Acing The Interview
In interviews, like in life, first impressions are lasting impressions—be professional in your demeanor and appearance.
• Wear business attire
• Arrive on time (15 minutes early is advised)
• Give a firm handshake and maintain eye contact
• Focus on the positive
• Listen to the interviewer’s questions—don’t interrupt
• Bring energy and enthusiasm, and speak with confidence
• Bring extra copies of your resume, along with a writing pad and (working) pen
Flow/Format
• Opening by interviewer – Hello, my name is…
• Information Exchange – See the types of interviews below.
• Questions – Your questions are a gauge of your preparation and interest in the role. The time varies for questions, so select the two most important questions if time is limited. If time permits, include questions about issues the organization may be facing relevant to current events.
• Closing – If time for questioning is not offered, be certain to ask about the next steps in the process.
Types of Interviews
There are several different types of interviews. Be aware of the type of interview that the interviewer has chosen, as the format and questions vary.
• Competency-Based interviews address the skills you bring to the table and, as a result, will map closely to the job description for the position you are applying—so be sure you have an accurate write-up. During this interview, it is important to use the scenarios you created when you were self-reflecting on your strengths, personality traits, and accomplishments. Exemplify how you possess the competencies necessary to be successful in that role. If there is an area where you do not have much experience, outline the ways in which you intend to gain experience and improve. Here are a list of some sample competencies:
• Job Knowledge /Technical Skills
• Planning and Organization
• Problem Solving / Decision Making Skills
• Communication Skills
• Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership
• Initiative/Creativity
• Behavioral interviews focus on what you would do in specific situations and how you would react. Employers are looking for specific behavioral patterns rather than skill set during these interviews, which more effectively ensures a fit to the culture of the organization. It is important to use the scenarios you prepared as a frame of reference for answering these questions. Usually you might have encountered a similar situation that you can reference back as part of your response. If there is not, use the closest example you have and build on it. These interviews tend to take longer than the regular interviews, as your explanation (and follow up questions by the interviewer) can run up to 5 minutes a piece.
• Logic / Thinking interviews focus on presenting difficult questions that (oftentimes) can be stressful. The interviewer’s goal is to see how you handle the pressure of not knowing the answer. This is an evaluation of you - not on your final answer. How you think through the question/situation, how you demonstrate logic for making assumptions and answering the question is what’s important. For example, you might be asked—Who was the President the year you were born? Think out loud showing your logic. Bush, Jr. is in office now, he is in his second term, and before him was Clinton for eight years, before that it was Bush, Sr. I am xx years old, so I think [name your pick] was the President when I was born. Remember, it is not necessarily about getting the right answer, but about your logic. You may try to get additional information from the interviewer, but if the interviewer chooses not to answer any of your questions, be sure to clearly articulate any assumptions you make as you think (aloud) to generate your answer.
Follow-up
Take some time to reflect on the interview while it is still fresh in your mind. Evaluate the questions you answered well and the ones you would like to improve on. What would you do differently or what would have been a better way of articulating your answer? Make notes that you can review prior to your next interview.
Send a follow-up 'Thank You' letter via mail or email by the next day to all individuals who interviewed you. Be brief and cordial. If there was a question you could not answer in the interview, then provide the answer in the follow-up. Remember to express interest in the role and be sure to proof your letter before you hit "Send."