Interviewing Strategies
The interview gives the employer an opportunity to
evaluate your personality and qualifications for the job. It is
a process in which you can sell yourself as the best candidate for
the job. It is also your chance to determine if you are really interested
in this particular job and employer.
Before the Interview
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Research the employers and the positions for
which you are applying to learn as much as you can about the
organization's history and background. Most companies now have
websites that are an excellent source of information.
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Let your Coordinator know when you are offered
an interview. She/he can help you by offering information about
the employer and by assisting you in preparing for the interview
- Read the Formula for Successful Interviewing and prepare written
responses.
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Fully prepare for the Sample Interview Questions
.
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Plan what you will wear to the interview by using
the Professional Dress Guidelines.
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Be on time. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. This
is enough time to double check your appearance, take a few deep
breaths, and give yourself a brief "pep-talk" before
your interview begins.
-
Be prepared for the possibility of a telephone
interview. Keep a copy of your resume by the phone; and if a
company calls, always assume you're talking to a company manager,
representative or a supervisor
During the Interview
The key to having a successful interview is to be
friendly, show your confidence, use positive and concrete examples
from your experience and listen to the questions carefully. Remember,
your entire focus should be on what you have to offer the company,
not on what he company might have to offer you! Additionally,
you should:
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Bring extra resumes and a list of references
with you to the interview.
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Shake hands firmly with the interviewer and
speak your name clearly.
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Remain standing until you are asked to be seated.
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Sit comfortably, use good posture, and do not
fidget. Look attentive and interested. Don't chew gum.
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Think positively about yourself.
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Listen to the interviewer. Let him/her start
and lead the interview.
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Be honest and positive about yourself. Be prepared
to tell why you are the best applicant.
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Establish eye contact with the interviewer.
Look the interviewer in the eyes when you are talking to him/her,
but do not stare.
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Answer all of the questions honestly. A pause
to think is O.K. Keep your replies clear, concise, brief and
to the point, but offer more than simple "yes/no"
answers. The keys is to be direct, honest, positive, and complete.
If you do not know the answer, say so. If you have not had experience
in a certain area, say so, and express interest in learning
about it. Try to turn the discussion to an area that you do
know.
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Pay strict attention so you will fully understand
the questions. If you do not, politely request a repeat or rephrasing.
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Don't interrupt. Sometimes an employer will
state a hypothetical situation, then ask the question. Give
him/her time to finish and give yourself time to think before
you reply.
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Be yourself. Do not try to be something you
are not. Try to relax and smile during the interview.
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Don't "knock" your previous employers.
Speaking against others in no way enhances your own position.
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Stress your skills/abilities and positive traits
and do not dwell on shortcomings or medical problems.
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Stress your enthusiasm. Employers want to see
that candidates are excited about working for their company.
Use your research of the company to offer specific examples
about why you want the position and why you want to work for
that company.
-
Offer concrete examples. Yes or no answers are
not enough. Expect to give example of your experience working
with a team, your specific accomplishments,your strengths, career
plans,your writing and communication skills, your career plans,etc.
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Be sure to thank the interviewers and restate
your interest in working for the company. ask for a business
card so you can write a thank-you letter. If the interviewer
has not said when she/he will get back to you with a decision,
be sure to ask.
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Shake hands firmly before leaving the room.
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Send the interviewer(s) a thank-you letter or an email within
24 hours. This reinforces your interest and helps maintain a
positive impression with the interviewer(s). In this letter,
you may also reiterate key points or cover a topic that was
missed during the interview.
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Reflect on your interview. What went well? What
could you have done better? Use each interview as a learning
experience.
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Remember to let your Co-op Coordinator know
when you have been offered a job. He/she will help you
with the next steps.
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