Job Interview Tips and Suggestions

Practice
Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions
and answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing
evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.
Prepare
Prepare a response so you are ready for the question "What do you know about our company. Know the
interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to
the interview. Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.
Get Ready
Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with.
Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.
Be On time
Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to
the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.
Stay Calm
During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye
contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention - you will be
embarrassed if you forget the question!
Show What Your Know
Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career
accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for.
Follow Up
Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. If you interview with
multiple people send each one a thank you note.

Tips and Strategies for Successful Interviewing

Youve just landed an interview for a seemingly wonderful job! Now what? Successful interviewing will be
essential in order for you to lock in an offer. Here are some tips and strategies for effective interviewing
from preparation through follow up.
Company Research
Research should always be your first step. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial
element in successful interview preparation. You will need to be prepared to answer the questions "What do
your know about our company"? and "Why do you want to work here?" Knowing as much as possible

about the company's past performance and future plans can make your interview more interactive and could
be just the leg up you need in a competitive job market. Before the interview review the company's web site
and don't be afraid to contact your prospective employer to request details on the position you are
interviewing for or to ask for company literature.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice makes perfect (or at least leads to improvement). Practice with a friend and record or videotape
your responses so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Prepare answers to commonly
asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background and qualifications for the
position.
Behavioral Interviews
Behavior based interviewing is becoming more common. It is based on the premise that a candidates past
performance is the best predictor of future performance. Rather than the typical interview questions on your
background and experience, you will you need to be prepared to provide detailed responses including
specific examples of your work experiences.
The best way to prepare is to think of examples where you have successfully used the skills you've
acquired. Take the time to compile a list of responses to both types of questions and to itemize your skills,
values and interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Emphasize what you can do to benefit the
company rather than just what you are interested in. Also prepare a list of questions you want to ask the
interviewer. Remember, you aren't simply trying to get the job - you are also interviewing the employer to
assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you.
Prepare For the Interview
It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to fifteen minutes early. If need be,
take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going. Know the
interviewer's name and use it during the interview. If youre not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the
interview. Remember to bring an extra copy of your resume and a list of references.
Stay Calm
During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not sure what's been
asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you
can be sure too fully answer the question.
End the interview with a thank you to the interviewer and reiterate your interest in the position. Then
follow-up with a personal Thank You note restating your interest.

How to Dress for an Interview

Does it really make a difference how you dress and act? In many cases, it does. I'll never forget the
gentleman I interviewed for an accounting position. He had been out of work for a few months and wanted
to show me why. He took off his jacket, unbuttoned his shirt and started to pull down his pants (this is a
true story) to show me the scar from a boat propeller that had injured him.
He didn't get the job. Neither did the young lady in a bright red skirt so short and tight that she could hardly
sit down!

In the conservative business climate I worked in at the time, appearances did matter. In other environments
it isn't as important. However, it does make sense to dress your best for the interview, regardless of the
dress code at the organization. If you're in doubt about how to dress for an interview, it is best to err on the
side of conservatism. It is much better to be overdressed than underdressed (or undressed).
According to Kim Zoller at Image Dynamics, 55% of another person's perception of you is based on how
you look. Her Dressing for Success information gives some tips on how to look your best, without
necessarily spending a lot of money. Here's a quick look at the basics:
Women

Men
Solid color, conservative suit
Coordinated blouse
Moderate shoes
Limited jewelry
Neat, professional hairstyle
Tan or light hosiery
Sparse make-up & perfume
Manicured nails
Portfolio or briefcase

Solid color, conservative suit

White long sleeve shirt
Conservative tie
Dark socks, professional shoes
Very limited jewelry
Neat, professional hairstyle
Go easy on the aftershave
Neatly trimmed nails
Portfolio or briefcase

Interviewing at a Coffee Shop or Restaurant

Employers sometimes schedule job interviews in a public place, like a coffee shop or restauarant. It could
be because they are hiring for a field position and they don't have a local office. Or, it may be more
convenient to interview candidates in a setting other than the office, especially if you don't want your
current employees to know that you're hiring.
Here are some tips for interviewing in public:
Confirm the Interview Details
Confirm the exact location (there are more than 160 Starbucks in New York City!) as well as the time of
your appointment. Ask how you will recognize the interviewer.
Dress Professionally
Dress professionally, even if you are meeting in a casual environment.
Bring a portfolio, pad and pen so you can take notes. Also, bring copies of your resume.
Prepare in Advance
Prepare just as you would for an office interview. Research the company, have responses ready for typical
interview questions and have a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
Focus on the Interviewer
It may be noisy and there may be distractions, like customers and waitstaff coming and going. Try to focus
on the interviewer, as best you can. Keep the interview focused, as well, by staying on topic.
Watch Your Manners
Be careful what you order from the menu. Choose something simple and easy to eat and never order the
most expensive item on the menu. One candidate knocked herself out of contention for a job when she

picked her teeth and freshened her make-up at the table, then ordered a coffee to go - on the interviewer's
tab.
Follow-Up
It's easier for paperwork to get misplaced when it's being transported than when it's on an office desk, so
make sure that you follow-up with a thank you note and to check on the status of your candidacy.

Manners, Meals and Interviews

Interviews are often stressful - even for job seekers who have interviewed many times. Interviewing can be
even more stressful when you are expected to eat and talk at the same time. One of the reasons employers
take job candidates out to lunch or dinner is to evaluate their social skills and to see if they can handle
themselves gracefully under pressure.
Dining with a prospective employee allows employers to review your communication and interpersonal
skills, as well as your table manners, in a more relaxed (for them) environment. Table manners do matter.
Good manners may give you the edge over another candidate, so, take some time to brush up your dining
etiquette skills.
Interview Dining Tips:

Are you really nervous? Check out the restaurant ahead of time. That way you'll know exactly
what's on the menu, what you might want to order and where the rest rooms are located.
Be polite. Remember to say "please" and "thank you" to your server as well as to your host.
Is the table full of utensils? My British grandmother taught me an easy way to remember what to
use when. Start at the outside and work your way in. Your salad fork will be on the far left, your
entree fork will be next to it. Your dessert spoon and fork will be above your plate.
Liquids are on the right, solids on the left. For example, your water glass will be on the right and
your bread plate will be on the left.
Put your napkin on your lap once everyone is seated.
Remember what your mother spent years telling you - keep your elbows off the table, sit up
straight, and don't talk with your mouth full!

During the Meal:

Don't order messy food - pasta with lots of sauce, chicken with bones, ribs, big sandwiches, and
whole lobsters are all dangerous.
Don't order the most expensive entree on the menu.
Do order food that is easy to cut into bite-size pieces.
The polite way to eat soup is to spoon it away from you. There's less chance of spilling in your lap
that way too!
Break your dinner roll into small pieces and eat it a piece at a time.
If you need to leave the table, put your napkin on the seat or the arm of your chair.
When you've finished eating, move your knife and fork to the "four o'clock" position so the server
knows you're done.
Remember to try and relax, listen, and participate in the conversation.

To Drink or Not to Drink:

It's wise not to drink alcohol during an interview. Interviewing is tough enough without adding
alcohol to the mix.

After the Meal:

Put your napkin on the table next to your plate.

Let the prospective employer pick up the tab. The person who invited you will expect to pay both
the bill and the tip.
Remember to say "thank you." Consider also following-up with a thank you note which reiterates
your interest in the job.

Telephone Interview Tips & Techniques

Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment.
Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be
invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in
interviewing out-of-town candidates.
While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's
notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few
minutes to talk.
Be Prepared to Interview
Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and
weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions.
In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.
Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so
it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
Practice Interviewing
Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. I've always found it's helpful to practice. Have a friend or
family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound over the phone.
Any cassette recorder will work. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can
practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions
you'll be asked.
During the Phone Interview

Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.

Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
Don't interrupt the interviewer.
Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.

Give short answers.

Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it
would be possible to meet in person.

After the Interview:

Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the
job.

How to Avoid Blunders

during Job Interviews
What are the most common mistakes job candidates make during interviews? Talking too much and
revealing that you didn't do your homework about the company or position lead the pack, according to a
global recruiter survey of consultants at Korn/Ferry International, a global executive-search firm.
Fumbling the Interview
Common mistakes job candidates make during interviews, based on a recent global recruiter survey.

Talking too much

Lack of knowledge about company or position
Over-inflated ego
Appearing overly confident
Inquiring about compensation too early in the process
Unkempt appearance

Common Job Interview Question List

It is not enough to have solid answers only for the above questions. You need to be prepared for the full
spectrum of questions that may be presented. For further practice, make sure you go through the required
mock interview (see the "Competitive Interview Prep" Section) and for further review, look at some of the
following questions:
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Tell me about yourself.

What do you want to do with your life?
Do you have any actual work experience?
How would you describe your ideal job?
Why did you choose this career?
When did you decide on this career?
What goals do you have in your career?
How do you plan to achieve these goals?
How do you evaluate success?
Describe a situation in which you were successful.
What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction in your life?
If you had to live your life over again, what would you change?
Would your rather work with information or with people?
Are you a team player?
What motivates you?
Why should I hire you?
Are you a goal-oriented person?
Tell me about some of your recent goals and what you did to achieve them.
What are your short-term goals?
What is your long-range objective?

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What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

Where do you want to be ten years from now?
Do you handle conflict well?
Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How did you resolve it?
What major problem have you had to deal with recently?
Do you handle pressure well?
What is your greatest strength?
What is your greatest weakness?
If I were to ask one of your professors to describe you, what would he or she say?
Why did you choose to attend your college?
What changes would you make at your college?
How has your education prepared you for your career?
What were your favorite classes? Why?
Do you enjoy doing independent research?
Who were your favorite professors? Why?
Why is your GPA not higher?
Do you have any plans for further education?
How much training do you think you'll need to become a productive employee?
What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
Why do you want to work in the _____ industry?
What do you know about our company?
Why are you interested in our company?
Do you have any location preferences?
How familiar are you with the community that we're located in?
Will you relocate? In the future?
Are you willing to travel? How much?
Is money important to you?
How much money do you need to make to be happy?
What kind of salary are you looking for?

Don't just read these questions--practice and rehearse the answers. Don't let the company interview be
the first time you have actually formulated an answer in spoken words. It is not enough to think about
them in your head--practice! Sit down with a friend, a significant other, or your roommate (an especially
effective critic, given the amount of preparation to date) and go through all of the questions. Make the
most of every single interview opportunity by being fully prepared!

Common Job Interview Questions

By rehearsing interview questions, you'll become more familiar with your own
qualifications and will be well prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit an
employer. Some examples:

"Tell me about yourself."

Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional
achievements and professional goals. Then, briefly describe your
qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the
organization.
"Why do you want to work here?" or "What about our company
interests you?"
Few questions are more important than these, so it is important to answer
them clearly and with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in
the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the
industry through your own research. Talk about how your professional
skills will benefit the company. Unless you work in sales, your answer
should never be simply: "money." The interviewer will wonder if you really
care about the job.
"Why did you leave your last job?"
The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last
job. If you did not have any problems, simply give a reason, such as:
relocated away from job; company went out of business; laid off;
temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suited
to your skills.
If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept
responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any
problems you had (or still have) with an employer, but don't describe that
employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning
experience that will not affect your future work.
"What are your best skills?"
If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should be able to
imagine what skills the company values. List them, then give examples
where you have demonstrated these skills.
"What is your major weakness?"
Be positive; turn a weakness into strength. For example, you might say: "I
often worry too much over my work. Sometimes I work late to make sure
the job is done well."
"Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?"
The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples
describing how you have worked in both situations.
"What are your career goals?" or "What are your future plans?"
The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company's goals are
compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead.
Talk about your desire to learn more and improve your performance, and
be specific, as possible about how you will meet the goals you has set for
yourself.

"What are your hobbies?" and "Do you play any sports?"
The interviewer may be looking for evidence of your job skills outside of
your professional experience. For example, hobbies such as chess or
bridge demonstrate analytical skills. Reading, music, and painting are
creative hobbies. Individual sports show determination and stamina, while
group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working as part of
a team.
Also, the interviewer might simply be curious as to whether you have a life
outside of work. Employees who have creative or athletic outlets for their
stress are often healthier, happier and more productive.
"What salary are you expecting?"
You probably don't want to answer this one directly. Instead, deflect the
question back to the interviewer by saying something like: "I don't know.
What are you planning on paying the best candidate?" Let the employer
make the first offer.
However, it is still important to know what the current salary range is for
the profession. Find salary surveys at the library or on the Internet, and
check the classifieds to see what comparable jobs in your area are paying.
This information can help you negotiate compensation once the employer
makes an offer.
"What have I forgotten to ask?"
Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and
attributes and how they may be used to benefit the organization. Convince
the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and that you
can succeed.

Here are some other job interview questions you might want to rehearse.
Your Qualifications

What can you do for us that someone else can't do?

What qualifications do you have that relate to the position?
What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?
Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown initiative.
What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?
What is important to you in a job?
What motivates you in your work?
What have you been doing since your last job?
What qualities do you find important in a coworker?

Your Career Goals

What would you like to being doing five years from now?
How will you judge yourself successful? How will you achieve success?
What type of position are you interested in?
How will this job fit in your career plans?
What do you expect from this job?
Do you have a location preference?

Can you travel?

What hours can you work?
When could you start?

Your Work Experience

What have you learned from your past jobs?

What were your biggest responsibilities?
What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this
position?
How does your previous experience relate to this position?
What did you like most/least about your last job?
Whom may we contact for references?

Your Education

How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?
What were your favorite classes/activities at school?
Why did you choose your major?

Do you plan to continue your education?