Researching
Companies
Before the Interview
During the Interview
After the Interview
Follow-up
Interview Questions
Dressing for the Interview
Interviewing Resources
Congratulations!
At this point you may be preparing for an
interview with your chosen employer. Interviews are
tough. But you can make it easier on yourself if you just PREPARE.
Both parties evaluate
each other to determine whether or not the interviewee is a fit
for the position. Both parties are trying to show their best
side and are on their best behavior so it's tough to get an
accurate picture of either party.
That means that you
have to research the company, research yourself and figure out
how and why the two should develop a relationship. The CDC
is full of information that will help you with all three. First
you can use books and assessment tools to help you to learn more
about yourself. Secondly, you can use the
CDC resources and links to learn the critical information that
will help you to succeed in your interview. Below are the
three areas that you must focus on to interview
effectively. Remember, the
key is to be PREPARED!
Researching
Companies
The popular career development
literature recommends that you know some basic information about
the company that is interviewing you. You should at least know
the following information: Who they are, what they do, where
they do it, why they do it, and how you can fin in.
To find out more about searching for
company information check out company information at the bottom of this page.
Before the
Interview
The more preparation that you do prior
to your interview the more relaxed, confident, and successful you
will be. Most of the work for an interview takes place
prior to the interview. If you follow these basic
suggestions, you will be more prepared, more comfortable, and
ultimately more successful!
-
Research the company!!! Preparation
is the key to a successful interview.
-
Practice thoughtful answers to
anticipated questions. Do a video-taped mock interview with
the CDC.
-
Dress appropriately. Ask CDC staff if
you are not sure.
-
Use minimal or no cologne or perfume.
Avoid cigarette smoke.
-
Don't have gum, mints or cough drops,
etc. in your mouth.
-
Bring extra resumes and your career
portfolio, if appropriate.
-
Arrive early, 10-15 minutes before the
interview starts.
-
Read company materials while you wait.
-
Relax ... a little nervousness is
normal, but too much makes everyone uncomfortable.
-
When the interviewer comes to get you:
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Stand up, smile, and introduce
yourself in a positive, courteous manner;
-
Give a firm handshake, without
crushing the interviewer's hand.
-
Convey optimism and enthusiasm to the
employer, especially during the informal conversation on the
way back to the interview room. Many employers form a lasting
first impression from the way you act during the first 5
minutes.
-
Make good eye contact, but do not
stare at the employer.
-
Use the interviewer's name (use Mr. or
Ms. and last name) during the interview.
-
Listen to how you are speaking (not
too quickly, not too slowly).
-
Use good grammar... "yes," not "yeah"
or "yup" and avoid "uhs" and "ums."
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Use body language to show interest.
-
Smile, nod, and give nonverbal
feedback to the interviewer.
-
Be honest and brief when answering
questions, but with enough detail to support your answer.
Some interviewers say candidates can undersell themselves by
being too brief.
-
Use action words to describe your
abilities and experiences.
-
Give detailed examples to strengthen
your candidacy. Be a STAR-Situation, Task, Action, Results.
Some employers use behavioral interviewing, like "Tell me
about a time when you had to lead a team." They want a
specific example. Even with regular interviews, using STAR
examples is much stronger; think to yourself, "Let me tell you
about a time when."
-
Answer negative questions with
positive points.
-
Ask questions about the organization.
Write out several ahead of time. Start with position
responsibilities, requirements for advancement, and others
that would benefit the company, before asking about benefits
or starting salary range.
Questions you can ask employers.
After the Interview
Once you have finished the interview and
you have a chance to catch your breath, it is very important to
evaluate yourself. Develop an evaluation sheet or keep a
sheet of paper in your company file folder and write down your
thoughts about the interview. How did you do? Did
you get your ideas across effectively? What should you do
differently next time?
Follow-up
One of the most often overlooked factors
in the quest for a great job is follow-up. Many people know that
they should do it, but most don't. Either they don't know how,
they forget, or they just choose not to do it. Follow-up is critical
and is your responsibility.
The employer receives hundreds of résumés and calls for
every job that they have. Here are some basic thoughts on follow-up.
-
Don't be rude or aggressive. This could turn off an employer.
-
Be timely in your responses. Typically, you should give any business person
five to ten days to respond to any correspondence that you sent and you
should give them one to three days to return a phone call.
-
Be brief and to the point. When you call or write, get to the point.
Professionals are very busy and don't have time to
talk with every interested candidate. Plan your
conversation before calling. Sell yourself
effectively.
Remember effective follow up includes
sending your thank you letters on the same day as your
interview. You want the employer to remember you two days
after your interview, not two weeks later. Thank-you
letters should be typed. Re-emphasize your strengths and
highlight your qualifications for the interviewer, but be brief!
Typical Questions Asked by Recruiters
-
Tell
me about yourself.
-
Why
are you interviewing with our organization?
-
Are
you willing to relocate?
-
Why
did you choose your college?
-
Why
did you choose your major?
-
Tell
me about your classes.
-
What
courses did you like best? Least?
-
Are
your grades an accurate reflection of your abilities? Why or
why not?
-
Tell
me about your extra-curricular activities and interests.
-
Tell
me about your most satisfying and most disappointing
experiences at college.
-
What
supervisory or leadership roles have you held?
-
What
would your supervisors tell me about you?
-
What
do you do with your spare time?
-
Why
should we hire you?
-
How
would your last supervisor describe you?
-
Give
me an example of a time when you had to perform under
pressure?
Questions
for You to Ask Recruiters
-
Please describe your organization's
personality and management philosophy.
-
How will I be evaluated in this
position?
-
What are the typical
promotions/career paths in your company?
-
What is a typical day like in this
position? Do you have a job description?
-
What does your company do for
orientation or training programs?
-
What makes your organization better
than your competition?
-
What are your expectations for new
hires within their first three to six months on the job?
-
Describe the work environment.
-
How long has this position existed?
-
What qualities are you looking for
in your new hires?
Resources on Interviewing
The CDC has a wide variety of books and video tapes for student use. There is a
video tape monitor available in the Resource Room or you may
sign out a tape. CDC staff members
are available for one-on-one sessions to improve your
interviewing skills. Finally, attend
a CDC workshop on job interviewing or complete a practice
interview in the CDC to cover the basics of the
interviewing process. Here are some additional links!
