Successful Interviewing Strategies
What is the objective of an interview?
to see if your paper image stands up in real life
to see if you are a "match" for the position at hand or the organization
What are the different kinds of interviews?
informational interview
screening interview (also called first-cut interview)
selection interview (also called decision interview)
What is the general sequence of an interview?
greetings
social niceties
stated purpose of the meeting
broad questions/answers
specific questions/answers
in-depth discussion of organization, job and opportunity
summarizing information given and received
indication as to next steps
How do I make an impression?
be yourself
smile
establish rapport
use a firm handshake and frequent eye contact
be conscious of non-verbal language, maintain an upright body posture
elaborate on information that indicates you will work out well
project yourself into the job as much as possible
be enthusiastic
be confident yet modest
Do I have to dress up?
YES!
dress to the standards of the organization - find out what they wear
dress at least one step up from the daily office-wear of your future coworkers
wear a conservative (not trendy) business suit (typically not a sports coat or blouse and skirt)
shine shoes, clean nails, neat haircut, fresh breath, nothing low-cut or tight fitting
light cologne/perfume if any at all
when in doubt, dress up to show you take the interview seriously
What should I bring?
anything that can support your case, but share at appropriate times in the conversation
extra copies of your resume
papers and projects, portfolio
possibly a professional briefcase to carry samples of work, etc.
writing utensil and neat folder for holding resumes
transcript(s)
letters of recommendation
list of references
What is interview etiquette?
be on time (no more than 15 minutes early)
be very cordial to the gatekeeper
know the interviewer's name
leave outer clothes in the lobby
use a firm handshake and frequent eye contact
take a seat only when offered
sit straight with hands folded
respond enthusiastically to all questions
accept a beverage only if the interviewer is joining you
don't take notes
never say anything negative about former employers
don't name drop conspicuously
if over lunch, order something in the middle price range and do not order alcohol
What is the best way to prepare?
develop self-knowledge and understand your abilities
research the organization
review the questions you may be asked
talk to someone in the field
PRACTICE!
Is it really so important to do a bunch of research before the interview
YES!
somebody out there will, don't let it be your competition
the biggest mistake job hunters make is grossly underestimating their competition
How do I get information about the position or interviewer, or both?
request a job description
get on the Internet
use the resources in the library and career development center
check with your networking contacts
How do I get information during an interview?
ask open-ended questions
What are some interviewer techniques?
wide disparity in interviewing skill
getting all the information they want about you FIRST
funneling questions from general to specific
odds are against an interviewer avoiding all of the standard questions
may ask questions from left field just to surprise you
What questions will most likely be asked?
how can you best meet their needs
gaps and/or ambiguous information on your resume
why you want the job
How do I answer interview questions?
share time equally with interviewer
no shorter than 20 seconds, no longer than 2 minutes per question
answer the question that was asked
ask for clarification if necessary
substance counts more than speed
never answer with just a "yes" or "no"
use specific examples whenever possible
use correct grammar and avoid slang
once you have answered, it is OK to elaborate more
How honest should I be?
HONEST! but not blunt
don't offer negative information if it is unnecessary
What are inappropriate questions?
questions related to age, religion, handicaps, race, color, gender, national origin, marital status, children and child care arrangements are illegal
What if I am asked a question I can not answer?
ask for clarification or an example (if you don't know, say so)
When asked "Do you have any questions?":
you should have questions, develop a set of questions before the interview
request a copy of a job description
don't ask about salary/benefits at the first interview
How is the interview concluded?
last impression counts
summarize why you want the job, why you are qualified, and what you can offer
may want to offer references or inform the interviewer they are on file at the CDC
thank the interviewer for his/her time
What should I do after the interview?
organize the information collected
write down notes from the interview
record the date of your next contact
immediately send a thank you letter to each person with whom you interviewed
never burn a lead or a source-if uninterested in a position, politely say so
