RECOMMENDEDANSWERSTOUSUALQUESTIONS

1.Tellmeaboutyourself Coverfourareasinyourlife:yourearlyyears,education,workexperience,andyourcurrent situation.Keepyourcompleteanswertoabout2minutesdon'trambleorelaborate.Thisisyour 2minuteselfintroductionandyouwillbeveryaccomplishedatgivingitbythetimeyouarein jobinterviews.Becausethisquestionusuallycomesearlyintheinterview,youwillgain confidencebyknowingyoucanansweritwell.

2.Whatcanyouofferusthatothercandidatescan't? Ifthisquestionisaskedearlyintheinterview,youmightrespondbydiscussinggenerallyhow yourskillsandexperiencewouldbenefitthecompany.Togetmorespecific,youwillneedto knowsomethingaboutthejobsituationtheyhaveinmindandthatsubjectisnotusually discusseduntiltheendoftheinterview.Resistthetemptationtoframeananswerbasedonyour assumptionsabouttheposition.Ifthequestionisaskedaftertheinterviewerhasdescribedthe position,onlythencanyourelateanyofyouraccomplishmentstotheproblemsofyour prospectiveemployer.Thisisanopportunetimetodiscussyourproblemsolvingabilities.

3.Whatareyourstrengths? Youshouldbeabletolist3or4ofyourkeystrengthsthatarerelevanttotheirneeds,basedon theresearchandotherdatayouhavegatheredabouttheircompany.

4.Howsuccessfulhaveyoubeensofar? Bepreparedtodefinesuccessforyourselfandthenrespond.Trytochooseaccomplishmentsthat relatetothecompany'sneedsandvalues.

5.Whatareyourlimitations? Respondwithastrengthwhich,ifoverdone,canbeadetrimentandbecomeaweakness.For example,youmight.say,"Mydesiretogetthejobdonesometimescausesmetobeoverzealous anddemandingofmyorganization.ButIamawareofthisproblemandbelievethatIhaveit undercontrol."Ordealwithyourneedforfurthertraininginsomeaspectofyourprofession.Do notclaimtobefaultless,butlimityouranswertoonespecificissue.

6.Howmuchareyouworth? Trytodelayansweringthisuntilyouhavelearnedmoreaboutthejobandcanestimate,based onpreviousresearch,thesalaryrangethiscompanyendorsesforsimilarpositions.Ifyoufeel obligedtoanswer,youmightreplyinthisway."YouareawareofwhatIhavebeenearningat Ajax,andIwouldhopethatcomingtoAcmewouldbeaprogressivestep.Perhaps,wecango intothisquestioninmoredepthwhenhaveabetterideaofwhatthejobresponsibilitiesand scopewouldbe."

7.Whatareyourambitionsforthefuture? Indicateyourdesiretoconcentrateondoingtheimmediatejobwellandyourconfidencethat thefuturewillthenbepromising.Youdonotwanttoconveythatyouhavenodesiretoprogress, butyouneedtoavoidstatementsthatareunrealistic,orthatmightthreatenpresent incumbents.

8.Whatdoyouknowaboutourcompany? You'vedoneyourhomework,andhavestudiedallthatispubliclyavailableaboutAcmeandare thusawareofmanypublishedfacts.However,youmightstatethatyouwouldliketoknowmore thenbepreparedtoaskintelligentquestions.Avoidarecitationofthefacts,incorporatepersonal remarksandspecificquestionstofacilitatealivelyexchangeofinformation.

9.Whyareyouseekingapositionwithourcompany? Indicatethatfromyourstudyofthecompany,manyoftheactivitiesandproblemsarethesort thatwouldgiveyouachancetocontributetothecompanythroughyourexperienceandskills.If youhonestlycan,expressyouradmirationforthecompanyandwhatitisthatappealstoyou.

10.Whatqualificationsdoyouhavethatyoufeelwouldmakeyousuccessfulhere? Ifthisquestionisaskedafteryouhavesufficientinformationabouttheposition,talkabouttwo orthreeofyourmajorskills(supportedbyaccomplishments)whichyoubelievewillbeusefulin theposition.Ifthequestionisaskedearliertalkabouttwoorthreeofyourmajorskillsandrelate themtotheextentthatyoucantothecompany.Gaugetheamountofdetailforthisandother answersbythetimeframesetbytheinterviewerforyourmeetingandbyhisorhersignalsasto howmuchinformationisenough.

11.Whatthingsaremostimportanttoyouinajob? Useinformationdevelopedinyourknowledgeofthecompanyandrelateittotheposition,ifyou knowthedetailsoftheposition.Ifnot,useacorporate"answer:"tobechallenged,""partofthe team,"etc.

12.Howwouldyoudescribeyourpersonality? Mentiononly2or3ofyourmostusefultraits.Rememberthattheintervieweristryingto determineyour"fit"inthecompany.Yourabilitytoaccuratelyidentifytheircorporatevalueswill enableyoutoframeyourresponseappropriately

13.Howlongwouldittakeyoutomakeameaningfulcontributiontoourfirm? Berealisticandspeakintermsof6monthstoayear.Again,thetimingofthequestionis important.Doyouknowenoughaboutthespecificpositiontogiveacogentresponse?(Ifit'sa new,undefinedjob,even6monthstoayearmaybeoverlyoptimistic.)

14.Don'tyoufeelyoumightbeoverqualifiedortooexperiencedforthepositionwe haveinmind? Mostofthetimethisquestionreallymeans:Iamafraidyouarewillingtotakethisjobbecause youneedajobandyouwillleaveassoonasyougetabetterjoboffer.Youranswermust addressthisconcern. Example: "You could be right, but having taken a voluntary early retirement fromXYZCompany,Iaminthefortunatepositionofbeingabletodowhatgives me the greatest satisfaction and what I enjoy doing most is (describe the contentsofthejob).Theadditionaladvantagetoyouifyouhiremeisthatextra qualificationandexperiencewillbeavailableforyoutousewhennecessary."

15.Whatisyourmanagementstyle?

Nodoubtyoudefinedyourmanagementstyleaspartofyourassessmentandhavetalkedabout itwithyourconsultant.Youmightwanttotalkabouthowyousetgoalsandthengetyourpeople involvedinthem.Also,describethetechniquesthatyouliketousetobringoutthebestin people,usingthemostappropriatestyletofitthesituation.Yourresearchmayhavegivenyoua senseofwhetherthecompanybelievesinahighlyparticipativestyle,orismoreauthoritarianin itsapproach.Ifyoudon'tknowthecompany'sstyle,keepyouranswer"soft"andsituational.

16.Describeasituationinwhichyouhadadifficultmanagementproblemandhowyou solvedit. Relateoneofyouraccomplishments,whichhadtodowiththiskindofsituation.Dependingon theorganization'scultureandneeds,highlightconflictmanagement,teambuilding,orstaffing.

17.Asamanager,whatdoyoulookforwhenyouhirepeople? Theirskills,initiative,adaptabilitywhethertheirchemistryfitswiththatoftheorganization." Respondinginthiswaymirrorstheinterviewer'sneedtodeterminewhatyoucando,willdo,and howyoufitintotheirorganization.

18.Asamanager,haveyoueverhadtofireanyone?Ifso,whatwerethe circumstancesandhowdidyouhandleit? Ifyouhave,answerinbriefthatyouhaveindeedhadexperiencewiththisproblemandthatit workedouttothebenefitofboththeindividualandtheorganization.Youfollowedthecompany's disciplinaryprocedurescarefullybeforeproceedingtotermination.(Thecompanymaybe concernedaboutdiscriminationandlegalissues.)Don'tgointothedetailsunlesstheinterviewer asksformoreinformation.Ifyouhaveneverfiredanyone,sayso,buttalkabouthowyouwould utilizeprogressivedisciplinebeforeresortingtoterminationtoprotectthecompany'sbest interests.

19.Whatdoyouseeasthemostdifficulttaskinbeingamanager? Youranswermightaddressgettingthingsdonethroughothersgettingthingsplannedanddone ontimewithinthebudgetorothermanagementissues.Sincebudgetmanagementisa valuabletransferableskill,youmightwishtoworkyourabilitiesinthisareaintothediscussionif appropriate.Beguidedbytheinterviewer'sISpeakstyleandtheneedsandcultureofthe organizationindeterminingwhattostressinyouranswer.

20.Describesomesituationsinwhichyou'veworkedunderpressureormetdeadlines. Refertoyouraccomplishments.Discussoneortwoinwhichyouwereespeciallyeffectivein meetingdeadlinesordealingwithhighpressuresituations.

21.Tellmeaboutaworksituationthatirritatedyou. Talkaboutthistypeofsituationintermsoftheskillsyouusedtomanageandimproveit.Avoid describingaworksituationyouknowexistsinyourtargetcompanyunlessyouwantto emphasizethatyoucanimproveoreliminateitStressyourabilityto''staycool"underpressure.

22.Tellmeaboutanobjectiveinyourlastjobwhichyoufailedtomeetandwhy. Thisquestionassumesthatyoufailedtomeetsomeofyourobjectives.Ifyoucanhonestlystate thatyoumetallyourestablishedobjectives,sayso.Iftherewasanobjective,whichyouwere unabletomeetforlegitimatereasons,discussitwithanexplanationoftheobstaclesoverwhich youhadnocontrol.Evenbetter,discussanobjectivewhichyou"renegotiated"whenyourealized

itcouldnotbemetbecauseofobstaclesbeyondyourcontrol.

23.Wouldyoudescribeafewsituationsinwhichyourworkwascriticized? Describeonlyone,andtellhowyouhavecorrectedorplantocorrecttheissue.Donotgointo detail.Iftheinterviewerwantsmoredetailletthemaskforit.

24.Whathaveyoulearnedfromyourmistakes? Discussoneortwosituationswhereyousuccessfullytransformedamistakeorerrorinjudgment intoalearningexperience.Emphasizethepositiveresult,withtheerrorasthelearningcatalyst.

25.Whatimportanttrendsdoyouseecominginourindustry? Choosetwoorthreeimportantdevelopmentstodiscuss.Thisisyourchancetoshowthatyou havethoughtaboutthefuture,theeconomics,themarkets,andthetechnologyoftheindustry.

26.Whyareyouleavingyourpresentjob? Ifyouhadtheopportunitytocoverthisinyour2minuteselfintroduction,there'sagoodchance thequestionwillnotbeasked.Regardlessofwhenitisasked,itmustbeansweredbriefly.Ifit wasaforcereductionduetoeconomiccircumstances,makethatclear.Ifpossible,explainhow yourterminationwaspartofalargermovement.Whenyouhavefinishedanswering,letitgo. Refrainfromanalyzinganyfrictionpointswithyourboss.

27.Describewhatyoufeelwouldbeanidealworkingenvironment. Thisisaplacewhereyoucanbringinsomeofyourownvaluesandpersonalexperiences.But don'tmakeitsoundtoosublimeorimpractical.Downplaythenegative.

28.Lookingback.Howdoyouperceiveyourpastemployer?Bepositive. Refertothevaluableexperienceyouhavegained."Itisanexcellentcompanywhichhasgiven mealotofgoodexperienceandopportunitiestoperform."

29.Whathaveyoudonethathelpedincreasesalesorprofit?Howdidyougoaboutit? Thisisyourchancetodescribeinsomedetailabusinessaccomplishmentthatisrelevanttothe proposednewjob.Feelfreetodwellonthis.

30.Howmuchfinancialresponsibilityhaveyouhadtoaccountfor? Youcananswerthisintermsofyourbudgetorheadcountorthesizeoftheprojectorsalesthat youdirected

31.Howmanypeoplehaveyoumanagedonyourrecentjobs? Bespecificandfeelfreetorefertothoseoverwhomyouhadinfluence,suchasataskforceor amatrixorganization.

32.Giveexamplesoftimeswhenyouwerealeader.

Drawexamplesfromaccomplishments,whichdemonstrateyourleadershipskills.

33.Howdoyouthinkyoursubordinatesperceiveyou? Beaspositiveasyoucan,referringtoyourstrengths,skillsandtraits,remembertobehonest. Referencesareeasilychecked.

34.Inyourlastposition,whatwerethethingsthatyoulikedmost?Andlikedleast? Respondwithcaretothisquestion.You'llhavetheinformationfromyoursatisfiers/dissatisfiers, butyou'llwanttoemphasizethepositiveandnottalkatlengthaboutthenegatives.

35.Inyourrecentposition,whatweresomeofyourmostsignificantaccomplishments? Sinceyouhavealreadyselectedthespecificaccomplishmentsyouwanttotalkabout,this questionwillbeeasyforyou.Bereadytodescribethreeorfourofthemindetail.Whenpossible, trytorelateyouranswertothenatureofthenewchallengesyoumightbefacing.

36.Whyhaven'tyoufoundanewpositionaftersomanymonths? Youmayfindthisquestionoffensive,butdonottakeitpersonally.Simplygiveabriefanswer, "Findingjustanyjobisnottoodifficult,butfindingtherightjobtakescareandtime,"andmove on.

37.Whatdoyouthinkofyourpreviousboss? Beaspositiveasyoucan,andavoidbecomingembroiledinthisissue.Thisisaloadedquestion becausemostbossesavoidacontentiousordifficultsubordinate.Ifyouliketheindividual,sayso andtellwhy.Ifyoudon't,thinkofsomethingpositivetosay.

38.IfIspokewithyourpreviousboss,whatwouldheorshesayareyourgreatest strengthsandweaknesses? Beconsistentwithwhatyouthinkheorshewouldsay.Positionanyweaknessinapositiveway. Youroldbosswillprobablywanttogiveyouagoodreference,sorecountsomeofthegood thingsyoudidforhimorher.

39.Inyourmostrecentposition,whatproblemsdidyouidentifythathadpreviously beenoverlooked? Refertoaccomplishmentslistedonyourresume.Keepanswersbriefandincludehowthe accomplishmentwasobtained.

40.Ifyouhadyourchoiceofjobsorcompanies,wherewouldyouland? Talkaboutthetargetjobandwhatisattractiveinthecompanythatisinterviewingyou.

41.Whatdoyoufeelyoushouldearnintheproposedposition? Youmaywanttoanswerthiswithaquestion,suchas,"Whatisthetypicalsalaryrangefor similarjobsinyourcompany?"Or,"Iconsidermyselftobeabetterthanaverage,soIwould expecttoreceiveanofferthatwouldbebetterthanthemidpointofthesalaryrangeforthe position."Ifthereisnorangeinthecompany,givetherangethatyouhadinmind.Butqualifyit

bysayingyouhopetolearnmoreaboutthejobresponsibilitiesandscope.

42.Ifweweretoofferyouthisposition,whatchangeswouldyoumakeinyour organization? Thetimingofthisquestioniscritical,sinceyoucan'tgiveanyspecificanswerwithoutknowing somedetailsabouttheposition,organizationandculture.Evenifyoudo,becarefulabout describingsweepingchangesyoumightwanttomake.Unlesstheinterviewerhasspecified criticalproblemareasthatyoufeelcomfortableaddressing,limityouranswertoexplainingthe needtostudythecurrentorganization,talkwithstaff,andfullyassesstheimplicationsbefore recommendinganychanges.

43.Doyouhaveanyobjectionstotakingourbatteryofpsychologicaltests? "No,noneatall."(Thisisanindicationthatyouareaseriouscandidate.)

44.Whatothertypesofjobsorcompaniesareyouconsideringatthistime? Don'tfeelobligedtorevealdetailsofyourothernegotiations.Ifyouareinterviewingelsewhere refertoyourcampaigninageneralway.Butconcentratemainlyonthespecificjobforwhichyou areinterviewing.

45.Whatsortofoutsidereadingdoyoudo? Behonest.Ifpossible,mentionsomeofthethingsyoureadinordertokeepyourselfuptodate inyourprofessionalfield.However,itisokaytoshowbalancedinterestsbymentioningyour recreationalreadingaswell.

46.Whatmotivatesyouthemost? Usetheresultsofyourcareeranchorsandcareerassessment,butkeepyouranswerfairly general:thesatisfactionofmeetingthechallengesoftheposition,developingteamsand individuals,meetingorganizationalgoals.(Onlyifyouareinsaleswouldyoumentionmoneyasa motivator.)

47.Giveoneortwoexamplesofyourcreativity. Refertoaccomplishmentsthatrelatetothecompanyandtheposition,ifpossible.

48.Whatareyourlongrangegoals? Relateyouranswertothecompanyyouareinterviewingwith,ratherthangiveaverybroad, generalanswer.Keepyourambitionsrealistic.Talkfirstaboutdoingthejobforwhichyouare applying,thentalkaboutlongerrangegoals.

49.Whatsortofrelationshipsdoyouhavewithyourassociates,bothatthesamelevel andaboveandbelowyou? Thisisaveryimportantquestion,soyouwillwanttotakethetimetoansweritinlogicalsteps. Whentalkingaboutyourrelationshipswithsubordinates,bepreparedtostateyourmanagement philosophy,particularlywithregardtoperformanceissues.Whenspeakingofbosses,indicate yourkeeninterestinunderstandingyourboss'sexpectations,sothatyouandyourorganization canbuildyourgoalsinawaythatwillsupporthis/hergoals.Youmayalsowanttotalkabout howyouwouldkeepyourbossinformed.Stressyourteambuilding,mutuallycooperative

approachwithpeers.

50.Whataresomeofyouroutsideactivitiesorrecreations? Hopefully,youranswercanshowthatyouleadabalancedlife.Butavoidmentioningsomany activitiesthatitcastssomedoubtonhowmuchtimeyouwillhaveforthejob.Rememberthat yourhobbiesandrecreationactivitiescanbequiterevealingastoyourownpersonalityand values.

THEINAPPROPRIATEQUESTIONSANDPOSSIBLERESPONSES

1.Whatwasyourmaidenname? Thisisadiscriminatoryquestion,sincetheresponsecanindicateancestryandsimultaneously confirmcurrentorpastmaritalstatus.Whetherornottoanswerisyourchoice,sincethereare onlydiscriminatoryquestionsnotanswers.Youcanavoidansweringitbygentlyremindingthe interviewerthatyourmaidennamereallyhasnothingtodowithyourabilitytodothejob.Or youmightcleverlyasktheinterviewer,"Isthatforsecuritypurposes?"

2.Doyouplantohaveafamily? Becausethisquestionisonlyaskedoffemales,usuallythoseofchildbearingage,itisalso discriminatoryandyoucanrefusetoanswer.Anondisclosingresponse,however,mightbe:"I don'thaveanyplans."

3.Whatyeardidyougetyourbachelor'sdegree? Whilethisquestionmayseeminnocuousonitsface,theanswercaneasilybeusedtocalculate age,sincemostpeoplegoontocollegedirectlyfromhighschool.Or,ifyourresumedoesnot referenceadegree,itmaybeasubtlemeanstodeterminingwhetheryouhaveone.Youcan skirtadirectanswerbyfocusingonarelatedfact,suchas,"Youknow,I'mveryproudofthefact thatIfinishedmyundergraduateworkinonly3years.',Or,"Actually,Icontinuedrightonafter collegeintograduateschool."Or,ifyoudon'thaveadegree,"Ienjoyedmyengineeringcourses somuch,I'vecontinuedtakingthemeversinceCollege."Thensmile,andletthesilencealertthe interviewerthatyoudon'tplantovolunteeranythingfurther.

4.WehavealotofsocialactivitieshereatXYZ?Doyouandyourwifeenjoygoingto companyfunctions? Thisquestionisadoubleedgedsword!Theinterviewerisaskingforconfirmationthatyouare marriedandyourmaritalstatusisofflimitsandaskingabouthowyouspendyourleisuretime. Ifyouaremarried,youandyourwifeverymuchenjoycompanyfunctions,andthequestiondoes notbotheryou,feelfreetoanswerwithasimple"Yes,verymuch"andmoveon.Ifnot,however, youcanrespondalongtheselines:"Oh,howinteresting!Whatkindsofactivitiesdoyouprovide? ."andlettheinterviewerexpandonthesubjectwithoutrevealingyourownposition.

5.Howisyourcreditrating? Obviously,yourcreditratingisnottheinterviewer'sbusiness.Butifyouchoose,youcansimply

respond"Fine."Ifyouchoosenottoanswer,youcouldturnthequestionbacktotheinterviewer with"Whywouldyouaskthat?"

SAMPLEQUESTIONSFORTHEINTERVIEW

1.Whyisthispositionopen? 2.Howoftenhasitbeenfilledinthepast5to10years? 3.Whathavebeentheprimaryreasonsforpersonsleaving? 4.Whydidthepersonwhoheldthispositionmostrecentlyleave? 5.Whatwouldyoulikedonedifferentlybythenextpersonwhofillsthisjob? 6.Whataresomeoftheobjectivesyouwouldlikeaccomplishedinthisjob? 7.Whatismostpressing?Whatwouldyouliketohavedonewithinthenext2or3months? 8.Whataresomeofyourlongertermobjectives? 9.WhatfreedomwouldIhaveindeterminingmyworkobjectives,deadlines,andmethodsof measurement? 10.Whatkindofsupportdoesthispositionreceiveintermsofpeopleandfinances? 11.Whatarethemoredifficultproblemsfacingsomeoneinthisposition?Howdoyouthinkthese couldbestbehandled? 12.Wherecouldapersongowhoissuccessfulinthispositionandwithinwhattimeframe? 13.Inwhatwayshasthisorganizationbeenmostsuccessfulintermsofproductsandservices overtheyears? 14.Whatsignificantchangesdoyouforeseeinthenearfuture? 15.Howisonejudged?.Whataccountsforsuccesses? 16.Whatarethemostcriticalfactorsforsuccessinyourbusiness?.(Notewhetherornotheor shementionsthatpeoplematter.) 17.Wheredoyouseethecompany(orfunction)goinginthenextfewyears? 18.Howdoyouwinsupportfromtopmanagement? 19.Howwouldyoudescribeyourownmanagementstyle? 20.Whatarethemostimportanttraitsyoulookforinasubordinate? 21.Howdoyoulikeyourpeopletocommunicatewithyou?.(Orally,inwriting,informally,in meetings,onlywhennecessary?)

ANATOMYOFTHEJOBINTERVIEW

ManagingYourOwnImage Thisisagoodtimetoplanhowyouwanttobeperceivedinthoseallimportantfirstimpressions. Someofthecriticalfactorsarediscussedbelow. 1.Physicalpresence.Dressappropriatelyforthecultureyouareentering.Besureyour groomingandhygieneareimmaculate.Assumeaposturethatisneithertoorelaxedorsloppy, nortootenseorforward.Expressyourenergyandfitness.Avoidawkwardhandposesorseating positions.Avoidsmokingorgum.Leaveyourprotectiveouterclothingand/orluggageoutside.

2.Movementsandmannerisms.Useyournaturalgesturesdon'tcloseyourhands.Avoid fidgeting,scratching,orfussingwithobjectssuchasapenorglasses.Movearoundnaturally avoidlookingstifforawkward. 3.Mannerofspeaking.Makesureyoucanbeheardbeawareoftheinterviewer'sreactionto yourvoice.Donotmumbleordropyourvoicetoawhispertowardtheendofyoursentences. Avoidsingsongormonotonerecitations,whichwillgivetheimpressionthatyouareover rehearsed.Also,avoidslangandcolloquialismslike"Yaknow,"aswellasgrunts,hemsandhaws, andotherverbaltics. 4.Demeanor.Conveytheappropriateamountofenthusiasm,warmth,andsinceritytosuitthe dynamicsofyourinterviewer.Bepositiveavoidnegativetopics,anddon'tventhostility.Smile! 5.Listeningskills.Listenwithfullconcentrationandmaintaineyecontact90percentofthe time(withoutstaring).Indicateattentionandacceptancewithnodsandsmiles.Avoid interruptingallowsilencewhenthoughtisneeded. 6.Communicationskills.Mirrorthestyleandpaceofyourinterviewer.Answerforthrightlyand credibly,andstopwhenyouhaveansweredthequestiondon'toverelaboratewithdetailsand anecdotedon'tramble.DON'TINTERRUPT.Organizeyourthoughtswithalogicalstructure.If youdon'tknowsomething,sayso.Clarifyaquestionifyoudon'tunderstandit.Listenbeforeyou talk. 7.Interviewtechniques.Getnamesandexacttitlesexchangebusinesscards.Elicitcompany ordepartmentalneedsearlyintheinterviewusingopenendedquestions.Weaveinyour strengthsandaccomplishmentsasresponsestothoseneeds.Respondtodoubtsorobjections positivelywithoutbeingdefensive.Keeptoyourallottedtimeframesredirecttheinterviewas needed.Showyourknowledgeoftheinterviewer'scompanywithoutsoundingarrogant.Tryto getacommitmentforafollowupintervieworavisittotheworkscene.Learnifotherpeople mightneedtoseeyou.Evaluatetheimpactoftheinterviewwhenyouareleaving.Reaffirmyour interestandenthusiasmwithoutsoundingdesperate. Manyofthesepointerscanbeusedasvalidguidelinesforalltypesofinteractions,notjustthe jobinterview.

AFewBasicTenets Therangeofpossibledynamicsisverywideandnoonesinglebehaviorwillberightforevery situationbuttherearesomebasicprinciples. Exploretheirneeds.Rememberthatallsuccessfulsellingstartswithidentifyingtheneedsof thebuyer,whetheracompanyoraboss.Therefore,beforeyoulaunchinto"yourstory,"which youhavecarefullyprepared,trytogetyourinterviewertalkingabitaboutthepositionandthe problemsfacinghisorhercompanyordepartment.Listenactively'Thiswillgiveyousomething torelateto. Showacceptance.Rememberthatyourinterviewerhasnonbusinessneeds,suchasbeing likedandsupportedinhisorhercareer.Afuturebosswillbeconsideringwhatitwouldbeliketo bearoundyouforafewyears. Beinquisitive.Youaretherenotonlytoanswer,buttoaskquestions,aswell.Don'tbetoo passiveinyourresponsesshowanalertinterest.Youneedtofindoutenoughaboutthejob, company,boss,andenvironmenttobeabletocarryyourcampaignforwardanotherstep. Rememberthatajobdecisionisamutualcommitmentyouoweittoyourselfandthepotential employertoexplorehowtheorganizationandthepositionmeetyourneeds.Youcanusethemto evaluatethecompaniesandenvironmentsinwhichyou'reinterviewing. Wrapthingsup.Whenyousenseyourtimeisrunningshort,trytogetclosureandareadingon howyoubothfeelaboutyourcandidacy,whatshouldhappennext,andhowyouareleaving

things.Trytoestablishareasonforfurthercontact(unlessitwasanobviousmisfit).

FollowUpandPostAnalysis Interviewfollowupisvital.Andinordertofollowup,youneedtogetclosure,asbestyoucan, onwhereyoubothstandastoyourcandidacy.Aretheyfavorablyimpressed?Areyou?Arethere othercandidatestosee?Otherpeopleyoushouldmeet?Whatwouldconstitutealogicalnext step?Whatcanyoudo? Ifyoufeelpositive,besuretocommunicateyourenthusiasm.Peopleneedtoknowthatyoulike themandtheircompany. Trytoarrangeforsomefurthercontact,e.g.,thenextinterview,avisittotheworkscene,aday spentinthefieldwhateveryoucaninvent.Offertosendorbringsomethingtotheinterviewer thatisrelatedeithertoyourcandidacyortotheinterviewer'spersonalinterests. Itisimportantthatyounotdisplayovereagernessordesperationinanyoftheseareas. Itismandatorythatyouwriteathankyounoteimmediately,expressingyourpleasureand interest.Weaveinsomethingjobrelated:anotherideayouhadabouttheirsituation,orenclose anarticleyouclippedabouttheindustry.Asinmarketinganyproduct,youwanttokeepyour namefavorablyimpressedontheirminds.

InterviewPreparationGuide
TheCareerCenter FloridaStateUniversity

Objectives
1. Torecognizetheimportanceofpreparingforaninterviewandtobeableto identifyandunderstandthenecessarypreinterviewingprocedures. 2. Tobeawareoftheappropriateinterviewingbehaviorsandtobeableto demonstratethesebehaviorseffectively. 3. Tounderstandthenecessityoffollowupsandtobeabletoidentifyand understandtheappropriatepostinterviewingprocedures.

Activities
Belowareactivitiestohelpyouachievethestatedobjectives.Doanyorallofthem. Themoreyoudo,theclosertomeetingtheobjectiveyouareapttocome. 1. Readthroughthisguidetounderstandthebasicdynamicsoftheinterview process. 2. Refertothemanyinterviewrelatedresourcesthatareavailable.A compilationoftheseresourcesislocatednexttoCareerKeyinTheCenter Library. 3. AttendanInterviewingWorkshopinTheCareerCenter.Checkwithacareer advisorinTheCenterforinformationonthenextworkshoporvisitThe CareerCenterWebsite:www.career.fsu.edu. 4. ParticipateintheCareerCenter'sMockInterviewprogram.Moreinfois availableontheCareerCenterWebsite:www.career.fsu.edu.

5. EnrollinSDS3340,UnitIII,EmployabilitySkills,foronecredit.(UnitIII consistsof:anemployerpanel,resumeandjobapplicationletterinstruction, acareerplan,andlecturesoninterviewing,negotiatingandevaluatingjob offers). 6. AskaCareerAdvisororCareerPlacementServicesstaffmemberabout interviewingandrelatedjobhuntingactivitiesthataremostappropriatefor yourpersonalemploymentneeds.

BeforeTheInterview
PreparingForTheInterview Whenanappointmentismadeforaninterview,itisimportantforyoutobefully preparedforit.Threestepstofollowinordertobeproperlypreparedinclude: (1)KnowYourEmployerThisisanopportunityforyoutodemonstrateyour researchskills.Itisimportantinterviewing.Forexample,askyourselfthefollowing questions: 1. Whatdoestheorganizationmakeorwhattypeofservicedoesitprovide? 2. Whatisthesizeoftheorganization?Whatisitsorganizationalstructure?How muchpotentialforadvancementistherewithinthisstructure? 3. Whoaretheorganization'sofficers,administrators,etc.?Knowsomethingof theirbackground,recentachievements. Youshouldtrytofindoutwhatthepositionyouareapplyingforwillbeinrelationto thewholeorganization.Trytopinpointsomepriorities,problems,policies,or philosophiesoftheorganization,andplantofocusontheseduringtheinterview. YoucanfindsomeofthisinformationinTheCareerCenterLibrary(University Center,A4101),StrozierLibrary,oratthelocallibraryintown.Inaddition,most employershaveWebsitesthatcanbeusefulsourcesofinformation.Thefollowing resourcesintheCareerCenterLibrarymightbehelpfultoyou: AlmanacofAmericanEmployers CareerGuideDun&Bradstreet DirectoryofFloridaIndustries EmployerLiteratureFiles FloridaTrend GuidetoEmployerDirectories Hoover'sHandbookofAmericanBusiness JobChoicesGuides

Thisresearchcanbeveryvaluabletoyouduringtheinterview.Itwillnotonly increaseyourselfconfidence,butwillalsoimpresstheinterviewer.S/hewillregard youasapersonwhohassincereinterestintheorganizationbecauseyoutooktime tofindoutsomethingaboutit.Foradditionalinformationonthistopic,seeThe CareerCenter'sResearchingEmployersGuide,alsoonlineat www.career.fsu.edu/ccis/guides/ResearchingEmployers.html.

(2)KnowYourselfYouneedtoknowmanyfactsabouttheemployer,andthe interviewerneedstoknowmanyfactsaboutyouinordertomakeafairevaluation. Interviewersareoftenamazedattheanswersthataregiventothemwhentheyask thequestion:Whoareyouandwhatdoyouwanttodo?Beforeaninterview,know whatyouhavetoofferapotentialemployer. Evaluateyourselfintermsofyourstrengths,andhowyoucouldtranslatethese strengthsintoskillsyourprospectiveemployercanuse.Itisalsohelpfultoknow yourweaknessesfornoone'sperfect.Ifyoustateaweakness,donotelaborateonit andtrytoturnitaroundintoapotentialstrengthfortheorganization. Bereadytotalkaboutyourcareerobjectives,yourlongandshortrangegoals,and yourinterests.Studyyourresumeandbefamiliarwithyoureducationand experience.Practiceillustratinghowyourextracurricularactivitiesareexamplesof skillsinleadershipandresponsibility.Themostimportantpointtorememberwhen preparingforaninterviewisthattheprospectiveemployerisprimarilyconcerned withhiringsomeonewhowillmakeavaluablecontributiontotheorganization.Be preparedtotellanemployerwhyyoushouldbehired.Withmanyapplicantsforthe samejob,itwillbeuptoYOUtoconvincetheinterviewerthatofallthose interviewed,youarethebestchoice.Tohelpprepareyourself,studyAppendixA: SampleQuestionsattheendofthisGuide.IfyouareintheEducationfield,seethe handout"InterviewingforEmploymentinEducation." (3)CommunicateEffectivelyThoughitisimperativeforyoutoknowyourselfand theorganizationwithwhichyouareinterviewing,ifyouareunabletocommunicate yourknowledgeclearlyandconcisely,yourinterviewwillnotbeimpressive.You mustbeabletoexpressyourselftotheinterviewer. Thebestwaytoimproveyourcommunicationskillsistopracticeroleplayingbefore theinterview.ConsiderparticipatinginamockinterviewthroughtheCareerCenter oraskafriend,yourspouse,orroommate,tohelpsimulateaninterview(use AppendixA:SampleQuestionsattheendofthisdocumentasaguide).Makesure youarecritiquedonthestrengthofyourvoiceandeyecontact. Anothersuggestionforroleplayingmightbetogettogetherwithpeoplewhoare alsopreparingforinterviews.Youcouldlearnalotbycritiquingdifferentapproaches andthismightalsobeagoodwaytoboosteachother'smorale. Acriticalpointtorememberwhilepracticing,istoavoidmemorizingwhatyouwant tosay.Whetheryouaretalkingaboutyourselfortheorganizationwithwhichyou areinterviewing,letitbeanaturalflowofwords.Ifyoucomeacrosslikeyouhavea speechprepared,yourinterviewwillbelesseffective. Youprobablywillbenervousduringtheinterview.Concentrateonwhatisbeing askedandrespondappropriately.Manypeoplemaketheirvoicesmoremonotoneto soundprofessional.Don't!Usenormaltoneanddon'tspeaktoosoftly.

TheInterview
BeingonTime

Itisbettertobeafewminutesearlythanoneminutelateforyourinterview. Interviewershaveabusyscheduleandifyouarelate,itwillcutdowntheamountof timeallottedtoyou.Mostimportant,ifyouarelate,youwillmakeabadimpression. Dress Ifyouareseekingaprofessionalposition,youmustlooklikeaprofessional.Agood guidelinetofollowistodressasothersdointhesameoccupation.Remember:The firstimpressionisalastingone. Women:Wearasimplytailoredsuitordress.Wearconservativenailpolishand lipstick.Haveaneathairdo.Leaveflashyearringsinyourjewelrybox.Bemoderate inuseofperfumeandmakeup. Men:Wearaclean,pressed,conservativesuitwithanonflashyshirtandtie.Have yourshoesshinedandwearplainsocks.Haveyourhairneatandtrimmed.Longhair andextremelylongsideburnsareout.Cleanandtrimyournails.Avoidgaudyor flashyjewelry. InterviewSituation Theinterviewsituationcanvaryfromaonetoonecontactbetweenyouandan employeeoftheorganization(humanresourcesmanager,campusrecruiter, departmentmanager,etc.),toapanelcomposedofseveraldifferentemployees representingvariouslevelsorfunctions.Thesituationalsocanvaryfromasingle interviewwithanorganizationalrepresentativetoasequenceofseveralinterviews onagivenday. Performanceinterviewing,orinbasketinterviewing,isanothersituationinwhich youmightfindyourself.Inthiscase,youwillbeaskedtoperformtaskswhichyour possiblejobwillentailinalimitedamountoftime.Mistakesareexpectedthe employerislookingforthewayyouhandleyourself.Anothertypeofinterviewingis calledbehavioralinterviewing,wheretheemployerseekstopredictfuturebehavior byexaminingpastbehavior.Forbehavioralinterviewingstrategies,seearticlesin theMobileFileintheCareerCenterLibrary.Remember:Youneedtorespondand activelyparticipateineachinterview.Don'tassumewhatyouhavetoldthefirst interviewerwillbecommunicatedtoothersintheorganization. BreakingtheIce Asstatedintheintroduction,interviewsareunpredictableandnotwointerviewsare alike.Alotdependsupontheinterviewerfors/hehascontrolandyoushould respondtothatcontrol. Atthebeginningoftheinterview,interviewersusuallytrytomakeyouas comfortableaspossible.Usuallytheystartoffwithbasicquestioningfromyour resume.Sincethisisinformationthatisfamiliartoyou,theinterviewwillbecome lesstenseandyoushouldbereadywhentheinterviewerstartstoconcentrateon specificfacts. Questioning(Interviewer)

Afterintroductoryquestioning,theinterviewerwillusuallygetrighttothepoint. Sometypicalquestionsare: 1. 2. 3. 4. Whatwasyourcareerobjectivewhenyouenteredcollege?Whatisitnow? Whydidyouchangeyourgoals?(Ifpertinent) Howcanajobwiththisorganizationhelpyoumeetyourcareerobjectives? Whatcontributionsdoyouseeyourselfmakingtoourorganization?

Fromthistypeofquestioning,theinterviewerwillbeabletoknowwhetherthe candidateisjustlookingforajobbyusingashotgunapproach,orwhethera candidatehasspentsometimeinselfappraisalandistryingtomeethis/herneeds throughselectiveinterviewing.Theinterviewerwillalsobeassessingsomeofthe reasonsormotivationsforacandidate'sactionsoractivitiesaswellassomeofthe individual'sstyleofoperating.Whilearesumeprovidesthefacts,theinterview providesthe"why'sand"how's. Duringtheinterview,themostimportantthingtorememberistoBehonest.The interviewerwillnotbeabletoevaluateyoufairlyifyouattempttoconhim/her. Tellinginterviewerswhatyouthinktheywanttohearisnotthepurposeofthe interview.Ifyoutrytocontheinterviewerands/heisontoyourgame,thechance ofbeinginvitedforasecondinterviewisslim. Anotherpointtokeepinmind:bepreparedtobackupwhatyousay.Accordingto interviewers,toomanyapplicantsmakestatementsthattheyareunabletoprove.If youstatethatyouhavecertainskillsandabilities,bepreparedtocitespecific incidentswhereyouhaveusedordemonstratedthem. Insomeinterviewstheremightbesomestressquestionsthrowninsothatthe interviewercangettoknowyoubetter.Stressquestionsareusuallyproblemsolving inessence,andtherearenorightorwronganswers.Thepurposeofthistypeof questioningistoseehowyouthinkandreactunderpressure.Foradditionalsample questions,seeselectedCareerCenterLibraryresourcesoninterviewing. Salary:Onequestionyoushouldbereadytoanswerisonthesalaryexpected.On yourresumeitispropernottomentionsalaries.Youcanevenleaveitopenonyour applicationformorwriteinnegotiable.Butinaninterview,youmightbeaskedto stateafigure.Knowwhatpersonsofyourgeneralqualificationsarebeingofferedas startingsalariesinpositionssimilartotheoneforwhichyouareinterviewing.For salaryinformation,consultresourcesintheCareerLibraryincludingNACE'sSalary Survey.TherearealsoavarietyofWebsitesthatprovidesalaryinformation. Examplesincludewww.salary.com,hotjobs.yahoo.com/salaryand salary.monster.com.ManyothersitescanbefoundbysimplysearchingtheWeb usingtheterm"salary."Thesesourcescangiveyousomeideaofwhatyoursalary rangewillbe.Byknowingtheratebeforehand,youcanberealisticinyourterms. Candidateswhoseratesaretoohighmightpricethemselvesrightoutofthejob.If youaretoolow,theinterviewermightnotconsideryouanambitiousperson,and thereisachanceyouwillnotbegivenfurtherconsideration.Anotherpossibilityis thattheymighthireyouatalowerrateandtherewillbenochancefornegotiatinga salaryfigure.Onewaytohandlesalaryquestionsistogiveasalaryrange.Be preparedtobackupyoursalaryrequestwithspecificinformationaboutyour educationandexperience.Generallyhowever,itisrecommendedthatcandidates allowemployerstoaddresssalary.

Questioning(Applicants) Ifyouhavedoneyourpreinterviewingresearch,thenyoushouldhaveprepared someintelligentquestionsinadvance.Somequestionsyoumightask: 1. 2. 3. 4. Whatkindoftrainingdoyouprovide?Howlongisthetrainingperiod? Whatisthenormalprogressionofatraineeoverthefirstfewyears? Howmuchtravelisinvolvedinthisposition? Doyouencouragecontinuingeducationinthelocalcollegesonatuition reimbursementbasis? 5. WhatoptionsdoIhaveinselecting(oraccepting)assignments? 6. Whatstaffdevelopmentprogramsareavailableaftertheinitialtraining? Neveraskaboutvacationtimeorretirement.Thesearenotworkrelatedactivities. Focusonopportunity,notsecurity.Youcouldaskformoreinformationregardingall fringebenefits.Itwillalsobehelpfultopreparequestionsconcerningthe organization'smarkets,methods,andprojectedplans.Askthemnotonlyastheywill affectyou,butforgeneralinformation.Interviewerswillbeimpressedbyyour interestintheorganization. Duringtheinterviewyoushouldbesensitivetosignsthattheinterviewhasrunits course.Campusinterviewsareusuallyscheduledfortwentyorthirtyminutes. Interviewsendindifferentways.Someinterviewersmightlookattheirwatch,which isacueforyouthattheinterviewisnearinganendsomeinterviewersarebluntby standingup,holdingouttheirhand,andthankingyouforcomingin.Mostemployer representativeshowever,expectyoutosensethepropertimetoleaveonthebasis ofsubtleindicationsthatyourtimeisup. Whentheinterviewisover,thanktheinterviewerfortakingtimetotalkwithyou. Reemphasizeyourinterestinthepositionandyourappreciationforbeing considered.Thisisimportant,sincemanycandidatesmistakenlyassumethat interviewerssensetheirinterest.Iftheinterviewerdoesnotdefinitelyofferyouajob (thisisveryrarelydoneintheinitialinterview)orindicatewhenyouwillhearfrom him/her,askhim/hertoestimateadatewhenadecisionmightbemadeforfurther jobinterviewingorforanactualoffer.Thisisimportantbecauseeventhoughthe interviewerisinterestedinyou,sometimess/hemaywaituntils/hefindssomeone morequalified.Ifyougetadeadlinedate,s/hecannotkeepyouhanging.Ifthe interviewerisimpressedwithyourperformance,youwillprobablybeinvitedtovisit theorganization,meetotherpersonnelandgothroughmoreextensivescreening. Formoreinformationonsecondinterviews,seetheCareerCenter'sguideonSecond Interviews.Itisusuallyafterthissecondinterview(s)thatajobofferwillbegiven. Soineffect,themainpurposeofaninitialinterviewistoqualifyyouforafollowup.

AfterTheInterview
WriteAFollowupLetterAskfortheinterviewer'sbusinesscardandwritehim/her aletterorfollowupemail.Butmakeitmorethanaplainthankyounote.Tell him/heryouarestillinterestedinthepositionandgooversomeofyour qualificationsthatwerediscussedintheinterviewsothathis/hermemorywillbe refreshed.Possiblyincludeacoupleofpertinentquestionsthatyoudidnotaskinthe interview.Ifs/heanswersyouquickly,thismightbeanindicationthats/heis

interestedinyou.Forfurtherinstruction,refertosuggestionsintheLetterWriting Guide. MakeEachInterviewALearningExperienceAssoonaspossibleafterthe interview,writedownwhatyouhavelearned.Askyourselfthesequestions: WhatpointsdidImakethatseemedtointeresttheemployer? DidIpresentmyqualificationswell? DidItalktoomuch?Toolittle? WasItootense?WasItooaggressive?Notaggressiveenough? WhatcanIdotoimprovemynextinterview?

Byreviewingyourperformance,youcanmakeplanstoimproveyourskills. Remember,themoreyouinterview,thesharperyourskillsbecomeandthesooner youwillreceiveanoffer!

AppendixA:SampleQuestions
Whatareyourlongrangeandshortrangegoalsandobjectives?Whenandwhydid youestablishthesegoalsandhowareyoupreparingyourselftoachievethem? Whatspecificgoals,otherthanthoserelatedtoyouroccupation,haveyou establishedforyourselfforthenext10years? Whatdoyouseeyourselfdoingfiveyearsfromnow? Whatdoyoureallywanttodoinlife? Whatareyourlongrangecareerobjectives? Howdoyouplantoachieveyourcareergoals? Whatarethemostimportantrewardsyouexpectinyourcareer? Whatdoyouexpecttobeearninginfiveyears? Whydidyouchoosetheoccupationforwhichyouarepreparing? Whatdoyouconsidertobeyourgreateststrengthsandweaknesses? Howwouldyoudescribeyourself? Howdoyouthinkafriendorprofessorwhoknowsyouwellwoulddescribeyou? Whatmotivatesyoutoputforthyourgreatesteffort? Howhasyourcollegeexperiencepreparedyouforyourchosenoccupation? WhyshouldIhireyou? Whatqualificationsdoyouhavethatmakeyouthinkthatyouwillbesuccessfulin thisfield? Howdoyoudetermineorevaluatesuccess? Whatdoyouthinkittakestobesuccessfulinanorganizationlikeours? Inwhatwaysdoyouthinkyoucanmakeacontributiontoourorganization? Whatqualitiesshouldasuccessfulmanagerpossess? Describetherelationshipthatshouldexistbetweenasupervisorandthosereporting tohimorher. Whattwoorthreeaccomplishmentshavegivenyouthemostsatisfaction?Why? Describeyourmostrewardingcollegeexperience. Ifyouwerehiringagraduateforthisposition,whatqualitieswouldyoulookfor? Whydidyouselectyourcollegeoruniversity? Whatledyoutochooseyourfieldofmajorstudy? Whatcollegesubjectsdidyoulikebest?likeleast?Why? Ifyoucoulddoso,howwouldyouplanyouracademicstudydifferently?Why? Whatchangeswouldyoumakeinyourcollegeoruniverisity?Why?

Doyouhaveplansforcontinuedstudy?Anadvanceddegree? Doyouthinkthatyourgradesareagoodindicationofyouracademicachievement? Whathaveyoulearnedfromparticipationinextracurricularactivities? Whathaveyoulearnedfromyourpreviousjobs? Inwhatkindofworkenvironmentareyoumostcomfortable? Howdoyouworkunderpressure? Inwhatparttimeorsummerjobshaveyoubeenmostinterested?Why? Howwouldyoudescribetheidealjobforyoufollowinggraduation? Whydidyoudecidetoseekapositionwiththisorganization? Whatdoyouknowaboutourorganization? Whattwoorthreethingsaremostimportanttoyouinyourjob? Areyouseekingemploymentinanorganizationofacertainsize?Why? Whatcriteriaareyouusingtoevaluatetheorganizationforwhichyouhopetowork? Doyouhaveageographicalpreference?Why? Willyourelocate?Doesrelocationbotheryou? Areyouwillingtotravel? Areyouwillingtospendatleastsixmonthsasatrainee? Whydoyouthinkyoumightliketoliveinthecommunityinwhichourorganization islocated? Whathaveyoudonethatshowsinitiative? Whatmajorproblemhaveyouencounteredandhowdidyoudealwithit? Whathaveyoulearnedfromyourmistakes? Describeanexamplewhereyouworkedaspartofateam.