Resources
Interviewing Skills & Tips:
Anticipate the Style of Interview
There are different ways of interviewing candidates ; you may or may or not know which type of interview you will be attending beforehand, but it’s best to anticipate and know the different kinds of interviews:
Behavioural Interviews
You will be asked behaviour-oriented questions
You will be expected to provide an end result to the question, not just the activities
This type of interview is based on the “past performance is the best predictor of future performance”
The questions asked will most likely begin with “Give me an example of when...” or “Tell me about a time when...”
Telephone Interview
Sometimes the initial interview will be by telephone to narrow down a field of candidates
Answer the questions as clearly as possible
Only do telephone interviews in a quiet area – treat them with as much respect as you would a face-to-face interview
Panel/Committee Interview
There will be more than one interviewer in this situation with either one person asking questions or several people asking questions
Case Interviews
In this type of interview you will be asked to demonstrate your problem solving skills. The interviewer will outline a situation and then ask you to formulate a plan that deals with the problem
Before answering, feel free to ask the interviewer questions for clarity and information purposes
The more you analyze and dissect the situation the more you are likely to impress the interviewer
Traditional Interviews
Usually a one-on-one conversation
Lunch/Dinner Interview
The setting for this type of interview may be more casual, but remember it is a business meal and you are being watched
Do NOT drink alcohol and avoid messy foods
Use this interviewer to develop common ground – follow his/her lead with selection of food/drink, and etiquette
Anticipate certain questions will most likely be asked...
Practice responses to questions typically asked in interviews
What are your best qualities?
What makes you think you are the ideal candidate for this position?
What would be your ideal job?
What are your best qualities?
What are your worst qualities? (be careful how you answer this one – you can actually turn this into a positive!)
Be aware of your non-verbal communication skills
Greet with a handshake; a firm handshake evokes strength and enthusiasm
During the interview maintain steady eye contact with the interviewer
Sit up straight and be attentive during the interview
Use positive facial expressions
Learn the correct verbal communication skills for interviews
Be sure to let the interviewer lead the interview
Usually you will be given the opportunity at the end of the interview to ask questions – have questions prepared
Quote real examples of when you’ve used certain skills – just saying you have a skill isn’t enough
Take your time when answering a question – be calm and assertive with your answers
If asked, “What are your salary expectations?” you may want to answer with “What is the normal salary range for this position?”
Don’t use slang words – keep it professional
Don’t read from your CV – know your CV before you get in an interview
Don’t discuss controversial issues such as politics, religion and gender relations
Research, Research, Research
You should know as much about your potential employer as you can before you attend the interview – knowledge is power
Know the names, titles and backgrounds of the key people in the organization
Research the company history
Know the volume of business (revenue and profit), if applicable
Know the approximate number of employees within the organization
Know the corporate locations
Know what the company “does”
Know the structure of the company
Know the company’s reputation in the marketplace
Research competitors
The Second Interview
If you get to a second interview, now it is more important than ever to be prepared
Get the agenda, if available
Be prepared for more than one interviewer as this is quite common with a second interview
Use this opportunity to get across any points you either forgot or came about as a result of the first interview
Ask questions
Dress for Success
Dress in the appropriate business attire for a job interview. Even if the environment you will work in will be casual dress, for the interview dress in formal business attire or at a minimum, business casual attire
Avoid wearing large pieces of jewelry or heavy makeup as it may distract the interviewer
Avoid wearing cologne or perfume
93% of how you are judged in an interview is based on how you look, act and sound!
General Tips
Visit the location BEFORE the interview so you will know where it is
Arrive about 10 minutes before the interview
Sell yourself – this is the one opportunity you will have to do this!
Turn off your mobile phone!
Don’t be too arrogant!
Never argue with the interviewer – be positive!
Send a thank-you note to thank the interviewer for taking the time to see you