Interview Preparation
Many of us have not had to go to an interview in many years. Interviewing can be a very stressful experience but these tips will provide you with some information about this process to make it a more comfortable. With this information, interviews do not have to be the marathon experience that you may think it is.
Interview Etiquette
Cell Phones – Make sure your phone is turned off. Nothing sends a worse messagae to your interviewer than a ringing or vibrating phone! I have lost count with the interviews I have been in and the candidate is distracted by their phone. I have also had people answer their phone during an interview as well. The interviewer requires your complete attention. Answering your cell phone or text messaging during an interview will send a message that you are not serious about the interview or the job.
Be On Time - Prepare your trip the day before. Be aware of your route if driving and know how long this will take during the time of day you are scheduled for the interview. If you are taking public transit, research your route and transfers so that you arrive on time. Aim for about ten minutes earlier than your interview time. You do not want to arrive too early, as this will not send a great message to your interviewer who may be busy with another interview or their daily work.
Dress For Success – Interviewers will notice small details about your overall appearance. Make sure you have taken extra care with your appearance and personal grooming. Ensure your shoes are polished and in good shape. The same goes for purses or portfolios you may be carrying. Ladies ensure your hair is neatly done and if you wear makeup, natural looking is best. Ladies should be in business attire, which would include dress pants, skirts, jackets, sweaters or blouses. Men should be in dress pants, suits, jackets, shirts and ties. Research your company before you go where possible to find out the corporate culture and dress code. If the company dress code is casual, dress a step above this to look polished. You only have one opportunity to make a first impression! Please leave the strong perfumes or colognes at home. Many companies have a workplace scent free policy you may not be aware of. You want the interviewer to remember you, not your fragrance.
Interview Tool Kit – There are some essential items you will need to bring to the interview. A copy of the ad so that you can review it prior to your interview is a very good idea. You will need to bring two copies of your resume, one for the interviewer plus one extra. You may meet other managers while on site. Pens and a notepad are very important as you will find that there may be details that you will need to record for a second interview. Make sure that you carry these tools in an appropriate portfolio or briefcase that is neat and tidy. Avoid logo items or cartoon characters. Your tool kit does not include carrying in a take away cup of coffee or tea.
Common Interview Types
Telephone Interviews
Telephone interviews are a pre-qualifier for a face-to-face interview. Hiring managers will phone you to discuss your resume and work experience to find out if you have the skills to progress further in their hiring process. There may be no notice that this call is coming so we could be caught off guard. Try to sound professional at all times and go to a quiet environment where you can hear your interviewer clearly. If you are in a situation where this is not possible, ask the interviewer politely if this call can be rescheduled. Where possible, have your resume close by so that you are able to answer questioners regarding your skills and work history.
Behavioral Interviews
This interview allows an interviewer to observe how you deal with workplace situations. The interviewer will ask you questions about your past role to see how you worked with a variety of situations to find solutions. Questions asked during an interview may be “Tell me about a time when” or “When this was happening, what were you thinking?” These questions and answers demonstrate to an interviewer your thought processes and how you solve problems or arrive at solutions. Behavioral interviews demonstrate your past performance and are therefore a good indicator of your future performance.
One to One Interview
This interview style is one most people are familiar with. You meet with your future manager or a dedicated HR manager to discuss your qualifications and work history. During the interview, make sure you observe the proper personal space between yourself and your interviewer. It is important that you maintain good eye contact and ensure that your body language is open and receptive. Do not fidget in your chair; be mindful of your hands and gestures. Keep your hands folded and in your lap or if taking notes do not twirl your pen. Your feet should be flat on the floor, not crossed wildly. Do not sit casually in your chair but rather upright and comfortable.
Informational Interviews
These interviews allow you to gather information between yourself and a potential employer. They are very useful if you would like more information regarding a specific industry or business. They are also very useful if you are contemplating a career transition, thinking about education in a particular field of work or have just graduated from a school program. During these interviews, the employer has agreed to meet with you to discuss the business or industry. These interviews can offer you advice regarding your skills or where may need more training and experience. The interview may provide you with some networking abilities to meet other people from the industry and may even become a business mentor to you in the future! Always go to these interviews with prepared questions and be considerate of your interviewer’s time. A more in depth discussion about informational interviews will be covered in Module 5 of this handbook.
Group Interview
A group interview involves several applicants applying for the same role meeting together for an interview at the same time. Typically, a presentation from the company regarding their business is given and then candidates are broken down into groups to complete a project or solve a work situation. Managers observe how you work and relate within a group, how well you integrate and begin to function as a team as well as identify possible leaders within the groups.
Common Interview Questions
Interviewers want to get to know you and understand who you are by asking the questions they do. Most interviews start with standard questions about who you are, review your work history and your skills. Practicing interview questions with a partner or in a mock interview setting will help to lessen your anxiety when an actual interview happens. By reviewing the list below of common interview questions below and practicing them, you will become more polished for your next interview.
Sample Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you looking for another job?
What do you know about our organization?
Can you tell me about your strengths and weaknesses?
What is the most difficult situation at work you have had to face? How did you deal with this?
Tell me about your achievements in your career.
What do you think your references might say about you if I asked them?
Tell me about a time where you had to work as a team member. What was the project and how did it turn out?
What do you like to do for hobbies?
What types of shifts or hours are you available for?
Would you work on a weekend if required?
What motivates you?
What kind of manager do you like to work for?
Tell me why you like working in this industry.
Why did you leave your last job?
What type of salary are you looking for?
Tell me about your ability to work under pressure. Can you tell me about a time where you had to work under pressure?
Tell me about a time when you had the most fun on the job.
Do you need to provide notice to your previous employer? How much notice would you need to provide them?
