CAREER TOOLBOX

This article is the first in a series of three articles that will help you get through the interview process.

Before the Interview
Submitted by Gwen Hall, Cambridge TEMPositions in Cedar Rapids

 An interview is a formal, personal meeting arranged to evaluate an applicant.  It is the interviewer’s opportunity to match the candidate’s skills and qualifications with the job requirements.  It is also an opportunity for the candidate to evaluate the job and the prospective employer. 

The employment interview is often fraught with unnecessary anxiety.  Remember, when you are invited to interview, you have been chosen from all the available candidates!  Allow yourself a sense of satisfaction that you may have already overcome a big hurdle. 

Interviews present a far greater opportunity to present your abilities than a letter, resume or application.  Therefore, you should take some time to plan and prepare yourself before your interview.  The information presented here will help you prepare for your interviews; your comfort level and confidence will greatly improve. 

Research and Preparation

Learn as much as you can about the job opening and the company, its products and the interviewer.  It shows initiative and indicates your seriousness about pursuing this job.  It’s a good idea to request a copy of the company’s annual report because it will provide you a wealth of information.  You may also inquire if a copy of the job description is available to you prior to the interview.  

Keep in mind that the interviewer has a problem—a position to fill.  Your job is to present yourself and your accomplishments in such a way that the interviewer will identify you as the solution.  In a successful interview, you present your qualifications and clearly relate them to the employer’s needs. 

Typical Questions Asked During Interviews

During the interview, be prepared to answer very specific questions.  The more time you spend preparing answers, the more confident you will feel.  However, it is important not to over rehearse or your responses may sound slick and memorized.  We’ve included a sampling of questions typically asked in an interview: 

Why are you attracted to this organization?
Mention the company’s reputation, employee orientation and stability.

What strengths do you bring to this job?  What are your skills?
Pause for a minute, mention skills related to the job and qualities such as perseverance and loyalty.  Follow up with concrete examples.

What weaknesses or developmental areas do you have?
Present a personal weakness as a professional strength.  It is a people-related job you might mention you don’t work well alone and that you enjoy teamwork.

What kind of salary are you looking for?
Know what the marketplace pays for your position.  Try to have the employer mention a salary amount first.  If pressed for an amount, give a broad salary range (i.e. low to mid 30s).

Tell me about yourself.
Give a brief overview of your career.  Relate it to the job for which you are interviewing.

What is your opinion of your previous employer?  What did you like and dislike about the organization?
Remain neutral and emphasize positive experiences.

Can you work under pressure?  Can you give me examples of how you have responded to pressure?
Assure the interviewer that you can and then probe for his meaning of “pressure.”  Be prepared to give an example of a pressure situation and the outcome.

You have moved several times.  How long will you stay with us?
Explain you are seeking a long-term opportunity where you can learn and grow.

What motivates you?
Challenge, growth, money…. 

Why have you made previous job changes?
Some acceptable responses are reorganization or need for additional challenges.  Do not be negative (e.g. instead of “I dislike my boss,” try “management structure had not allowed my career growth.”). 

What kinds of tasks do you enjoy and dislike?
Answer honestly because you want the best job fit. 

How did you get along with your co-workers?
Indicate that you are a team player and that you get along well with others.  Give an example, if possible, of your involvement with team members. 

Why should we hire you?
Match up qualifications with the job requirements and summarize. 

What other types of positions are you considering?
The interviewer is probing to see what your focus is and whether this position is most appropriate. 

Do you mind travel?
Ask how much travel is involved.  If you have a family, think this question through ahead of time. 

Questions You May Ask

The interview process is a two-way street.  You are not only being evaluated by a prospective employer, but you are examining the position, the people and the company.  You are a consumer and should ask questions of the employer.  The responses will assist you in your decision-making process later on.  We have provided sample questions you may ask. 

• What are the job responsibilities of this job?  

• What would a typical day on the job be like?

• Is this a new position or replacement situation?

• May I see the job description for this position?

• Have goals and standards been set for this job?

• What training programs are offered?

• What is the potential for growth in this job?

• To whom would I report?

• Could you describe this person’s management style?

• Are you interviewing many people for this position?

• Do you think I have the qualifications that you’re looking for?

• When do you expect to make a decision?

• Will there be further interviews scheduled?

• Would it be possible to spend time with someone currently in this position or a related capacity?

 Interview Styles and Settings

You may encounter different interview styles and sometimes a combination of styles during the same interview. 

A screening interview is often used by Human Resource departments to identify a good job fit.  Based on the results of the screening interview, the candidate may or may not be referred to the hiring manager.

The evaluation interview may be formal or loosely structured.  The formal questions are targeted to elicit specific information and the interviewer maintains control of the interview.  In a loosely structured format the questions are broad and general which invites the interviewee to take control.

When the interviewee is a candidate for a high-level corporate position, especially in high-pressure occupations, a stress interview may be used.  This type of interview leads you through a series of psychological ups and downs to reveal how you react to stress.  The questions tend to be open-ended and you should expect to be challenged by the interviewer.

Interviews may be held in various settings.  For example, a board or group interview involves several interviewers questioning one candidate.  This is commonly used in civil service situations.  In a dual interview the candidate meets with two managers.  A team member might also participate in the interview process.  Don’t be surprised if the decision-making continues beyond Human Resources and the hiring manager.  There may be other players involved in the process before a decision is made.

Helpful Hints

• Verify the date, time and place of the interview.  Be prompt!  An interviewer expects you to be on time and definitely remembers if you are late.

• Be certain of the name and title of the interviewer and verify the pronunciation in advance.  Address the interviewer as Mr. or Ms. unless you are asked to use his or her first name.

• Dress appropriately for the position—for certain jobs, appearance can be a deciding factor.

• Your physical image, body language, communication skills and attitude are all essential parts of the impression you will make.

• Bring a pen and notebook to take notes.  It will help you in the decision making process.

• If you are prone to nervousness, take a brief, brisk walk or engage in other physical exercise before the interview.  Positive thinking and self-talk are very helpful to affirm your competency and maintain your confidence level.  

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