TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
Like it or not, first impressions are important!
« Proper attire:
J Conservative colors: navy, black, brown, tan, dark green, gray
J Gentlemen: suit and tie (small design—not overwhelming), dress shoes and socks, collared white/light shirt, no jewelry except a watch
J Ladies: suit, skirt and blouse, panty hose, minimal jewelry: 1 pair of earrings no bigger than a quarter, 1 ring per hand, conservative make up and nail polish
J No perfume/cologne, hats, body jewelry, denim, miniskirts, low-cut blouses, casual shoes (flip flops, athletic shoes, sandals), excessive skin or undergarments visible
« Appropriate questions to ask during the interview:
J What are the working hours?
J What is the company’s promotion policy?
J Do you have a merit raise system?
J What are the working conditions—overtime, travel, etc.?
J When and how will I hear about your decision?
J Could you please describe a typical workday and the things I would be doing?
J How will I be trained or introduced to the job?
J How does this job contribute to the company’s overall success?
J What are the department’s goals for the year?
J How will I receive feedback on my performance?
J If hired, to whom would I be reporting?
« Illegal questions:
L marital status
L race/nationality
L sex
L religion
L arrests
L pregnant/have children
L age
L disabilities
Before the interview:
1. Gather materials (résumé, social security number, references, writing utensil, etc.).
2. Find out interviewer’s name, if possible.
3. Get a good night’s sleep the night before.
4. Gather information about the company.
5. Make a list of questions you want answered.
6. Be prepared to answer interviewer’s questions. Practice answering questions aloud.
7. Get your clothing ready. Dress neatly and conservatively. Be well groomed.
8. Find out the location of the interview. Make a “dry run” a few days before the interview.
During the interview:
1. Go to the interview alone.
2. Arrive a few minutes early (5-10). Whatever you do, don’t be late!
3. Turn OFF your cell phone—not vibrate!
4. Smile, introduce yourself, use interviewer’s name, and extend your hand. NO FISH HANDSHAKES! Be aware of sweaty hands.
5. Remain standing until asked to be seated.
6. Do not “invade” the interviewer’s space! Put personal items on the floor beside chair.
7. Do not chew gum or smoke.
8. Sit properly. Watch your posture!
9. Make eye contact with the interviewer.
10. Do not talk negatively about a previous employer or discuss personal problems.
11. Sell yourself—be enthusiastic!
12. Answer questions frankly and briefly but completely. Don’t answer just “yes” or “no.” Use complete sentences and proper grammar. Don’t use slang.
13. Be prepared to complete an application form and/or to take tests—typing, filing, math, spelling, vocabulary, aptitude, personality, etc.
14. Don’t talk salary, vacation, or fringe benefits early in the interview.
15. At the end of the interview, ask when a decision will be made.
16. If you are hired at the end of the interview, make sure to ask about duties, hours, pay, etc.
After the interview:
1. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for his/her time and shake hands again.
2. Prepare a follow-up letter that day or the next day. Send it immediately.
3. Evaluate your performance during the interview, and make suggestions for improvement.
4. Remember, if you didn’t get the job, it doesn’t mean you weren’t qualified. It may mean that someone else was a little more qualified than you were.
QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED DURING THE INTERVIEW
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
3. What is your major strength/weakness?
4. What interests you most about the position for which you are applying?
5. Why should we hire you?
6. What kinds of activities do you participate in outside of school?
7. What contributions do you think you can make to our organization?
8. What are your ideas on salary?
9. What jobs have you had? Why did you leave?
10. What courses did you like best/least in school? Why?
11. Up to now, what has been your greatest accomplishment?
12. Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?
13. Have you ever had any difficulty getting along with other people?
14. Did you attend school regularly? How many days were you out last year?
15. Do you have any questions?