Interviewing and Interview Questions

Interview Preparation

Importance of Interviews

  • Interviews are a critical part of securing a job.

  • A good interview makes a great impression.

Targeted Job Search

  • Helps identify suitable companies and positions.

  • Aids in writing effective cover letters and resumes by using specific language from job descriptions.

  • Enables providing informed answers to common questions like, "Why do you want to work here?"

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the company and its activities.

Pre-Interview Research

  • Research the company and current events related to the organization.

  • Go to their website and see what they are involved with. If it's a charity and you like them, mention that as part of the answer.

  • This increases confidence during the interview.

Personal Commercial

  • Prepare an answer to the question, "Tell me a little bit about yourself."

  • Focus on work history, skills, and achievements.

  • Prepare and practice this answer beforehand. Write a few sentences around 5 main points to get across in your answer.

  • Have your answer written down during computer or phone interviews.

Invitation to Interview

  • Use a professional email address and voicemail.

  • Gather information about the interview beforehand, such as:

    • Who will be interviewing you (one-on-one or panel interview)?

    • Interview duration.

    • Number of other candidates being interviewed.

  • Reschedule if the initial time doesn't suit your schedule.

  • Choose the first or last time slot to be more memorable to the interviewer.

Documents to Bring

  • Bring a scan of all relevant documents to the interview situation.

  • Bring multiple copies of your resume, cover letter, and references.

  • Bring your personal commercial or main points written down.

Practicing Interview Questions

  • Practice common interview questions in front of a mirror or with family/friends.

  • Record yourself to identify areas for improvement.

Day of the Interview

  • Get enough sleep and have a full stomach.

  • Dress professionally.

  • Avoid smoking before the interview.

  • Arrive early to account for traffic and allow time to relax.

  • Maintain a positive attitude and engage in positive self-talk.

During the Interview

  • Be friendly and confident.

  • Smile, handshake, and remember the interviewer's name.

  • Maintain good posture.

Types of Interviews

  • One-on-one interviews.

  • Panel interviews: Address questions to the person who asked them.

  • Group interviews: Demonstrate the ability to work in a team and allow room for others to get their ideas out, piggybacking ideas from them as they are stated.

Phone Interviews

  • Be ready if given a specific time range.

  • Reschedule if you're not prepared at the moment of the call.

  • Minimize verbal tics.

  • Smile to convey friendliness.

Types of Interview Questions

  • Structured: Straightforward answers (e.g., "How long have you worked in retail?").

  • Unstructured: Open-ended questions (e.g., "Tell me about yourself"); focus on skills, accomplishments, and work history.

  • Behavioral: Draw from prior experiences (e.g., "Describe a time you motivated others").

Discrimination

  • Know your rights and what to do if you come up against discrimination.

  • If you come across discriminatory questions, redirect the conversation back to your skills, accomplishments, education, and work experience.

  • Legal obligation to provide candidates with a fair interview.

  • Document any discriminatory incidents and report them to organizations like the EEOC.

Addressing Difficult Topics

  • Prepare answers for topics like being fired, gaps in your resume, or prior felonies.

  • Be honest and focus on lessons learned and improvements made.

  • Be ready to work twice as hard to prove yourself.

Closing the Interview

  • Have questions ready to ask the interviewer.

  • Inquire about training and growth opportunities.

  • Avoid questions focused on personal benefits.

  • Thank the interviewer and maintain professionalism.

  • Evaluate your performance after the interview to learn from it.

Job Offer

  • Negotiate salary and benefits if necessary.

  • Ensure you are happy with the role and compensation before taking it.

If Not Offered the Job

  • Don't get discouraged; see it as a learning experience.

  • Reevaluate your resume and interview performance.

Targeted Job Search Homework

  • Identify a local company you'd like to interview with.

  • Answer questions about the company and potential job requirements.

Key Term Activity Homework

  • Find and define key terms, using the PowerPoint and internet searches.

Journal Assignment Homework

  • Focus on the second question: Journal three common interview questions and answers, thinking as both employer and employee.

  • Provide thorough and efficient answers.