What is a job interview?
A job interview is a process in which a potential employee is evaluated by an employer for prospective employment in their organization. During this process, the employer hopes to determine whether or not the candidate is suitable for the job.

Preparation for an interview
> Know how to keep yourself calm – the best way to do this is to be prepared!

> Research the company

> Research the interviewer (if possible)

> Know what kind of interview to expect

> Know why you want the job

> Identify your wants and your needs – and know the difference

> Be able to express, specifically the marketable skills you have to offer

> Be prepared for the standard interview questions and know your answers

> Be prepared to answer the killer questions

> Prepare questions you wish to ask

> Line up your references in advance

Interview tips

1. Concentrate on the questions being asked; if you are asked a question you do not understand, request clarification
2. Take some time to think through and organize your answers before responding
3. Keep your answers concise and to the point; where appropriate, support your responses with validating experiences
4. Answer logically and be prepared to explain the rationale behind your responses to technical, problem solving and role playing questions
5. Eye contact demonstrates attention, interest and self-confidence; in a team interview make sure to make eye contact with the person asking the question; when responding, visually encompass the entire group
6. Your tone of voice and body language are important; sound and look confident and in control
7. Try to keep nervous mannerisms such as toe tapping and pencil twiddling to a minimum; they can be distracting to your interviewer and diver attention from what you are saying (if you’re nervous, you make them nervous)
8. Dress on the conservative side
9. Arrive early, but not too early (10-15 minutes is appropriate)
10. Bring extra resumes, a notepad, and a pen
11. Be sure you know how to pronounce your interviewer’s name correctly
12. Be personable as well as professional
13. Do not chew gum, swear, or use slang
14. Do not smoke before your interview
15. Be aware of body language, vibes, reactions – use your instincts to keep things on course
16. Assume all questions are asked for a good reason and answer accordingly
17. Do not assume that your interviewer knows how to elicit the information he/she is looking for
18. Answer all questions honestly, but in the best, most positive light
19. Do not bad mouth old employers
20. Relax!

Types of interview questions
Anticipating the types of question you may be asked will help you to more effectively communicate your qualification during the interview.

A) Open Ended
This is an opportunity to take more control in an interview and relate our strengths e.g. “Tell me about yourself” or “Tell me about the time…”. Tell them one or two key achievements (response format…situation, achievement, result – say how it applies to the job).

B) Behavioural
Interviewer asks for examples from your past. The purpose is to predict your future behavior e.g. “How did you…” or “What was your…”

C) Hypothetical
Interviewer produces a set of circumstances and asks you to describe how you would handle the situation. Try to structure your answer same as in 1.

D) Closed
e.g. “Do you know LOTUS 123?” Yes or No response, but add a brief, positive elaboration.

E) Negatives
e.g. “What is your greatest weakness?” Pick one that is not essential to the position and say what you are doing to improve it.

Preparing your answers
There are many variations of the questions. Here are some typical questions frequently asked in interviews. By familiarizing yourself with the following you may better prepare yourself and project greater confidence in your answers.

Regarding educational experiences…
> Why did you choose to study at _____?
> Which courses did you like best/least? Why?
> Why did you choose your particular major?

Regarding your work experiences…
> What did you like most/least about your job?
> What did you like most/least about your boss?
> What were your major career accomplishments?
> What things you did in the job were you most proud of?
> Of all the jobs you have had, which did you like most/least? Why?

Regarding yourself…
> Tell me about yourself? or What kind of person are you?
> What would you consider being your greatest accomplishments? Why?
> What do you consider to be your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
> What kind of person do you have difficulty working with? How would you deal with it if you were to work with such an individual?
> What do you think are the most valuable skills you would bring to the position for which you are applying?
> What are your short-term goals? What are your long-term goals?

Regarding the position…
> Why did you apply for this job?
> What do you know about our organization?
> What salary are you looking for?

Killer questions
At first glance, they may not seem all that difficult. But if you’re not prepared, stall, and fumble and bumble with your answer, you can kiss that position goodbye. Therefore, read through each question, take some time to jot down an answer for each one, memorize your responses and practice with a friend or family member. The key to a successful interview is to look confident and capable.

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your greatest strengths?
3. What are your greatest weaknesses?
4. Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?
5. Why should I hire you?
6. Aren’t you overqualified for this position?
7. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
8. Describe your ideal company, location and job.
9. Why do you want to work at our company?
10. What are your career options right now?
11. Why have you been out of work so long?
12. What good books have you read lately?
13. Tell me about a situation when your work was criticized.
14. What are your outside interests?
15. Would you lie for the company?
16. Looking back, what would you do differently in your life?
17. Could you have done better in your last job?
18. Can you work under pressure?
19. What makes you angry?
20. Who has inspired you in your life and why?
21. What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?
22. How could you have improved your career progress?
23. Why have you had so many jobs?
24. What would you say to your boss if he’s crazy about an idea, but you think it stinks?
25. Give me an example of your creativity (analytical skill, managing ability etc.)
26. Where could you use some improvement?
27. What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?
28. What was the toughest part of your last job?
29. Why should I hire you from the outside, when I could promote someone from within?
30. What is the next thing you have to learn?

Questions to ask the interviewer
> Is this a new position in the company?
> What do you feel are the qualities of the person who would fill this position?
> What is the first priority to be accomplished by the person who gets this job?
> What sort of performance are you expecting and how will it be measured?
> Who does the person in this position report directly to?
> Where does this potion fit in the company organization?

Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing

Do…

• Dress appropriately for the position (scout the place out ahead of time)
• Arrive early (but not too early) for the interview (10-15 min)
• Remember the interviewer’s name
• Bring a list of references and extra copies of your resume
• Be friendly and courteous to the secretary or others you meet because you never know what influence they may have in the hiring process
• Be an active member of the interview – if appropriate, steer the conversation to enable you to emphasize your strengths
• Be specific and concentrate in your answers, giving examples of skills and accomplishments
• Project confidence and relax
• Be polite and enthusiastic and smile
• Make good eye contact with the interviewer
• Assess your performance afterward
• Shake hands firmly
• Send a thank-you letter immediately after the interview

Don’t…

• Arrive late
• Have anything in your mouth and don’t smoke during the interview
• Lean or put your elbows on the interviewer’s desk
• Be lulled by the interviewer’s friendly manner – remain politely businesslike
• Give one and two word answers – the interviewer is trying to get to know you
• Sit until you are invited to do so
• Slouch or sit back in an overly relaxed or sloppy manner
• Appear annoyed if kept waiting
• Criticize others, including past employers or workplaces
• Put yourself down, appear desperate or overly anxious
• Talk about salary until the interviewer raises the issue
• Offer your references until asked to provide them

After interview procedures
After your interview, sending a thank you letter will set you apart from most applicants. This letter can be used to reiterate your interest in the position, and can reinforce the strong presentation you gave at the interview or repair the damage done to your candidacy by a weak one. Use this opportunity to sell your strengths as a potential candidate in a dynamic and position way. Make sure you know how to spell all names and know correct titles.

General Guidelines…

• Thank the person for their time and consideration
• Restate your interest in the position
• Send the letter within 24 hours of the meeting
• Take the time to compose an interesting letter
• The choice of paper depends on your own style and the type of impression you would like to leave – some people prefer to send a hand written, personal note while others prefer to type a letter, using a standard business format
• Proof read the letter for typographical, spelling and grammatical errors
• Try to limit yourself to one page