Interview Skills
• Interviewer:
A person who interviews someone, especially as
a job.
• Interviewee:
A person who is interviewed.
• Research the Company (do your background research)
A company's website is an excellent place to begin. It usually gives you
information on whether it is international or domestic, what its
revenues are, how many locations it has, and the nature of its major
products. Most companies are very proud of their websites. Don't be
surprised if one of the first questions interviewers ask when you arrive
is, "Have you have had a chance to look at our website?"
• Practice interviews
Write down a list of possible questions that you think may be asked,
then have a friend act as an interviewer and direct them to you in a
practice interview situation. Don't stop until you feel comfortable
answering each question. Practicing beforehand will make you feel
more comfortable and relaxed during the interview.
• Arrive for the interview before time:
This gives you time to determine where you need to go, and will give
you a few minutes to collect your thoughts.DO NOT arrive late. Nothing
destroys your chance at impressing an employer more than arriving late
and offering no explanation. If you learn at the last minute that you are
going to be arriving late at the interview, call and let the interviewer
know. Interviewers understand that things can come up suddenly. You
are never considered late if you call and make them aware of the fact.
.
• First impressions
First impressions take only thirty seconds. Establishing rapport, direct
and sustained eye contact, a firm handshake, a warm smile, good
posture, and introducing yourself in a confident manner are important
ingredients. A well-groomed, professional appearance is critical. Greet
the interviewer with a firm handshake.
• Smile
A smile denotes confidence in a candidate. Try to smile often. Also,
don't be afraid to use some hand animation while answering questions.
This suggests enthusiasm in a candidate.
• Body Language:
Use good posture, and look the interviewer right in the eye. Sit up
straight. Never slouch.
Lean in or sit up straight to show you're interested.
Keep eye contact so you look honest, but don't just lock in a stare,
because then you look aggressive.
Don't nod too much. Yes, you want to show agreement, but too many
nods and you start to look like you don't truly care.
• Speak Clearly:
Don't mumble. It portrays a lack of confidence. Speak with assurance.
This indicates confidence
• Listen Before Answering
Allow the employer to begin the interview. Make sure you understand
the question. If not, ask the interviewer to clarify it. Don't be afraid to
take some time to think before answering. Interviewers are impressed
with someone who thinks out an answer before speaking.
.
• Give Brief Answers
Make your answer concise and to the point. Rambling tends to suggest
that you really don't have the answer to the question(s) asked.
• Previous Employers
Never, ever say anything negative about your present or previous
employers. No matter how much you may have disliked someone, find
a way to give your experiences a positive spin.
• Be Truthful
Don't lie when asked about something you haven't done. The next
question will be "tell us about it."
• Know Your Resume
Be prepared to talk about every fact that is on your resume. Many people
embellish their accomplishments on their resumes. Avoid this, since the only
point of reference an interviewer has about you is the resume you provide to
him/her beforehand.
• Keep things at a professional level
Sometimes near the end of an interview, the two parties start feeling
comfortable with each other. Don't let this comfortable feeling lead you to
telling them something about yourself that they really shouldn't know.
Always keep things at a professional level.
• Look for Something in Common:
This is something that has given us an edge in the past. Try to find a
common bond between yourself and your interviewer. If you are being
interviewed in an office, look at how the office is decorated. Look for
something you can identify with. Is his/her college diploma hanging on
the wall? Did you attend a nearby school, or perhaps one in the same
Division? If so, make a quick comment about it. Interviewers sometimes
feel more comfortable with people with whom they have something in
common. This approach has helped several candidates obtain a
position over other qualified candidates. Above all, be sincere.
.
• Be polite to everyone.
• Watch your real language.
• Review your own resume.
• Prepare your wardrobe.
• Prepare your questions.
• Don't badmouth your former employer.
• Prepare for standard questions.
.
• Tell me a little about yourself.
When you answer this question, connect the dots on your resume so the
interviewer understands not just what you've done, but also why.
• What are your biggest weaknesses?
Just pick a theoretical weakness and magically transform that flaw into a
strength in disguise!
Focus on presenting a positive, enthusiastic tone. If you are asked to
describe a weakness, mention lessons learned, and steer away from
negative descriptions.
• What are your biggest strengths?
Don't just claim to have certain attributes -- prove you have those attributes.
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Out of all the candidates, why should we hire you?
• Since a candidate cannot compare himself with people he doesn't
know, all he can do is describe his incredible passion and desire and
commitment. If you're asked this question, use it as a chance to
highlight things you haven't been able to touch on.
• Employers don't want to hire people who just want a job; they want to
hire people who want a job with their company.
.
• Why do you want this job?
• What do you consider to be your biggest professional achievement?
The goal is to share achievements that let the interviewer imagine you
in the position and see you succeeding.
And don't be afraid to admit that you might someday move on,
whether to join another company or better to start your own business.
Employers no longer expect "forever" employees.
• Why do you want to leave your current job?
Don't talk about how your boss is difficult. Don't talk about how you
can't get along with other employees. Don't bad-mouth your company.
.
• What kind of work environment do you like best?
• What is your leadership style?
• Tell me how you think other people would describe you.
• What can we expect from you in your first three months?
• What do you like to do outside of work?
• What was your salary in your last job?
• What are your key experiences and accomplishments?
• What would you like me to know most that is not on your resume?
• What questions do you have for me? (avail the opportunity of asking
questions from the interviewer)
• What do you expect me to accomplish in the first 90 days?
• What are the three traits your top performers have in common?
.
• What exactly does this company/Organization/Institution value the most?
• How long have you been with the company?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?
• How does this company/organization/Institution define and measure success?
• How long is the average tenure of an employee?
• Where would the company like to be in five years?
• How will you judge my success? What will have happened six months from
now that will demonstrate that I have met your expectations?
• What is the next step in the hiring process?
• When can I expect to hear back?
• When is the anticipated starting date for this position?
• Whom should I reach out to if I have any further questions?
.
• Before you leave, thank the interview panel for the chance to attend
the interview and say that it was nice to meet them. Smile, gain eye
contact and shake hands if appropriate. Always leave a good final
impression.
