Interviewing TIPS

The Employment Application
Research the position
Prepare for the actual interview
The Panel Interview
The Assessment Center
Establishing Rapport During the Job Interview
Making a Good Impression with the Interview Panel
During the interview
Interviewing Don’ts

The Employment Application

Most positions require the completion of the standard employment application.  Complete all sections thoroughly and accurately with great attention to detail.  Follow all instructions in their totality.  You may want to type it.

Research the position

The more you know about the job you are applying for, the better you will appear in the interview.  The interview panel will be impressed by your interest and motivation, and you will be able to explain how your skills match the position you are seeking.

Find out as much information as you can about the position.  If possible, talk to people who are doing the same job. 

Prepare for the actual interview

• Practice your answers to common questions.  (If you were the supervisor/manager of this area, what would you want to know from a prospective employee?)

• Rehearse your interview with a friend.  You should be able to convey all pertinent information about yourself in about 15 minutes.  Tape yourself to check your diction, speed, and body language.

• Prepare your interview materials before you leave your home.  If you have been requested to provide performance evaluations, work samples, etc., make certain they are up to date.

• Dress professionally and comfortably.  You will be judged in some respects by what you wear.  When in doubt, dress conservatively. For women:

-         a straight-forward business suit is best

-         wear sensible pumps

-         be moderate with makeup and perfume

-         wear simple jewelry

-         hair and nails should be well-groomed

For men:

-         a clean, ironed shirt and conservative tie are a must

-         a simple jacket or business suit is a good idea as well

-         shoes should be polished

-         face should be clean-shaven; facial hair should be neatly trimmed

-         hair and nails should be well groomed

-         use cologne or after-shave sparingly  

• Present yourself to the receptionist approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled interview time.

The Panel Interview

Panel interviews are common practice.  You will face several employees of the company you are applying for who have a say in whether you are hired.  When answering questions from several people, speak directly to the person asking the question.  It is not necessary to answer the group.

You will be asked to demonstrate your problem solving skills.  Typically, the panel will outline a situation and ask you to formulate a plan that deals with the problem.  The panel members are looking for your ability to:  

• see all of the points of the problem

• apply current skill set(s)

• apply past experience (positive and negative) in the same area

• take on new challenges

• demonstrate new skill set(s)

• formulate a plan

Keep in mind; the best predictor of future performance is past performance.

Assessment

Often Assessment are included in the interview process to uncover the leadership potential of prospective managers and employees who will be dealing with the public.  The candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion-type interview.  A subject is introduced and the interviewees are left to discuss the subject.  This interaction may be observed by a small group of managers and Human Resources staff.  The goal of the assessment center is to see how you interact with others and how you use your knowledge and reasoning powers to win others over.

Establishing Rapport During the Job Interview

By establishing a rapport with the interview panel, you build “common ground” between the parties.  It is important to listen and be sensitive to the interviewer’s style.  This can make communication easier and the whole interview more comfortable. 

Listen closely to the interviewer for cues on how you should act.  Is the interviewer being formal or informal?  How loudly is s/he speaking?  What sort of information is s/he trying to solicit: general, professional, or personal?  Try to follow the interviewer’s lead.

You may want to make some friendly observation about your surroundings.  If the interview is conversational, make small talk.  Be positive and upbeat (happy to be there).  All of these will help you to relax and establish a connection.

It is important to appear open and friendly as well.  Give each member of the panel a firm handshake if it is offered and remember to smile.  Make sure you look attentive, with good posture and consistent eye-contact.

Making a Good Impression with the Interview Panel  

Before the interview:

• Be on time.

• Be positive and comfortable.

• Relax.

During the interview:

·   Show self-confidence.

- know the difference between self-confidence vs. arrogance

- know the difference between assertiveness vs. aggressiveness

·  Remember to listen. Stick to the point.

·  Don’t ramble.

- Save the amusing anecdote to share after you are hired

·  Answer the question that was asked.

      - If you are not sure of the question and could answer in more than one way, ask for clarification!

·  Reflect before answering a difficult question.  Ask for clarification if you need it.

·  Avoid negative body language.

-  Avoid crossing your arms

-  Try not to appear distracted

·  Show you want the job.

-  A little pre-interview research goes a long way.

· Ask a couple of well thought-out questions

-  based on the questions you were asked and your research.

· Do not ask questions that raise red flags.  Unless the panel brings up the topic, wait for the second interview.

-  The first interview is not the time to discuss:

·    money

·    vacation days

·     driving requirements

·     travel requirements

·     evening and weekend scheduling

After the interview:

• End the interview with a handshake and thank the panel for their time.

• Send a “Thanks for the interview” note.

• Follow up with a phone call to the Recruiter if you have not been contacted within two weeks.

Interviewing Don’ts

• Blame poor performance on past employers, workplaces, bosses or co-workers.

• Discuss personal pursuits unless you are still in the small talk portion of the interview.

• Appear too eager to discuss matters of compensation, hours, or vacation time.

• Show bad posture: don’t slouch, tap your feet, strum your fingers, splay your legs or arms.

• Let nervousness affect your actions. Don’t fumble with objects in your hand, rearrange your hair, jiggle pocket change or chew gum.

• Let your message get muffled: don’t slur, drop your eyes, or speak too quickly.

• Let your phone or pager ring during the interview. Turn them off!

• Fumble with your belongings: put your purse, portfolio, briefcase, etc., on the floor next to your chair.

• Ask for everything to be clarified. You must generally understand what you are being asked.

Information is power

Do research about the company

Know your Recruiter

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