Interview Preparation:

Breaking the Ice:

It is always good to have something nice to say to “break the ice”.    One suggestion would be to simply say, “ I have really been looking forward to interviewing with you

Getting Started:

How to respond to the classic question from the employer of, “Tell me about yourself?”    That is a very broad question, so you need to narrow it down by asking, “Well, where would you like me to start?”   This will allow you to focus your answer on what the employer really wants to hear.   If he/she asks about your academic background, then you know this is an area of initial focus.  Proceed to ask what other information you can provide.

Demonstrate Strong People Skills:

During an interview, a potential employer will be watching how well you listen and will take direction by seeing how you respond to their questions.   Therefore, never cut them off by stepping on their sentences.  Wait till they have finished and have completed their thought process.  In fact, if you literally wait two seconds before responding you will come across more professional.

In addition, the interviewer will unconsciously feel obligated to let you finish your sentences and thoughts.

Three Types of Presentations Typically Experienced During the Interview:

1.     The first will be a short synopsis of your career.  This should be nothing more than a paragraph in length- short and to the point. 

2.     The second will be a dialogue about the individual jobs that you had.  Be prepared to pinpoint specific qualities about particular jobs.  Be prepared to discuss each of your jobs and discuss them at length.

3.     The third will be to explore your technical qualifications.  This is where the interviewer gets to demonstrate their knowledge by asking you those “tough technical questions”.  Be prepared to detail a particular function from any of your previous work-related experiences and be sure that it relates to the position for which you are applying; that is, bulls eye your response.

Handling the Issue of Money:

When a potential employer asks the question, “What type of money are you looking for?”  A recommended response is, “There are two reasons why I am here today.  Obviously money is one, but the key reason is the opportunity working for XYZ Corporation provides.   I envision real opportunity within this company.  I guess what I would like to say to you at this point in our discussion is, if at the end of our meeting process, you have an interest in me, I would like to entertain your strongest offer.”  

Exercises:

To prepare for your short synopsis, take out a piece of paper and write out what you would say during an interview.   Do this at least two times, because it will only get better.  Rehearse it to yourself, then to a family member until it just flows naturally. 

By writing down your answers, it helps you remember them better.  During an interview there is no time for thinking, just time for performing.  

Next take out another piece of paper and draw a bit “T” across it.   On the left side write in the title “New Job Responsibilities”.  On the right side, write out “Similarities In Previous Jobs”.  As you do this, think of those areas that are similar in nature from your previous positions to those of the new position for which you are interviewing, and then equate everything to a cash value savings or gain to the company.  Provide analogies of how you could do the same in the position for the company you are interviewing for.

Additional Thoughts:

1. Remember to use Action Words on your resume and during the interview:

I planned                         I created                        I originated

I initiated                         I developed                  I conceived

I implemented                 I formulated

2. Remember to use leadership words, if applicable:

I organized                      I was responsible for

I directed                         I presided over

I led                                  I coordinated

I managed                       I built

I guided                           I gave direction to

3. Use Result Phrases, when appropriate:

It lead to                          I achieved

It contributed                 I provided for

It demonstrated that     I increased

It saved/reduced            I shot holes in

It collected                     I evaluated

Be Ready with Important Questions:

At the end of the interview when the interviewer asks you, “Do you have any questions?”  Be prepared to ask insightful questions.  You will be judged by the quality of the questions you ask.  Feel free to write these down and take them with you for the interview.   There is nothing wrong with referring to them during the interview.  However, be sure to memorize at least a couple.

Behavioral Interview Questions:

Some employers are moving away from a resume-driven style of interviewing to a behavioral format. Behavioral interviews are probing in nature and based on the concept of “predictable future behavior.” That is, what you have done in the past strongly suggests what you will do in the future.

Navigating these interviews successfully requires that you know yourself inside and out; this will require introspection and soul-searching.

You Must Be Able To:

·       Know why you have made the decisions you have made that have brought you to this point in your life 

·       Explain and defend your decisions

·       Provide concrete, specific examples of where you have demonstrated the proficiencies employers are seeking

Example Behavioral Interview Questions:

1.     How have you demonstrated initiative?

2.     How have you motivated yourself to complete an assignment or task that you did not want to do?

3.     Think about a difficult boss, professor or other person. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?

4.     Think about a complex project or assignment that you have been assigned. What approach did you take to complete it?

5.     Tell me about the riskiest decision that you have made.

6.     Can you tell me about an occasion where you needed to work with a group to get a job done?

7.     Describe when you or a group that you were a part of were in danger of missing a deadline. What did you do?

8.     Tell me about a time when you worked with a person who did things very differently from you. How did you get the job done?

9.     Describe your three greatest accomplishments to date.

10.  Tell me about a situation when you had to learn something new in a short time. How did you proceed?

11.  Can you tell me about a complex problem that you solved? Describe the process you utilized.

12.  Tell me about a challenge that you successfully met.

13.  Walk me through a situation where you had to do research and analyze the results for one of your classes.

14.  What leadership positions have you held? Describe your leadership style.

15.  Have you generated any new ideas or suggestions while at school or at work?

16.  Summarize a situation where you successfully persuaded others to do something or to see your point of view.

17.  Give an example of when your persistence had the biggest payoff.

18.  Describe a situation where class assignments and work or personal activities conflicted. How did you prioritize? How did you manage your time? What was the outcome?

19.  How have you most constructively dealt with disappointment and turned it into a learning experience?

20.  Describe a situation in which you effectively developed a solution to a problem by combining different perspectives or approaches.

21.  Describe your management style and how have you seen it change and / or improved over time?

22.  If there were one thing that you could change about your career. what would it have been?

23.  From your personal perspective – Do you consider yourself a Leader or a Team Player, and why (only choose one)?

24.  Provide an example of how you developed an “out-of-the-box” idea, which benefited your company, unit or group within your organization.

25. Client Contact, Call Centers and Help Desks

26.  We can develop a vision of what type of management style should allow you to be successful in the future by analyzing your success or failure at influencing important decisions in previous assignments.

27.  In what ways are you more effective today than three years ago and why?

28.  As you become more effective, what is your motivation to do more?

29.  What have been your greatest challenges, and how did you overcome them?

30.  What has given you a sense of pride in past assignments?

31.  Why do you want to change positions at this time? 

32.  What are you looking for in your next company that you can’t get in your present company

33. Describe your greatest accomplishment in Last 5 yrs (Your contribution, results achieved, greatest challenges and how you  overcame them, mistakes you made, how you dealt with conflict, etc. 

34. Why did you leave your last employer?

        Interviewing: Before, During And After:

Generally, people do not get a job without an interview. Therefore, effective interviewing skills are a must, as others will be competing for the same position. It is critical to convince employers that you can do the job and you can do the job better than the other candidates.

The following will explain the steps you can take before, during and after an interview will ease tension and help place you ahead of the competition. 

Before The Interview:

Spend time preparing prior to the interview will be time well spent in your job search process. The following are some tips on what you can do to prepare yourself for an interview.

1. Understand What Employers Look For:

·       Interview Preparation/Knowledge of Employer:

·       Are you knowledgeable about the employer and the industry?

Self-Confidence/Verbal Communication Skills:

·       Do you have the ability to listen effectively, verbalize your thoughts clearly and express yourself confidently?

Goals/Motivation:

·       Do you demonstrate an interest in the employer and a desire to work hard and succeed?

·       Do you have the ability to identify and work toward specific goals?

Qualifications:

·       Can you relate your academic program, skills and/or prior work or internship experience to the needs of an employer?

·       General Personality, do you exhibit these traits:

o  Poise?

o  Enthusiasm?

o  Ambition?

o  Work Ethic?

o  Are you someone who is willing to accept responsibility and keep commitments? 

2. Research The Employer: 

It is important that you research an employer so you can relate your abilities to the needs of the employer. Also, by having "done your homework", it will show an employer that you are interested in the employer and the position. Refer to the section Researching an Employer for more information. Contact your Career Service Center for any personal experience they may have had with a specific employer. 

·  Be prepared to answer and ask questions 

2.  Dress Appropriately:

The way you dress has an effect on the interviewer’s initial impression of you. Follow the guidelines below for dressing for an interview. 

Women: 

·      Be modest in the use of perfume and makeup

·     Suit or tailored dress in solid or subtle color, no extreme slits.

·     Dress conservatively and professionally (no bear legs).

·     Polished and closed toe shoes, basic dark pumps with medium or low heels.

·     Nails subtle if polished, clean and not chipped.

·     Make-up should be minimal.

·     Clutch or small shoulder bag, choose between an attaché case or handbag (not         both).

·    Simple and basic jewelry.

·    Always wear hosiery and keep color neutral.

·     Light cologne, if any. 

Men: 

·    Navy, charcoal gray or pin stripe suit.

·   Shined shoes. Tassel loafers, wing tip or lace shoes preferred.

·   Clean nails.

·   Get a haircut, if you need one.

·   Conservative red or navy striped solid tie, simple and neat - no loud or big ties.

·   Solid white shirt.

·    Avoid flashy cuff links, rings or neck chains.

·    Over the calf dark socks.

·    No strong fragrant cologne and after shave.

Both: 

·     If wearing an overcoat, ensure it covers the bottom of your suit jacket.

·     No smoking or chewing gum.

·     One ring per hand with exception of the wedding set.

·    Quality pen. 

3. Have Your Documents Handy:

You may wish to carry a briefcase or a professional looking notebook with your questions written in advance. It is a good idea to include additional copies of your resume and letters of reference. 

4. Arrive At Least 10-15 Minutes Early: 

Do not skip breakfast if the interview in the morning.  You do not want your stomach growling.  Rehearse your drive, if possible.  And allow plenty of time, so you can arrive 10 minutes early Remember, you have one opportunity to make a good first impression. Thus, it is critical to arrive on time for an interview. Arriving late to an interview not only wastes the interviewer's time, but also sends the message that you are not serious about your job search or about keeping commitments. 

5. During The Interview:

During the interview your job to convince the interviewer that you are the most qualified candidate. Remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression! The following are some tips on what you should do and not do during an interview. 

Do Not: 

·       Don’t address the interviewer by his/her first name unless invited to do so.

·       Don’t let the employer’s casual approach fool you—maintain a professional image.

·       Don’t dominate the interview or appear arrogant.

·       Don’t criticize yourself or discuss your personal problems.

·       Don’t speak or act in a nervous manner.

·       Don’t ask questions that the interviewer has already answered.

·       Don’t interrupt when the interviewer is talking.

·       Don’t bring up negative information about past jobs, co-workers or former employers, professors, etc. 

Do: 

·       Give the interviewer a firm handshake.

·       Be enthusiastic, confident, courteous & honest.

·       Be aware of your non-verbal behavior.

·       Convey interest and knowledge in the position and company.

·       Stress willingness, ability and compatibility.

·       Avoid the use of non-sentences such as umm, uh, ya I know, well, and yeah.

·       Always present the best of your background or qualifications.

·       Listen to the questions carefully and give clear, concise and thoughtful answers.

·       At the close of the interview, establish a date for your next communication.

·       Always remember to thank the interviewer for his/her time. 

6. After The Interview: 

It is a good policy to send the interviewer a thank-you letter as soon as possible after the interview (See sample thank-you letter). Be sure to reiterate your interest in the position and the organization. If you get no response from a thank-you letter, or if a date has passed when an employer was to contact you, don’t hesitate to phone the organization. Above all, let them know of your continuing interest in them!

Questions - Traditional Interviewing:

Formulate Intelligent Questions To Ask The Interviewer:

1.     Please describe a typical day on the job.

2.     What do you see as the greatest challenge in this position?

3.     What personal qualities, skills or experience would help someone do well in this position?

4.     What are the company’s plans for future growth?

5.     How do you view this organization as a place to work?

6.     What are the typical career paths? What are realistic time frames?

7.     How are employees evaluated and promoted?

8.     How much contact and exposure to management would I have?

9.    What type of training program do you offer new employees?

10.  How much freedom and responsibility is given to new employees?

11.  Can you explain the performance review process?

12.  What is the retention rate of people in this position?

13.  What opportunities exist for professional growth and development?

14.  What makes your organization different from your competitors?

15.  Are co-op, internship or summer positions available? 

Anticipate Answers to Questions an Interviewer May Ask You:

1.     Tell me about yourself?

2.     What are your short-term and long term career goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?

3.     What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?

4.     What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

5.     How has your college experience prepared you for a career?

6.     What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

7.     In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?

8.     What do you know about our organization?

9.     Why do you want to obtain a position at our organization?

10.  Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?

11.  Why should I hire you?

12.  What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful?

13.  What do you REALLY want to do in life?

14.  Why did you select the career for which you are preparing?

15.  What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like ours?

16.  How would you define the word, "success"?

17.  What qualities should a successful manager possess?

18.  Do you have a geographical preference?

19.  Are you willing to relocate?

20.  Travel?

21.  What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work? 

Negative Factors Leading to the Rejection of an Applicant:

There are a number of reasons why an applicant does not get invited for a second interview and/or hired for a particular position. The Placement Center at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois conducted a study that investigated the reasons surrounding an applicant's rejection. The following list was adapted from the results of this study and provides valuable insight into the type of criteria employers use to evaluate candidates. 

• Poor Communication skills, including excessive talking, no projection, hand over mouth when talking, poor poise/diction/grammar, and indistinctive speech.
• Could not articulate clear goals or future career direction.
• No match between skills or academic background and position.
• Level of technical competency insufficient for job.
• Lacks general enthusiasm and energy and appears unmotivated personally and professionally.
• Weak interpersonal skills.
• Failure to demonstrate leadership or management potential.
• No active participation in our contribution to extracurricular activities.
• No pattern or history of top performance or success.
• Unrealistic expectations.
• Questionable work ethics.
• Interests of candidate are too narrow, professionally and personally.
• No relevant work experience part-time or summers.
• Did not prepare for interview by reading literature such as company brochures or doing industry research.
• Immature and/or lacking in self-confidence.
• Personality was arrogant, overly aggressive, and/or over-confident.
• Misrepresentation on resume in regards to education, GPA, experience, on/or skills.
• Candidate not competitive with applicant pool.
• Appearance was lacking in professional or appropriate presence, specifically in dress, grooming and/or habits.
• Unwilling to start at the bottom; expects too much too soon.
• Late to interview without good reason.
• Asks no questions or very poor questions.
• Overemphasis on money.
• Lack of tact, courtesy, social understanding, and appropriate manners.
• Condemnation of past employers.
• Marked dislike for school work.
• Lack of vitality; limp handshake.
• Fails to look interviewer in the eye.
• Indecisive.
• Loafs during summer vacations.
• Unhappy personal life.
• Friction with parents.
• Sloppy application blank.
• Merely shopping around or wants job for short time only.
• Little sense of humor.
• Parents make decisions for him/her.
• Cynical.
• Low moral standards.
• Lazy.
• Intolerant; strong prejudices.
• Poor handling of personal finances.
• No interest in community activities.
• Inability to take criticism.
• Lack of appreciation of the value of experience.
• Radical ideas.
• Never heard of employer.
• I'm sure people who know you don't think you're laid back.  When they don't know you, people can feel a person is laid back when; 

o  your talking style is less focused

o  your responses to questions are long or drawn out

o  you don't press for action or next steps

o  you don't press for the interviewer's reactions to your

o  ideas or recommendations

o  your lean back rather than lean forward

o  you don't crisply talk about accomplishments or results but lead with processes or approaches

As stated previously, you want to be yourself so that you are selected as the person you are.  It is very hard to "be someone else" just to “FIT” into a work group.  Job-hunting is like dating often, you meet many people before the right one comes along.

Networking:

1.  What Is Networking? 

Many of all available jobs are never advertised in any print media. So how can you broaden your horizons to learn about those "hidden" jobs? The answer is networking. 

Networking accounts for a substantial amount of all career placements. It means using personal and professional contacts to help you become aware of positions that may be open within a variety of organizations.

2. The Purpose Of Networking 

Through the process of networking you can let people know the following: 

· You are actively looking for a job

· Your skills

· What type of career you are seeking 

The people in your network may be able to refer you to organizations that are currently hiring or even help you to get interviews or actual job offers. 

3. Who’s In Your Network?

You may think that you have no contacts who can help, but everyone you know has the potential to be a useful contact in your job search. Be inclusive when you decide who is a member of your network! Consider starting with: 

· Relatives

· Friends & acquaintances

· Classmates, team-mates & co-workers

· Supervisors

· Colleagues from professional organizations and religious groups

· Former teachers and faculty 

Let these people know your needs; then listen to their ideas and suggestions. Ask them for names of others who might be helpful in your search. 

4.    Develop A Tracking System:

Develop a record keeping or card file system for keeping track of each phone call, letter, interview, follow-up, and promise. Without this, you may soon become quite confused. 

5.    Be Professional: 

Effective networking can be a tremendous boost to a job search, but employing inappropriate techniques can cause you to lose valuable opportunities. As long as you approach people to whom you are referred in a professional and courteous manner, most people will be willing to share information because they like to help others and/or they want to stay "well-connected". When speaking to a contact to whom you have been referred, mention the name of the person who referred you early in the conversation. 

6.    Return The Favor :

Also remember that networking is a two-way street. You are developing a network of people to help you, and you should expect to return the favor. You might do the following: 

· Send an article on a topic of mutual interest

· Offer to treat them to lunch

· Send a simple thank you note to individuals who have been particularly helpful 

When your job search is concluded, let them know that you have obtained a position and thank them once again. Then, keep in touch with them periodically. They can be vital to your future professional development.