SET GOALS
Tip 1: Plan Ahead - Do a little homework! Research the company and the position if possible, as well, the people you will meet with at the interview. Review your work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the companies needs. Have your facts ready!
Tips 2: Role Play - Once you have finished studying, being role playing (rehearsing). Use the general questions provided below in the Interview Preparation Area. Write down answers if it helps to make your presentation more concise. Try to keep your answers to the information your new employer will want to know.
Tips 3: Eye Contact - Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest.
Tips 4: Be Positive - In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers.
Tips 5: Adapt - Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to those details of dress, office furniture, and general décor which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.
Tips 6: Relate - Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position.
Tips 7: Encourage - Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company. Demonstrate your interest. Some suggested questions to ask the interviewer are provided in the "Questions you could consider asking the employer" section.
Tips 2: Role Play - Once you have finished studying, being role playing (rehearsing). Use the general questions provided below in the Interview Preparation Area. Write down answers if it helps to make your presentation more concise. Try to keep your answers to the information your new employer will want to know.
Tips 3: Eye Contact - Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest.
Tips 4: Be Positive - In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers.
Tips 5: Adapt - Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to those details of dress, office furniture, and general décor which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.
Tips 6: Relate - Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position.
Tips 7: Encourage - Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company. Demonstrate your interest. Some suggested questions to ask the interviewer are provided in the "Questions you could consider asking the employer" section.
INTERVIEW TIPS VOL 7
18. Tell me about a situation where something went very wrong and how you handled the situation.
Tip: Employers want to see that you can take a bad situation and turn it around into a positive situation. (Ex. When I was a server at Red Lobster, a customer became very angry when the I served him the wrong item. I had keyed in the wrong item on the computer so my ticket was wrong. I quickly apologized and took the item back and put in a rush order for the proper item. Then I asked ray manager if I could offer this couple either free drinks or desert. My manager said this would be okay, so I went back to the table with his new order and told them because of my mistake, I would like to offer them either a free after dinner drink or free dessert. They were very pleased with this service and have returned to the restaurant quite often this situation.)
19. What do you see yourself working at three to five years from now?
This really means: "If we hire you, are you likely to stay for a while?" You can crowd considerable reassurance for the interviewer into this question. Although questions about marriage, babies, child care are illegal, if you have completed you family or do not expect to start one for some time or have good child-care arrangements, strengthen your appeal by volunteering the information. You reply that you know you'll stay and grow with the job because…
Most career experts warn against naming a specific future job you plan to hold lest it mark you as too narrow or inflexible. Rather, indicate that you are mature and realistic in your thinking by discussing areas within government where you can grow based on your expertise and contributions.
20. What led you to choose your field of study?
Have your answer demonstrate the thought put into the decision-making process. Stay away from answers that revolve around monetary compensation or convenience.
21. What courses did you like best? Least? Why?
Stay away from blaming professors for your dislike of the course -this shows immaturity and a lack of shouldering responsibility. Emphasize those activities where you gained transferable skills, such as communication and organizational skills. Employers like well-rounded candidates.
22. What extracurricular activities did you enjoy the most and why?
This is your opportunity to demonstrate leadership abilities and your involvement in outside activities. Emphasize those activities where you gained transferable skills, such as leadership and time management skills.
23. How do you work under pressure?
Make sure that you can demonstrate your ability to "get the job done" by using past experiences as examples.
24. What three things are most important to you in a job?
Hopefully the job you are interviewing for offers these things, so try to relate them to why you choose this company over any other (e.g. good working conditions, a growing company, excellent staff, etc.) Do not mention money.
25. What would your references say about you?
Try to think of qualities in yourself that you know would apply to the position for which you are interviewing.
Tip: Employers want to see that you can take a bad situation and turn it around into a positive situation. (Ex. When I was a server at Red Lobster, a customer became very angry when the I served him the wrong item. I had keyed in the wrong item on the computer so my ticket was wrong. I quickly apologized and took the item back and put in a rush order for the proper item. Then I asked ray manager if I could offer this couple either free drinks or desert. My manager said this would be okay, so I went back to the table with his new order and told them because of my mistake, I would like to offer them either a free after dinner drink or free dessert. They were very pleased with this service and have returned to the restaurant quite often this situation.)
19. What do you see yourself working at three to five years from now?
This really means: "If we hire you, are you likely to stay for a while?" You can crowd considerable reassurance for the interviewer into this question. Although questions about marriage, babies, child care are illegal, if you have completed you family or do not expect to start one for some time or have good child-care arrangements, strengthen your appeal by volunteering the information. You reply that you know you'll stay and grow with the job because…
Most career experts warn against naming a specific future job you plan to hold lest it mark you as too narrow or inflexible. Rather, indicate that you are mature and realistic in your thinking by discussing areas within government where you can grow based on your expertise and contributions.
20. What led you to choose your field of study?
Have your answer demonstrate the thought put into the decision-making process. Stay away from answers that revolve around monetary compensation or convenience.
21. What courses did you like best? Least? Why?
Stay away from blaming professors for your dislike of the course -this shows immaturity and a lack of shouldering responsibility. Emphasize those activities where you gained transferable skills, such as communication and organizational skills. Employers like well-rounded candidates.
22. What extracurricular activities did you enjoy the most and why?
This is your opportunity to demonstrate leadership abilities and your involvement in outside activities. Emphasize those activities where you gained transferable skills, such as leadership and time management skills.
23. How do you work under pressure?
Make sure that you can demonstrate your ability to "get the job done" by using past experiences as examples.
24. What three things are most important to you in a job?
Hopefully the job you are interviewing for offers these things, so try to relate them to why you choose this company over any other (e.g. good working conditions, a growing company, excellent staff, etc.) Do not mention money.
25. What would your references say about you?
Try to think of qualities in yourself that you know would apply to the position for which you are interviewing.
INTERVIEW TIPS VOL 6
8. "What are your long Range Goals?"
This question is popular because it gathers a lot of useful information: maturity, foresight and realistic outlook, degree of preparation in career planning, and commitment to the organization and profession. In your research determine what position you could reasonably reach in five years. Speak to others who have successfully advanced themselves in the organization or profession. Express your desire and capability to grow within the organization. While you may be unsure of your future plans, demonstrate your knowledge of potential career paths.
9. If you were hiring somebody for this position, what qualification would you look for?
Once again, use the SCAN skills. (Ex. Somebody that can communicate well and work both as an individual and as part of a team. Someone that understands how this organization works and how to get the best results the quickest way. Someone who is up to date on technology, which knows what software, would help this company to attain its goals.)
10.Are you more comfortable working as a part of a team or individual?
Be honest. If you are a person who would rather work alone and you get frustrated when you have to rely on a team to get results, then you do not want a position that requires you to be a part of a team that always works together. You will very quickly become frustrated and unhappy in your job. Many companies want team players, so if you are comfortable working both as an individual and as part of a team, now are a good time to state this.
11.What do you know about our company?
Make sure to do your research before the interview.
(Here you can let the interviewer know you have done your pre-interview research.)
Mention all the positive things you can about the specific work, branch or department, how their needs match you skills and abilities.
12.Do you prefer working alone or with others?
The interviewer is looking for a sign that you are confident and able to work without supervision, yet at the same time that you can work as part of a team and value other's opinions.
13.What characteristics do you think are necessary to be a success in your field?
Mention the characteristics that match with the position for which you are applying.
14. How do you react to criticism?
Make sure that your answer reflects your willingness to listen and improve upon your work performance.
15. What do you expect from a supervisor?
Be honest and realistic; stay positive and do not go into past negative experiences.
16. Describe your ideal Job.
Try to have your answer reflect the qualifications of the position for which you are applying, yet maintain honesty.
17. What are your future career goals?
Answer this question assuming that you will still be with the company, even if you don't intend to be. The interviewer may be interested in someone who is flexible to the idea of internal movement or in someone who will stay with the company. You do not need to give a specific title or position. A general idea is sufficient. For example: I see myself helping the organization reach its corporate objectives by using my technical experience in an upper-level position.
This question is popular because it gathers a lot of useful information: maturity, foresight and realistic outlook, degree of preparation in career planning, and commitment to the organization and profession. In your research determine what position you could reasonably reach in five years. Speak to others who have successfully advanced themselves in the organization or profession. Express your desire and capability to grow within the organization. While you may be unsure of your future plans, demonstrate your knowledge of potential career paths.
9. If you were hiring somebody for this position, what qualification would you look for?
Once again, use the SCAN skills. (Ex. Somebody that can communicate well and work both as an individual and as part of a team. Someone that understands how this organization works and how to get the best results the quickest way. Someone who is up to date on technology, which knows what software, would help this company to attain its goals.)
10.Are you more comfortable working as a part of a team or individual?
Be honest. If you are a person who would rather work alone and you get frustrated when you have to rely on a team to get results, then you do not want a position that requires you to be a part of a team that always works together. You will very quickly become frustrated and unhappy in your job. Many companies want team players, so if you are comfortable working both as an individual and as part of a team, now are a good time to state this.
11.What do you know about our company?
Make sure to do your research before the interview.
(Here you can let the interviewer know you have done your pre-interview research.)
Mention all the positive things you can about the specific work, branch or department, how their needs match you skills and abilities.
12.Do you prefer working alone or with others?
The interviewer is looking for a sign that you are confident and able to work without supervision, yet at the same time that you can work as part of a team and value other's opinions.
13.What characteristics do you think are necessary to be a success in your field?
Mention the characteristics that match with the position for which you are applying.
14. How do you react to criticism?
Make sure that your answer reflects your willingness to listen and improve upon your work performance.
15. What do you expect from a supervisor?
Be honest and realistic; stay positive and do not go into past negative experiences.
16. Describe your ideal Job.
Try to have your answer reflect the qualifications of the position for which you are applying, yet maintain honesty.
17. What are your future career goals?
Answer this question assuming that you will still be with the company, even if you don't intend to be. The interviewer may be interested in someone who is flexible to the idea of internal movement or in someone who will stay with the company. You do not need to give a specific title or position. A general idea is sufficient. For example: I see myself helping the organization reach its corporate objectives by using my technical experience in an upper-level position.
INTERVIEW TIPS VOL 5
Make sure that you practice answers to the following sample questions. Be sure to provide specific examples and to focus on the positive at all times. Remember that your answers should not sound memorized, but rather organized and well thought out. Experienced interviewers can tell the difference between sincere answers and those read out of a book. Keep in mind that for all questions the best answers are honest answers.
1. "Tell me About Yourself"
(Here the interviewer is really asking you about yourself as a person, not about job skills.)
A common opener, this broad question can "throw" many interviewees. It is in fact a "sell-me" invitation. Develop a brief summation of your background leading into your interest and desire to work for the organization as well as your qualifications for the position.
This is the opportunity to sell yourself and bring to light your distinguishing attributes. An example: I thrive on challenges and change, and consider myself to be very flexible. Tell the employer something not found in your resume that you would like him or her to know, such as your abilities or accomplishments. Do not talk about family, hobbies etc…, unless they directly relate to the position.
2. What is your greatest strength?
This is a great question to show your employability skills. Talk about being a team member, being able to use various computer software etc. This question really means: "Tell me how your abilities fit what's needed for this job". Suppose the position you're applying for requires initiative. (You figured this out before hand by analyzing characteristics needed for this type of work and by analyzing their job descriptions.) Instead of simply stating, "I'm definitely a self-starter", be prepared with examples. To illustrate your initiative you might be able to say: "My present boss travels almost 40 percent of the time. I have to deal on my own with problems in customer service scheduling, expending numerous day-to-day plans".
Attempt to turn your weaknesses into strengths and explain what steps you have taken to do so. You also can use weaknesses that can be categorized or an overachiever. Try to have your requirements relate directly to the requirements of the position for which you are interviewing.
3. What is your greatest weakness?
Always choose a weakness that you are striving to improve or a weakness that can also be strength. (Ex I am still reaming various computer software since it is constantly changing. Or, I am a perfectionist, which at times may bother people who work for me but I feel nothing should leave this office until it is perfect since it is a direct reflection of the quality of our work.)
Everyone has a weakness but remember not to answer in a negative way. Turn your weakness into a positive (for example) "Because I tend to procrastinate, I have learned to work well under pressure and to always get work done on time".
If you insist you have none, you'll lose out as having no insight into yourself. Instead, choose an appropriate strength and be prepared to report it as a "weakness".
Perhaps for this job, system is essential. You might confess you can't stand work done on a piece-meal, what's today's-crisis basis. You like to plan ahead, to foresee and prevent problems. Just the "weakness" needed for the position.
Or, perhaps there is a weakness in your experience, knowledge or skills - something that is needed for the job, something you know you need to work on. Admit you weak area and state how you plan to improve in that area; i.e. course you have enrolled in, volunteer work you are doing, etc…
4. "Tell me about your Schooling"
The key to this question is to keep your reply positive. Speak well of your alma mater. You are a product of your school's educational programs. Be prepared to address questions about low grades, major changes etc…
5. Why are you leaving your current position?
Stay positive, even if you're leaving a negative situation. Employers are looking for employees with good attitudes even when working in bad situations. Complaining about your past employer will not win over a new employer. (Ex. "I am looking for a company that will give me the opportunity for better personal growth". This is much better then saying "My current employer does not know how to properly treat people, he is unfair and terrible to work with".)
Here the interviewer is trying to determine whether you had difficulties at your previous workplace which may re-occur.
Difficulty at one job, with circumstances unique to that situation, is not likely to occur again. Be honest, but do not elaborate unnecessarily. Point out the unlikelihood of similar circumstances. Point out any positive ways in which you handled the situation.
There are many legitimate reasons for leaving a job, i.e.: only a term position, promotional opportunities, change in location, change in careers, looking for more challenge, experience, lay-off, job cutbacks, etc…
6. Why should I hire you instead of another Candidate?
The employer wants proof that you are the best potential employee. (Ex. I know how an organization such as your works. I understand the right procedures and paths to follow to get the work accomplished efficiently and professionally. I am also a team player who can work well with all personalities and use these unique personalities to get the best results.)
Focus on the qualifications for which the employer is looking and the responsibilities of the position; stress how you fit these qualifications.
Here is your chance to really help the interviewer make a decision in your favour. Sell yourself. Quickly respond with your specific top job related skills and positive characteristics. Some ideas might be: conscientious, dependable, enthusiastic, interested in this area, strong desire to do this type of work, willing to give extra effort, can work on my own, am responsible, like to be held accountable, get along well with others, see a job through to the finish, etc…
From your research, you should have gathered information on entry level opportunities within the organization and the necessary qualifications for those positions. From your own self-analysis you will have gained insight into your strengths and accomplishments. Mention key functions of the job and discuss your skills in relation to these functions. Use experiences from previous jobs, internships, and activities as examples to support you answer.
7. How would your skills benefit this organization?
Briefly focus on the needs of the company as they pertain to the position for which you are applying. State why you believe you are qualified for the position and be confident that you are the person for the job - try to state facts and figures. For example: I have been named employee of the month three times in the past year, and I am sure that I can make the same kind of contribution here.
1. "Tell me About Yourself"
(Here the interviewer is really asking you about yourself as a person, not about job skills.)
A common opener, this broad question can "throw" many interviewees. It is in fact a "sell-me" invitation. Develop a brief summation of your background leading into your interest and desire to work for the organization as well as your qualifications for the position.
This is the opportunity to sell yourself and bring to light your distinguishing attributes. An example: I thrive on challenges and change, and consider myself to be very flexible. Tell the employer something not found in your resume that you would like him or her to know, such as your abilities or accomplishments. Do not talk about family, hobbies etc…, unless they directly relate to the position.
2. What is your greatest strength?
This is a great question to show your employability skills. Talk about being a team member, being able to use various computer software etc. This question really means: "Tell me how your abilities fit what's needed for this job". Suppose the position you're applying for requires initiative. (You figured this out before hand by analyzing characteristics needed for this type of work and by analyzing their job descriptions.) Instead of simply stating, "I'm definitely a self-starter", be prepared with examples. To illustrate your initiative you might be able to say: "My present boss travels almost 40 percent of the time. I have to deal on my own with problems in customer service scheduling, expending numerous day-to-day plans".
Attempt to turn your weaknesses into strengths and explain what steps you have taken to do so. You also can use weaknesses that can be categorized or an overachiever. Try to have your requirements relate directly to the requirements of the position for which you are interviewing.
3. What is your greatest weakness?
Always choose a weakness that you are striving to improve or a weakness that can also be strength. (Ex I am still reaming various computer software since it is constantly changing. Or, I am a perfectionist, which at times may bother people who work for me but I feel nothing should leave this office until it is perfect since it is a direct reflection of the quality of our work.)
Everyone has a weakness but remember not to answer in a negative way. Turn your weakness into a positive (for example) "Because I tend to procrastinate, I have learned to work well under pressure and to always get work done on time".
If you insist you have none, you'll lose out as having no insight into yourself. Instead, choose an appropriate strength and be prepared to report it as a "weakness".
Perhaps for this job, system is essential. You might confess you can't stand work done on a piece-meal, what's today's-crisis basis. You like to plan ahead, to foresee and prevent problems. Just the "weakness" needed for the position.
Or, perhaps there is a weakness in your experience, knowledge or skills - something that is needed for the job, something you know you need to work on. Admit you weak area and state how you plan to improve in that area; i.e. course you have enrolled in, volunteer work you are doing, etc…
4. "Tell me about your Schooling"
The key to this question is to keep your reply positive. Speak well of your alma mater. You are a product of your school's educational programs. Be prepared to address questions about low grades, major changes etc…
5. Why are you leaving your current position?
Stay positive, even if you're leaving a negative situation. Employers are looking for employees with good attitudes even when working in bad situations. Complaining about your past employer will not win over a new employer. (Ex. "I am looking for a company that will give me the opportunity for better personal growth". This is much better then saying "My current employer does not know how to properly treat people, he is unfair and terrible to work with".)
Here the interviewer is trying to determine whether you had difficulties at your previous workplace which may re-occur.
Difficulty at one job, with circumstances unique to that situation, is not likely to occur again. Be honest, but do not elaborate unnecessarily. Point out the unlikelihood of similar circumstances. Point out any positive ways in which you handled the situation.
There are many legitimate reasons for leaving a job, i.e.: only a term position, promotional opportunities, change in location, change in careers, looking for more challenge, experience, lay-off, job cutbacks, etc…
6. Why should I hire you instead of another Candidate?
The employer wants proof that you are the best potential employee. (Ex. I know how an organization such as your works. I understand the right procedures and paths to follow to get the work accomplished efficiently and professionally. I am also a team player who can work well with all personalities and use these unique personalities to get the best results.)
Focus on the qualifications for which the employer is looking and the responsibilities of the position; stress how you fit these qualifications.
Here is your chance to really help the interviewer make a decision in your favour. Sell yourself. Quickly respond with your specific top job related skills and positive characteristics. Some ideas might be: conscientious, dependable, enthusiastic, interested in this area, strong desire to do this type of work, willing to give extra effort, can work on my own, am responsible, like to be held accountable, get along well with others, see a job through to the finish, etc…
From your research, you should have gathered information on entry level opportunities within the organization and the necessary qualifications for those positions. From your own self-analysis you will have gained insight into your strengths and accomplishments. Mention key functions of the job and discuss your skills in relation to these functions. Use experiences from previous jobs, internships, and activities as examples to support you answer.
7. How would your skills benefit this organization?
Briefly focus on the needs of the company as they pertain to the position for which you are applying. State why you believe you are qualified for the position and be confident that you are the person for the job - try to state facts and figures. For example: I have been named employee of the month three times in the past year, and I am sure that I can make the same kind of contribution here.
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