Job Interview
Download as PPT, PDF1 like414 views
This document provides tips for preparing for and conducting a successful job interview. It recommends researching common interview questions, the company, and your own background to feel prepared. During the interview, establishing rapport, controlling the flow, and parting on good terms are important. Details like spelling should also be double checked. Preparing thoroughly and following basic steps can help make interviews go well.
Job Interview
- 2. Interviews are always stressful - even for job seekers who have gone on countless interviews. The best way to reduce the stress is to be prepared. Take the time to review the "standard" interview questions you will most likely be asked. Also review sample answers to these typical interview questions. Then take the time to research the company. That way you'll be ready with knowledgeable answers for the job interview questions that specifically relate to the company you are interviewing with.
- 3. Typical interview questions: What are your long-range goals and objectives? What are your short-range goals and objectives? How do you plan to achieve your career goals? What are the most important rewards you expect in your career? Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?
- 4. What are your strengths, weaknesses, and interests? How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you? Describe a situation in which you had to work with a difficult person (another student, co-worker, customer, supervisor, etc.). How did you handle the situation? Is there anything you would have done differently in hindsight? What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort? Describe a situation in which you did so. In what ways have your college experiences prepared you for a career?
- 5. How do you determine or evaluate success? In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization? Describe a contribution you have made to a project on which you worked. What qualities should a successful manager possess? Was there an occasion when you disagreed with a supervisor's decision or company policy? Describe how you handled the situation.
- 6. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why? Describe your most rewarding college experience. What interests you about our product or service? Why did you select your college or university? What led you to choose your major or field of study?
- 7. What college subjects did you like best? Why? What college subjects did you like least? Why? If you could do so, how would you plan your academic studies differently? Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement? What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
- 8. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable? How do you work under pressure? Describe a situation in which you worked as part of a team. What role did you take on? What went well and what didn't? In what part-time, co-op, or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why? How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation?
- 9. Why did you decide to seek a position with this organization? What two or three things would be most important to you in your job? What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for which you hope to work? Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you? Are you willing to travel? Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee?
- 10. Five Basic Steps to a Successful Interview 1. Prepare as Much as You Can in Advance . This should be obvious, but often it isn't. You should go into the interview knowing as much as you can about the person you are interviewing. Especially, you should know what their likes and dislikes are, what may especially anger or irritate them, and what your audience most wants to know about them. You use this information as a tool to shape the content and flow of the interview. Depending on the type of interview and the preparation time you have, of course, your advanced preparation may be limited. Do the best you can.
- 11. 2. Establish Rapport With Your Subject . Try, if possible, to meet with your subject prior to the actual interview and show them you are friendly and that you are genuinely interested in them. Part of this step involves putting your subject at ease about the physical layout and surroundings of the interview, i.e., where you will sit or stand, where they will sit or stand. If you are planning to tape or videotape the interview, try to make your subject familiar and at ease with the technology you are using.
- 12. 3. Control the Flow of the Interview. You are the one doing the interview and you need to move through it using the questions and very brief comments you have prepared ahead of time. Don't let the subject feel they are going to control the interview with a personal agenda when you have objectives you need to accomplish. (Look again at Step 1.) At the same time, be alert for unforeseen or unplanned information that may come up during the interview. Don't miss out on something good because it may be unexpected. Be in control, but be prepared to "go with the flow" if the flow looks good. Your goal is to part with the subject knowing you got what you needed, and to appreciate any bonus that come along.
- 13. 4. Part on the Friendliest Possible Terms. Make an effort to be courteous and express appreciation for the interview. This will leave the door open for any follow-ups, as well as create good networking opportunities for additional interviews with people your subject might know. Never kill a potential future lead with a bad attitude or ingratitude. Always try to end the interview on good terms.
- 14. 5. Get All the Spelling Right . Yes, you read that correctly. It is amazing the number of common words and "obvious" names that can be misspelled when you write up the interview. If your subject is well known, this might not be much of an issue. But even well known people have lesser known friends and family members. Don't let spelling those names trip you up. How do you get the names spelled correctly? You ask, of course. Even "famous" people appreciate the professionalism and concern you show by asking to get the spellings correct. Don't let inattention to spelling details ruin your good work.
- 15. Successful interviewing and interviews may not be simple, but can be fun. With a little care and attention to these five basic steps, interviews can be well done and professional. http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/questions-use.asp