1)Introductions

You could be interviewed by a lone manager, a human resources worker or a panel. Shake hands firmly with your
inquisitors when you're introduced, remembering to smile broadly while maintaining eye contact. Employers can
make up their mind about candidates in the first few minutes of an interview, according to Berkeley School of Law
at the University of California, so you'll need to make a good impression. Dress smartly and allow yourself plenty of
time to travel to your interview. Aim to arrive between 10 and 15 minutes early. You won't want to risk being late or
arriving in the nick of time having had to run a couple of blocks to make it.

2)Outline of Role
A first interview will typically begin in earnest with a recruiter telling you a little bit about the company and the
nature of the role you've applied for. Use any research you've done into the firm and your knowledge of the job
description to interject with the odd comment to help build rapport with your interviewer, but don't interrupt too
frequently. The Career Center at The Florida State University advises candidates to remember that their interviewer
is in control, and that any responses should reflect this dynamic.

3)Questions
You will usually then be asked to talk about your background or answer questions about your resume. This will be
your opportunity to match your education and work experience with the personal specification of the job you've
applied for. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience, your reasons for applying for the job and how
you see your career developing. When asked about previous positions or your studies, use specific examples of past
achievements to demonstrate your suitability for the role. If you're asked about your computer coding experience,
describe an example of how you've used your programming skills to further a project rather than just listing the
different languages you know.

4)Wrap-Up
Have a selection of questions prepared for the end of your interview. Ask about training and scope for progression
rather than holiday pay and sick leave policies when you're asked if you have any questions towards the end of the
interview. If the subject hasn't been broached, ask when you can expect to receive word of the result of your
interview. Thank your interviewers for their time and shake their hands at the end of your interview.

What Happens During the Interview?

The interviewing process can be scary if you dont know what to expect. All interviews fit a general pattern.
While each interview will differ, all will share three common characteristics: the beginning, middle and
conclusion.
The typical interview will last 30 minutes, although some may be longer. A typical structure is as follows:

Five minutessmall talk

Fifteen minutesa mutual discussion of your background and credentials as they relate to the
needs of the employer
Five minutesasks you for questions
Five minutesconclusion of interview
As you can see, there is not a lot of time to state your case. The employer may try to do most of the talking.
When you do respond to questions or ask your own, your statements should be concise and organized without
being too brief.
It Starts Before You Even Say Hello
The typical interview starts before you even get into the inner sanctum. The recruiter begins to evaluate you
the minute you are identified. You are expected to shake the recruiters hand upon being introduced. Dont be
afraid to extend your hand first. This shows assertiveness.
Its a good idea to arrive at least 15 minutes early. You can use the time to relax. It gets easier later. It may
mean counting to ten slowly or wiping your hands on a handkerchief to keep them dry.
Hows Your Small Talk Vocabulary?
Many recruiters will begin the interview with some small talk. Topics may range from the weather to sports
and will rarely focus on anything that brings out your skills. Nonetheless, you are still being evaluated.
Recruiters are trained to evaluate candidates on many different points. They may be judging how well you
communicate on an informal basis. This means you must do more than smile and nod.
The Recruiter Has the Floor
The main part of the interview starts when the recruiter begins discussing the organization. If the recruiter uses
vague generalities about the position and you want more specific information, ask questions. Be sure you have
a clear understanding of the job and the company.
As the interview turns to talk about your qualifications, be prepared to deal with aspects of your background
that could be construed as negative, i.e., low grade point average, no participation in outside activities, no
related work experience. It is up to you to convince the recruiter that although these points appear negative,
positive attributes can be found in them. A low GPA could stem from having to fully support yourself through
college; you might have no related work experience, but plenty of experience that shows you to be a loyal and
valued employee.

Many times recruiters will ask why you chose the major you did or what your career goals are. These questions
are designed to determine your goal direction. Employers seek people who have direction and motivation. This
can be demonstrated by your answers to these innocent-sounding questions.
Its Your Turn to Ask Questions
When the recruiter asks, Now do you have any questions? its important to have a few ready. Dr. C. Randall
Powell, author of Career Planning Today, suggests some excellent strategies for dealing with this issue. He
says questions should elicit positive responses from the employer. Also, the questions should bring out your
interest in and knowledge of the organization.
By asking intelligent, well-thought-out questions, you show the employer you are serious about the
organization and need more information. It also indicates to the recruiter that you have done your homework.
The Close Counts, Too
The interview isnt over until you walk out the door. The conclusion of the interview usually lasts five minutes
and is very important. During this time the recruiter is assessing your overall performance.
It is important to remain enthusiastic and courteous. Often the conclusion of the interview is indicated when
the recruiter stands up. However, if you feel the interview has reached its conclusion, feel free to stand up first.
Shake the recruiters hand and thank him or her for considering you. Being forthright is a quality that most
employers will respect, indicating that you feel you have presented your case and the decision is now up to the
employer.
Expect the Unexpected
During the interview, you may be asked some unusual questions. Dont be too surprised. Many times questions
are asked simply to see how you react.
For example, surprise questions could range from, Tell me a joke to What time period would you like to
have lived in? These are not the kind of questions for which you can prepare in advance. Your reaction time
and the response you give will be evaluated by the employer, but theres no way to anticipate questions like
these. While these questions are not always used, they are intended to force you to react under some stress and
pressure. The best advice is to think and give a natural response.
Evaluations Made by Recruiters
The employer will be observing and evaluating you during the interview. Erwin S. Stanton, author of
Successful Personnel Recruiting and Selection, indicates some evaluations made by the employer during the
interview include:
1. How mentally alert and responsive is the job candidate
2. Is the applicant able to draw proper inferences and conclusions during the course of the
interview?
3. Does the applicant demonstrate a degree of intellectual depth when communicating, or is his/her
thinking shallow and lacking depth?
4. Has the candidate used good judgment and common sense regarding life planning up to this
point?

5. What is applicants capacity for problem-solving activities?

6. How well does candidate respond to stress and pressure?

Before you go to the job interview, find out the following about the
company:
How old is the company? How large is the company?
What are its products or services?
Who are its customers?
Who are its major competitors?
What are its reputation / industry standing?
What are its new products or services?
What are its short- and long-term goals?
How has the company resolved problems?
Have there been recent employee layoffs?
Where is the companies' headquarters located?
What are the backgrounds of the managers?
What training programs are offered?

Questions to Ask at the Job Interview

One of the last questions the interviewer will ask you is "Do you have any questions?" If you reply with a
simple "No" you are telling the interviewer that you aren't really interested in the job or the company. You
should always prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer before going to the interview.
Below are some possible questions you might want to ask during a job interview. Avoid asking about
salary, vacation time, employee benefits, etc. until you have asked a number of other questions that
demonstrate your interest in working for the company. You will impress the interviewer if you ask
questions that indicate you've done some research beforehand, such as "I read in the Wall Street Journal
last week that your company is planning to expand its retail operations in the region. Could you give me
more details about the company's plans for expansion?"
Good questions to ask the interviewer:
Why is this position available?
Is this a new position? How long has this position existed?
How many people have held this position in the last two years?
Who would be my supervisor? To whom would I report?
Whom will I supervise?
With whom will I be working most closely?
What do you like about working for this company?
What are the current plans for expansion or cutbacks?
What kind of turnover rate does the company have?
How financially sound is this company?
What projects and assignments will I be working on?
What happened to the person that held this position before? Was he promoted or fired?
What is this company's culture? (Ex: Is it rigid and formal or relaxed and flexible?)
What are the current problems facing the company (or my department)?
What do you like the most about working for this company? The least?
What is the philosophy of the company?
What do you consider to be the company's strengths and weaknesses?
What are the company's long and short term goals?
Describe the work environment.
What attracted you (the interviewer) to this organization?
Why do you enjoy working for this company?
Describe the typical responsibilities of the position.
What are the most challenging aspects of the position?
Describe the opportunities for training and professional development.
Will I receive any formal training?
What is the company's promotional policy?
Are there opportunities for advancement within the organization?
When can I expect to hear from you?
Ending the Job Interview: If you're interested in the position, let the interviewer know this by stating at
the end of the interview: "I am very interested in this position. Is there anything that prevents you from
offering me this position right now?" Don't forget to send a follow up letter immediately afterward the job
interview.

Questions Asked by the Recruiter

Why do you want to work for Our Company?

What do you like to do during your time off?
What qualifications do you have for this job?
Tell me three words that would describe you.

Six interview tips

1. First and foremost, be on time! Nothing will jeopardize your chances more than showing up late.
Allow yourself lots of extra time in case something happens, such as bad weather.
2. Dress professionally.
3. Bring a pen and a notepad. Carry a briefcase or a professional folder with extra copies of your
resum.
4. When you meet your interviewer, smile and extend your hand for a firm handshake.
5. During the interview, be attentive and relaxed. Answer questions concisely and honestly. There is
nothing to fear the interviewer is on your side.
6. Find the right moment to ask questions and show interest in the company or organization (but not
the salary or benefits!).