Interviewing

 Sample Behavioral Interview Questions 

 Sample "Normal" Interview Questions 

 Sample Questions to ask the Interviewer 

 How to Answer "Illegal" Interview Questions 

 Off the Wall Interview Questions 

Preparing for the Interview
•     Be able to discuss your skills, interests, values and goals that relate to the position
•     Research the employer and know about their mission, services and products
•     Demonstrate that you have the necessary position requirements
•     Know what type of interview to expect (i.e. initial screening interview, telephone interview, second/site interview, panel interview)
•     Be prepared to respond to common interview questions
•     Practice your interview skills through a Mock Interview 

During the Interview
•     Make a Good First Impression
•     Be on time – plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your interview is to begin to not feel rushed - but we recommend not arriving to the actual interview place (e.g. office suite) somewhere between 5 - 10 minutes early
•     Maintain eye contact with the interviewer during your greeting and throughout the interview
•     Extend a firm handshake and use appropriate salutation (Mr./Ms./Dr.)
•     Turn off your cell phone

Know What to Wear
Men
•     Wear a clean, pressed dark suit and tie
•     Avoid whimsical ties
•     Wear polished dress shoes
•     Present a clean-shaven or neatly trimmed beard

Women
•     Wear a clean, pressed suit - either pants or skirt
•     Skirts should be no shorter than 1” above the knee
•     Wear polished dress shoes – flats no more than two inches high
•     Hair should be neatly arranged

Remember:
•     Anything that could detract a recruiter from paying attention to your qualifications (i.e. facial hair, jewelry, heavy perfumes/colognes) will negatively impact the professional impression you want to achieve
•     When in doubt, be conservative!
 
Gather What to Bring
•    Professional portfolio to carry documents and take notes
•     Extra copies of your resume
•     Samples of your relevant work
•     Reference list
•     Any requested documentation
•     A writing utensil

After the Interview
•     Send a prompt thank-you note for the interview
•     Follow-up regarding your status in the process if the employer has not contacted you within the agreed upon time frame (you can initiate contact and ask if a hiring decision has been made)
•     Continue applying for additional opportunities

What Employers Look For
•     Interest – Do you want the job?
•     Skills, abilities and experience – Can you do the job?
•     Motivation – Will you do the job?
•     Personal qualities – Are you a good fit with the organization?
•     Read more: Interviewing Prep

Reasons Employers Do Not Hire Interview Candidates
•     Lack of enthusiasm and interest in the position
•     Inappropriate attire
•     Responses do not contain enough detail
•     Inability to connect experiences and education to the position and the organization
•     Unclear and/or unrelated career goals
•     Limited knowledge of the organization and the position