Planning and Preparing for the Interview

Goals of the Interview

  • Create best possible image for yourself.
  • Learn enough about the job and company to determine whether you are qualified, or you want to work there.

Interview preparation:

  • Contact info: Time and place of interview
  • Timing: Get there early
  • Appearance: One shot at a first impression: conservative dress & good grooming.
  • Personal Presentation: Mr. or Ms. ____ , civility and respect.

Research the Company, Job and Interviewer

  • Company: Hoover’s, InfoTrack, Business Journal, Chamber of Commerce, BBB
  • Job and Interviewer: When setting up interview ask questions like: “What can you tell me about the job and the person who will be doing the interview?” “What can I do to best prepare for the interview?” “Who might I talk to who can give me more information about the job?” etc.

Typical questions asked (should be anticipated and prepared for):

  • Tell me about yourself?
  • Why are you applying for this job?
  • What do you know about this company?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Why are leaving/did you leave your last job?
  • What are your goals in life?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • How much money do you want?

Steps to answering “typical” questions:

  • Plan and organize what YOU want to make sure gets covered in the interview.
  • Keep focused on what you can do for this employer. (The better you can prove your ability to address the employer’s need, the great the chance to win the interview and the job. Plan to limit your responses to only a few points each time a question is asked.
  • Close each response with a question. (Such as: “How do these ______fit into the goals of this organization?” etc.)

Answers to “typical” questions:

  • “Tell me something about yourself?” You are only there to make the best impression you can with respect to your ability and willingness to do the job. Since you have research the company and position, begin by describing previous responsibilities, duties and an accomplishment that best matches the position at hand. Then close with a question.
  • “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Begin by stating two strengths and supporting them with examples. Identify one weakness and tell the employer how you compensate for it. Then close with a question.
  • “Why are you leaving your last job?” Be honest, but DO NOT BAD MOUTH OR NEGATIVELY BLAME ANOTHER EMPLOYER. As much as possible, take responsibility for the situation yourself. Then close with a question.
  • “What are your goals?” Where do you see yourself in five years?” These questions address your foresight, initiative and planning. Have some concrete goals and show how this position might help you accomplish those goals. Then close with a question.

“Tough” questions:

  • Every “down side” has an “up side”. Identify the “sup sides” and speak to them.

Practice, Practice, Practice

  • How will you open the interview? What will you say? Say it out loud to hear it. Practice with a tape recorders. Practice responses to ALL of the questions. Excellent results come from excellent preparation. Practice, practice, practice.

Structure of the Interview Event:

  1. Fact finding about you: typical/tough questions (prepare appropriate answers).
  2. Info about the company and position (do research and indicate you have).
  3. Ask if have any questions (prepare good questions).
  4. Close out of the interview (indicate interest and ask for the job).

Follow Up Activities:

  • Interview Notes: After leaving interview write up your observations and recollections. What questions were asked? What did you learn? What new questions do you have now? How did you feel when you were inside the place? What concerns did you have? The farther out in time and space you get from the interview, the foggier the data.
  • Thank You Note: WRITE a Thank You note to the interviewer and anyone else who has helped you. The thank you note should generally replicate your interview close: what you specifically liked about the position, how your skill, experience and interest will add value to that firm and what you will do if you have note heard from them with in a specific time. (WRITE and MAIL the Thank You note, DO NOT just send an email)