Put Your Best Foot Forward: 

INTERVIEW STRATEGIES

You put together the perfect resume and someone is very interested in meeting with you to discuss the position you applied for! This can be an exciting and nerve wracking time for those with little experience with professional interviews. 

The following information will help you arrive prepared to make a confident and positive impression on a potential employer. 

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Research the company/organization/facility.

Become familiar with services offered, history, accreditation, awards, etc.

Many organizations have information on their websites which can be helpful in gathering this information.

Utilize any contacts to gather information about job descriptions, departmental needs, populations served, etc.

Be early. This will help you relax prior to the interview and help you make a good impression by being reliable and organized.

Get directions and take a test drive if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Allow enough time for traffic and unexpected delays. Getting stuck behind school buses will not be an excuse for being late.

Be familiar with the parking situation in the area.

It's better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. Even if the work environment is casual, your appearance still must be neat, clean and professional. A classic suit is always your best bet. Limit use of jewelry, makeup and cologne/perfume.

Be polite to everyone you encounter.

You never know who you'll meet in the parking lot, elevator or lobby. You never know who will be in the interview meeting or who may influence the hiring process.

Review your resume thoroughly.

Perform a salary review for similar positions in the area. Although salary is an important factor in your job search, don't let it be the driving force behind your choice.

Fill out applications and forms neatly and completely. Bring information to the interview related to dates and positions held in the past.

If there are online applications, review them so you are familiar with information you may need if the application is filled out prior to/following the interview.

Have prepared questions about the employer and position you are interviewing for.

Bring a pen, small notebook and an extra copy of your resume and references with you. Keep supplies in a portfolio for a more professional and organized impression.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

When greeting the interviewer(s), make eye contact, pay attention to names of those in the room.

A firm handshake is a sign of confidence. A bone-crushing handshake is not necessary. Weak and clammy handshakes typically make a bad impression.

Appear confident! Sit up straight, maintain good eye contact, refrain from fidgeting, chewing gum or mints. Poor posture may translate to low self-esteem.

Be enthusiastic! 

Stay on topic and answer the question asked clearly.

Focus on your skills and accomplishments and how they correlate to the position you want.

Stress how your experience has prepared you for this job and what you can bring to the table.

Convey the message you are hardworking and dedicated. Stress you are results-oriented and a creative problem-solver. Use adjectives such as dependable, organized, cooperative, and a good communicator.

Be prepared to communicate your professional goals clearly

Remind yourself the objective of the interview is to get the job. Being humble or arrogant will not achieve that.

Take time to think before answering difficult or unexpected questions.

Mention any committees, associations, study groups, etc. that you are/have been involved in.

Avoid criticizing past supervisors and stress what was learned in past positions.

Display an appropriate sense of humor.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Always follow-up the interview with a phone call reiterating your appreciation for the opportunity and interest in the position.

Send a thank you following the interview to those who met with you. 

Ask for business cards during the interview to help recall names and positions held.

DO NOT:

• be overaggressive or arrogant  
• emphasize money as your main interest in the job
• expect too much too soon - be open to the idea of starting at the bottom and working your way up
• make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record
• display a marked dislike for schoolwork
• be indecisive
• display intolerance or prejudice
• interview unless you are interested in the job...don't just "shop around."
• state specific geographic restrictions.
• contradict yourself in responses
• assume that all employers will be thrilled about your plans to return to school or start a family in the next year or two

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Give some thought to the questions below and rehearse them out loud or role play with a friend so you will appear prepared, self-assured, and capable in the interview. Those are among the key qualities that make a job applicant stand out among the competition and create a dynamic impression.

Describe where you would like be professionally in five years. What will you need to do to get to that point?

Describe your skills and talents which would best serve you in this position.

Tell me about your professional accomplishments.

Describe a significant contribution you made in your current (or past) position.  

Describe a challenging situation you faced which involved meeting a tight deadline.  

Describe a stressful situation you experienced at work. How did you handle it and what was the outcome?  

Share a situation where you had to manage a difficult person. What strategies did you use to address the issue?

Talk about aspects of this position which may be challenging for you.

What is it about this organization and position that drives you to seek employment here?

Why are you leaving your current position?  

Discuss a situation where you received some “less than” feedback. What did you do with the feedback?

Describe a conflict you experienced at work? How was it resolved?

Give me an example of a professional risk you took in a position and describe how it turned out.