Effective Interviewing Skills:

A Self-Help Guide

THE INTERVIEW
What Is An Interview and Why Is It So Important To The Job Seeker?
The interview, ideally, is a predictable, two-way question and answer
conversation in which both the employer and the interviewee are equal
partners. The purpose of the interview is to find out information about the job
while presenting yourself as positively as possible.
The interview allows YOU, the job seeker, the opportunity to make an oral
presentation of your strengths, credentials, qualifications, and potential
contributions to the company/organization with whom you are interviewing.
The interview allows the EMPLOYER to meet you, to assess your strengths,
credentials, qualifications, and to determine if you are the best candidate
for the position.
The interview is one of the most important aspects of your job search.
Consequently, preparation for the interview should begin long before you
enter the interviewer's office. In an interview setting, your presentation of
yourself involves both your verbal and non-verbal behaviors. Appearance,
self-expression, self-confidence, enthusiasm, company knowledge, and your
ability to relate to the interviewer all create an impression. Prior preparation
provides you with the edge to make a POSITIVE impression.

Preparing Before the Interview:

Besides having proper credentials in your field, preparation is the key to
success in the interview. Before interviewing for a job PREPARE thoroughly.
This preparation consists of gathering as much information as possible about
yourself and about the prospective employer.
1.

Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and be able to communicate

these in a positive, candid manner.

2.

Evaluate any problem areas in your background and be prepared to

offer a strong case for these during the interview, if necessary.

3.

Have clearly defined career goals and plans. Employers look for
people who have done their career planning, who know what they
want and where they are going. The interviewer will not guide you in
your career planning or goal setting during the interview. He/she
expects you to do prior self-assessment to determine how your
academic preparation, previous work experiences, and other activities
will meet the qualifications of the job.

4.

Thoroughly research the position and organization. Your research

should be aimed towards answering the following questions:
a.

What are responsibilities of the position? What skills are required for
the position? What is the approximate dollar worth of the position?
What is the organizational structure of the department/division to
which the person in the position will report?

b.

What kind of organization is this? What product or services does it

provide? Is the organization large or small? Is it for-profit or nonprofit? Is it local, national, or international? What is the population it
serves? What is its competition? How long has the organization been
in existence?

c.

What industry is the organization in? What are trends in this industry?

d.

What is the future of the organization? Are any new initiatives

planned? Have any new products or services been introduced
recently? Is the organization financially stable?

e.

What is the future of the industry?

Is the industry growing and

dynamic? Is it dependent on government policies or programs?

This information may be obtained from people in the field, company

literature (e.g., annual reports), trade journals, business magazines, and
directories.
Most university and public libraries have a variety of directories which
provide invaluable company information, including financial data,
information about stocks, names of key executives, addresses, and
products or services delivered. A listing of suggested sources for
researching companies and organizations is included in this packet.
5.

From the information you have gathered about yourself, the position,
and about the organization, analyze and be able to communicate
where you could fit into the organization and how you could contribute
to its productivity and success.

6.

Prepare answers to possible questions from the interviewer and prepare

a list of well-researched questions for the interviewer. (Sample questions
are included in this packet). Practice answering interview questions
with a friend or career counselor.

7.

Know the name, title, and level of responsibility of each individual with
whom you are to meet. You may ask this when scheduling the
interview.

8.

Know exactly how to get to the organization and be prepared to arrive

early and stay late.

9.

Dress to project an image of confidence and success. Do not wear

clothing that is distractive. Your total appearance should be
appropriate to the job.

10.

Take two or three copies of your resume and list of references with you.
Give copies of these to the interviewer if requested. Take a pad and
pen along for any notes you may wish to make immediately after the
interview. Taking notes during the interview may be distracting. Save
your note taking until after the meeting.

During the Interview - Important Tips to Remember:

1.

Greet the interviewer with a confident, natural smile and a firm

handshake.

2.

Be aware of your body language (non-verbal communication). Do not

fidget, slouch, smoke, or chew gum during the interview. Maintain
appropriate eye contact.

3.

Convey sincerity, a dedication to achievement, confidence, and

enthusiasm. These attributes are communicated through your words
and actions.

4.

Listen carefully to what is said and answer questions as directly as you

can. Take time to organize your thoughts before you speak. Ask for
clarification of any questions you do not fully understand.

5.

When relating past experience, emphasize your accomplishments,

increased responsibility, and potential for solving the employer's
problems.

6.

Do not volunteer negative information about yourself OR about a

former employment situation.

7.

Let the employer be the first one to bring up SALARY, but:

! Research the salary range ahead of time;
! Assess how much the job/experience is worth to you in the
long run.

8.

Be concise in representing yourself. Give examples to demonstrate your

skills.

9.

Be sensitive to the interviewer's non-verbal behavior (if you are talking

too much you may be able to tell by the interviewer's behavior of
backing off, yawning, or change in eye contact).

After the Interview:

After each interview, it is helpful for you to reflect on what occurred. What
did you feel good about? How might you improve your performance for
future interviews? This type of analysis is intended to be constructive and
helpful for the next time. You may wish to use the Post-Interview Debriefing
Sheet enclosed in this packet to assess each interview.
Write and send the employer a thank you letter within 24 hours of the
interview. Use the letter as an opportunity to:
1.

Reemphasize your strongest qualifications.

2.

Restate your interest in the position.

3.

Provide supplemental information not previously given.

4.

Describe the good match between your qualifications and the job
requirements.

Thank you letters are one of the most important yet least used tools in a job
search. They demonstrate your interest, assertiveness, and ability to follow
through.
If you are not contacted by the interviewer within the specified time, call to
restate your interest.
Use the interview as a learning experience. Think about your performance
and ways you can improve for your next interview.

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Interviews take different formats depending on the organization's priorities
and the interviewer's style. It is important for you to be familiar with the
various types of interviews. Knowing the format upon which your interview is
structured will help you feel better prepared and more at ease during the
experience.
Discussed below are the most common types of interviews:
1.
2.
3.
1.

Screening Interview
Selection Interview
Panel Interview

Screening Interview
! Interview may be for specific amount of time; format may be very
structured.
! Usually conducted by person who is trained in interviewing
techniques.
! Interviewer may use direct questioning technique, designed to
obtain facts and a better understanding of your background.
! Interviewer
will
assess
your
needs/requirements of the position.

background

based

on

! Know something about the organization and "sell" your qualifications

in a positive and effective manner.
! Establish guidelines for post-interview procedures or "next steps" to
take.
! Be prepared, professional, articulate, and confident - Do your
homework before you get to the interview.

2.

Selection Interview
! Usually one-to-one with the person who will make the hiring decision.
! Format may be indirect and open-ended, focusing on broad
questions such as:
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to work for Organization X?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What do you feel are your strongest abilities and how do they
relate to this position?
Why do you feel you would make a good candidate for this
position?
! Your ability to describe your interests in the position, your
qualifications, and your relevant skills will be evaluated.
! Your enthusiasm for the position, level of confidence, knowledge of
yourself, familiarity with the organization, and general demeanor will
be assessed.
! Use the interview situation as an opportunity to sell yourself by
highlighting your education, experience, and relevant skills for the
position.

3.

Panel Interview
! Interview consists of more than one interviewer; interviewers are
usually from several different departments in the organization and
have varying levels of responsibility.
! Questions directed to you may be rapidly paced as interviewers can
prepare questions as you are answering a question asked by
someone else.
! More interviewers may be less subjective - may offer better odds at
overcoming individual biases.
! Gives you an opportunity to see staff working together.

Panel Interviews (cont=d)

! Forces you to be "on your toes" as questions may be more intensive
and cover a wider range of areas.
! Maintain eye contact and involve the entire panel in your
presentation.
As you can see, interviews can take a variety of formats. It is helpful to be
familiar with these formats so that you develop realistic expectations
concerning your role and responsibility during the interview.

10

STAGES OF THE INTERVIEW

The interview usually progresses in three stages:
1. Establishing Rapport
2. Information Exchange
3. Closing
Stage I. Establishing Rapport
! Purpose of this stage is to get acquainted, help you feel more at
ease.
! This stage includes the interviewer's first impression and appraisal of
you. A firm handshake, smile, and sense of confidence and
enthusiasm helps you create a favorable first impression.
! Employer may begin with a general icebreaking question such as,
"Did you have any trouble finding us?"
! He/she may be more direct with a question like, "Why are you
interested in working for this organization?" You should, at this point,
be prepared to talk about yourself. Take this question seriously as you
will be making an important first impression.

Stage II. Information Exchange

The employer's goals during this stage include:
! Obtain data about you and your qualifications.
! Analyze how well your qualifications match the needs/requirements
of the organization.
! Evaluate your ability to communicate what you have to offer and
how prepared you are for the interview.

11

Stage II. Information Exchange (continued)

Your goals during this stage of the interview include:
! Demonstrate your motivation, interest in the position, and
capabilities.
! Identify traits about yourself that are needed for this position.
! Communicate clearly why you are best qualified for this position.
! Determine if there is a match for you in the organization by
evaluating your level of comfort with the environment, people you
meet, and details of the position.

Stage III. Closing

This stage of the interview is to pull together loose ends:
! Employer may ask if you have additional questions (see "Questions
Applicants Ask Employers").
! Employer may ask you closing questions; for example, "Do you have
anything else you'd like to say about yourself?" This kind of question
provides you with the opportunity to summarize your strengths and
reiterate your interest in the position.
! Confirm a time and method of follow-up - by when and how can you
expect to hear from the employer OR by when and how should you
contact him/her?
! Thank employer for his/her time and interest.

12

PERCEIVED NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS IN EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEWS

The following are behaviors which are regarded as having negative impact
on interviewers:
1.

Poor personal behaviors such as poor eye contact, easily distracted

and excessive nervousness.

2.

Inability to express self clearly - poor voice, diction and grammar.

3.

Unpreparedness concerning questions about self, the position, or the

organization.

4.

Lack of career planning - no purpose or goals.

5.

Lack of interest or enthusiasm.

6.

Lack of courtesy/tact.

7.

Failure to raise questions about the job and the organization.

8.

Vague response to questions.

9.

Lack of sincere interest in the organization.

10.

Negative responses about past employers.

11.

Lack of confidence and poise.

12.

Lack of knowledge concerning the organization's operation.

13.

Too much emphasis on salary/fringe benefits.

13

QUESTIONS EMPLOYERS ASK APPLICANTS

1.

Tell me about yourself.

2.

Why do you think you are qualified for this job? (Why should I hire you?)

3.

What are your major strengths/accomplishments?

4.

What are your major weaknesses?

5.

What are your major responsibilities in your current job?

6.

Why do you want to leave your current job?

7.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

8.

What attracted you to this organization?

9.

What do you know about this organization?

10.

What can you contribute to this organization?

11.

What do you think are the qualities of a good supervisor?

12.

How would you describe the ideal job for you?

13.

What two or three accomplishments have given you the most

satisfaction?

14.

In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?

15.

Give me an example of a problem you faced at work and how you

solved it.

16.

How do you organize and plan for major projects?

17.

Describe how you work with others.

18.

Aren't you overqualified for this job?

19.

What are your salary expectations for this position?

14

QUESTIONS APPLICANTS ASK EMPLOYERS

1.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?

2.

What are the most important duties of this position?

3.

What characteristics would the ideal applicant for this job have?

4.

Who would be my supervisor?

5.

Would the person who fills this position be responsible for supervising
other staff? If so, how many and what positions?

6.

Do you offer a formal training program?

7.

How much travel, if any, does this job require?

8.

What are the opportunities for advancement?

9.

What would be the typical career path for an employee entering your
organization (department) in this position?

10.

What professional development opportunities (e.g., workshops,

conferences) will be available to the person who fills this position?

11.

What are your plans for expansion (e.g., new products, services,
branches)?

12.

How would you differentiate your company from your major

competitors?

13.

What do you consider to be the major problems facing the industry

today?

14.

Can I tell you anything else about my qualifications?

15.

When can I expect to hear from you?

15

INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
*

Make sure your appearance leaves nothing to be desired. Dress as if

you already worked for your potential employer.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early (but no more).

Bring two or three copies of your resume and list of references, a list of
job-related questions, and, if appropriate, samples of your work. Also
bring directions, contact names and telephone numbers, a pad of
paper, and pens.

Make allies of everyone you meet (e.g., receptionist, secretary).

Help the interviewer feel comfortable. He/she may be more terrified of

the interview than you are.

Make a good first impression; a firm handshake, a friendly smile, and a

polite greeting get things off to a good start.

Avoid nervous mannerisms such as fidgeting and hair-twirling.

Know the correct spelling and pronunciation of your interviewer's name.

Do not smoke or chew gum.

Be enthusiastic, self-confident, and interested.

Listen to a question before answering. Keep answers brief, thorough,

and to the point.

Never speak negatively of other employers or associates. It may come

back to haunt you.

Focus on the positive aspects of previous jobs.

Introduce examples of your work experience,

accomplishments into the conversation as appropriate.

Relax. Be yourself.

Don't forget to follow up with a thank you letter.

16

skills,

and

SUGGESTIONS TO BOOST CONFIDENCE

!

Continue to tell yourself that you are doing well.

Try to present yourself as confidently as possible.

Keep your doubts to yourself.

An interview is centered on the subject you know best - yourself.

Don't let rejection erode your confidence.

The interviewer knows less about you than you do.

If you've done your preparation, you know more about him/her and his/her
organization than he/she knows about you.

Don't let the advice of others shake your confidence in yourself.

Interviewers expect a certain amount of nervousness.

Try to avoid sweaty palms by sitting with your palms exposed to air.

Combat nervousness by relaxing your muscles and getting enough sleep.

Look at the bright side - before the interview you don't have an offer. The
worst that can happen is that after the interview you still won't have an
offer.

If you see something you want, go after it.

Don't worry about failure and don't look back.

Go into the interview with one of your objectives being that you are also
interviewing the organization to find out about it.

Trust yourself to react properly.

In order to relax mentally, you must first relax your body.

17

SOURCES FOR RESEARCHING COMPANIES/ORGANIZATIONS

Those resources marked with an asterisk are available in the Career Management
Program resource library.

Dun and Bradstreet Million Dollar Directory - Brief sketches of businesses,

organized geographically, alphabetically, and by product. Includes sales
volume, addresses, and names of key personnel. Published annually.
Encyclopedia of Associations* - Complete contact information and a
description of activities, including publications and convention schedules, for
thousands of national and international nonprofit trade and professional
associations and social welfare and public affairs organizations.
Greenwich Register* - Detailed information on over 3,000 U.S. companies,
including the 500 largest industrial corporations, the 500 largest service firms,
and the 400 largest private companies. Names and titles of key officers and
human resource personnel are provided for each company. Companies are
listed alphabetically, by product and/or service delivered, and by
geographical location.
Hoover's Handbook* - One-page profiles of over 500 major corporations
include a description of the enterprise, its history, names of key officers, the
products or services delivered, its financial performance, and number of
employees.
How to Find Information about Companies - Directory with information on how
to research companies by contacting state and local government agencies.
Moody's Industrial Manual - Brief histories of firms and descriptions of their
properties and operations. Includes financial data, information about stocks,
and names of key executives. Published annually.
Moody's Public Utility Manual - Financial data about six hundred public
utilities. Includes names of key executives.
Standard and Poor's Register of Corporations - Three-volume set includes
information about key personnel: names, addresses, positions, residence, and
schooling. Published annually.
Thomas Register of American Manufacturers - Basic source of data about
American manufacturers. Twelve-volume set provides a wealth of information
about products and services.
18

LOCAL DIRECTORIES
Baltimore/Annapolis: A Comprehensive Directory of the Area's Major
Institutions and the People Who Run Them* - Contact information for and short
descriptions of the area's major employers, largest companies, and
governmental institutions.
Book of Business Lists* (published by the Baltimore Business Journal) - Detailed
financial and personnel information on the largest organizations in the
Baltimore area in 50 service and product areas.
Directory of Community Services in Maryland* - Contact information and
description of types of services offered by community and service
organizations in the state of Maryland. Alphabetical, geographical, and
subject indices are provided.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Technology Guide* - Companies are listed by 250
product groups, alphabetically, and alphabetically by city. Company entries
include contact information, a brief description of the company=s products
and/or services, sales figures, number of employees, and chief officers.
Washington: A Comprehensive Directory of the Key Institutions and Leaders of
the National Capital Area* - Contact information for and short descriptions of
the area's major employers, largest companies, and governmental institutions.

19

KEY RESOURCES FOR RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS

ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
Career Resource Directories and Guides
The Catapult: Job Search and Industry Information http://www.jobweb.org/catapult/employer.htm
An excellent starting point to identify sites to visit for specific employer
information. Provides links to 25 business sites on the Web, including the
American Stock Exchange, Fortune 500, Security & Exchange Commission, and
Wall Street Research Net. The Catapult also provides links to a searchable
database of over 16,500 U.S. school districts, to state and federal government
sites on the Web, and to not-for-profit sites on the Web.
Yahoo - http://dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Business_to_Business/
Search by company name to link into company home pages.
Maureen Beck=s Guide to Researching Companies http://www.library.jhu.edu/findit/subjects/business/company/private.html
A very helpful list of guides and resource links on what kinds of company
information to obtain and where to go to obtain this information (print resources,
databases, and Web sites)
Sites Providing Company Information
BigBook - http://www.bigbook.com/
This site provides contact information on 16 million businesses. Search by
category, city, or state.
EDGAR (U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission) - http://www.sec.gov
Examine the 10-K (annual) reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission to obtain financial information. Select ASearch EDGAR Archives@,
then ASearch the EDGAR Archives@, and then enter the company name as the
keyword.
Editor and Publisher Interactive - http://www.mediainfo.com/
Provides links to over 2,200 electronic newspapers around the world. A very
good collection for finding local news on companies of interest. Select AOnline
Newspapers@ to search for Web-based newspapers by country, state, or
20

keyword. Check to see if newspapers of interest offer searchable databases of

archived articles.
Hoover=s Online - http://www.hoovers.com/
Provides Acompany capsules@ (brief profiles) on over 10,000 public and private
companies worldwide. Search by company name or keyword to obtain a brief
description of products and/or services offered, contact information, chief
personnel, financial information, and number of employees. You can also link to
corporate mission statements and key resources, including annual reports.
Thomas Register of American Manufacturers http://www4.thomasregister.com/index.html
Search the database of 155,000 U.S. and Canadian manufacturers by company
name to obtain address, phone number, and product information. Requires
(free) registration.
Wall Street Research Net - http://www.wsrn.com/home/companyResearch.html
An excellent site for Aone-stop shopping@ for information on companies trading
stocks on the NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX, and OTC Bulletin Board. Provides links to
company home pages, company news, and Yahoo=s company profiles. Search
by company name.
Search Engines
Alta Vista - http://www.altavista.digital.com/
A powerful tool for searching Web documents or Usenet newsgroup messages
to find company information.
HotBot - http://www.hotbot.com/
Search the Web or Usenet newsgroup messages for company information.

21

Post-Interview Debriefing Sheet

Name of Organization______________________________________________________
Position for Which You Interviewed__________________________________________
Name(s), Title(s), and Phone Number(s) of Interviewers:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Date of Interview____________________ Time of Interview_________________
What went well in the interview? What qualities or experiences were the
interviewers impressed with? What kinds of questions did you answer well?

What were the rough spots in the interview? What questions were difficult to
answer? Why?

Any additional thoughts on the company and interview? Any questions that
need to be answered at a later date?
References requested?
__________ No
References sent/delivered?
Thank you letter sent?

Yes
Yes___________No
(Date)
Yes__________No
(Date)

22

Listed below are resources which provide information on the interview

process. All of these resources are available in the Career Management
Program resource library.
INTERVIEW RESOURCES
Farr, Michael. The Quick Interview and Salary Negotiation Book. JIST Works,
Inc., 1995.
Fry, Ron. 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions. The Career
Press, 1991.
Hirsch, Arlene. National Business Employment Weekly: Interviewing. John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1994.
Krannich, Caryl Rae and Krannich, Ronald L. Dynamite Answers to Interview
Questions. Impact Publications, 1992.
Medley, H. Anthony. Sweaty Palms. Ten Speed Press, 1993.
Yate, Martin John. Knock 'em Dead. Adams Publishing, 1997.

23

College Placement Council Survey of Top Corporate U.S. Employers

Employers are looking for applicants with:
!

The ability to communicate (in writing, speaking, listening)

Intelligence - problem-solving, follow-through

Self-confidence

Willingness to accept responsibility

Initiative - someone who requires little or no supervision

Leadership

Energy level - evidence of Ahard work@

Imagination - finding solutions, developing new ideas

Interpersonal skills, B positive thinking, ability to get along with

others

Self-knowledge (self-assessment)

Ability to handle conflict B can handle pressure

Goal achievement - earning degree

Competitiveness

Vocational skills - marketable

Directed (related to self knowledge)

24

Sample Thank You Letter

1947 Grace Avenue

Springfield, MA 01281
November 17, 20__

James R. Quinn
Human Resources Director
Davis Enterprises
2290 Cambridge Street
Boston, Massachusetts 01181
Dear Mr. Quinn:
Thank you for the opportunity to interview yesterday for the Sales Trainee
position. I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about Davis Enterprises. You
have a fine staff and a sophisticated approach to marketing.
Your organization appears to be growing in a direction which parallels my
interests and career goals. The interview with you and your staff confirmed my
initial positive impression of Davis Enterprises, and I want to reiterate my strong
interest in working for you. My prior experience in operating office equipment
plus my training in communication would enable me to progress steadily
through your training program and become a productive member of your sales
team.
Again, thank you for your consideration. If you need any additional
information, please feel free to call.
Sincerely,

Gail Topper

25

Salary Discussions and Negotiations

During the interview process, salary discussions and negotiation can be very
difficult. There are several important points to remember about salary discussion
during the interview:
1.

A general rule to follow is: Never bring up the issue of salary during the interview.
You can be sure that it won=t be forgotten or ignored forever. At the point where
you are seriously being considered for the position, salary will come up.

2.

If you are pinned down about the past salary you had, you have several options:
#

Ask the interviewer what range he/she is offering.

Defer the discussion until you have adequate information on the position.

Suggest the maximum for the package you had at you other job, i.e.,
$38,000 + car + other extra fringe benefits. Add all of this together. This
will put you in the top end of your range.

3. If the interviewer wants to know what salary you are expecting: Suggest a range and never
give a figure. Try to learn if there is a range established by the company for the
job. If so, use this range to gage your request. If not established, your range
should be based on research, your qualifications, and level of experience.

26

Assessing an Offer

The first step in assessing an offer is to evaluate the job against your desired criteria. Evaluate
the environment, people you have met, duties and functions of the position as well as
opportunities for growth. Look carefully at the conditions or requirements of the job that are
different from what you are expecting.
The second step in the assessment of the offer is to review the conditions of both the salary and
the benefits package. Look carefully at each time in the full package.
In negotiating, it is important to recognize that both you and the employer have concerns,
priorities, and interest. Your goal will be to look for ways to identify options for mutual gains.
Instead of being locked into a position, you look for shared interest.
Never focus on your needs. Focus on the requirements of the job and how your skills an
expertise compliment those requirements.

27

Examples of Responses to Tough Interview Questions

1).

Tell me about yourself.

Prepare a brief two-minute summary highlighting your background with

particular emphasis on your experience (work or volunteer), education (if
relevant), skills and interest in this position. You can begin with a tidbit of
personal information.
For example: I am a native of Baltimore. I=ve always been a very organized
person. When I graduated from high school, I decided I would like to get
involved in some kind of business-related job. I started working at the Johns
Hopkins Inn in the business office where I=ve been working for the past 8 years. I
have had extensive experience working in the area of accounts payable and
accounts receivable. I=ve also been involved in completing payroll and supply
requisitions. I have taken 36 credits of business-related courses in college which
have also helped me develop a very good understanding of business
procedures and accounting methods. I would now like to apply my strong
business background to your position as a payroll specialist.
2).

Why are you interested in this position?

Emphasize something positive about the position and the organization that you
find interesting or meaningful. Be careful not to mention your own needs (FOR
EXAMPLE: Do not say, ABecause I need a job!@). Try to relate your interest to
what you could contribute from your skills and experience.
For example: I am very interested in your banquet hostess position because of
the consistently high ratings you have received in the City Pages conference
facility reviews. I have very effective interpersonal skills and would like to put
them to use in an organization like yours that values customer service.
3).

What are your greatest strengths?

Be prepared to highlight three to four key strengths that relate to the position.
These can come from your experience, volunteer activities, or education and
training. You may also want to mention two or three personal qualities that
would make you an outstanding applicant.
For example: I believe I am well qualified for this security position because I
have worked in the security field for the past 14 years. I have completed and
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maintain my state certification as a security officer. My performance reviews

have consistently been outstanding and I have been commended for my
attention to detail, positive relationships with staff and customers and my ability
to take command of and effectively manage emergency situations.
4).

What is your greatest weakness?

Try to turn this question into an opportunity to describe a strength. Or, choose a
Aweakness@ that you have been working to improve. Be careful not to select
something that is critical to the job.
For example: One of my weaknesses is that I tend to be perfectionistic in my
work. OrY.
I have been known for working long hours. OrY
I have been working on getting better at public speaking. I joined
Toastmasters two years ago and find that I now actually enjoy giving
impromptu remarks.
5).

What salary do you expect?

Be careful not to give a specific number here. Show your flexibility.

For example: I=m flexible. What is the salary range for this position?
Or, if you are really pushed, give a range.
For example: I=m flexible, but anticipate earning anywhere from $25,000 to
$30,000 per year
6).

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Generally, it=s best to suggest how you might see yourself progressing with this
organization, particularly if the job offers you the kind of potential you are
looking for.
For example: I would see myself learning all the requirements of your desk
receptionist position and excelling in that in the first year. I believe I have
excellent management potential. If a position were to open up as a reception
staff manager, I would see that as a potential move for me within three to five
years.
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