Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm).


Interview Tips

Typical questions asked during an interview
Questions you may ask an employer
Interview follow-up
Interview Links

1. Arrive early.
2. Go alone.
3. Dress appropriately.
4. Don't chew gum or eat candy.
5. Display enthusiasm.
6. Exhibit a positive attitude.
7. Have a general knowledge of the company/organization.
8. Know your goals and career direction.
9. Answer questions directly and honestly.
10. Keep good eye contact.
11. Offer a strong, confident handshake.
12. Don't smoke.
13. Have a clear, concise, and complete resumé.
14. Don't submit a resumé that is too long.
15. Keep concerns of benefits to a minimum.
16. Submit a neat application, check for grammar and misspelled words.

BACK TO TOP

Typical Questions Asked During An Interview
The following questions are meant to help you in preparing for an interview. It is highly recommended that you prepare yourself for the interview by thinking about some of the questions you may be asked. The following list will help you prepare for your interview. If you are unable to answer some simple questions, you will leave an impression that you were not prepared for a basic job interview.

Tell me about yourself.

Tell me about your background.

What do you know about our company/organization?

What have been some of the more important aspects of your education?

What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

How do you plan to achieve your career goals?

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

How do you determine success?

How do you define doing a good job?

What do you expect from a supervisor?

How do you think a friend or teacher would describe you?

What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

Describe your most rewarding experience?

What have you learned from extracurricular activities?

How do you perform under pressure?

In what part-time or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why?

Why did you seek a position for this company/organization?

How would you describe your most recent job performance?

Why should we hire you?

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

What do you look for in a job?

How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?

How would your boss describe you?

What do you think of your present or past boss?

What other positions are you considering?

How are you doing in school?

What kind of hours would you like to work?

Do you have your reference list with you?
(Remember, don't give it out unless it is asked for.)

Can you explain your salary history?

What questions didn't I ask that you expected?

Do you have any questions for me?


BACK TO TOP

Questions You May Ask An Employer
The following questions are meant to prepare you for an interview. Some questions may not be appropriate for your interviewing situation. It is in your best interest to practice interviewing by using these questions and role-playing with another person. If you have a camcorder you may want to tape yourself. This allows for excellent feedback.

Why is this position open?
What is the typical day on the job like?
What are the greatest challenges in this position?
What working relationships will I have with other people in the organization?
How and how often will my performance be evaluated?
Are there opportunities for growth and development?
What training opportunities are available to prepare employees better for their positions?
What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?
What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines and methods of measurement?
How is one evaluated in this position?

BACK TO TOP

Interview Follow-Up

Immediately after each interview send a short thank-you letter to each of the principle persons in the organizations who participated in the interview. Date your thank-you letter the same day as your interview.

Your address
Date

Name of person who interviewed you
Title
Name of employer
Employer address

Dear (name of person):

First paragraph: Briefly express your sincere appreciation to the person for taking time to discuss the (title of position/or employment opportunity) at (name of organization) on (date you had your interview). Describe your observations or impressions briefly.

Second paragraph: Reiterate qualification and continuing interest. Include any skills you forgot to mention in the interview. Emphasize a particular skill or accomplishments that makes you an asset.

Closing paragraph: Thank the interviewer for consideration; express confidence in your ability to perform well in the organization. State that you look forward to hearing from the employer and give a specific date if you plan to follow up with a phone call.

Sincerely,

(Your name written)

Your name typed


BACK TO TOP


Interviewing Links

MSN Careers
"How to" Guide: Job Interviews

Learn how to make a good impression, answer common questions and more.
-http://editorial.careers.msn.com/gettinghired/interviewing

Monster.com Interview Center
Learn strategies to prepare yourself for an interview, learn how to interview with confidence, rate how your interview went.
-http://interview.monster.com