Human Resource Services
Interview Tips
Your resume is impressive; you have great credentials; your education, experience, and references are outstanding; and now you have an interview scheduled with a great organization.
The time you spend in the interview is the most important part of the hiring process. It's your opportunity to market yourself as well as your education, experience, and potential.
Do your homework first!
First impressions
Get ready for questions
Some dos and don'ts
Your turn to ask some questions
What to do after the interview
Do your homework first!
The most important thing you can do to prepare for an interview is to obtain information about the department to which you are applying or about the position in which you are interested. If possible, obtain a position description ahead of time.
You will need to be prepared to explain to an interviewer why you should be hired — to convince him or her that you would be an asset to his or her team. To do so, you will want to have a good understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to discuss in detail examples of work performed, leadership abilities, specific skills you possess that may or may not be apparent from your resume, and recent training or education.
In addition, be sure to ask with whom you will meet when scheduling your interview.
First impressions
First impressions count!
When greeting the interviewer, use his or her name with Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.
Although you probably will be nervous, try to appear natural, friendly, and poised. You will want to be enthusiastic but not overbearing. Wait for the interviewer to invite you to have a seat. Once seated, remember to smile and to look the interviewer(s) in the eye.
Get ready for questions
During the interview's discussion portion, you may be asked some questions. The interviewer is trying to get specific information from you about your work experience, customer-service ability, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Be prepared to show how you could apply these skills to the interviewer's work environment.
Review the list of questions below and be prepared to answer these or other similar questions.
General
- Why should I hire you?
- How do you determine or evaluate success?
- Tell me a little about yourself.
- Have you ever encountered major problems and how did you overcome them?
- What have you learned from your mistakes/successes?
- Do you enjoy working with people or things? Why?
- How do you respond to criticism?
Educational experience
- Why did you choose to major in... ?
- How has your course work prepared you for this job?
Work experience
- Tell me about your current or a previous job.
- Describe your responsibilities.
- On what projects did you work?
- Describe your relationship with your supervisor.
- Give me examples of your work experience in which you demonstrated tenacity... integrity... honesty.
Goals and interests
- What are your goals for this job?
Personal characteristics
- How would you describe yourself?
- Describe yourself using five adjectives — then, using three of them, give me specific examples of your performance.
- How do you work under pressure? Give me examples.
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
Some dos and don'ts
As you answer questions during the interview, keep in mind some dos and don'ts for effective interviewing.
- Do be yourself in the interview.
- Don't be afraid to sound excited about your career. Be honest.
- Don't dance around past failures, and don't apologize for weaknesses. Instead, if appropriate, explain what you learned from them or what steps you took to correct them. Remember, you are selling yourself — so be sure to comment on your positive points
- Do make your answers to your interviewer's questions meaningful. Avoid short answers like "yes" or "no" as well as long, endless answers.
- Don't disclose confidential information about a former or current employer or coworker.
- Let the interviewer bring up the issues of salary, raises, and benefits. If you've done your homework, you should have an adequate understanding of these aspects.
- Don't ask whether you got the job or when you can start.
Your turn to ask some questions
Remember, you also need to ask questions during the interview. Asking questions allows you to "interview the interviewer" as well as show how your interests meet with the requirements of the job. You may want to ask:
- What are the opportunities for career growth within your department?
- Why do you enjoy working here?
- For what qualities are you looking in new hires?
- Why should I want to work for your department as compared to others?
- How can you best use my abilities?
- Describe a typical day in this position.
What to do after the interview
If you have additional questions, ask them during the interview's conclusion. If you are not excited about the job's potential, now is the time to decline. Do not keep the interviewer assuming you still are interested. Likewise, if you are interested, make it clear! Offer to provide any additional information — let the interviewer know you enjoyed the interview and exit gracefully.
Be sure to send your interviewer(s) a brief, personalized "thank you" letter. Reaffirm your interest in the position if that is the case. Try to get the letter in the mail that evening or the day following your interview.