Interview

preparation
 In the beginning.. The Job Search

• Read the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities required of each position CAREFULLY
before applying.
• Assess the value of what you have to offer to each position and the organization. How does your
experience apply to what is required for the job? Think deeply about yourself: How have you
grown over time? How do you interact with others? What could you have done differently for
better results? What motivates you?
• Become familiar with the organization so you can demonstrate how and why you will be an
effective employee. Ask the agency or company to send you material (brochure, job description,
newsletter, etc.)
• Be realistic! Know your qualifications and limitations. Wanting a job does not necessarily mean
you’re qualified for it. Also, a job that pays well for duties you don’t like will not be rewarding in
the long run.
 Applications & Resumes
• Fully complete the given application (if any) without being too wordy.
CVs and Resumes should be brief and ERROR FREE!
• Make sure all information is accurate and captures your qualifications
+ what you have done in each previous job.
• Document your qualifications. NEVER assume anything.
• The application DEADLINE date is exactly that. Plan ahead!
Before The Interview
• Research the potential employer
• Review the job description and be able to match your experience and
education with the duties of the position
• Prepare a 1-to-2-minute script about yourself
• Make sure you have the appropriate interview attire
Tips Regarding Attire (Men)

• If possible, wear a suit to the interview. Otherwise, formal

trousers and full-sleeve shirt.
• Belt and shoes should be same color
• Avoid ties with elaborate patterns or too many colors
• A wedding ring and/or watch is generally the only jewelry that
should be worn
• Head to Toe: Hair should be well groomed, and shoes should be
polished
• Avoid strong perfumes
Tips Regarding Attire (Women)
• A suit or dress is preferable

• If wearing traditional attire (Saree or salwar), avoid using elaborate

patterns or too many colors
• Skirts (if applicable) should meet at the top of the knee or longer
• The amount of jewelry should be minimized
• Make-up should be light
• Avoid strong perfumes
Starting The Interview
• Be sure to arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to the start of the interview
• Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake (if applicable)
• Maintain good eye contact and posture
• Make sure you are energetic and enthusiastic
• Speak clearly and articulate
Interview DO’s
• Dress appropriately. Your cleanliness should be impeccable. Keep cologne or
perfume to a minimum. Pay particular attention to hands and fingernails.
• Arrive 10 minutes early. Know the exact time and location of your interview;
know how long it takes to get there, park, and find a restroom to freshen up.
• Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you
might be solicited during the hiring process.
• Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when
you are greeted by the interviewer.
• Listen to be sure you understand your interviewer’s name and the correct
pronunciation.
 Interview DO’s
• Even when your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your
interviewer by Mr. Or Ms. And the last name, until invited to do otherwise.
• Maintain good eye contact during the interview.
• Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.
• Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific
examples whenever possible.
• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question; and be thorough in your
responses while being concise in your wording.
• Use good grammar and good diction. Say “yes”, not “yeah.” Don’t fill pauses with
“um,” uh” or “ah”. Don’t punctuate sentences with “you know”, “like”, “see” or
“okay”.
Interview DO’s
• Treat the interview seriously and show interest in the employer and the opportunity
presented and respond to questions in a positive manner.
• Watch the tone of your voice.
• Answer the question and use professional experiences or descriptive information to
demonstrate how you would react or respond to a situation.
• Make sure answers have a definite flow. In the beginning state major points you
want to make; in the middle expand upon those points or ideas, and in the end
reinforce your key points and end on a positive note.
• Evaluate the interviewer and the organization. An interview is a two-way street.
• Make sure you understand the employer’s next step in the hiring process; know
when and from whom you should expect to hear next.
Interview Don’ts
• Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions.
• Don’t make negative comments about previous employers or supervisors (or
others).
• Don’t treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the
interview for practice. This is insulting to the interviewer and the organization.
• Don’t give the impression you are only interested in salary.
• Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
• Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke.
• Don’t take cell phone calls during an interview. If you carry a cell phone, turn it
off during the interview.
Standard Interview Questions
• Would you tell me about yourself?
• What is your greatest strength?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What about this position do you find most appealing?
• Why do you want to work for our company?
• Why should we hire you?
What about Answering Questions?

Your points must be CLEAR, RELEVANT AND ADEQUATE:

• to enable the interviewer to understand what you are trying to say; to
determine your strengths for that particular job; and to have
sufficient information to make a good decision.
The interviewer needs to determine if you can do the job, if you will
do the job, and if you fit in. Hiring the RIGHT person is the goal.
 Be Prepared for Behavior-based Questions!
• Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work that
tested your coping skills. What did you do?
• Give an example of a time when you had to be relatively quick in coming to a
decision.
• Give me an example of an important goal you had to set and tell me about your
progress in reaching that goal.
• Give me an example of a problem/challenge you faced on the job, and tell me
how you solved it.
• Tell me about a situation in the past year in which you had to deal with a very
upset customer or co-worker.
• Can you describe the most valuable criticism you have received and what you did
with it?
• Can you give me an example of a project that required attention to detail and how
you handled the details?
• Can you tell me about a difficult person with whom you have worked?
Your keys to RESPONDING well to these types
of questions are:
• Be specific, not general or vague!
• Don’t describe how you would behave.
• Describe how you DID behave.
• If you later decided you should have behaved
differently, explain this.
• The interviewer will see that you learned something
from experience.
Questions To Ask The Employer
• What kind of training will I receive?
• What type of advancement opportunities are available
with your organization?
• What is your time table for the remainder of the hiring
process?

NOTE: Ask questions that demonstrate your knowledge of

their company!
What to do after the interview?
• Courteously thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity to
interview with the agency.
• Extend a handshake and exhibit enthusiasm about the career
opportunity.
• Consider following up with a thank you note or e-mail of
appreciation to the interviewer(s) to further show your interest.
Thank You!