JOB INTERVIEWS

JOB INTERVIEWS

Company Research

Research should always be your first step. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial element in successful interview preparation. You will need to be prepared to answer the questions "What do you know about our company"? and "Why do you want to work here?" Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can make your interview more interactive. Before the interview review the company's web site and don't be afraid to contact your prospective employer to request details on the position you are interviewing for or to ask for company literature.

Job Interview Questions About the New Job and Company

(1)    Tell us about yourself. (Focus on the aspects of your experience that apply 

            to this position).

     (2)  What interests you about this job?

     (3)  Why do you want this job?

     (4)  What applicable attributes / experience do you have?

     (5)  Why are you the best person for the job?

     (6)  List five:  personal qualities / weaknesses

     (7)  How would you motivate a team?

     (8)  Give us an example of your ability to work as part of a team.

     (9)  What was your role?

    (10) How do you handle tension?

    (11) Give us an example of your ability to work under pressure?

    (12) Are you a leader or a follower?

    (13) Of your past jobs, which job was your favorite?  Which one did you enjoy

            the least?

    (14)  What were your duties on your favorite job?  What was challenging about

             the job and how did you deal with those challenges.

    (15)  What challenges are you looking for in a position?

    (16)  What can you contribute to this company?

    (17)  Do you feel you are over qualified for this job?

    (18)  Are you willing to travel?

    (19)  What starting salary do you expect?

    (20)  Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you

              would  like to know?

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Interview Questions to Ask the Interviewer

It's your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?" Have interview questions of your own ready to ask. You aren't simply trying to get this job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you.

Interview Questions to Ask ~

(1)    How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?

      (2)  How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?

      (3)  Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?

      (4)  What is the company's management style?

      (5)  Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet    

             him/her?

      (6)  How many people work in this office/department?

      (7)  How much travel is expected?

      (8)  Is relocation a possibility?

      (9)  What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?

    (10)  What are the prospects for growth and advancement?

    (11)  How does one advance in the company?

    (12) Are there any examples?

    (13)  What do you like about working here?

    (14) What don't you like about working here and what would you change?

    (15) Would you like a list of references?

    (16) If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?

    (17) What can I tell you about my qualifications?

    (18) When can I expect to hear from you?

    (19) Are there any other questions I can answer for you?

Interview Questions NOT to Ask ~

(1)  What does this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)

(2)  If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the 

      offer to mention prior commitments)

(3) Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics

      of getting to work don't mention it now...)

(4) Did I get the job? (Don't be impatient).

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Telephone Interview Tips & Techniques

Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.

While you’re actively job searching, it’s important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment’s notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions.

In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.

Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it’s at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.

Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.

Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.

Turn call-waiting off so your call isn’t interrupted.

If the time isn’t convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.

Clear the room – evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.

During the Phone Interview

Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.

Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.

Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.

Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.

Use the person’s title (Mr. Or Ms. And their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.

Don’t interrupt the interviewer.

Take your time – it’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.

Give short answers.

Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.

After the Interview:

Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.

Remember to say “thank you.” Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.

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Second Interview Tips and Suggestions

You’ve done it! You passed the first interview with flying colors and you just got a call to schedule a second interview. What happens next? How can you use a second interview as a means to get a job offer? It’s important to be aware that the company is seriously interested in you, or they wouldn’t have called. You are definitely in contention for the job! Here are suggestions on how to use your second job interview to help secure an offer.

Second Interview Tips

Sometimes, a second interview can be a day-long interview. You may meet with management, staff members, executives, and other company employees. Ask the person who scheduled the interview for an itinerary, so, you know upfront what to expect.

Candidates usually meet with four or five people who are geared to provide an idea of what it’s really like to work for the company.

Learn everything you can about the company. Review the About Us section of the company web site. Use Google and Google News (search by company name) to get the latest information and news. Visit Message Boards to research what’s being discussed. If you have a connection, use it to get some insider information on management and staff, as well as the company in general.

You may be asked the same questions you were asked during the first interview. So, review the questions you will be asked and brush up your responses. Like the first time around, it’s good to take some time to practice interviewing, so, you are comfortable with your answers.

Dress professionally even if the workplace is casual, until you get the job, you will want to dress in your best interview attire, unless you are told otherwise. If the person scheduling the interview mentions dressing down, business casual attire would typically be most appropriate.

When you are scheduled for a full-day of interviewing, lunch and/or dinner may be included on the agenda. Dining with a prospective employee allows the company to review your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your table manners. It’s important to dine carefully. The last thing you want to do is spill your drink (non-alcoholic, of course) or slop food all over the table. Order appropriately and brush up on your dining skills, and your manners.

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What You Didn't Say

Was there something you thought you should have mentioned during your first interview? Or was there a question you had difficulty with? The second interview will provide you with the opportunity to expand upon your responses from the first interview. Review the notes you took during the first interview, to see what you might have missed talking about and what you can clarify or add.

Ask Questions

When you're invited to interview a second time, the chances are good that you are in contention for the position. It's appropriate to ask for a copy of the job description to review, as well as to ask about the organization structure and how you will fit in.

Is There a Fit?

Sometimes, whether a particular job is a good fit is hard to define. I've been in a position where I had an uneasy feeling that I really didn't want the job. It wasn't anything I could pinpoint specifically, but, it was there. If a voice is telling you you're that you are not sure about this job, listen to it. You don't have to turn down the job, but, you can ask for additional meetings with staff, especially the people you are going to be working with, to make sure the job is a good fit for you.

If You Get a Job Offer?

In some cases, you may be offered a job on the spot. You don't have to say yes, or no, immediately. It actually makes sense not to say yes right away, unless you are 110% sure that you want the job. Everything may seem perfect while you're there, but, once you have a chance to mull over the offer, and the company, it may not seem as wonderful. Ask for some time to think it over and ask when the company needs a decision by.

Say Thank You

You have, I hope, already sent a thank note to the people you interviewed with the first time. Again, take the time to send a thank you letter (email is fine) to everyone you met with and reiterate your interest in the company and in the position.

 TO PRINT

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