Interviewing Guide

THE INTERVIEWING CYCLE

Contrary to popular belief, the interview does not begin when “they’ begin asking questions. In fact, the interview begins when you start to get in touch with yourself. Long before the interview you should:

• Identify your skills and abilities
• Know your strengths and your weaknesses
• Analyze your career objective(s) and goals
• Review your resume, know it inside & out (this is particularly true if you did not write the resume yourself or had extensive input from others)
• Research the organization, their literature and available material

  • Size, number of employees
  • Major products or services
  • Competitors and the competitive environment
  • Major changes in policies or status
  • Reputation, values
  • Major weaknesses or opportunities
• Prepare to make a good impression (manners, appearance, posture)
• Confirm schedule, interviewer(s) name(s), date, time, location

Having done these things you are now ready to proceed to the next step.

2. GETTING DRESSED

Looking professional at the job interview is as important as sounding professional. Make sure you take into consideration these tips:

ALL CANDIDATES

• Manicured nails (light or clear polish only)
• Shower, wash your hair, use deodorant, brush your teeth and use mouthwash
• No gum, cigarettes or candy
• No visible body piercing
• A leather portfolio or slim briefcase: try not to carry too many bags
• Neat and professional hairstyle: no ponytails
• Light perfume or aftershave only

LADIES

• Wear a well coordinated suit: Navy blue, black, gray or any non-loud color
• Wear a long sleeved blouse in a complementary color: white, cream, pastel
• Neutral or skin-tone stockings
• Subdued, sparse, natural make-up
• Sparse jewelry, a pin or necklace: no dangling earrings, one ring per hand, one bracelet
• Moderate shoes: medium heel, closed –toe; leave the spike heels at home

GENTLEMEN

• Tailored suit in navy, gray, beige
• Dark suit (wool or wool blend) with light shirt (cotton)
• Necktie should be silk with conservative pattern
• Dark shoes with laces (matches your belt); be sure to polish
• Dark socks: over- the- calf recommended
• No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
• No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)
• Get a haircut; short hair always does best in interviews
• Mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and trimmed

3. INTRODUCTIONS

The interview actually starts with the introductions and not with the first question.

When meeting the interviewer, pay attention. Listen for the interviewer’s name and title. Listen to how people introduce themselves to you (Ms., Mrs., Dr., Mr., etc). It is important that you address the recruiters in the manner in which they prefer. So look and listen!

When introduced to the interviewer, present yourself in a professional and confident manner. A firm, but not bone crushing, handshake along with good eye contact is essential in this first meeting. (This can be practiced ahead of time with friends or relatives, at church or other gatherings.)

Take note of the interviewer’s office and décor. This information can be used as an “ice breaker” to help start the conversation. As you proceed into the interview room, watch for signals from the interviewer. Generally, he or she will gesture toward a specific seat in the interview room. If not, wait until you are directed to sit down! Sit straight up with hands folded in your lap. Get comfortable, but don’t slouch or become so relaxed that you make the interviewer uncomfortable.

Now you are ready to answer the interviewer’s questions.

4. BREAKING THE ICE

The initial phase of rapport building exists to set both the interviewer and the interviewee at ease. This is when you may find the interviewer asking about things that do not seem to relate to the interview or the position for which you are applying.

DON’T BE DECEIVED !! Every question, no matter how trivial, has a direct relationship to the hiring process. When the interviewer tries to break the ice, help him or her out! Remember, this portion of the interview will set the tone for what is to follow.

5. QUESTIONING

Generally, you will find that there are two segments to the questioning. During the first segment, the interviewer will have the opportunity to question you about your skills, abilities, interests, values, goals and aspirations.

In the second segment, you will have the opportunity to ask the interviewer questions related to the job, the organization, the employer’s expectations of the new employee, etc.

Just as in your resume, honesty is a must in the interview. If you are asked a question for which you have no answer, it is better to say “I don’t know” than to ad lib a response. Experienced interviewers know when you try to “snow” them, and this will not help you in the interview. Instead, your best strategy is to prepare for the interview in advance.

The best way to prepare for the questioning portion of the interview is to study!

Know yourself! Read your resume. Know what you’ve written about your work experiences, your education and your extracurricular activities.

Research the organization (a minimum expectation!). What are the employer’s primary products and/or services? Where are they located? Know something about their operations and/or current events.

Review the “Questions Asked of You” section of this guide. You should be able to easily answer the questions asked.

Show some emotion. Be enthusiastic about the organization and the opportunity.

Be prepared to ask several questions. Show an interest in the possibilities.

6. “THE SELL”

As the interview begins to wind down, the interviewer will begin to “pitch” the company and/or the position to you, the applicant. Do not mistake this for an actual job offer or even for particular enthusiasm about your candidacy. In all likelihood they offer the same pitch to all serious candidates. Recognize that this is the only opportunity the interviewer has to persuade candidates to take the job. If it is at all possible that they may want you, they need to have seized this time to talk about the advantages of the position and the employer.

Listen carefully, ask questions, and express your own enthusiasm for the activities and culture being described. Be ready to move to your own questions and then to the close.

7. THE CLOSE

When the interview is over you will know. Watch for the signs: body language, a simple gesture, or a subtle question may signal the end to the interview. When you get the message that the interview is over, conclude your discussion in style and with grace, but also be sure you understand what happens next in the process.

Before you conclude the interview you should:

• Ask the interviewer for a business card. You will want to send a thank-you note soon after the interview, this way you’ll have the correct spelling and person’s title.
• Ask when you will find out if a decision is made.
• Ask how they will contact you (phone call, letter, etc).
• Ask who will be contacting you (the interviewer, other Human Resources staff, etc).

As the interview concludes, once more offer the interviewer a firm handshake, thank them for their time and exit.

8. POST-INTERVIEW TASKS

Review: Take some time to replay the interview. What worked well? What didn’t work so well? Which questions were you less prepared to answer? How do you feel about the interview in general?

By answering these questions and by addressing areas of concern, you are actually preparing for your next interview. You have completed the interview! Now it is on to your next interview and time to start this process over again.

Thank you letters: After every interview a thank you letter must be sent within 24 hours. Even if you did not enjoy the interview and you are not interested in the position, it is important to thank the interviewer for the time he/she spent with you. You never know if five years from now, that person will be in a position to hire you for a position that you would really like.

If you are interested in the position:

1. HEADING: Remember to use the same heading you used in your cover letter.

2. FIRST PARAGRAPH: Remind them of the meeting date, the position and how you thoroughly enjoyed yourself. Please do not lay it on too thick. Tell them that you have what it takes to succeed in the position.

3. SECOND PARAGRAPH: Remind them about your qualifications and how they match the employer’s needs. You may want to refer back to specific points from the interview to make your point. This shows you were really listening and you do have something to offer.

4. THIRD PARAGRAPH: Thank them once again and let them know you are available for a follow-up interview at their convenience.

5. Sincerely,

Your Signature

Type your first and last name

If you are NOT interested in the position:
You should still express appreciation for being considered and for the courtesy extended to you. If you can imagine no circumstances under which you would accept the position, you should not continue with the process. If you have decided to withdraw yourself from the applicant pool, this would be a good time to put that in writing. Try to give a reason for your withdraw that will leave you on good terms with the interviewer.