The INs and OUTs of

Interviewing

Jagadish Nath
Interviewing-What is it?

- A structured meeting
between you and an
employer
- Interviewing is a skill-
like riding your bike
- PRACTICE makes
PERFECT
Interviewing is a two-way street
- Employers are
attempting to determine
if you are an
appropriate fit for the
job and their culture
- You decide if the
environment is right for
you.
 Types of Interviews
 Phone: used as an initial screen of candidates or to
narrow the pool of applicants
 One-on-One: most common interview style and
incorporates you with the potential employer
 Panel or Group: allows many individuals to interview
you at once
 Meal: used to see how you interact or function in a
social setting
 Second or On-site Interview: this allows one to get a
tour of the facility, meet the staff, and additional
questioning from different employees and/or
administration
Pre-Interview Preparation
 Research - position, company, & industry
 Know yourself and be able to articulate skills,
strengths, accomplishments, and career
goals
 Prepare necessary materials (Copies of
resume, references, portfolio/pen, palm pilot
or organizer, breath mints)
 Ask for directions and where to park
Arriving
 Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to
arrive at your destination (you may want to
conduct a dry run prior to your interview day)
 Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site
to allow you to park, walk to the interview, use
the restroom, or just gather yourself
Greeting & Introduction
Only 1 chance to make
a good 1st impression
 Dress appropriately
 Smile
 Maintain eye contact
 Firm handshake
 Remain poised and
confident
 Body Language:
What signals are you sending?
Positive Signals Negative Signals
 Leaning forward = interest  Crossed arms = defensive
 Smiling = friendly  Fidgeting hands or tapping
 Nodding = attentive and alert feet = nervous or bored
 Eye contact = curious and  Lack of eye contact =
focused untrustworthy
 Leaning back= discomfort
Types of Interview Questions
Sample Questions
Standard or  Tell me about yourself?
traditional-  What is your greatest strength?
Weakness?
targeting your education,  Why did you choose to interview
work experiences, and with us?
career goals  What did you like most about
your last job? Least?
 What are your short and long
term career goals?
Types of Interview Questions
Behavioral Questions Sample Questions
 Describe a time you had to
-These focus on your make a difficult decision?
actions and/or  Tell me about a time you
behaviors in a previous worked under a deadline?
setting.  What do you do when a team
member is not pulling his/her
- Past behavior provides weight?
clues to future behavior  Think about a time you made
a mistake. What did you learn
from it?
Types of Interview Questions
Inappropriate or unethical Sample Questions
questions
 How old are you?
- Questions which probe into your
private life or personal  Do you have children?
background  Do you have a
- Questions about your ethnicity, disability?
religion, sexual orientation,
disabilities, marital status  What religion do you
practice?
Types of Interview Questions
Questions asked by the Sample Questions
 What type of assignments can I
interviewee expect within the first year?
To determine if you are an  What do you like most about
this company?
appropriate fit for the  What is the biggest challenge
company and position, facing this department right
prepare a list of now?
 What skills are you looking for in
questions for the this position?
interviewer  What is the next course of
action?
General Interview Strategies
-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your
experiences
-Master the art of storytelling
-Provide specific and concrete examples of your
results/accomplishments
-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident
throughout the interview process
General Interview Strategies
 Remember an interview is a formal conversation--
avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know”
 Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,”
“probably,” or “pretty good”
 Think before speaking
 Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to
1-2 minutes
 If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them
to repeat or clarify it for you
General Interview Strategies
 Remain calm, relaxed,
and be yourself
 Try to focus on the
message you are trying
to convey--NOT how
well you are doing!
Dressing for Success-Men
 Suit-Single or double
breasted
 Polished shoes
 Solid white shirt
 Conservative tie
 Neatly groomed hair, beard,
and mustache
 Avoid strong colognes,
earrings, and body piercing
Dressing for Success-Women

 Sari or Salwar Kamiz

 Pant or skirt suit
 Pumps with small to
medium heels
 Light makeup, perfume,
and jewelry
 Wear neutral color
hosiery
 FOLLOW-UP
 Ask good questions

 Thank the interviewer

 Request a business card

 Inquire about next steps in the process

 FOLLOW-UP CONT
 Send a thank you note
within 24 hours
 Letter may be
handwritten or typed; e-
mail is also acceptable
 Tailor each one to the
individual.
Final Thoughts
 Remember that only 15% of the success of
an interview is out of your control
 Take some time to reflect
- Overall, how well did I do?
- What went well?
- What steps can I take next time to
improve?
 Suggestions
 Conduct a test run the day before the interview
 Practice! Practice! Practice!
•Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short
answers
• Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers
•Schedule an appointment for a mock interview with Career
Services
 Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert for the
interview
 Be relaxed and be yourself!
Thanking you
&
All the best !