Experience It.

Interviews

A college degree is or soon will be in your hand. You are ready to begin working in your chosen career field. First, however, you must successfully navigate the job interview maze. In order to solve the challenge of the interview maze you must be prepared with a comprehensive awareness of your skills, personality traits, goals, strengths, and weaknesses. The better you understand yourself, and how you fit the job requirements, the easier your journey through the maze.

Types of Job Interviews

The Screening Interview is the initial interview to narrow the competition and usually, is with the personnel manager.
The Targeted Interview is narrower in scope and is designed to find out if you have the specific skills the employer is looking for. Often these interviews are conducted by a team and/or the department manager.

Types of Questions

Closed Ended
Questions that require a very short answer such as yes or no. Typically used to confirm information.
Example: Do you have a degree?
Open Ended
Questions that allow a person to explain their answer.
Example: Tell me about your educational background.
Behavioral
Experienced based questions that ask for examples of prior behavior.
Example: Tell me a time when you lead a group.
Give me an example of a time when your boss criticized your work.
Situational
Ask for a response to a hypothetical (job relevant) situation
Example: A co-worker repeatedly fails to give you information needed for a report, how would you handle this situation. Be prepared for a follow-up question to your response, " if that doesn't work what would you do?"
Probing
Follow-up questions to gain more information regarding a particular response.
Example: Can you tell me more?
What were the results?
What was your role?
Forced Choice
Interviewee must pick a response from a number of choices
Example: A client is being extremely hostile, you would (interviewer would describe three or so responses and you must pick one.
Knowledge
Questions designed to probe your specific knowledge

Along with specific skills the interviewer is also searching for certain personal qualities:
An ability to identify and solve problems
Competent interpersonal skills
Effective communication skills
Goal oriented and self-motivated
Team player with an ability to work with others
Open to criticism and different way of thinking
Organized
Hard Worker
Pleasant, enthusiastic personality

Your behavior and your responses enable the interviewer to find these skills and qualities in you. By understanding the rationale behind the interviewer's questions, you can prepare more effective answers.

When called for the interview, ask for a full job description if one is available. It will be important to note what skills, knowledge and abilities (SKA's) are required to do the job. How important are computer, organizational and communication skills? Very? Then you should realize that they would be asking questions that will help them determine whether you have the level of skill needed to do the job and you should prepare yourself accordingly.

Preparation

Careful preparation for your interview will increase your own self-confidence, and your credibility in the eyes of the interviewer. Four steps to follow includes:
RESEARCH…INVENTORY…IDENTIFY…PRACTICE

RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION

Internet
Libraries have a wealth of information about careers and businesses. Especially helpful are the vertical files in the business section of the Buffalo Downtown Library, and Standard & Poor's Register of Corporations and Executives.
Obtain copies of the annual report and company newsletter from the library or the company. Determine the typical job responsibilities, if a full description is not available, check the Occupational Handbook and identify the major skills needed for the position.
The information interview is an excellent method to determine organizational culture, job responsibilities and for networking.
Talk to acquaintances that work for the company.
Become aware of current business trends and display your knowledge when you answer or ask questions.
Example: How has increased global competition affected your organization?
How will the new equipment you have purchased affect your cost effectiveness?

Well-planned questions send the message that you are interested in the company and you care enough to prepare for the interview. The interviewer expects you to ask questions about the organization that reflects your interest and knowledge of the company.

INVENTORY your skills, personality, accomplishments, weaknesses, and strengths as they pertain to the job.

Write down what jobs or volunteer activities you have participated in. Then determine the skills required to accomplish each task.

Emphasize your strengths and transferable skills during the interview. Be ready to explain how you are overcoming your weaknesses.

IDENTIFY your short-term and long-term goals and determine why they are important to you. Be able to answer how your goals relate to the organization's goals.

PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
Tape record, or videotape yourself answering possible questions.
Have someone ask you questions and then suggest improvements.
Practice in front of a mirror.
Use 3x5 cards as temporary memory joggers.
Practice will increase the smoothness of your delivery, and your self-confidence.

THE EVENT: APPEARANCE…CONTROL…CONNECT…COMMUNICATE

APPEARANCE: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Plan to arrive ten minutes early giving yourself time to find a parking place, the right office and to avoid being late.
Introduce yourself to the receptionist, or secretary, and be prepared to wait.
Think about the impression you want to create, be pleasant to everyone you meet.
While waiting, take a deep breath, and rehearse opening statements in your mind.
Walk into the interview room confidently, enthusiastically, and purposefully.
When you meet the interviewer…smile.
Wait for him/her to initiate a handshake.
Repeat his/her name when you say hello.
Wait for an invitation before sitting down.

CONTROL:
An interview is a two-way street. You control the content of the interview. A successful interview may depend on your ability to take charge, and present your qualification assertively.
Example: "By the way, you will notice on my resume that…" "What are some of the primary objective of this job?"

CONNECT:
People tend to hire those persons that they feel a connection with; either through shared interests or common background. Your research may prove useful here. Look for clues on the wall or desk, such as certificates or pictures reflecting interests and education. Comment positively on what you see.
Try to imitate the interviewer's energy level.
Example: If they are very low-key, you may need to respond less vivaciously then usual.


COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY:
Make direct eye contact without staring.
Listen as much as you speak.
Be brief and to the point.
Demonstrate an interest in what the interviewer has to say.
Enunciate clearly.
Speak slowly, without hesitation, or "umms", "ahhs".
Paraphrase a question to verify understanding.
Pause to gather your thoughts and do not rush you response.
Listen for "key" words or concepts in your answers.
Say the interviewer's name when you want to draw attention to a particular point. Use your hands to emphasize what you are saying.
BE AWARE OF your body language and watch the interviewers. If the interviewer is frowning at your answer, maybe you need to clarify a point.

BEWARE OF ILLEGAL QUESTIONS:

There are federal and state laws, which prohibit an employer from asking certain questions. The following questions would be illegal:
Questions regarding: Ancestry, nationality or race, Marital status, age or date of birth, Disabilities: Other than how they would effect your ability to perform a job task.
Illegal questions could be dispensed with by saying; "How is that a concern for this job?"
Illegal questions should raise a red flag for you. Do you want to work in this type of environment?

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Since each situation and interviewer is different, you may not encounter these specific questions. However, if you are able to answer these questions for yourself, you will be well prepared for an interview.

Tell me about yourself.
When asked this Question Fred Inept replied, "Well, there isn't much to say. I have a liberal arts degree and I really want to work here." A more effective response briefly covers educational achievements, work history, strong personal characteristics and qualities that would apply to the position. Sam Successful replied, " I maintained a strong grade point average while working a part-time job. I feel that the hard work and perseverance enables me to accomplish my goals. My past leadership experience, as the student government representative, will be an asset in this management position."

Tell me more. Why was that experience important to you?
This type of inquiry can leave you lost and unfocused. You need to select an attribute or skill, describe it using action terms, and finish with a positive result. Sam's reply might begin with, "Working part-time at McDonald's I learned the importance of positive customer service, and how to effectively solve customer complaints." Then vividly describe a specific situation.

What are your strengths?
This is your opportunity as they relate to the job to showcase your best skills and characteristics. Give an example illustrating how your expertise will benefit the organization.
Example: "My attention to detail and perseverance enhance my accounting skills which are necessary for this job."

What are your weaknesses?
When asked about a weakness, choose a positive trait taken to the extreme. Then give an example that is job-related, small, correctable, and tell how you are correcting it.
Example: "When people around me are irritable, I find it difficult to concentrate. I try to be pleasant to everyone and give people an opportunity to express what is disturbing them."

What is your latest/greatest accomplishment?
This is your opportunity to talk about a personal accomplishment; such as being top in your graduating class, working your way through school, volunteering for a community service project, an academic or job achievement.

What do you see yourself doing in five, ten years?
Your response should reflect self-motivation, a desire to grow with the company, and a willingness to work. Explain your goals and how they fit with the organizational or job functions.

What are your salary requirements?
Rather than quoting a set amount, ask what the normal salary is for that position, and then state a range which incorporates that amount. This will in some cases allow you to negotiate your salary when the job is offered.

What is your Grade Point Average?
If the answer is lower than what you would like it to be, then be able to explain why.
Example: Turn a negative reason such as, "I never really studied." into a positive learning situation by saying "I have discovered that for me time management is the key to productivity," or "while in school it was imperative that I work 20-25 hours a week, I was also very involved in Student Government and the Soccer Team, in addition, I completed two 120 hour internship. I feel the skills I gained from these experiences will allow me to successfully contribute to you organization.

Why did you choose the major? That job?
Why did you choose Medaille College to get your degree?
The interviewer is looking for patterns of behavior and critical thinking.
Example: "I selected Human Services because I enjoy helping people, and I have strong interpersonal skills." is a good beginning. Now extend this reason with an example, which demonstrates your ability to counsel people with problems.

What is your greatest disappointment? How did you handle it?
Tell how you were able to cope maturely with a disappointment.
Example: Fred Inept says, "I wasn't chosen to be team captain, so I quit." Sam Successful replies, I lost the school election, but I became a strong advocate of student policy revisions, and a more effective policy was adopted."

How do you know you have leadership ability?
Give an example of a successful supervision; you may include volunteer and internship situations.

Describe a situation where you were a team player?
This question is very important in an organization that emphasizes teamwork. You want to stress your ability to: work productively with others, make decisions, and motivate the person who is not producing. One definition of a team player is someone who is able to listen to, and respond to the needs and wants of others. When these needs and wants do not match your own, a team player is able to respond objectively with reason.

How would you solve this problem ________?
This type of question tests your problem solving skills. Do not get flustered; rather take time to formulate your answer. If necessary, ask for more information. Make sure you understand the question by paraphrasing it back to the interviewer. This technique verifies your understanding.

What campus activities did you participate in?
What courses did you like and why? Dislike and why?
How do you spend your spare time?
By anticipating these questions you can develop replies that tell the interviewer about your interest. A question about leisure activity is also designed to discover how a person copes with stress, and in wellness is a part of his/her lifestyle.

What can you do for this department? This organization?
Why do you feel you can be successful in this position?
These questions will test how well you are able to match you skills, abilities, and past experiences to a particular situation.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND DRUG TESTING

Testing has increased in popularity. It is used to assess personality traits, attitudes, beliefs, and skill levels. Polygraph tests are illegal in most cases, and you can refuse to take one.

Psychological testing: It is often difficult to predict what characteristics the interviewer is searching for, or what answers would best fit the job requirements.
Answer the questions honestly without trying to second-guess the "right" answer.
Naturally, if there is a question offering a choice between being an organized person, and being an unorganized person, you might choose to become "organized".
Drug testing has become socially acceptable, but it is not infallible.
If you want the job say, "yes" to testing.
If you are tested, make sure that you list and medications (including nonprescription drugs, especially antihistamines and aspirin) that you have ingested in the last three weeks. Secondhand inhaling of marijuana may trigger a positive reading of drug usage.


POST INTERVIEW

Send a thoughtful, business thank-you letter within two days.
Write a short letter, and refer to aspect of the interview to reinforce the person's positive memory of you. This is an opportunity to reinstate your strengths or to correct a misunderstanding.
If the interviewer has said to expect a decision within a certain time frame, and you do not hear any news, you may call a few days after the deadline.
Request your name to be kept on file for consideration at a later date.

JOB INTERVIEW DO'S AND DON'TS

DO
Smile, relax.
Be enthusiastic. Sincere. Positive.
Bring an extra copy of your Resume, letter of reference.
Be punctual, or 10 minutes early.
Go alone.
Use interviewer's last name.
Sit with a straight back, lean toward the interviewer.
Make direct eye contact without staring.
Listen carefully to the entire question, before responding.
Follow-up with a thank you letter.


DO NOT
Slouch in your chair.
Sit with your arms crossed.
Touch objects on the desk.
Do not stare or gaze out the window.
Interrupt or monopolize conversation.
Ask about salary or benefits during a first interview.
Be defensive when answering questions.
Lose self-control, or become aggressive.
Misrepresent or overstate past areas of responsibility.
Reveal confidential information about present or past employer.
Blame people or the organizational structure for a past mistakes or nonperformance.
Display nervous habits such as finger drumming, toe tapping, tie straightening, "lint" brushing.


IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A JOB OFFER, DO NOT BECOME DISCOURAGED. REMEMBER EACH INTERVIEW BRINGS YOU ONE STEP CLOSER TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL…A JOB THAT MATCHES YOUR TALENTS.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY WANT TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER.

1. Can you give me a description of the job responsibilities and the expected results?
2. What skills are necessary to successfully perform this job?
3. Why is this position available?
4. What do you see as the biggest challenge of this position?
5. What does the department hope to achieve in the next few years?
6. What expansion is planned for this department?
7. During the past 2 years, how many people in this department have been promoted?
8. What opportunities for advancement are there from this position?
9. What do you like best about this company? Why?
10. What type of performance appraisal system does the organization use? How frequently are goals set?
11. What types of reinforcements are there for success/mistakes?
12. What is the relationship of this job, department, to other departments?
13. Who will I be working for? How many people are in the department?
14. What type of training will be available for this position?
15. What is the organizational policy on training?

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What are your long range and short-range goals and objectives, when and why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
2. What specific goals, other than those related to your occupation, have you established for yourself for the next ten years?
3. What do you really want to do in life?
4. What are your long-range career objectives?
5. How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
6. What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
7. What do you expect to be earning in five years?
8. Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?
9. Which is more important to you, the money or the type of job?
10. How would you describe yourself? (How you would like to be.)
11. How do you think a friend or professor who know you well would describe you? How you see yourself.)
12. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
13. How has your college experience prepared you for a business career?
14. Why should I hire you?
15. What qualifications do you have that you think will make you successful?
16. How do you determine or evaluate success?
17. What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like ours?
18. What qualities should a successful manager possess?
19. Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and subordinates.
20. Describe your most rewarding college experience.
21. If you were hiring a graduate for this position, what qualities would you look for?
22. If you could do so, how would you plan your academic study differently? Why?
23. What changes would you make in your college or university?
24. Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?
25. Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
26. What have your learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
27. In what kind of a work environment are you most uncomfortable?
28. How do you work under pressure?
29. How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation?
30. Why did you decide to seek a position with this organization?
31. What do you know about our organization?
32. What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
33. Are you seeking employment in a company of certain size?
34. What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for which you hope to work?
35. Do you have a geographical preference? Why?
36. Will you relocate? Does location bother you?
37. Are you willing to travel?
38. Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee?
39. Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our company is located?
40. What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR TEACHERS
1. Being organized is important; give an example of how you are organized.
2. If you were criticized for something you did right, how would you handle this?
3. Give an example of a difficult discipline situation you have experienced and how did you handle this?
4. What would you do if a student blurted out in class? What if that doesn't work?
5. What things throughout your life lead you to teaching?
6. What would you do if students cannot answer your questions?
7. What would you do with a student that is off task?
8. Give an example on how you would encourage writing skills.
9. What are some favorite books you can share with children? Name and authors.
10. Describe yourself in five (5) words.
11. How would your cooperating teacher describe you?
12. If I were to visit your class one (1) week after starting, what would I see?
13. Tell me about a situation that you realize now that you probably mishandled.
14. Describe your most memorable teacher.
15. What would you like to know about our school district?
16. Would you prefer team teaching or not? Why/why not?
17. Describe a lesson plan during your career that went extremely well.
18. Tell me about a time when you helped someone achieve success. (Not just academics, but social skills too.)
19. Tell me about a time when a student or class taught you something.
20. Why do you want to teach in our school district?
21. Given the choice, how and what would you report to parents about pupil progress?
22. How would you help a student who is having difficulty learning in your class?
23. What would a visitor to your classroom see that would indicate that your instructional program is meeting the needs of individual students?
24. How would you manage your classroom? Describe your general discipline procedures?
25. How would you find out about students' attitudes and feelings regarding your class?
26. Why will you be a good teacher?
27. Describe your personal philosophy of teaching.
28. Describe an effective teacher.
29. How do children learn?
30. What do you think provides the greatest pleasure in teaching?

WORKSHEET FOR JOB INTERVIEW

SELF-ANALYSIS
Jobs I have performed:
Skills used to perform tasks:
Leadership challenges:
Teamwork situations:
Personal strengths:
Personal weaknesses:
Short-term goals:
Long-term goals:

WORKSHEET FOR JOB INTERVIEW

CONTACT SHEET AND INFORMATION
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Interviewer's Name, Title:
Date of Contact: Confirm Appt:
Interview Date: Thank you:
Product or Service:
Economic growth:
Number of Employees:
New equipment or technologies:
Other information:
Type of job:
Typical tasks:
Questions I want to ask:

JOB INTERVIEW RESOURCES

[Anonymous]. "Scoring Points In Interviews Without Saying a Word." National Business Employment Weekly. 15 May 1992: 27-28.

Bolles, Richard Nelson. The 1991 What Color is You Parachute? Berkeley: Ten Speed.

Carr, Patricia Beck. "Tips on Working With an Inept Interviewer." National Business Employment Weekly. 27 Dec. 1991: 17-18.

Fry, Ron. Your 1st Interview: Everything You Need To Know To "Ace" the Interview Process and Get Your First Job. Hawthorne: Career Press, 1991.

Hellman, Paul. Ready, Aim, You're Hired! New York: AMACOM, 1986.

Hergenrather, Edmund R. "The 13 Most Critical Interviewing Mistakes." National Business Employment Weekly. 3 June 1990: 9-10.

Herz, Stanley, and Martin Pearlman. " How to Connect With Interviewers." ." National Business Employment Weekly. 17 Jan. 1993: 17-18.

Krannich PhD., Ronald, and Caryle Rae Krannich PhD. Interview For Success: A Practical Guide To Increasing Job Interviews, Offers, and Salaries. Manassa: Impact, 1998.

Medley, Anthony. Sweaty Palms: The Neglected Art Of Being Interviewed. Berkeley: Ten Speed, 1992.

Nagowski, Ruth, Medaille College Human Resource Development Major. Conducted interviews with Human Resource professionals from July 1, to Aug 30, 1993.

Richardson, Douglas B. "Mastering the Three Stages of Interviewing." National Business Employment Weekly. 19 Feb. 1993: 5-6.

Successful Interviewing. Videocassette. Prod. McGraw Hill. 1990. 70 min. *

The Inside Secrets of Interviewing: "Do you now what to say in an interview?" Videocassette. Prod. XSELL Team. 1987, 30 min. *

The Job Hunter's Resource Guide. Videocassette. Dir. Wayne J. Keeley & Chris Austerman. Career Path, 30 min.

Yate, Martin John. Knock 'Em Dead: With Great Answers To Tough Interview Questions. Holbrook: Adams, 1991.

Yeager, Neil. "Key Trends To Mention During Job Interviews." National Business Employment Weekly. 17 Mar. 1991: 5-6.

* Available at Medaille Counseling and Career Planning Center.