Interview Guide

You’ve made it over the first hurdle!

Your resume or application has caught someone’s attention.  The employer has already decided that you meet at least the minimum qualifications for the position(s) available—you have the necessary education or experience or technical skills required. 

Your job now is to convince the employer—during the interview—that you’re the candidate who

þ      can do the job?

þ      will do the job?

þ      is the best “match” for the specific position and/or work environment?

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CAN you do the job?

Remember, the employer already knows that you meet the basic requirements for the job.  Your task in the interview is not to just repeat the data on your application or resume, but to persuade him/her that you can apply the education or experience or skills you have to the specific position you’re seeking. 

If you’re interviewing with the Arlington Police Department, for example, and have worked part-time in the University Police Department for the past four years, what standard enforcement practices would be applicable to their municipal procedures?  If you conducted a customer-satisfaction-survey-project at a discount mall as part of a course in Marketing, how can you use what you learned if Sherwin Williams hires you as a Manager Trainee?  If you’re completing your teacher residency in a third-grade classroom in Mesquite ISD, which successful classroom management strategies can you also use with a sixth grade class at Campbell ISD? 

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WILL you do the job?

Dr. Jim Reynolds, a professor at Texas A&M-Commerce, has frequently—and astutely—commented that the best person for a position is the one “who wants the job done, more than he/she wants the job.”  Hiring managers would certainly agree. 

So your task in the interview is to convince the employer that you are not just applying for the position because your parents said you had to get some kind of a job by the time you graduate.  Or because you’re shopping around for the highest salary offer in order to make the payments on your new car.  Or because you’re hunting for an employer to pay your graduate school tuition.  Or because you don’t know what else to do with your major, and need a job to pay the bills while you try to figure it out.

Hiring managers fear that if you “just want the job,” you’ll give only the minimum effort, frequently call in sick (or arrive late or leave early or refuse overtime), have to be constantly told when to do everything, quit for a better job at the first chance you get, and will constantly need someone to check on your work.  Instead, they hope to learn that you really want to do this job. 

So they’re looking for indicators like these:  you’ve worked in customer service, and find satisfaction in solving problems; you’re not only good at writing computer programs, but really enjoy the challenge; you majored in counseling because you believe mental health is really important; you’ve taken “extra” courses in your major because you want to learn as much as you can in your field in order to be more effective. 

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Are you the BEST “MATCH” for the specific position and/or work environment?

Since employers frequently spend significant amounts of time and money in finding, hiring, and training new employees, they hope that the working relationship will be a long-lasting one.  Part of the key to determining if you’re the “best match” for the job lies in your desire to do the job (discussed above), but it also includes a wide range of job-related personality traits.  If you are skilled at assuming a leadership role and giving directions, for example, you may become frustrated and discontented working in an environment where decisions are made not by individuals but by groups of employees.  If you perform best when given clear deadlines, you may be less productive working in a position where you are expected to develop your own schedules and goals.  If you do your best work between noon and nine o’clock at night, you’ll be less than effective in a position that requires you to begin demanding work at 6 a.m. 

These are the kinds of things employers are trying to discover in the interview and, on the next few pages, we’ll give you some guidelines that will help you communicate to the employer that you can do the job, will do the job, and are the best “match” for the position.

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Since your job in the interview is to convince the hiring manager that you can and will do the work required in a specific position, you need to prepare for the interview by finding out as much as you can—before the interview—about both the position and the employer.  You’ll then be able to give answers to the interview questions that reflect the demands of the position and the needs of the employer.

Researching the Job

For most jobs there is both a written and an unwritten job description. 

The written job description may be anywhere from 3 single-spaced typed pages to 3 lines in the local newspaper.  READ IT CAREFULLY!  If a written job description is not available for the position—or if it’s very short—you can research the general position through similar descriptions of positions posted in Career Services or available on the Internet.  You can also find general position descriptions in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, (which describes the major characteristics of hundreds of types of employment.

The unwritten job description may be obtained from talking to employees of the firm you are applying to, through questions to the human resources department, by reading between the lines of the written job description, or knowledge of similar positions elsewhere.  The unwritten job description deals with the chain of command, the work site’s physical layout, company management style, and what may be included in the section of the job announcement that reads “will perform other duties as assigned.”

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Researching the Employer

Knowing as much as you can about the employer before the interview not only creates a good first impression—you’re interested enough to have taken the time to find out more about the job and the employer—but also helps you describe your qualifications as they specifically apply to the employer’s needs. 

Many employers have prospective-employee literature already assembled and will be glad to send it if you just ask.  Many also have web sites with extensive information about the company, agency, or school.  And most employers who interview on campus will have already sent information to the Career Services office, where you can get copies.

Larger employers usually have stockholder and annual report information available to the general public, and will also be listed in standard references available at public and college libraries (i.e., Thomas’s Register of American Manufacturers, Standard & Poors, Moody’s Manuals).  They may also have listings in the National Association of Colleges & Employers publication Job Choices, which is available in Career Services.

You may find information on smaller employers through the local Chamber of Commerce office, through news stories in the local newspaper, or by simply visiting the physical location.

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Before the Interview

Remember those three questions in the introduction to this Guide?  Can you do the job?  Will you do the job?  Are you the “right match” for this position?

Now that you’ve “done your homework” and learned as much as you can about the employer and the position, you should be nearly ready to connect what you know—about the job and about yourself—to convince the interviewer that YOU can do the job, will do the job, and are a “good fit” for the job.  The interview is your opportunity to articulate the interests, skills, and abilities you have that are also important in this position.  And to do so by answering the questions you’re asked by giving concrete examples from your coursework, extracurricular activities, and/or work experiences that “paint a picture” of how you can, and will, function as an employee.

To develop your skill at doing just this, study the following list of possible interview questions and decide how you might answer them.  Remember:  your answers need to include concrete examples, and should demonstrate the qualifications you have that are particularly important to this specific employer/position!

1.           Tell me about yourself.

2.           Why did you choose this career?

3.           What are the most important rewards you expect from your career?

4.           How did you learn about us and this position?

5.           What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?  Why:

6.           What did you like best about your current or most recent job?  What did you like least?

7.           Do you think that your grades are a good indication of the academic achievement?

8.           Tell me about a major problem you faced and how you solved it.

9.           Are you a team player?  Tell me about an important lesson you’ve learned from team participation.

10.       Give a specific example that best illustrates your ability to deal with an uncooperative person.

11.       What have you learned from your mistakes?

12.       How would your classmates, teachers, or co-workers describe you?

13.       What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

14.       How has your college experience prepared you for this career?

15.       What is your greatest accomplishment?  What did you learn from it?

16.       What are your long-term and short-term goals?

17.       What does customer service mean to You?

18.       What kind of people do you find it most difficult to work with?  Why?

19.       Would you rather write a report or give a verbal report?  Why?

20.       What are some things you would like to avoid in a job?  Why?

21.       Do you plan to continue your education?

22.       What motivates you to do a good job?

23.       Are you willing to relocate and/or travel?

24.       Why should I hire you?

25.       Do you have any questions you’d like to ask?  [Note:  the answer to this one is “yes,” and we’ll say more on this subject later.]

(For additional sample questions, visit the College Grad Job Hunter web site at www.collegegrad.com).

w               After you’ve thought about how you’d answer these questions, ask a friend or classmate or family member to help you “rehearse” for your interview by asking you several of these questions.  (If this isn’t possible, videotape or tape record yourself so that you can see and/or hear your own answers and evaluate them.)  Review your answers or ask your rehearsal partner to critique them.  Are they too wordy or too blunt?  Do you use a lot of filler words (and, um, well, uh, you know, etc.)?  Are you willing to ask for clarification if you are not sure of the intent of the question?  Are you speaking too fast or too slowly?  Are you answering the question thoroughly, but without “running on”?  Did you show enthusiasm?  Did you look the interviewer in the eye?  Did you use examples or stories to explain what you mean?  Did you sound “negative” about any of your employers (or instructors or classmates), seeming to blame them for problems or difficulties?

w               Contact Career Services to schedule an appointment for a mock (practice) interview.  We’ll give you practice, videotape the interview, let you watch the tape, and provide feedback & suggestions before you go for “the real thing!”

NOTE:  The impression you make during the interview ultimately decides whether or not you’ve got the job.  For no matter how good you look on paper, you will not be hired by a person who does not feel comfortable with you in terms of day-to-day interaction.  The key to creating a comfortable, personal rapport with your interviewer lies in developing a positive, enthusiastic, self-confidence interviewing style.  And the only way to develop this style is through practice, practice, and more practice.

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Before the Interview

Prepare Questions You Want to Ask

Interviewers will nearly always ask you during the interview if YOU have any questions.  So write out possible questions ahead of time and don’t be afraid to pull out that sheet of questions and ask them!  Hiring managers are usually impressed—it says you’re prepared, you’re thorough, and you’re conscientious.

Don’t know what to ask?  Here are some possibilities:

1.      If hired, would I be filling a newly created position, or replacing someone?

2.      Would you describe a typical work day and the things I’d be doing?

3.      How would I be trained or introduced to the job?

4.      Who are the people I’d be working with and what do they do?

5.      What problems (or opportunities) are associated with this position?

6.      How would you describe your corporation’s personality and management style?

7.      What is the overall structure of the department where this position is located?

8.      How long have you been employed here, and what do you like best about it?

9.      How would I get feedback on my job performance, if I were hired?

10.  What are the goals for this company and this department?

One Note of Caution:  Listen carefully to introductory information the interviewer may provide, and do not ask a question—just because it’s on your list—that the interviewer has already answered.

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What to bring and what to wear

Bring only essential items to the interview—extra copies of your resume and transcript, a list of references, portfolio or work samples (if appropriate), datebook, two pens, a list of questions you want to ask.  And consolidate all your “stuff” into a single, manageable folder or small briefcase so you don’t have to worry about juggling and/or dropping your purse or folders or briefcase.

Dress for the interview slightly more formally than you would dress for the position you are applying for.  For men, this usually means a suit (or at least a conservative sports coat and slacks).  For women, a tailored, businesslike appearance (usually a skirt rather than pants) with conservative makeup and hairstyle.  Select and try on your interview clothes the night prior to your interview.  Do they feel comfortable?  Are all the buttons on and no loose threads hanging from hems?  Are you spotless and well pressed?  Do you feel good about yourself in these clothes?

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Getting there – and waiting

Plan on arriving 15 minutes early so you’ll have time to relax and collect your thoughts.  If you can, actually go to the interview site the day before your interview.  Notice how long the trip takes, and explore alternate routes in case of traffic delays.  Locate parking facilities, the building entrance(s), restrooms, water fountains, and the office where the interview will be held.

Use the time while you wait for your appointment to quickly scan your resume, reminding yourself of your important qualifications and helping you focus your thoughts.

Make allies of other employees.  Be courteous to everyone along the way, including the receptionist and the secretary.

Make sure you know the correct spelling and pronunciation of the interviewer’s name.  Confirm it beforehand with a secretary (or by phone ahead of time) is you’re not sure.

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Making a good first—and lasting—impression

First impressions are important.  A firm handshake, a friendly smile, and a polite greeting will get an interview off to a good start.  (If necessary, practice shaking hands with friends or family until you feel comfortable with this gesture.)

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Some tips about the interview itself:

Be yourself.  You may be nervous at the outset, but try not to “freeze up” into one position. Feel free to smile and use gestures as you would in conversations.

Show enthusiasm.  (You want to be offered the job, right?  So don’t be afraid to show it and say so!)  Look the interviewer in the eye.  Sit forward in your seat.

After being asked a question, it’s okay to pause and think about your answer.  Or to ask the interviewer to elaborate or clarify the question.  Or even to acknowledge that you don’t know the answer.  (You can’t get by with “I don’t know” as the answer to every question, of course, but don’t be afraid to admit it when a question occasionally “stumps” you.)

Stress your qualifications without exaggerating.  Emphasize your experience and training that relates to the job opening.

Never, never, never ask any questions about salary, vacations, holidays with pay, or sick days.  You’re looking for a job, not a vacation.

Wait for the employer to bring up the issue of wages.  If he/she asks what salary you expect, ask what the standard salary for your qualifications is.  Or suggest a salary range—based on the research you’ve done about your field ahead of time—that would be acceptable to you, depending upon other benefits offered.

When the interview is coming to a close, summarize your strengths.  Explain why you should be hired.  Ask for the job.  (Prepare this “closing statement” ahead of time, and practice it before the interview.)

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Don’t wear aftershave or cologne to the interview.  (What if the interviewer happens to be allergic to your favorite scent?!?!?)

z   Carry things in your left hand so you can extend your right for a handshake.

z   Remove all the store tags/labels from any new garments.  (Men—be sure to check the sleeve of your jacket for an often-overlooked label near your wrist.)

z   Remove the (temporary) stitching from the pockets of new jackets (so you can smoothly slip business cards in your pocket).

z   If you just absolutely must have your cell phone with you, TURN IT OFF during the interview.

z   Remove jewelry from visible body-piercings (including tongues), except for conservative, tailored earrings on women.

z   Don’t chew (gum or candy or tobacco—or anything else) during the interview.

Handling illegal questions

Various federal, state, and local laws prohibit employers from asking certain questions that are not related to a person’s ability to perform the job, but may unfairly eliminate candidates from consideration because of characteristics like nationality, age, religious affiliation, etc.  Nonetheless, employers will sometimes unintentionally—or intentionally—ask you these questions, and your answer may determine whether or not you are offered the job.

There is no single, simple, correct way to answer these kinds of questions.  Your response may depend on what you perceive the interviewer’s intent or purpose to be.  And there are even specific situations in which a usually illegal question is actually appropriate.  (A religious organization hiring for a position that includes teaching a specific denominational doctrine, for example, can require candidates to be of a certain religious faith.)

If asked an illegal question, you have the following three choices:

1.      You may choose to answer the question.  If asked, for example, if you have a wife or children who would object to your working long or irregular hours, you’re free to respond that you’re single and have no outside commitments that would keep you from working evenings or weekends whenever necessary.  However, that seemingly good answer might be the “wrong” one if the interviewer (even subconsciously) envisions hiring someone with solid family ties who will be active in school and community events.

2.      You can refuse to answer the question.  If asked, for example what church you attend, you might say, “I don’t believe my religious preference would affect my ability to do this job, and I’d rather not say.”  Be aware that the interviewer may take this kind of answer as a sign that you’re obstinate or uncooperative, and therefore not the ideal candidate.  But keep in mind the possibility that this may not be the ideal employer, if you’re asked this kind of question.

3.      You can respond with a job-related answer that addresses the probable intent of the question.  If asked, for example, what clubs or social organizations you’re a member of, you might describe your involvement in professional organizations that you consider relevant to the job.

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After the interview . . . .

Set yourself apart from your competition by doing two simple things:

Send a thank you note!!!!!

It can be brief, but it (a) makes a good impression, (b) reminds the interviewer that he/she talked with you, and (c) gives you a chance to mention any important point that you forgot to make during the interview.

Follow up with a telephone call a few days after the interview.

Indicate that you’re still interested in the position; ask when they expect to make a decision, or if one has already been made; offer to provide additional information or return for a second interview if the employer has additional questions.

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