Before the Interview
Name 3 ways to find out if a company is hiring/find their applications or job postings?
-Physically going out and either asking or seeing a flyer/poster; looking on sites like indeed.com, cthires.com, ect.; checking the bulletin boards or emails from places like the American Job Center; looking at the company website; word of mouth
How early should you arrive for your interview?
10-15 minutes
How should you act, in general, during the interview?
Sit up straight with your shoulders back to display confidence. Maintain eye contact and smile let the interviewer know you’re interested in the conversation. Don't fidget or make nervous movements with your hands. Don't cross your arms or use body language that could make you seem closed off.
Tell me about yourself.
Employers ask this question for a variety of reasons. Some may want to hear a brief summary of your work experience (including your current job), while others use it as an icebreaker to get a sense of your personality and what motivates you. Keep your answer brief, stating two professional accomplishments and one personal fact. What you choose to say, and how you say it, says a great deal about you.
You put in an application and you are waiting for a call back. What should you're voicemail NOT include?
Inappropriate language or music.
You should also make sure you're voicemail is set up and the mailbox is not full or you may miss a call back from the employer.
What is the first piece of information you need to prepare/know once offered an interview?
Be you know what time and day the interview is. Have the address/directions to the interview site, and time out how long it will take you to get there to make sure you arrive on time.
(Of course, you should also know the company and position you are interviewing for. Even better if you remember the name of the person you are meeting to interview!)
List two things to NOT do during an interview.
Don’t: offer unnecessary details. The interviewer wants to get to know you, but sharing long stories or irrelevant information can distract from your qualifications. Offer concise answers that relate to the role and company.
Don’t: ramble. Preparing ahead of time what details to include in your answers should help you avoid extra language and info that could occur when you’re nervous.
Don’t: forget to listen and stay focused on the information your interviewer is providing you, and use this information to answer their questions more specifically.
Don’t: interrupt your interviewer when you have a question or need clarification but do wait for a pause in the conversation to ask short questions. Asking questions specific to what they are saying or asking of you is important to show that you understand and are engaged in the conversation.
Name your three greatest strengths.
Employers ask this question because they want to know what your strengths are, but more importantly, they want to know if you're capable of discussing your strengths. Now is not the time to be bashful. Emphasize strengths that can be directly applied to the job.
What should you do when you enter a room for an interview?
introduce yourself with confidence, smile, and give a solid handshake if they reach for one
You've answered the phone and someone is offering you an interview. What should you do?
-Take a moment to step away from any distractions so you can focus on the call. -Be polite and thank them for their consideration. -Make sure to get all the details: date, time, a call back number in case you have questions before the interview or need to reschedule, ask what door to go to, or who to ask for when you get there. -Write it down so you don't loose it.
When does the interview begin?
As soon as you walk in the company door.
So, DO NOT be rude to the other staff smoke, eat, talk on the phone/listen to music out loud, apply make-up, and read materials of poor taste.
What should you say when they ask why they should hire you or what makes you right for the position?
Highlight the skills and experience you have to offer that make you a great fit for the position. If applicable, try to work examples of these into your answers to most of their questions.
What is your greatest weakness?
Most of us would like to respond, "I don't have any," but that's not what the interviewer wants to hear. After all, who doesn't have a weakness? However, be cautious. Think about what you want to reveal. Pick a weakness that is not important in this job or one that you have taken steps to strengthen. Always try to transform your weakness into a strength.
How do you prepare what to wear for the interview?
Think about the position you are interviewing for and what would be appropriate for that position. Look at the company website to see how people are displayed in pictures, are they in suits? business casual? jeans and polos? work/outdoor gear?
What do you say if asked about previous jobs, your experiences with them, and why you no long work there, or are leaving?
Always answer with a positive and professional demeanor. If the interviewer asks you about your experience with a former employer or why you want to leave your current position, it’s important to offer positive explanations. Be polite and professional when talking about past positions.
What attracted you to the company/position? Why do you want to work for us?
Interviewers ask this question to find out how much you know about the company. Having done your company research, talk about the needs of the company or business and how your skill set can contribute to their goals. Talk about your work experiences and how they have prepared you for this particular position. Also, point out your own career goals.
The interview is over... What is your next step?
After your interview, you should prepare to follow up with the employer. Doing so reminds the employer of your conversation, shows them you are genuinely interested in the position and gives you the opportunity to bring up points you forgot to mention. Send a thank you letter/email.
Name two things an interviewer should NOT ask.
Age or health • Race • Religion • National origin (an employer can, however, ask if you are legally able to work in the U.S.) • Gender and/or sexual preference • Marital status • Family and children
What should you research before the day of the interview?
The description of the position you're applying for and to values of the company. Look for specific phrases/statements that you can bring up in relation to yourself and your experience so they know you are right for the job.
Describe a conflict with a manager/coworker/customer. How was it resolved? (If you haven't experienced this, describe how you could resolve a conflict with a manager/coworker/customer.)
Everyone has experienced workplace conflict at some point. The interviewer is assessing your ability to solve problems and interact with others. Don't use this as an opportunity to say negative things about your former manager...state the problem and describe steps you took to resolve the issue. Do not say that you have never had a conflict: it is too unbelievable.