Most people see interviews as intimidating situations.  An interview is perceived as the interviewee is being interrogated by an authority figure behind a desk who holds the power to give a job offer or not.  In reality, both the interviewer and interviewee hold equal power. 

 

To the interviewer you are an absolute stranger.  Your resume is a summary of your experience, skills and abilities. In the interview it is the interviewer’s job to understand your background and match your experience, skills and personality to the job description.  The only way the interviewer can fully understand your background is by you clearly giving information about yourself in response to the questions posed.

 

The interview is an information giving and information gathering process.  As the interviewee, the power you have is through thoroughly preparing for the interview.  There is no right or wrong answer to interview questions.  The preparation you do allows you to think through what is your best answer to typically asked questions.

 

STEPS IN PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW

 

A.      Research the company

 

It is extremely important that you do thorough research on the company before the interview.  A common first question in the interview can be:  “What do you know about our company?”  You can research the company by:

 

• Going on their website and writing down key information
• Using the Industrial Directory
• Thinking if you know anyone who works at any level within the company and contacting her/him to find out more information about the company
• Calling the receptionist and asking if you could pick up company information given to clients

 

B.       Ask questions of the person who is calling you to make the interview appointment

 

The most important information to cover when booking an appointment is:

 

• Who will be the interviewer – get the correct spelling of the person’s name
• Where will the interview be held
• What time
• What should you bring to the interview
• What can you expect at the interview

 

C.      What to wear to an interview

 

First impressions are everything!  Before you speak, the first thing the interviewer will see is your visual presentation.  Because you only get one chance to make an impression you should dress as if this interview is a very important event for you.  The best recommendation is always dress up from what you would normally wear to work.  What is not expectable is blue jeans, tee shirts, ball caps, running shoes or dressing up like you are going to a party.  We are no longer in the three-piece suit work environment but it is extremely important to dress in business attire to an interview regardless of the level of the job.

 

D.      Practicing Interviewing Questions

 

Many employers are now using Behavioural -Based Interviewing Questions.  A behavioural-based question often starts with – “Give me a specific example….”. Describe a situation where….”, or “Tell me about a time when…”.  The reason why behavioural interviews have become so popular is because of a strong belief that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in similar situations.  The interviewer determines behaviours, knowledge, skills and abilities for the job and then creates situational questions to uncover the candidates profile in the relevant areas.

 

In answering behavioural-based questions describe:

 

a)      Situation or task – give a specific example of an event – a moment in time.  This situation can be from a previous job, volunteer work or non-work experience.

b)      Action you took – describe what you did in the particular situation you are talking about.

c)       Results you achieved – What happened?  How did the event end?  What did you accomplish?  What did you learn?

 

You need to paint a picture of the situation so it will stand out in the interviewer’s mind.  You can find over 100 typical job interview questions at:

 

www.quintcareers.com/interview_question_database/interview_questions.html      

www.quintcareers.com/sample_behavioral.html   

 

 

There are universal traits that are important to employers today. Prepare good examples of how you demonstrated the following qualities for your interviews:

 

1. The ability to critically think and innovate on the job.
2. The ability to communicate ranks second.
3. A willing attitude was rated as the most important character trait.
4. Willingness to take self-responsibility.
5. A positive outlook on getting along with others – team player.
6. Being flexible and open to suggestions and task performance – ability to adapt to change.
7. Enthusiastic, demonstrating job motivation.

 

Closing an interview effectively can create another lasting impression and can impact your opportunity to get hired.  Always have 3- 5 good questions related to company prepared to ask.  Those questions should be around information about the company not about compensation, vacation and benefits issues.   

 

At the end of the interview, give a short summary statement as to why you should be hired for this position.  If you are interested in the job, confidently state that you would like this position.  Thank the interviewer for her/his time and ask what will happen next.

 

Lastly, the following tips will help you ensure that you always create the best impression you can in your interviews:

 

Ø       Know the location of the interview.  If you do not know that part of the city, drive to the company the night before.

Ø       Plan to be 15 minutes early in anticipation of traffic problems or other unanticipated delays.

Ø       If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely.  Bring an erasable pen with you to interviews. 

Ø       Ensure you shake the interviewer’s hand firmly.  If you do not normally shake hands on a regular basis, practice with someone.

Ø       Never speak negatively about past employers.

Ø       Listen to each question.  It is absolutely fine to take a few seconds to think about your answer before you speak.  What will just be a couple of seconds will seem like minutes to you but take the time you need.  If you do not understand the question ask the interviewer to re-phrase it or re-state the question to ensure you are on the right track.

Ø       Be yourself.  Ensure that you answer every question fully and honestly. The preparation ahead of time gives you the time to think of your best answer.

Ø       Look alert and interested at all times and make good eye contact with the interviewer.

Ø       Bring something to write on and a pen.  An expensive portfolio is not necessary – a clean folder with a pad of paper will suffice.   Write down points about the company and questions you want to ask.  When the interviewer is giving information about the company take notes.

Ø       Bring extra copies of resumes, copies of diplomas, reference letters and a sheet outlining references employer can contact.

Ø       If more than one person is interviewing you, make eye contact and address the whole group not just the person who is asking you questions.

Ø       It is natural to feel nervous.  A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast/lunch and plenty of travel time will help sooth the nerves.