top interview tips
Purpose of an Interview
#10 - Research the Company
#9 - Prepare for Common Interview Questions
#8 - Prepare for Behavior-Based Questions
#7 - Know Your Resume
#6 - Practice, Practice, Practice!
#5 - Wear Professional Attire
#4 - Come Prepared
#3 - Be in the Right Mindset
#2 - Ask Questions
#1 - Follow up with a Thank You Email
Worst Interview Offenses!
Where to Look
Company Website:
- Mission Statement
- "About the Company" Section
News Articles
- Show that you are knowledgeable
about current events & invested in the company
Glassdoor.com & LinkedIn
- Company Profiles
- Interview Information
CareerLink, University Libary Resources, Social Media, Media Coverage
1. Do the company's values align with yours?
2. Are you impressed with the company's history and future project?
3. What can you contribute to the organization?
4. Is the company culture a good fit?
- What is the company culture like?
- What kind of opportunities do you get?
What they really want to know is:
1. If you are serious about applying your skills/talents for the benefit of the company
2. If you are truly trying to ensure that you are a good fit for their company culture
Sample Questions:
- Why did you choose to work here?
- How would you describe your company culture?
- What is the natural career progression for employees with my skill set?
- What is the next step? (When should I expect a call)
What to Look For
Do you have any questions for us?
- Employers are trying to determine if you are a good fit for the position and the company
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Is your personality a good match for the position and for the company?
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Do you have the necessary skills and experience to be successful on the job?
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Be yourself
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You should also be attempting to determine if the employer/position is going to be a good fit for you
1. What do I want to make sure they know about me?
2. Can I include personal information if it is appropriate and interesting?
3. Imagine if this was the only question they were going to ask - what would make them say: "I want to hire that person"
4. Skills, experience, education: Summarize what you are bringing to the table
Present
The Formula
Past
Future
Education Status
- Class Level
- Major
- Graduation Year
Three (3) Brief Sentences
- Relevant Experiences
- Skills
Career Goal
- How this
position aligns with your goals
What makes this company unique?
How does working for this company align with my goals?
Why do you want to work for us?
What is your biggest weakness?
1. Avoid clichés
2. Talk about something you are able to change; stay away from general personality traits
3. Focus on how you have already been improving and how you will continue to do so
4. Talk about something you're not the best at, but you are able to change
- Example: Public speaking is something I am intimidated by, but I have taken some courses to help → continued practice will help me
5. Make sure it's not something that the job requires
- Example: I tend to take the lead too often on group projects, I need to take a step back and trust other people that they can put in their own effort as well.
6. "An area for growth and improvement for me is..." instead of "My biggest weakness is..."
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Why should we hire you?
1. Demonstrate that you have career goals
- Example: I see myself continuing to work in the nonprofit sector, and wanting to take on
leadership roles to improve leadership skills
2. Avoid topics that indicate that you are likely to leave the company
1. What makes you more qualified than other applicants?
2. How can you help the company?
- Example: Bilingual, taken specific coursework, studied specific subjects, previous internship where you gain experience, good advocate, and passion
3. What are you bringing that will be an asset?
STAR Method
What action did you take?
What was the task at hand?
Discuss the positive results of lessons learned
Describe the situation
Situation
Task
Action
Result
Tell me about a time when...
- You were under pressure. How did you deal with it?
- You had to work with an irate customer
- When you were on a team and a member was not pulling his/her weight
Be prepared to talk about everything on your resume
Be honest on your resume
Be able to relate your experiences to the requirements of the position
Schedule a mock interview with a counselor at the Career Development Center
Practice with friends and family
Record a practice interview with Interview Stream to observe your speaking patterns and body language
- Become aware if you say "like, um" or touch your hair too much
When in doubt, be more professional and conservative
Know the company culture and dress accordingly
Avoid anything too casual, trendy, or revealing
MEN
WOMEN
Solid colored dress shirt
- Patterns are a distraction
Regular Tie vs. Skinny Tie
- Depends on the company
Pants
- Black dress pants
- Khakis dressed up with a tie
Suits
- Well fitted
- Black, dark blue, or dark grey
Skirts, Conservative Dress, Blazer, Collared Blouse
Skirts
- 2 inches above the knee Maximum
Comfortable shoes
- Heels not too long
Arrive about 15 minutes early
Bring copies of your resume
Bring examples of your work
Bring references
Be Present
Be Authentic
Be Positive
Be engaged in the conversation
- Treat it like a conversation
- Pay attention to social cues
1. Be yourself
2. Don't be afraid to ask for a moment to think before answering a question
3. It's okay to say you don't know the answer to something
- Offer to look it up and get back to the interviewer
1. Talk positively about your experience
- Don't apologize or minimize your qualifications
- Always leverage negative information with positive information
- Use words that show your enthusiasm
- Determined, Excited, Drive, etc.
2. Never speak poorly of previous employers
- Don't want to hear a scripted person
3. Remember that the employer doesn't have all the power
- You have the power to fill the employer's need
4. Work on Smiling and Handshakes
5. Receptionist desk sees the first impression
What do you want to know?
Shows that you are interested
1. Why did you choose to work here?
2. How would you describe your company culture?
3. What is the natural career progression for employees with my skill set?
4. What qualities do you think someone needs to excel in this position?
5. What is the next step in the interview process?
Sample Questions
At the end of the interview, ask for the interviewer's business cards
- If they don't have any:
Ask for Names and Email addresses
Send a thank you email within 24-48 hours of the interview
Reiterate your interest in and qualification for the position
Example: Thank you for your time to help me learn about your organization, I am confident… I look forward to your response and thank you.
Acting Bored or Cocky
Not Asking Good Questions
Inadequate Preparation for an Interview
Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices
Dressing Inappropriately
Unprofessional Online Content through Social Media
Not Sending Post-Interview Thank You Note
Discussions about Compensation before a Job Offer is Extended
Repeatedly Spamming Employers with your Resume and Cover Letter