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HOC Employment Initiative Program
Interviewing
An effective interview should be a two way
communication between you and your potential employer. The interview
is your opportunity to present your qualifications for the position
in considerable detail. Please remember, employers use the interview
to evaluate you. Will you be able to do the job? Will you be a good
employee? Will you fit in the company’s culture? Following are some
suggestions for the interview process:
Preparation
The key to a successful interview is being well prepared and feeling
comfortable during the interview. We suggest the following:
Research the company and the person you will be interviewing with List some questions you would ask if you were conducting the interview Practice your answer to questions out loud; conduct a mock interview with a friend Know the location of the company before the day you are supposed to interview Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references
Appearance
Decide what you are going to wear to the interview in advance. If
possible, find out the standard dress code for the company and use
that as your guide. Other things to consider:
Dress conservative; dress up, not down Keep hair neat and well-groomed Avoid excessive jewelry, make up and perfume Don’t chew gum or tobacco
Interview Questions
Interviews can vary extensively in terms of their formality, length,
and structure; however, there are two basic types of questions asked in interviews:
Informational questions are generally straight forward and have to do with your work history, training, education, and goals. Behavioral questions are more probing and seek to determine future success based on your past behavior.
Whatever type of question you are asked, you should listen carefully
before you answer. Remember, it’s ok to take a moment to frame your
response; in fact this will present your thoughtful side. If you
don’t know the answer to a question, it’s usually better to admit it
than to try to fake your way through an answer. Other important things to consider:
Know your key skills Be prepared for problem questions Know something about the job Ask good questions Give the employer a reason to hire you over someone else
Some sample questions:
Tell me about yourself! You must be prepared to give a 2-minute sales pitch which explains how your background qualifies you for the job. What are your major weaknesses? The employer wants to know if you are aware of your weaknesses and that you have learned to overcome them so that they don’t affect your work. How does your previous experience relate to the jobs we have? Can you prove that you have the experience and skills to do the job? What will your former employer/customers say about you? This question is really about dependability, reliability and team work. What are your salary expectations? You must be careful here, don’t get yourself locked in. Do your salary research before the interview! If possible let the employer be the one who put out a number first.
Closing the Interview
As the interview comes to a close, take a moment to reconnect with
your interviewer. Be gracious, and thank him or her for the time.
Ask for a business card, and also leave one of your own if you have
one. As you leave the building, take the time to say thanks to the
receptionist and anyone else with whom you’ve met.
Follow up with a Thank-You note
Sending a thank-you note is a simple act of appreciation. People who receive your notes are more likely to remember you in a positive way.
General Suggestions
Focus on presenting yourself as enthusiastic, capable, and prepared as possible. Your appearance should be professional, but not stiff –
try to relax as much as possible. Act in a polite but assertive manner, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most important of all,
take the time to prepare yourself before you arrive, so that you are able to focus on building a rapport with your interviewer.
Helpful Links
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