Dr. (Contact’s Name):

Thank you for offering the position of [Specific Position Name] to me. I have decided, however, to accept a
different position. It was a difficult decision to make, but I feel that at this time in my career path a different
position will more closely fit my career goals.

I appreciate your willingness to share your time and information with me about [Company Name]. I learned a
great deal about your company and perhaps would be interested in working for [Company Name] in the
future.

I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again. I wish you success in filling this position.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Full Name

Decline Letter Tips

Cover the following in your letter:
• Inform company of your decision
• Thank interviewer for the offer
• Keep future prospects open
• Express sincere regret and appreciation for their efforts
Appendix B - Tough Interview Questions

General Questions
The following are common interview questions that can be tricky to answer. Prepare for your next interview
by thoroughly thinking through each one.

1. What is your biggest weakness?

Admit a weakness that might not be perceived by the interviewer as something that could hinder your job
performance. Emphasize the action you are taking to correct the "problem." Do not say "None." If you
can, put a positive twist on your answer. Example - "I wish I was bilingual, but I am currently enrolled in
a Spanish class and am hoping to gain a better understanding of the language and culture.
2. Where do you want to be In five years?
The interviewer wants to know if you are ambitious, if you can plan ahead and set goals for yourself.
They could also be looking to see what your expectations are for the company.
3. Why do you want to work for our company/in this industry? Talk about information that
you found through research. Reply with the company's positive characteristics as you see them and tie in
the fact that you share their vision.
4. Have you ever worked with a manager/professor who was unfair or just plain hard
to get along with?
The interviewer is not looking to learn about your former supervisors, but more so the way that you speak
about them. Do not answer in a way that could give the interviewer the impression that you have trouble
getting along well with people or that you bad-mouth them and shift blame to others. Try to find a posi-
tive spin within a negative situation. Example - "Although I have been fortunate to have cordial relation-
ships with most managers and professors, I did have one encounter with a very inaccessible professor.
Whenever we approached him during office hours there was a sense that we were bothering him. The
class worked around it though, and we turned to each other for help when needed and I learned to solve
many problems on my own...which could have been his motive all along. He was a great professor and
had many valuable lessons to teach, I just personally would have preferred him to be slightly more avail-
able to give direction when needed."
5. What is your definition of success?
Be prepared to explain - in your own words - what you believe success to be. It can be helpful here to
reference a person who represents your vision of success.
6. What are your strengths?
Give the interviewer three adjectives or even examples of your strengths. Try to think of skills and abili-
ties that can relate to the specific position or organization.
7. Why should we hire you?
Think of what might set you apart from other candidates. Give examples of any work experience, special
skills, or volunteer experience that you have.
8. What do you find stressful In a job? How do you handle stress?
The interviewer is looking to see how you achieve a balance between your personal and professional life.
Give specific examples of when you have been in stressful situations. Any situation you give should have
a positive outcome.
9. What is your Ideal work environment? Be honest. Do you prefer an open or closed environment? Do
you like working individually or on teams? What type of inter-office communication are you comfortable
with?
Appendix B - Tough Interview Questions

Behavioral Questions
These questions require you to think about previous experiences and give brief details of past situations.

1. Tell me about a time when you failed.

Demonstrate the ability to learn from your mistakes. It is important to show how you turned a negative
situation into a positive one. The interviewer likely cares less about the actual situation and more so about
how you answer the question.
2. Tell me about a time when you worked on a team. How did the team go about
achieving its goal?
Talk to the interviewer about the benefits of teamwork. Give a positive answer that addresses the chal-
lenges of working with others and how you overcame those challenges.
3. How do you organize and plan for major projects?
Describe how you methodically prepare for class presentations or presentations you have had to give for
student organizations and other extracurricular groups.
4. Describe a leadership role you have assumed.
Tell the employer about a time when you were elected to a certain position, such as being captain of a
team, voted to a student organization position, or a taking specific role with a volunteer organization.
5. Recall a recent situation In which you had to motivate others.
This is just another opportunity to describe your leadership skills to an employer. It is a good idea to think
of a few leadership situations you have been in before you enter an interview.

Resume-Based Questions
The interviewer will want to ensure that you can answer specific questions about the experiences listed in your
resume.

1. Tell me more about your Internship at [Company Name].

Describe your most important accomplishments and give specific examples of your responsibilities. Also
tell the employer about the impact that you had on your previous place of employment.
2. Tell me more about your Involvement in [Club Name].
Explain to the interviewer what motivated you to join that specific club and be honest if you are a passive
member or if you have taken on a leadership role within some aspect of the group. Include anything you
have learned or value gained from being a part of the association.
3. Tell me about your previous supervisor/manager at [Company Name].
Be able to quickly provide the name of your past employer and offer positive examples of their style.
Keep in mind that it is a small world out there and there is always a chance that your interviewer will have
a connection with your former employer.
 Appendix B - Additional Questions

Additional Practice Questions

Read through the following questions and think of answers that you could provide. There is no way to know
what specific questions you will encounter during an interview but just thinking through each of these is a
great way to practice and prepare.

Questions About Yourself

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What does "service" mean to you?
3. Name three strengths and weaknesses.
4. What qualifications do you have that will ensure your success in this field?
5. Describe three things that are most important to you in a job.
6. What have you done since your graduation from college/since you left your last job?
7. How would a co-worker, friend, previous boss describe you?
8. What are your interests outside of work/school?
9. What qualities do you admire most in others?
10. How would you describe your own work style ?

Questions About Your Career Goals

1. What do you see yourself doing 1, 3, 4, or 10 years from now?
2. What type of position are you interested in?
3. What are your short/long term salary requirements?
4. How will employment with us contribute to your career plans?
5. What do you expect from a job?
6. What are your short/long term career objectives?
7. What are your location/travel preferences ?

Questions About Your Education

1. How does your education prepare you for this position?
2. What activities did you engage in at school?
3. What classes did you like the most/least at school and why?
4. Why did you choose the Rosen College?
5. Why did you choose your major?
6. Tell me about your academic strengths/weaknesses.
7. What have you read recently in your field ?

Questions About Your Previous Experience

1. What have you learned from past jobs?
2. What were the biggest pressures of your last job?
3. How did your job description change for your last job while you held it?
4. Why did you leave your last job?
5. What did you like most/least about your last job?
6. Whom may we contact for references?
 Appendix B - Additional Questions

Questions About the Company or Position

1. Why should we hire you?
2. Why do you want to work here?
3. Why do you think you would like this position/company?
4. How long do you intend to work here if hired?
5. What do you think warrants a person's progress in an organization?
6. What interests you about our product/service?
7. How would you improve upon our product/service?
8. What do you think would be your greatest contribution to our operation?
9. How do you solve problems?
10. When can you start work ?

Behavioral Questions
1. How have you handled situations with upset/dissatisfied customers?
2. Tell me about a particularly tough problem that you had to solve and why it was so difficult.
3. Give an example of a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty to get a job done.
4. How would you motivate a poorly performing employee?
5. What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
6. Give an example of a time when you did not back down in the face of adversity?
7. Tell me about an unpopular decision you have made?
8. When do you feel overwhelmed?
9. How would you handle it if a coworker complained to you about the company?
10. If a manager gave you ten things to do by 5pm and you realized there was no way to finish them all, how
would you prioritize them?
11. Tell me about a time when you "bent" the rules and when it is OK to do so.

Questions You May Want to Ask

1. How would you describe a typical day in this position?
2. Can you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
3. What is the average stay in this position?
4. Outside of my department, who else will I work with?
5. How much evening or weekend work is expected?
6. How high a priority is this department within the organization?
7. What are the prospects for advancement beyond this level?
8. How does one advance in this organization?
9. How often do the training programs begin and what do they consist of?
10. Will you describe the company's philosophy to me?
11. What are the things you like most/least about working here?
12. Why did you sign on and why do you stay here?
13. If I am offered employment here, when would you like me to start?
14. What else can I tell you about my qualifications?
15. May I have a business card?
16. What is the next step of the hiring process?
17. When can I expect to hear from you?
Interviewing Skills
Guide for Students
fall 2011 – spring 2012

Career Services Office

41 Lincklaen Street
315.655.7147
[email protected]
www.cazenovia.edu/careerservices
 Interviewing Skills
The purpose of the interview is to get a job offer. Interviewing is usually the second stage of the job
search process. Remember that you are not only trying to get a job offer but you also need to assess
if this employer/position is the right position for you. You need to evaluate the employer and the
position. Interviews are a great opportunity to determine if you will fit within a particular
organization. An interview is a two-way conversation where both parties are examining the positives
and negatives of entering into a contractual relationship.

Learn as much as you can about the company and position you are applying for.
You need to have a basic understanding of the company, services and/or products they
provide, business practices, industry trends, recent news or company changes and
company culture.
Research the company’s web site, network with contacts you may have within the
company and research employer databases such as Hoovers.com.
If possible, try to obtain a complete job description prior to the interview. If this is not
possible, search for similar positions using the Occupational Outlook Handbook or O*Net.
Both of these are web-based systems and you can look up information by job title and/or
industry.

Practice interviewing with the Career Services Office staff, friends, family members or by yourself.
A well-prepared interviewee spends time practicing responses to questions. There is a
standard set of questions that most interviewers will ask.
Review and rehearse your responses. This will make you feel more comfortable during the
interview.
A style of interviewing that employers currently use is behavioral-based interviewing. The
interviewer will ask questions that require the respondent to use actual examples of past
behaviors. For example: “Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the
call of duty to complete a task or project.” Think about past experiences, both job and
internship experiences, and be prepared with examples about leadership, conflict
management, interpersonal skills, initiative and motivation.

Be prepared to answer questions by employers and be prepared to ask questions as well.

Evaluate your interests, skills and abilities as they relate to the position. This will help you in
answering questions.
 STAR Behavioral Interview Format

Situation or Task Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to
accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a
generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to
give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation
can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any
relevant event.

Action you took Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you.
Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you
did -- not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell
what you did.

Results you What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish?
What did you learn?
achieved

Examples of (STAR) Behaviorally-Based Interview Questions

Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see
things your way.
Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.
Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.
Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your
tasks.
Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.
What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual
may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).
Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.
Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.
Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.
Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.
Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.
Please tell me about a time you had to fire a friend.
Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).
 Tips from Employers
Predictors of Success When Interviewing

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely

Demonstrated teamwork skills
Demonstrated leadership skills
Demonstrated problem-solving skills
Career-related work experience
Involvement in campus or community activities
Ability to identify and give good examples of transferable skills
Knowledge of the organization
Asking good questions
Flexibility
Enthusiasm
Ambition and motivation
People skills
Good grades
Professional Appearance

Knock-out Factors

Poor career planning

Lack of qualifications
Inability to express oneself clearly
Insufficient evidence of achievement
Failure to research organization
Showing a lack of interest in the organization
Unwillingness to relocate
Appearing overbearing, overaggressive or conceited
Seeming to be interested only in money and benefits
Failure to follow up after interview
 QUESTIONS ASKED BY EMPLOYERS
Be prepared for your job interviews by practicing responses to the following questions. However you should
not memorize answers and do avoid giving rote responses. Instead, develop outlines of major points or
themes you want to emphasize during the interview. Please note that some questions fall into multiple
categories and are repeated. Also, the interview questions below tend to be typical questions but are not all-
inclusive.

On Leadership Skills
What was your greatest leadership accomplishment?
Describe a situation where you had to motivate others.
Describe an example of personal leadership.
Are you a leader?
In a particular leadership role you had, what was the greatest challenge?
Describe your leadership style.
Describe a leadership role of yours and tell me why you committed your time to it.

On Communication Skills/Team Orientation/Customer Service

Are you competitive?
Have you ever had to compete for something and won?
What is the best way to deal with an irate customer?
Rate yourself from 1-3 on customer service, sales and management.
When and how did you deal with a difficult customer?
Describe a time when you had to deal with an overly difficult customer.
Tell me about a time when you went the extra mile to get the job done.
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
Talk about a time when you were unable to convince someone of something. What did you learn
from that experience and what would you do differently next time?
Describe a time when you persuaded another about an idea you had.
What is the difference between good customer service and excellent customer service?
Describe a situation where you provided excellent customer service.
What are your team-player qualities? Give examples.
Tell me about a team project of which you are particularly proud of your contribution?
We are looking at a lot of great candidates; why are you the best person for this position?

On Personality/Character
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
What motivates you?
Talk about a time when you went the extra mile.
If you new a customer or fellow employee was being dishonest, how you handle this?
Tell me about a project you initiated.
What factors did you consider in choosing your major?
How would your friends describe you?
What else should I know about you?
What has been your greatest challenge?
What types of situations put you under pressure, and how do you deal with the pressure?
What was the most useful criticism you ever received and who was it from?
What frustrates you most?
Give an example of a situation in which you failed, and how you handled it.
On Talking About Yourself
Tell me about yourself.
Who is ________?
What makes you special (unique, different)?
What five adjectives describe you best?
How would you describe your character?
How would you describe your personality?

On Conflict Management
Describe a situation where you had a conflict with another individual, and how you dealt with it.
Give an example of when you have disciplined a team/group member.

On Strengths and Weaknesses

Tell me about how you perceive your strengths. Your weaknesses. How do you evaluate yourself?

On Short and Long Term Goals

What goals have you set for yourself? How are you planning to achieve them?
Where do you see yourself in five years?

On Company/Business Knowledge
What do you know about our company?
Why are you interested in this company/career field?
Do you think your college education prepared you for a position with us?
Why did you choose the extracurricular activities you did? What did you gain?
What can you contribute to this company?
What characteristics do you think are important for this position?
What are your expectations of your future employer?
Are you willing to relocate or travel as part of your career?

On Decision-Making
How are you conducting your job search, and how will you make your decision?
Why are you interested in our organization?
What two or three things are most important to you in a position?

Behaviorally Based Questions

Give an example of a problem you have solved and the process you used to solve the problem.
How have your educational and work experiences prepared you for this position?
Take me through a project where you demonstrated ________________ skills.
Tell me about a difficult decision you have made.
Tell me about a situation when you had to persuade another person to your point of view.
What idea have you developed and implemented that was particularly creative or innovative?
What have been your most satisfying and most disappointing experiences at Cazenovia College?
How do you think you have changed personally since you started college?
Who or what was the greatest influence on the development of your career interests?
What were the biggest problems you have encountered in college? How have you handled them?
What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?
 QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING THE INTERVIEW
When an employer asks if you have questions, you should be prepared with questions you can ask about the
job. Asking questions demonstrates interest, allows more time to make a strong impression, and enables you
to determine whether the job is really for you. All questions should be job related. It is imperative that you
ask questions, if you don’t the employer may assume you are not interested in the job or have not researched
the company and/or position.
From Ron Fry’s book, 101 Smart Questions to Ask on Your Interview
“It’s okay to be a copycat…feel free to take some of the typical interview questions you should expect
to be asked and ask them of the interviewer…”
What are the company’s (department’s) strengths and weaknesses?
What was the last great challenge faced by the department? How did you and your team
handle it?
Can you tell me about a successful project and how you managed it?
Can you tell me about some recent problems you have faced and how you (as a team)
overcame them?
What is your definition of success? What is your definition of failure?
If you could change one thing about the way this department works (or is structured or is
managed), what would it be?
Other Questions to Ask:
Why is this job available? Is this a new position? Was it created as part of a new project, division or
strategy?
If this is not a new position, can you tell me what happened to the person who previously held it?
If they were fired, can you tell me why? If they were promoted, where did they end up?
To whom would I be reporting?
How long has this position been open?
What can you tell me about the culture of the company? How would you describe your corporation’s
personality and management style?
What specific skills and experiences would you ideally look for in the person filling this position?
Given my qualifications, skills and experience, do you have any concerns about my ability to become
an important member of this company?
Could you tell me about some typical first-year assignments for a new or entry-level employee?
What characteristics best describe the individuals who are successful in this position?
Could you discuss how new employees are evaluated during the training period?
What kind of training can a new hire in this position expect in the first three months?
Could you outline some special projects which are currently on-going in your department?
How does one advance in the organization?
What is the greatest challenge your organization (or department you will be working in) faces during
the next year?
In what type of professional development activities do your employees become involved?
What other positions and/or departments will I interact with the most?
What impact might the economy have on my position in the next two to three years?
What could you say are the biggest challenges this organization has?
What changes do you anticipate in the next few years?
What are the challenging facets of the job?
Why do you enjoy working for your firm?
Why did you decide to go with ABC Company?
What has been your most rewarding work experience?
When can I expect to hear from you?
May have your business card?