PART 1 TYPES OF INTERVIEW

There are 8 main types of interview :

1.1 Informational Interview

The objective of this interview is to ask for advice and learn more about a particular career field, employer or particular job. Interviewing experts in their field is one more way to become more occupationally literate. The knowledge that you gain here will make you a sharper and more informed. You will also make a contact and further develop your network.

1.2 Screening or Telephone Interview

A phone interview is a very cost effective way to screen candidates. These can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. You should prepare for it like an open book exam. It is recommended that you have in front of you your resume, the job description, a list of references, some prepared answers to challenging questions and perhaps something about the company. The vast majority of communication is non-verbal. Because they cant see your body language, it is critically important to have positive and polished answers with energetic tone and inflection. Be sure to ask what the next step is.

1.3 Individual Interview

This is the most common type and often called a personal interview. It is typically a oneon-one exchange at the organizations offices. In order to best prepare you will want to know the length of the interview which can usually range from 30 to 90 minutes. If the interview is 30 minutes you have to be concise and have a high impact with your answers. If it is 60 or 90 minutes you will want to go into much more depth and use specific examples to support your generalizations.

1.4 Small Group or Committee Interview

This is where you will be meeting with several decision-makers at once. This can be an intimidating experience if you are not prepared. Its an efficient way to interview candidates and allows for different interpretations or perceptions of the same answer. Be sure to make eye contact with everyone, no matter who asked the question. Its important

to establish rapport with each member of the interview team. Try to find out the names and job titles of the participants.

1.5 The Second or On-Site Interview

After your first interview, you may be asked back again for a second date. They like you enough that you made the first round of cuts, but they would like to know more about you before making their final decision. Second Interviews can last either a half or full-day so it is best to check again and get an agenda. You may be meeting with three to five individuals. This may include a representative from Human Resources, the department head, the office staff and the department heads supervisor. Be alert and enthusiastic at all times! The more you know about the structure of the process, the less anxious you are going to feel and the better you will perform. This is the last step before an offer is made.

1.6 Behavioral-Based Interview

The theory behind Critical Behavioral Interviewing (CBI) is that past performance in a similar situation is the best predictor of future performance. CBI probes much deeper than traditional interviewing techniques. You should prepare by thinking of specific examples that demonstrate your competence in core behaviors such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, creativity, flexibility and organizational skills. You will want to tell your story and structure it by stating your answers in terms of the situation, the task, what action you took, and what was the result or outcome.

1.7 Task Oriented or Testing Interview

This is a problem-solving interview where you will be given some exercises to demonstrate your creative and analytical abilities. A company may ask you to take a short test to evaluate your technical knowledge and skills. Sometimes a presentation to a group is necessary to determine your communication skills. Try to relax as much as possible.

1.8 Stress Interview

During this rare type, the interviewer tries to bait you, to see how you will respond. The objective is to find your weaknesses and test how you hold up to pressure. Such tactics as weird silences, constant interruptions and challenging interrogation with antagonistic questions are designed to push your boundaries. The question you have to ask yourself is:

Do I want to work for a company that treats me this way even before the offer is made? Rethink the corporate culture.

PART 2 INTERVIEWING PROCESS

2.1 What to do before the interview ?
2.1.1 Look at the job posting/job description you are applying for, and develop sound bites that address the needs of the employer. Think of examples where you demonstrated the skills that appear in the job posting and develop answers that clearly show an employer that you are the perfect candidate for this position. All sound bites should be 2-3 minutes in length. 2.1.2 Use the TODAY acronym to develop additional sound bites of your experiences. TODAY stands for Teamwork, Overcoming Obstacles, Duties of your past positions, Achievements, Your strengths and weaknesses. Remember to clearly describe exactly what you did in each situation. The employer is hiring you, not the other people in your story. 2.1.3 Research the company. Search the internet for any recent press releases and check out the company's website. Know what they do, and develop some idea as to how the position you are hiring for fits within the company. 2.1.4 Think of questions to ask an interviewer. Look at the job posting and your research about the company and think of 3-5 questions you can ask during the interview. What are you curious about? Do they manufacture a product you are familiar with, or never even knew existed before you started to research the company? Where does this department fit in the grand scheme of the company? What projects is the department currently working on? 2.1.5 Lastly, prepare answers to the following general questions: Tell me about yourself, Why did you leave your last position, or why are you looking for a new job, Why should I hire you, and The Salary Question. You know that these questions will be asked in one form or another, so there is no excuse to not have prepared an answer. And, what to do just before you enter the interviewing room ? Arrive early, but do not enter the building until 10 minutes before your appointment. Review your preparation stories and answers.

Go to the restroom and run cool water on your hands and inside your wrists to cool your hands down. Check your appearance once again. Announce yourself to the receptionist in a professional manner (Don't underestimate the receptionist's opinion). Stand and greet your interviewer with a hearty (not bone crusher) handshake. Smile and look into the interviewer's eyes -- note the color.

2.2 What to do during the interview ?

If you are nervous, it may help to mention it. Interviewers see many nervous applicants. Simply saying, "I'm a little nervous about this - it's very important to me," will help create a more relaxed situation. Be confident and professional. Look the interviewer in the eye, but avoid staring. Vary your tempo and tone of voice. Sit up straight and look alert. Don't forget to smile. Be honest in your answers, but steer away from any troublesome areas. You, more than the interviewer, can control the content of the interview. Know in advance what you want to say, and look for opportunities to say it. Expand your answers to questions to include points that may not be asked for. If you have questions about the job duties, ask them early in the interview. Then you can target your abilities to the job as the interview progresses. Relate your comments to the employer's needs rather than just to your background and accomplishments. Talking too much about the past is one of the most common mistakes job interviewees make. Don't boast about what you have done. Instead, talk about the employer's needs and how you can meet them. Don't mention any financial or personal problems you may be having. Don't say anything negative about your former employer. Don't bring up salary, vacations or fringe benefits. Wait for the interviewer to introduce these subjects. The best time to talk about salary is after you have been selected for the job. You are then in a much better position to negotiate. Thank the interviewer. When the interview is completed thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. Ask the interviewer for a business card before

you leave. This will help ensure you have the proper name, title, and spelling of the person(s) who interviewed you for future correspondence and communications. Be polite and professional with everyone you meet. It is not uncommon for an interviewer to ask others in the office what they thought of you. You never know what kind of influence the receptionist may have. Be aware of your behavior at all times, even in the elevator or parking lot.

Questions you may be asked during an interview

These are questions you may be asked during an interview with employers. Start practicing answering the questions you may be asked as soon as you start contacting employers. Practice answering these questions during a practice session with a counselor, career technician, relative or friend. The more practice you get, the better prepared you will be. Why are you interested in this job? Why are you interested in working for this organization? What do you know about this company? What do you feel you can contribute to this organization? Why did you leave your last job? What is the worst thing your former employer could say about you? What is your idea of the job you will be doing? What contribution do you think you can make to this company? Have you had summer jobs or part-time jobs? What have you learned from them? Describe your ideal job. Training Questions What training have you had other than courses in school or college? What workshops have you attended? Do you have any skills that are not listed on your resume or in your application? Education Questions What courses did you like most in school? Which ones did you like least? Why did you choose your major course of study? Discuss your background in terms of how it has prepared you for this job. Future Plans Questions

What are your long-term goals? What are your long-term career objectives? How do you plan to achieve your career goals? What do you see yourself doing five years from now? What plans do you have for continuing your education? Availability Questions When will you be able to start this job? Do you mind working overtime? Money and Benefits Questions What level of salary are you expecting? What benefits are you expecting? Personal Questions What are your weak points with regard to your ability to perform this job? What are your strong points? How do you work under pressure? What are your two most satisfying accomplishments? Do you consider yourself a creative person? Why? What important rewards do you expect from your career? Why should I hire you? What have you learned from your hobbies or interests? What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it? What have you learned from your mistakes?

Questions to ask during an interview

Prepare some questions that you can ask during an interview. While in an interview, always wait for a response to your question. Do not interrupt when someone is talking. What kind of person are you looking for to fill this job? Why is the job vacant? Who will supervise this position? Would it be possible for me to meet this person? May I see the work area? When will you decide who will fill the job? What is the starting date of the job?

10 Job Interview Tips From A CEO Headhunter

Whether you're being interviewed to be an intern or a CEO, you're going to run into a few notoriously tricky questions--here's a road map of what you'll be asked, and how to craft impressive answers to even the toughest questions. No two situations are ever exactly the same, but as a general guide, these are the types of questions that could come up in a typical interview. Why dont you tell me about yourself? This question, often the interview opener, has a crucial objective: to see how you handle yourself in unstructured situations. The recruiter wants to see how articulate you are, how condent you are, and generally what type of impression you would make on the people with whom you come into contact on the job. The recruiter also wants to learn about the trajectory of your career and to get a sense of what you think is important and what has caused you to perform well. Most candidates nd this question a difcult one to answer. However, the upside is that this question offers an opportunity to describe yourself positively and focus the interview on your strengths. Be prepared to deal with it. There are many ways to respond to this question correctly and just one wrong way: by asking, What do you want to know? You need to develop a good answer to this question, practice it, and be able to deliver it with poise and condence. The right response is twofold: focus on what interests the interviewer, and highlight your most important accomplishments. Focus on what interests the interviewer Do not dwell on your personal history--that is not why you are there. Start with your most recent employment and explain why you are well qualied for the position. The key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualications to what the interviewer is looking for. You want to be selling what the buyer is buying. Highlight Important Accomplishments Have a story ready that illustrates your best professional qualities. For example, if you tell an interviewer that people describe you as creative, provide a brief story that shows how you have been creative in achieving your goals. Stories are powerful and are what people remember most.

A good interviewee will memorize a 60-second commercial that clearly demonstrates why he or she is the best person for the job. How long have you been with your current (or former) employer? This is a hot-button question if your rsum reects considerable job-hopping. Excellent performers tend to stay in their jobs at least three to ve years. They implement course corrections, bring in new resources, and, in general, learn how to survive--thats why they are valued by prospective employers. If your rsum reects jobs with companies that were acquired, moved, closed, or downsized, it is still viewed as a job-hoppers history. Volunteer and go to events where hiring authorities may be found. Ratchet up your networking to include anything that exposes you to hiring authorities who can get past your tenure issue because now they know you. Your networking efforts have never been so important. What is your greatest weakness? An impressive and condent response shows that the candidate has prepared for the question, has done serious self-reection, and can admit responsibility and accept constructive criticism. Sincerely give an honest answer (but not a long one), be condent in the fact that this weakness does not make you any less of a great candidate, and show that you are working on this weakness and tell the recruiter how. Tell me about a situation where you did not get along with a superior. The wrong answer to this hot-button question is, Ive been very fortunate and have never worked for someone I didnt get along with. Everyone has had situations where he or she disagreed with a boss, and saying that you havent forces the recruiter to question your integrity. Also, it can send out a signal that the candidate is not seasoned enough or hasnt been in situations that require him or her to develop a tough skin or deal with confrontation. Its natural for people to have differing opinions. When this has occurred in the past, you could explain that you presented your reasons and openly listened to other opinions as well. Describe a situation where you were part of a failed project. If you cant discuss a failure or mistake, the recruiter might conclude that you dont possess the depth of experience necessary to do the job. The recruiter is not looking for perfection. He or she is trying better to understand your level of responsibility, your decision-making

process, and your ability to recover from a mistake, as well as what you learned from the experience and if you can take responsibility for your mistakes. Respond that youd like to think that you have learned something valuable from every mistake you have made. Then have a brief story ready with a specic illustration. It should conclude on a positive note, with a concrete statement about what you learned and how it beneted the company. What are your strengths? Describe two or three skills you have that are relevant to the job. Avoid clichs or generalities; offer specic evidence. Describe new ways these skills could be put to use in the position you are being considered for. How do you explain your job success? Be candid without sounding arrogant. Mention observations other people have made about your work strengths or talents. What do you do when you are not working? The more senior the position, the more important it is to know about the candidates qualities that will impact his or her leadership style: is the person well adjusted and happy, or is he or she a company zealot? Discuss hobbies or pursuits that interest you, such as sports, clubs, cultural activities, and favorite things to read. Avoid dwelling on any political or religious activities that may create conict with those of the interviewer. Why did you leave your last position? At high levels, issues that relate to personality and temperament become more important than they might otherwise. The recruiter wants to know if you will t in with the client company. The recruiter may also be shing for signs of conict that indicate a potential personality problem. Be honest and straightforward, but do not dwell on any conict that may have occurred. Highlight positive developments that resulted from your departure, whether it was that you accepted a more challenging position or learned an important lesson that helped you to be happier in your next job. Why do you want to work in this industry?

Think of a story to tell about how you rst became interested in this type of work. Point out any similarities between the job youre interviewing for and your current job. Provide proof that you arent simply shopping in this interview. Make your passion for your work a theme that you allude to continually throughout the interview.

2.3 What to do after the interview ?

2.3.1 Show that you're still interested Leave no doubt in the interviewer's mind about where you stand. Ask for the job at meeting's end with a phrase such as, "I would really like to contribute to this company and am hoping you select me." Also, don't leave the room without a clear idea of what will happen next in the hiring process. Will select applicants be invited back to meet other people? By what date do they hope to fill the position? Such questions demonstrate enthusiasm for the job, and knowing the hirer's timeframe will help keep you from panicking if a week has passed without a phone call. 2.3.2 Set the stage for further contact Nobody wants to be a pest, but could your silence as days pass be misinterpreted as indifference? Avoid the guesswork by finding out before heading home what the employer prefers in terms of checking in. Lizandra Vega, author of "The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want," suggests asking the recruiter about her preferred method of follow-up communication and whether it would be okay to touch base again. 2.3.3. Be punctual If you tell the interviewer you'll send a list of references tomorrow morning, make sure you do it. Keeping your word and answering requests in a timely manner speaks volumes about the type of employee you might be. 2.3.4. Know when to sit tight If an interviewer requests that you follow up by phone in a week, respect her wishes. Calling the next day can be construed as pushy and desperate. 2.3.5. Send a prompt thank-you note

A positive, nonintrusive way to stay on an employer's mind is to send a thank-you note. Vega recommends emailing one within 24 hours of the interview, then following up with a handwritten note that arrives one to three business days later. 2.3.6. Send each interviewer a personalized, powerful follow-up letter This piece of communication is another chance for you to shine, so don't waste space with generalities. Ford R. Myers, a career coach and author of "Get the Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring,"recommends including specific references to each person you met and tying your accomplishments directly to the company's stated challenges. You also can use the letter to introduce achievements that didn't get discussed and to elaborate on interview answers that you felt lacked punch. 2.3.7. Address one of the company's needs Another effective way to follow up is to act more like a consultant than an applicant. "During the interview, you learn a lot about a company's weaknesses and/or areas where the company wants to expand," states Linda Matias, president of CareerStrides.com and author of "201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions." "Consider creating a proposal on how you would address one of those areas. Doing so will demonstrate that you have the knowledge and also the enthusiasm to make a significant contribution." 2.3.8. Keep thinking and learning about the company Be prepared for additional interviews or follow-up phone calls by continuing to research the organization and the field. Gain new information about a topic brought up in conversation. Think of additional questions you'd like answered. These actions show the hirer that you didn't stop caring about the company after the interview was over. 2.3.9. Leverage outside resources Networking should never stop. "If you have contacts and connections with anyone who might influence the hiring decision, or who actually knows the interviewer, ask her to put a good word in for you," Myers says. 2.3.10. Accept rejection with grace Finally, keep emotions in check and don't burn bridges if someone else gets hired. One never knows what the future might hold. The accepted candidate may not work out, or a different position may open up.

"If you are rejected, the first thing you should do (ironically) is send a thank-you note," Myers says. "This will help distinguish you from other rejected candidates and put you in a positive light."

PART 3 TIPS FOR GOOD INTERVIEW

3.1 What should you do to perform well ?
Come prepared ! Know yourself - your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. A job interview is not the time to wing it! Prepare as much as you would for a presentation to the Board of Directors at your company. Research the company Find out as much as you can about the company through annual reports, Newspapers, Value Line," S&P, etc. Your effort will show in the job interview, and youll be seen as proactive, hardworking and astute. Dress appropriately to match the company culture Many companies have gone to corporate casual. Check with your contact to see what they require. When in doubt, always err on the side of formal business attire. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early Punctuality is a subtle clue about attitude and behaviour. Tardiness, no matter the excuse, is a major blunder. Research in advance what your parking options are and allow plenty of time. Exhibit enthusiasm First impressions, positive or negative, dramatically affect the ultimate evaluation. You can make or break an job interview within the first five minutes. Appear friendly and outgoing Smile and say hello to everyone. A positive reaction from the support staff is an important factor in the evaluation. Many hires have been heavily influenced by an Administrative assistant. Be self-confident

High self-esteem and self-confidence are the hallmarks of the successful individual. With confidence, be able to demonstrate how you have overcome obstacles. Theres nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself. Come prepared for key questions Practice your responses to all the typical questions, such as "tell me about yourself" and "why are you looking for a new position?" How well you speak will have a bigger impact than what you say. Remain involved The most effective job interviews are those where an active two-way conversation takes place. Not the typical question and answer type. Begin early in the interview to interject your own relevant insight. Remember, dont interrupt your interviewer. Establish your worth Discuss your specific accomplishments that demonstrate a proactive attitude. Such as: have you installed systems, done something not required, trained someone, etc. Its always important to demonstrate how you either created revenue or saved expenses, and be specific with the amounts and how you accomplished that goal. Know your six key strengths Be prepared to discuss in detail and with examples your five or six main attributes. These should be the ultimate reason you get the job over someone else. Assuming you have done the proper homework on the company, these strengths should also be closely aligned to the key traits the employer is looking for in a person to fill their position. Give 1 to 2 minute responses Communication is the key to successful interviewing. A minimum of one to two minutes of well-prepared discussion gives the interviewer insight into your intellect and supports your contentions. Provide examples/details Support statements about yourself with specific examples. These will provide legitimacy to your claims. Without them, the interviewer wont accept them as valid. Remain attentive Stay alert during the job interview. Maintain good eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Be animated. Show high levels of interest and stay enthused. These actions can maintain or

generate momentum during the interview. This is especially important when you are doing multiple interviews on the same day. The energy level must be as high for the last as it is for the first. Dont be arrogant A presumptuous, overbearing attitude will offset the finest abilities. Theres a fine line between being too confident and cocky. Dont cross that line. Ask probing questions A few strategic questions can demonstrate your intelligence, analytical skills and assertiveness. Have these prepared from your research. Avoid superficial small talk. Be positive about co-workers Dont bad mouth previous positions, companies or employers. No matter how well founded, this implies a negative attitude, typical of those who dont take personal responsibility for their actions. Clearly state your interest By the conclusion of the interview, state that you are definitely interested in the position and would like to know when the next step will take place. Its best to demonstrate this interest throughout the session. Be careful not to go overboard. Know your objective and end with it Establish your objective before the job interview, like a second interview or an offer. Ask for it if you have not achieved it. Ask a question such as, "do you think my skills match your needs?" This gets straight to the point and, at worse, reveals other obstacles to overcome.

3.2 What you should never do ?

Being too dominant In every conversation there tends to be a leader. The leader can change as you move through a conversation or interview. Make sure that you arent the one leading the whole time. You dont want to come across too dominant or domineering as this will make the interviewer wonder how you will be with others you work with. People want collaboration and a team approach, so make sure that the conversation works both ways and isnt all led by you.

Clock Watching

Have you ever been with someone who constantly clock watches? Isnt it annoying? Dont do it especially in an interview. Its distracting, annoying and rude to the interviewer. If youre serious about the job you need to show it by giving it your full attention. Being unprepared If you turn up at an interview not knowing anything about the company or role you are going for, you will look stupid! Make sure that you have done your homework and know about what the company does, where its heading and what they are trying to do. You should know about the role you are going for and also about the people who are interviewing you. Expressing irrelevant opinions Going on about something that is completely irrelevant to your interview is counterproductive and a waste of time in an interview. You may not even realize that you are doing it because you get so excited about a certain topic but make sure that you become more alert to this problem. Some of us are easily distracted and can get wrapped up in a conversation if we have strong views on it and find it interesting. However, if its not relevant to the role or job youre going after suck it up be quiet! Not listening or responding to the questions If you dont really listen to the questions, you wont respond to them well or properly. Making sure that you put on your listening cap as well as your speaking and get my opinions & talents across cap. If you dont listen in your interview you are pretty much sunk!