Interview Skills

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InterviewA structured meeting of

minimum two people arranged to examine the suitability of the candidate

The candidate is tested for subject knowledge, skills and desired behaviour in a very limited time

Interviewing is a two-way street

- Employers are attempting to determine if you are an appropriate fit for the job and their culture

- You decide if the environment and the profile is right for you.

Types of InterviewsTelephonic: An initial screening of

candidates or to narrow the pool of applicants or the final step

One-on-One: Most common interview style used by potential employers

Panel : allows many individuals to interview you at once

Meal: used to see how you interact or function in a social setting

On-site Interview: this allows one to get a tour of the facility, meet the staff, and additional questioning from different employees and/or administration

Structured interview

Stress interview

Depth Interview

Group Interview

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Types of Interviews

Pre-Interview PreparationKnow yourself and be able to articulate

skills, strengths, accomplishments, and career goals

Research position, company, & industryPrepare necessary materials Ask for directions and where to park

Interview preparationInterviewers assess:- Clarity- Depth- Personality- Application of concepts to real-life situations

- Communication skills- Attitude

Arriving Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to

arrive at your destination (you may want to conduct a dry run prior to your interview day)

Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site to allow you to park, walk to the interview, use the restroom, or just gather yourself

Greeting & IntroductionOnly 1 chance to make a good 1st

impressionDress appropriatelyPerfumesSmileMaintain eye contactFirm handshakeRemain poised and confidentTone

Body Language:

Positive SignalsLeaning forward =

interestSmiling = friendlyNodding = attentive

and alertEye contact = curious

and focused

Negative SignalsCrossed arms =

defensiveFidgeting hands or

tapping feet = nervous or bored

Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy

Leaning back= discomfort

Types of Interview QuestionsStandard or traditional-

targeting your education, work experiences, and

career goals

Tell me about yourself?What are your

strengths? Weakness?Why did you choose to

interview with us?What did you like most

about your last job? Least?

What are your short and long term career goals?

Types of Interview QuestionsBehavioral Questions

-These focus on your actions and/or behaviors in a previous setting.

- Past behavior provides clues to future behavior

Sample QuestionsDescribe a time you had

to make a difficult decision?

Tell me about a time you worked under a deadline?

What do you do when a team member is not pulling his/her weight?

Think about a time you made a mistake. What did you learn from it?

Types of Interview QuestionsInappropriate or

unethical questions- Questions which probe

into your private life or personal background

- Questions about your ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, marital status

Sample Questions

How old are you?Do you have

children?Do you have a

disability?What religion do

you practice?

Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions asked

by the interviewee

To determine if you are an appropriate fit for the company and position, prepare a list of questions for the interviewer

Sample QuestionsWhat type of assignments

can I expect within the first year?

What do you like most about this company?

What is the biggest challenge facing this department right now?

What skills are you looking for in this position?

What is the next course of action?

Do’sIf provided a form, fill out neatly.Do greet the interviewer & do shake

hands firmly.Do make good eye contact with your

interviewer(s)Remain calm, relaxed, and be yourselfDo show enthusiasmDo make sure that your good points

come across to the interviewer in a factual sincere manner

Do stress your achievements

Don’tsDon’t ever lie. Answer questions

truthfully, frankly and to the point.Don’t answer questions with a

simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Explain whenever possible. Give examples.

Avoid negative statements or complaining.

Don’t leave unfinished sentences. Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I

think,” “I guess,” “probably”.Avoid answering a question if you

are not clear.

Confidence

Interest

Initiative

Sincerity

Tact

Result Orientation

Positive Attitude

Aptitude

Team Player

General Ability

Interview Evaluation

General Interview Strategies-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your

experiences--Provide specific and concrete examples of your

results/accomplishments-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident

throughout the interview process

General Interview StrategiesRemember an interview is a formal conversation--

avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know”Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,”

“probably,” or “pretty good”Think before speakingAvoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-

2 minutesIf you do not hear or understand a question, ask them

to repeat or clarify it for you

General Interview StrategiesRemain calm, relaxed,

and be yourselfTry to focus on the

message you are trying to convey--NOT how well you are doing!

Suggestions

Conduct a test run the day before the interview Practice! Practice! Practice!

•Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short answers• Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers•Schedule an appointment for a mock interview

Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert for the interview

Be relaxed and be yourself!

FOLLOW-UPAsk good questions

Thank the interviewer

Inquire about next steps in the process

FOLLOW-UPSend a thank you note

within 24 hours Letter may be

handwritten or typed; e-mail is also acceptable

Tailor each one to the individual.

Final ThoughtsRemember that only 15% of the success of an

interview is out of your controlTake some time to reflect - Overall, how well did I do? - What went well? - What steps can I take next time to improve?

Why I got Rejected?

Vague and irrelevant answers to the questions

Very fidgety: little eye contact; nervous mannerism, such as playing with hair, nail biting etc.

Utter superficial remarks to impress the interviewer – project work