Interviewing

You scheduled an interview. Now what?

While interviewing entails quite a bit of information collecting on the part of the employer, the opportunity for you to collect information on the employer should not be overlooked. Here are few guidelines for how to put your best self forward before, during, and after an interview.

Common Interview Questions

Practicing answers to some common interview questions can help you feel more confident walking into an interview. The best preparation is to thoroughly research the employer and the position and come to the interview prepared to succinctly describe specific examples of how you are the right fit.

Tell me about yourself.

This is a favorite question to start with in many fields. Have an answer prepared, as it helps you begin the interview feeling relaxed and prepared. Include as many details and examples as you can. Your answer should be two minutes at most.

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Decide ahead of time which strengths and weaknesses you are going to use for each interview and prepare 2-3 of each.

  • For strengths, aim for confidence without arrogance. Choose some things that are relevant to the position and also try to find some things that may set you apart from the competition. Don’t just say you’re organized—give some concrete examples of what “organized” means for you.

  • For weaknesses, choose something that is not completely central to the position, but not completely irrelevant either (i.e. I am not a very good cook) and focus on behavior, a program or task you are unfamiliar with, or something you can easily overcome and talk about how you are working on it. Mostly, they want to see self-awareness as a self-aware employee is easy to supervise and will likely do well.

What are your short-term and long-term goals?

Employers like students who know what they want, but you should walk the line between being too vague and making the hiring manager feel like you want to take his/her job! Talk about more than just “getting this job with this company”—you don’t want to give the impression you are going to head off for the next best thing in 6 months. Also, you may not have the rest of your life all figured out (and that is okay!) Just share what you do have figured out for now.

The salary question.

It’s best to leave any discussion of salary until an offer has been made, but sometimes an initial discussion is brought up in the interview stage. Be sure to mention that salary isn’t the only criteria you judge a job offer on. They may press you for actual numbers, so do your research prior to the interview provide them with an appropriate salary range rather than a fixed amount! For more information on exploring salary ranges check out salary.com and glassdoor.com.

What they cannot ask.

You have certain rights, and there are things employers in the United States cannot ask you about. (In other countries, these questions might be asked, so be sure to do your research if interviewing outside of the U.S.):

  • National Origin/Citizenship
  • Age
  • Marital/Family Status
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Clubs or social organizations not relevant to the job
  • Personal information such as height and weight
  • Disabilities (unless related to the ability to perform the job; see Americans with Disabilities Act)
  • Arrest record (unless related to the job)

Questions You Should Ask the Interviewer

Coming prepared with a list of questions for the interviewer demonstrates your organizational skills and attention to detail while also reflecting your enthusiasm for the position and your background research on the organization.

Sample questions

  • What are opportunities for professional growth?
  • How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
  • Can you describe the typical first year assignments?
  • What are the organization’s plans for future growth?
  • What makes your organization different from competitors?
  • What are the organization’s strengths and weaknesses?
  • How would you describe the organizational culture?
  • What opportunities exist for cross training?
  • Why do you enjoy working for this organization?
  • What qualities are you looking for in your new hires?

Question to avoid

  • Tell me about your training program. (Too general, shows you didn’t do your homework)
  • At what salary level would I be after my second year with the company? (Shows your concern is money as opposed to responsibility or other factors)
  • I noticed on the second half of last year, your dividends dropped two points. Was that due to your plants closing in Virginia or just the general economy? (Sounds like you are showing off and the question is a bit technical for most interviewers. A better related question would be: Could you discuss a few of the problems or related issues regarding the plant that closed in Los Alamitos?)
  • Could you explain your fringe benefits package? (Standard, boring question)

Telephone Interview Tips

Commonly, phone interviews are used in the first round of the screening process. From an organization’s perspective, the one and only purpose of a phone interview is to determine whether or not it is worth the time, effort, and expense to bring you in for a face-to-face interview.

  • If possible, use a land line. Cell phone connections can be problematic
  • Keep background sounds to a minimum
  • Rehearse by recording yourself (but you also want to sound natural)
  • Keep your resume and job description nearby so that you can reference them quickly

Videoconference Interview Tips

As more and more global opportunities are available and companies try to cut costs, video interviewing has become increasingly popular. This format is being used by employers for both screening and second-round interviews.

  • Keep background sounds to a minimum
  • Create a background with a little depth if possible (wooden bookshelf, plants, etc.) Try to avoid a plain white wall
  • Avoid bright lights behind you because that will cast your face in shadow
  • Desk lighting is preferable to fluorescent lighting because it’s a little more flattering and can make us feel at our best
  • Try to avoid bending down towards a laptop screen as that comes across strangely on video. It’s far better to “face” the camera head-on
  • Remember to look at the camera to simulate eye contact
  • Dress professionally! Just because you’re at home and it’s bedtime does not mean you should be in your pajamas
  • Rehearse by recording yourself
  • Keep your resume and job description nearby

In-Person Interview Tips

In-person interviews have some special considerations to take into account.

Interview logistics

Learn as much as possible about your interview logistics:

  • Location (make sure you know exactly where to go)
  • Length and number of interview(s)
  • Type of interview (one-on-one, interview panels, etc.)
  • Names of contacts, the organization, and the job title for which you are applying
  • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early
  • Bring copies of tailored resume, references, transcripts (if requested), and portfolio (if you have one)

Dress appropriately

Wear clothing that is appropriate for the organization. A conservative suit is best for most interviews. You may end up being the best dressed person in the room, and that’s okay!

Watch your body language and eye contact

Always offer a firm handshake and maintain appropriate eye contact throughout the interview. Your body language can speak volumes! Sit up straight and lean slightly forward. Watch that your hand gestures are not too wild, and avoid fidgeting. The body language of the interviewers shows their engagement as well. Be a good listener, and if you’re unsure of what is being asked, it’s alright to say so. If you are caught off guard for an answer, pause and think—you don’t have to respond immediately. Think of the interview as a conversation. The more dialogue, the better.

Thank-You Notes and Follow-up

After your interview it’s important to keep the momentum by observing post-interview etiquette.

Write a thank-you letter

  • After the interview write down your impressions, observations, any important time lines, and note the names of people you met (obtain business cards when possible). Take a few moments to note what went well and what didn’t so you can be better prepared for the next interview.
  • Follow-up with thank-you notes to everyone who interviewed you. It’s best if they’re written the day of or the day after the interview. Sending via regular mail or email are equally acceptable. Be sure the names are properly spelled. In your note, it’s not a bad idea to repeat your strengths and interest in the position. This piece is very important! A little sincere gratitude goes a long way.

Follow up

  • If you discover you are no longer interested in the position, it’s a professional courtesy to inform the employer of your decision to withdraw from the selection process. You may thank them for the opportunity to learn more about the organization and explain that the position does not meet your goals and/or interests at this time.
  • If you do not get the job, remember that you will find the right one! Look upon your interviews as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and about the people and organizations in your field.