Pre-Interview Prep
What should you research about a company before an interview?
What type of work they do, who they serve, their history
How would you answer the question - tell me about yourself?
Answer question with information that pertains to job. Education, work history, values, goals, etc
What does making good eye contact demonstrate?
You are listening and engaged
How would you respond about a gap in employment history?
Be vague, don't need to give a ton of details. Focus on goals to be back in work force
How should you express your gratitude?
What is an important item to bring with you to an interview besides your resume?
List of references, portfolio, paper for questions/notes
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Something that highlights how well you would do in the job, would make you a good asset to the team. Weakness should also make look positive - something that you feel like you can work on but frame in a way that would still make asset to company.
What body language should you avoid?
Slouching, fidgeting, moving chair, yawning
How would you respond to a failure at work without seeming negative?
Focus on how you have improved since then and why you might've had a lack of understanding at the time
How long after interview should you send follow up email?
Later that day
What should you not wear to an interview?
Jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, hats, sandals, shorts, stained clothes, tank tops, etc.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
How can your posture impact the impression that you make?
Shows interest and engagement, how present you are, if you are listening, taking it seriously
How would you respond to what did you dislike about your last job?
Focus on positive aspects like looking for room for growth, needed change of environment, had learned everything position had to offer
What should you include in follow up email?
Thank them, mention how much you enjoyed learning more about company and position, show excitement and enthusiasm for position, make sure contact information is provided
How early should you arrive for an interview?
Why do you want to work here?
Reflect on information gained in initial research - base answer off of this. Align with their message and values
What is the importance of speaking slowly and clearly?
Helps to better articulate, provide more detail, show interest, try to not show anxiety
Why did you leave your previous job?
Focus on looking for growth, different environment, mention information gained in research on company and how this aligns more with what you are looking to gain in your career
How can you ask questions about next steps?
Should you call the work place before the interview?
No ! Not after scheduling, unless an issue comes up
Why should we hire you for this position?
Focus answer on why you would be good addition to company, show enthusiasm, mention looking for opportunity for growth
Why is a firm handshake important?
Professionalism
What do you do if you're asked a question you don't know the answer to?
Can ask to repeat question, word differently, ask for a moment to think about it. Focus answer on how you are looking forward to learning more about it and something that you can focus on as a goal
Why is it important to ask questions at the end?
Shows interest, that you were listening, you are excited about position, shows that you are taking it seriously and want to know more.