TRiO Student Support Services

Interviews

Key points to remember to be successful in the interview process:

• Establish a sense of rapport with the interviewer. You both want the same thing—to see if the position is a good match for you.
• Convey your agenda: three or four key selling points of why you are good for that position.
• Give examples to demonstrate each of those selling points.
• Frame whatever you say positively, even if asked negatively ("What did you like least about your previous work as a ____?").
• Be honest with yourself and the interviewer. You don't want to talk your way into the wrong position.
• Do communicate to the interviewer that you really want the position (and why) and that there is an excellent chance you would accept their offer (if this is true).
• Be prepared for questions you hope they won't ask. Be matter-of-fact in your responses, not defensive.
• Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes. Think about what might concern the interviewer about you and what you can do for the company.
• Have several good questions to ask the interviewer.
• Be sensitive to cultural differences if you are interviewing with a firm from a country of which you are not a native.
• Practice, practice, practice!

Potential interview questions, take time to review and answer these questions before your interview. Give it some thought and be clear with your answers.

• Can you tell us a little about yourself?
• What is the most difficult adjustment you have ever had to make?
• What kind of work do you like to do?
• If you had a dispute with a co-worker, how would you handle it?
• What extra-curricular activities did you participate in at school, and how do you spend your free time?
• What jobs have you had and why did you leave?
• What examples can you give me that reflect your ability to apply good judgment in a challenging situation?
• How do you feel about working overtime?
• What salary do you expect?
• Give me an example of something you had to learn that was difficult.
• On a scale from 1-5 (one being the lowest) how do you rate your communication skills?
• If you found out that one of your co-workers was doing something dishonest, what would you do?
• What is one thing about yourself that you would most like to change?
• Why do you think you are a good fit for this position?
• If I had three people in here that you consider to know you best, how would they describe you?
• What are one or two areas in which you think you could improve your performance?
• Of what accomplishments in your life are you most proud?

Often during the interview process you will have a chance to ask a few questions of your own. Be sure you don’t appear too focused on the pay, bonuses, holidays or other perks of the job. Pick a few questions from the list below.

Questions for you to ask the interviewer:

• About this opening:
  • How long has this position been open
  • What is your timeframe for filling this position
  • How many employees have held this position in the past 5 years
  • How would you describe your ideal candidate for this position
  • Is this a new position that has been created, and if so, why
• About your supervisor:
  • If hired, who would I report to
  • What is the supervisor’s management style
  • How would I get feedback on my performance
  • If hired, what opportunities exist for advancement from this position
• About the job:
  • What are the expected hours for the position
  • Describe a typical work day at the company
  • What are the specific day to day responsibilities for this position
  • What is the scheduling process
  • How often are performance reviews conducted and what is the process
  • What does the position pay, is it hourly or salary and are their benefits
  • What is the policy on overtime
  • Is there specific training required for the position
• About the company:
  • Has the company had any layoffs in the last few years
  • What challenges has the company overcome in the past
  • What are the organization’s strengths
  • What are the current challenges that the company faces
  • Would you give a brief tour of the facility
• About your interviewer:
  • How long have you been with the company
  • On average, how long do most employees stay
  • What is your favorite thing about working here
  • Would you say employees are treated fairly and are happy working here
• About you at the company:
  • What does the company value the most in an employee
  • What are some things I can do to make an impact in the first 90 days of employment
  • What personality traits do you consider critical for this position
  • What would be my primary challenge, if hired for this position
  • What did you like most about the person who held this position before
  • What would you like done differently by the next person that fills this position
  • Do you have any concerns about my ability to perform this job