An interview is a conversation between two or more people (the interviewer and the interviewee)

wherequestions are asked by the interviewer to obtain information from the interviewee.

Describing Yourself in an Interview

This answer should always be related to the job. Remember, although the employer is asking
personal questions, they are still all related to "what can you bring to the company?" So, I
usually give adjectives like reliable, loyal, etc., but make sure you back these with supporting
examples. The most important thing is to make sure you boil it all down to presenting the
answer in a way that it matches the things the employer is looking for.

Here is more advice:

• Think about what kind of person you would like working for you and convey that to the
employer. The best advice I can give to a job seeker is first aim high, well as high as you
are capable of and realize the more you are willing to learn through experience or school is
valuable. See yourself as a commodity. Be honest about your capabilities, if you don't
know how to do something, say you don't know but let the employer know you are capable
of learning and even give an example of something else you learned to do, maybe at
another job or even a hobby. Most jobs will have to train you to their way and processes so
don't undermine your capability and be proud of your accomplishments in life because they
will only bring you up.

• Just list off a few characteristics that you see yourself as having. Make all of the
characteristics sound as positive as possible. This question is usually asked in order to
gauge how a person perceives him- or herself. Just be honest. Are you outgoing? Shy?
Diligent? Stubborn? Clever? Passionate? Level-headed? Easy-going? etc., etc. Don't stress
too much.

If you can't think of anything, think of a few people who know you and imagine how they
would describe you. Pretend that your mom, a sibling, a good friend, a co-worker, and your
spouse or significant other are all sitting down in a room making a list of your
characteristics and then use the things you think they would say.

• A job interview is NO TIME to be shy. Brag about yourself. It's expected. Brag about
all of your good points and don't mention anything negative or anything you "can't do." Be
positive and upbeat.

• With complete honesty, don't try to make yourself better than you are, but don't
yourself down, either.

• Employers love to ask you questions that get to your perception of yourself. These
may come in several forms - "How do you describe yourself"; "What are the qualities you
possess that make you the best candidate for this job"; "What do you bring to this
company that will make this company stronger" or a variation on these are commonly
asked.

• Your resume should already have a personal statement that discusses your qualities -
in the most positive terms possible. Make sure you are familiar with your resume. VERY
familiar. This is especially important if you didn't write it yourself, or if you have multiple
resumes tailored to different positions.
 • Because this is such a common question, it may be a good idea to sit down ahead of
time and list 4-5 qualities and examples in your previous experience where these qualities
allowed you to overcome a problem or succeed at a task.

• Remember, the interview is not a "game"

where you are trying to outsmart the interviewer to get the job. Your best strategy is to
honestly sell yourself and your abilities to an employer to get a job that is a good fit for
you, in a company that is a good fit for you. Outsmarting an interviewer to get a job in a
company or position that ultimately leads to unhappiness on either or both sides is really
outsmarting yourself.

• Give a fair answer, tell them about your strong and weak points, but try to emphasize
some of your qualities. For example, you could say that you are a hard-working,
responsible, serious person, you are able to handle with people, able to work under stress,
you are an easy learner. Don't be shy to talk about your creative "side".But be honest,
admit that you also had some "bad moments" in your past jobs.

• Your answer should be relevant to the job for which you are being interviews. Do not
start going into your personal life. Keep your self-introduction professional!

• A person is defined in three ways: (1) who he is right now, (2) what he has done in
the past, and (3) what he will become in the future.
So, here is how you answer: (1) I am a [the job title for which you are applying or something
very close.] (2) I have [how many years of experience] in [what field, what subject]. (3) I
want to be [a job title that is a couple or a few levels above the current position for which you
are applying in 5 to 10 years.] Close your answer with an affirmative question: "Is there
anything else you want to know?"
• You should be very straightforward and honest in replying to this question. The
interviewer wants to check if what you have mentioned in your resume is correct or not.
• I would answer the question based on who is interviewing me? If it's a sales
manager/Technical Manager/Human resources manager? Depending on the person's field
I'll have to mend the answer to please him... I feel that everyone's goals are different... so
analyze that and then answer.
• Answer this question with your 30-second "elevator speech" about yourself. The
standard format for this speech is... "I am a (BLANK), who does (WHAT)." In my case... I
am a PROJECT MANAGER, who PROVIDES QUALITY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, Blah, Blah,
Blah. (you get the idea).
• Let me share what my recruiting office tells its candidates as they head out for that
crucial face-to-face interview. When asked to "tell me about yourself," say, "I will gladly
answer that question, but may I first ask you a question? (They ALWAYS say yes) So that I
may better focus my answer, what are the issues you want me to address should you hire
me? Once they share with you what they need to have you do, then proceed to address
how your training, education, skills, and experience can best resolve these issues. By
answering in this fashion, you have proven that you know how to focus ... and that you
have what's needed to fix the issues they need to have fixed. It's always a winner ... and
beats the heck out of, "Well, let's see, I was born on a small farm in Idaho ..."
• I suggest you go into the interview with a few "talking points" about yourself, in other
words things you want the interviewer to know about you. Then you try to hit those points
in response to any questions you are asked, such as "tell us about yourself." Also be sure
to have copies of your resume with you and offer them. In general, interviews go better
 when you spend them listening and don't talk. If the interviewer is just telling you about
the job, you might have a good shot at it.

• This is the chance for you to run down a 30-60 second sales pitch for yourself. The
employer doesn't want to know that you like gardening or have four dogs. Here's where
you start usually with your education and highlight selling points about your skills,
experience and goals.

More Suggestions:
It's one of the most frequently asked questions in an interview: Tell me about
yourself. Your response to this request will set the tone for the rest of the
interview. For some, this is the most challenging question to answer, as they
wonder what the interviewer really wants to know and what information they
should include.
The secret to successfully responding to this free-form request is to focus, script and practice.
You cannot afford to wing this answer, as it will affect the rest of the interview. Begin to think
about what you want the interviewer to know about you.

List five strengths you have that are pertinent to this job (experiences, traits, skills, etc.).
What do you want the interviewer to know about you when you leave?
Prepare a script that includes the information you want to convey. Begin by talking about past
experiences and proven success:

Next, mention your strengths and abilities:

"My real strength is my attention to detail. I pride myself on my reputation for following
through and meeting deadlines. When I commit to doing something, I make sure it gets done,
and on time."
Conclude with a statement about your current situation:

"What I am looking for now is a company that values customer relations, where I can join a
strong team and have a positive impact on customer retention and sales."

Practice with your script until you feel confident about what you want to emphasize in your
statement. Your script should help you stay on track, but you shouldn't memorize it -- you
don't want to sound stiff and rehearsed. It should sound natural and conversational.

Even if you are not asked this type of question to begin the interview, this preparation will
help you focus on what you have to offer. You will also find that you can use the information in
this exercise to assist you in answering other questions. The more you can talk about your
product - you - the better chance you will have at selling it.

Here are examples given by WikiAnswers Contributors:

• Hard worker, quick and eager learner, pays attention to detail.

• Example: Because of past experience and MBA degree, I am versatile and can perform
well in many kinds of positions. Now I am looking for a challenging internship position in an
established company. Basically, I am an experienced and flexible person can be successful
at any kind of finance works.
• "Hardworking", "Task-oriented", "Solution-oriented", "Dependable", "Motivated",
"Independent", "Team player" are all examples of good terms you can use. There are many
more.
• I am a self-starter dedicated, hard-working person who works well with other,
punctual, detail oriented a team player, great organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Describe yourself as outgoing, hardworking, dependable, eager to learn and grow
professionally, etc.
• Fast paced, quick learner and very challenging. That's all they want to hear.
• This question is usually asked in order to gauge how a person perceives himself
• Just be honest. List off a few characteristics that you see yourself as having. Actually,
a question of this kind is an ideal way to plug in everything we want to say about ourselves
that we had leave out of the CV
• If you have attended a premier institution, say that the institution taught you much
more than the degree it awarded you. Mention people who influenced you, talk about the
books you like reading, your hobbies and your other interests
• Talk about your strengths. Mention an instance when you used your conflict resolution
skills or selling skills or whatever. But make certain that it does not sound like blowing your
trumpet. Mention these instances as a good learning experience
• Talk about your weaknesses, but make sure that they are positive weaknesses. For
instance you could say that that you are a person that pays more attention to details than
is warranted. You can openly confess a tendency to be impatient with team members who
cannot carry their own weight, or who cannot contribute sufficiently
• Maintain the right tone in doing so. You do not want to give the interviewer the wrong
impression or make him feel that you get impatient at times
• No one can do that for you as only you know yoursel
• If asked to then you should do so. Prepare yourself for personal questions such as thi
• Just list off a few characteristics that you see yourself as having. If it's for a job
interview, make all of the characteristics sound as positive as possible. This question is
usually asked in order to gauge how a person perceives him or herself. Just be honest. Are
you outgoing? shy? diligent? stubborn? clever? passionate? level-headed?
• Don't stress too much. If you can't think of anything. Then think of a few people who
know you and imagine how they would describe you. Pretend that your mom, a sibling, a
good friend, a co-worker, and your spouse or significant other are all sitting down in a
room making a list of your characteristics and then use the things you think they would
say.
• Do not mention a bad quality if you are not working on it eg. what is your weakest
quality? I am not very competent using computers but I am currently taking a evening
course to rectify that/ i am going to.....
• Most importantly back up what you say, why are you reliable?
Types of Interviews
All job interviews have the same objective, but employers reach that objective in a variety of
ways. You might enter the room expecting to tell stories about your professional successes and
instead find yourself selling the interviewer a bridge or editing code at a computer. One strategy
for performing your best during an interview is to know the rules of the particular game you are
playing when you walk through the door.

Screening | Informational | Directive | Meandering

Stress | Behavioral | Audition | Group
Tag-Team | Mealtime | Follow-up

The Screening Interview

Companies use screening tools to ensure that candidates meet minimum qualification
requirements. Computer programs are among the tools used to weed out unqualified candidates.
(This is why you need a digital resume that is screening-friendly. See our resume center for help.)
Sometimes human professionals are the gatekeepers. Screening interviewers often have honed
skills to determine whether there is anything that might disqualify you for the position. Remember-
they do not need to know whether you are the best fit for the position, only whether you are not a
match. For this reason, screeners tend to dig for dirt. Screeners will hone in on gaps in your
employment history or pieces of information that look inconsistent. They also will want to know
from the outset whether you will be too expensive for the company.

Some tips for maintaining confidence during screening interviews:

• Highlight your accomplishments and qualifications.

• Get into the straightforward groove. Personality is not as important to the screener as
verifying your qualifications. Answer questions directly and succinctly. Save your winning
personality for the person making hiring decisions!
• Be tactful about addressing income requirements. Give a range, and try to avoid giving
specifics by replying, "I would be willing to consider your best offer."
• If the interview is conducted by phone, it is helpful to have note cards with your vital
information sitting next to the phone. That way, whether the interviewer catches you
sleeping or vacuuming the floor, you will be able to switch gears quickly.

The Informational Interview

On the opposite end of the stress spectrum from screening interviews is the informational
interview. A meeting that you initiate, the informational interview is underutilized by job-seekers
who might otherwise consider themselves savvy to the merits of networking. Job seekers
ostensibly secure informational meetings in order to seek the advice of someone in their current
or desired field as well as to gain further references to people who can lend insight. Employers
that like to stay apprised of available talent even when they do not have current job openings, are
often open to informational interviews, especially if they like to share their knowledge, feel
flattered by your interest, or esteem the mutual friend that connected you to them. During an
informational interview, the jobseeker and employer exchange information and get to know one
another better without reference to a specific job opening.

This takes off some of the performance pressure, but be intentional nonetheless:

• Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the field and the company.
 • Gain references to other people and make sure that the interviewer would be comfortable
if you contact other people and use his or her name.
• Give the interviewer your card, contact information and resume.
• Write a thank you note to the interviewer.

The Directive Style

In this style of interview, the interviewer has a clear agenda that he or she follows unflinchingly.
Sometimes companies use this rigid format to ensure parity between interviews; when
interviewers ask each candidate the same series of questions, they can more readily compare the
results. Directive interviewers rely upon their own questions and methods to tease from you what
they wish to know. You might feel like you are being steam-rolled, or you might find the
conversation develops naturally. Their style does not necessarily mean that they have dominance
issues, although you should keep an eye open for these if the interviewer would be your
supervisor.

Either way, remember:

• Flex with the interviewer, following his or her lead.

• Do not relinquish complete control of the interview. If the interviewer does not ask you for
information that you think is important to proving your superiority as a candidate, politely
interject it.

The Meandering Style

This interview type, usually used by inexperienced interviewers, relies on you to lead the
discussion. It might begin with a statement like "tell me about yourself," which you can use to your
advantage. The interviewer might ask you another broad, open-ended question before falling into
silence. This interview style allows you tactfully to guide the discussion in a way that best serves
you.

The following strategies, which are helpful for any interview, are particularly important when
interviewers use a non-directive approach:

• Come to the interview prepared with highlights and anecdotes of your skills, qualities and
experiences. Do not rely on the interviewer to spark your memory-jot down some notes
that you can reference throughout the interview.
• Remain alert to the interviewer. Even if you feel like you can take the driver's seat and go
in any direction you wish, remain respectful of the interviewer's role. If he or she becomes
more directive during the interview, adjust.
• Ask well-placed questions. Although the open format allows you significantly to shape the
interview, running with your own agenda and dominating the conversation means that
you run the risk of missing important information about the company and its needs.

The Stress Interview

Astounding as this is, the Greek hazing system has made its way into professional interviews.
Either employers view the stress interview as a legitimate way of determining candidates' aptness
for a position or someone has latent maniacal tendencies. You might be held in the waiting room
for an hour before the interviewer greets you. You might face long silences or cold stares. The
interviewer might openly challenge your believes or judgment. You might be called upon to
perform an impossible task on the fly-like convincing the interviewer to exchange shoes with you.
Insults and miscommunication are common. All this is designed to see whether you have the
mettle to withstand the company culture, the clients or other potential stress.

Besides wearing a strong anti-perspirant, you will do well to:

• Remember that this is a game. It is not personal. View it as the surreal interaction that it
is.
• Prepare and memorize your main message before walking through the door. If you are
flustered, you will better maintain clarity of mind if you do not have to wing your
responses.
• Even if the interviewer is rude, remain calm and tactful.
• Go into the interview relaxed and rested. If you go into it feeling stressed, you will have a
more difficult time keeping a cool perspective.

The Behavioral Interview

Many companies increasingly rely on behavior interviews since they use your previous behavior
to indicate your future performance. In these interviews, employers use standardized methods to
mine information relevant to your competency in a particular area or position. Depending upon
the responsibilities of the job and the working environment, you might be asked to describe a time
that required problem-solving skills, adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution, multi-tasking,
initiative or stress management. You will be asked how you dealt with the situations.

Your responses require not only reflection, but also organization. To maximize your responses in
the behavioral format:

• Anticipate the transferable skills and personal qualities that are required for the job.
• Review your resume. Any of the qualities and skills you have included in your resume are
fair game for an interviewer to press.
• Reflect on your own professional, volunteer, educational and personal experience to
develop brief stories that highlight these skills and qualities in you. You should have a
story for each of the competencies on your resume as well as those you anticipate the
job requires.
• Prepare stories by identifying the context, logically highlighting your actions in the
situation, and identifying the results of your actions. Keep your responses concise and
present them in less than two minutes.

The Audition

For some positions, such as computer programmers or trainers, companies want to see you in
action before they make their decision. For this reason, they might take you through a simulation
or brief exercise in order to evaluate your skills. An audition can be enormously useful to you as
well, since it allows you to demonstrate your abilities in interactive ways that are likely familiar to
you. The simulations and exercises should also give you a simplified sense of what the job would
be like. If you sense that other candidates have an edge on you in terms of experience or other
qualifications, requesting an audition can help level the playing field.

To maximize on auditions, remember to:

• Clearly understand the instructions and expectations for the exercise. Communication is
half the battle in real life, and you should demonstrate to the prospective employer that
you make the effort to do things right the first time by minimizing confusion.
 • Treat the situation as if you are a professional with responsibility for the task laid before
you. Take ownership of your work.
• Brush up on your skills before an interview if you think they might be tested.

The Group Interview

Interviewing simultaneously with other candidates can be disconcerting, but it provides the
company with a sense of your leadership potential and style. The group interview helps the
company get a glimpse of how you interact with peers-are you timid or bossy, are you attentive or
do you seek attention, do others turn to you instinctively, or do you compete for authority? The
interviewer also wants to view what your tools of persuasion are: do you use argumentation and
careful reasoning to gain support or do you divide and conquer? The interviewer might call on you
to discuss an issue with the other candidates, solve a problem collectively, or discuss your
peculiar qualifications in front of the other candidates.

This environment might seem overwhelming or hard to control, but there are a few tips that will
help you navigate the group interview successfully:

• Observe to determine the dynamics the interviewer establishes and try to discern the
rules of the game. If you are unsure of what is expected from you, ask for clarification
from the interviewer.
• Treat others with respect while exerting influence over others.
• Avoid overt power conflicts, which will make you look uncooperative and immature.
• Keep an eye on the interviewer throughout the process so that you do not miss important
cues.

The Tag-Team Interview

Expecting to meet with Ms. Glenn, you might find yourself in a room with four other people: Ms.
Glenn, two of her staff, and the Sales Director. Companies often want to gain the insights of
various people when interviewing candidates. This method of interviewing is often attractive for
companies that rely heavily on team cooperation. Not only does the company want to know
whether your skills balance that of the company, but also whether you can get along with the
other workers. In some companies, multiple people will interview you simultaneously. In other
companies, you will proceed through a series of one-on-one interviews.

Some helpful tips for maximizing on this interview format:

• Treat each person as an important individual. Gain each person's business card at the
beginning of the meeting, if possible, and refer to each person by name. If there are
several people in the room at once, you might wish to scribble down their names on a
sheet of paper according to where each is sitting. Make eye contact with each person
and speak directly to the person asking each question.
• Use the opportunity to gain as much information about the company as you can. Just as
each interviewer has a different function in the company, they each have a unique
perspective. When asking questions, be sensitive not to place anyone in a position that
invites him to compromise confidentiality or loyalty.
• Bring at least double the anecdotes and sound-bites to the interview as you would for a
traditional one-on-one interview. Be ready to illustrate your main message in a variety of
ways to a variety of people.
• Prepare psychologically to expend more energy and be more alert than you would in a
one-on-one interview. Stay focused and adjustable.

The Mealtime Interview

For many, interviewing over a meal sounds like a professional and digestive catastrophe in the
making. If you have difficulty chewing gum while walking, this could be a challenge. With some
preparation and psychological readjustment, you can enjoy the process. Meals often have a
cementing social effect-breaking bread together tends to facilitate deals, marriages, friendships,
and religious communion. Mealtime interviews rely on this logic, and expand it.

Particularly when your job requires interpersonal acuity, companies want to know what you are
like in a social setting. Are you relaxed and charming or awkward and evasive? Companies want
to observe not only how you handle a fork, but also how you treat your host, any other guests,
and the serving staff.

Some basic social tips help ease the complexity of mixing food with business:

• Take cues from your interviewer, remembering that you are the guest. Do not sit down
until your host does. Order something slightly less extravagant than your interviewer. If
he badly wants you to try a particular dish, oblige him. If he recommends an appetizer to
you, he likely intends to order one himself. Do not begin eating until he does. If he orders
coffee and dessert, do not leave him eating alone.
• If your interviewer wants to talk business, do so. If she and the other guests discuss their
upcoming travel plans or their families, do not launch into business.
• Try to set aside dietary restrictions and preferences. Remember, the interviewer is your
host. It is rude to be finicky unless you absolutely must. If you must, be as tactful as you
can. Avoid phrases like: "I do not eat mammals," or "Shrimp makes my eyes swell and
water."
• Choose manageable food items, if possible. Avoid barbeque ribs and spaghetti.
• Find a discrete way to check your teeth after eating. Excuse yourself from the table for a
moment.
• Practice eating and discussing something important simultaneously.
• Thank your interviewer for the meal.

The Follow-up Interview

Companies bring candidates back for second and sometimes third or fourth interviews for a
number of reasons. Sometimes they just want to confirm that you are the amazing worker they
first thought you to be. Sometimes they are having difficulty deciding between a short-list of
candidates. Other times, the interviewer's supervisor or other decision makers in the company
want to gain a sense of you before signing a hiring decision.

The second interview could go in a variety of directions, and you must prepare for each of them.
When meeting with the same person again, you do not need to be as assertive in your
communication of your skills. You can focus on cementing rapport, understanding where the
company is going and how your skills mesh with the company vision and culture. Still, the
interviewer should view you as the answer to their needs. You might find yourself negotiating a
compensation package. Alternatively, you might find that you are starting from the beginning with
a new person.

Some tips for managing second interviews:

• Be confident. Accentuate what you have to offer and your interest in the position.
• Probe tactfully to discover more information about the internal company dynamics and
culture.
• Walk through the front door with a plan for negotiating a salary.
 • Be prepared for anything: to relax with an employer or to address the company's qualms
about you.

Role
A job interview typically precedes the hiring decision, and is used to evaluate the candidate. The
interview is usually preceded by the evaluation of submitted résumés from interested candidates,
then selecting a small number of candidates for interviews. Potential job interview opportunities
also include networking events and career fairs. The job interview is considered one of the most
useful tools for evaluating potential employees[1]. It also demands significant resources from the
employer, yet has been demonstrated to be notoriously unreliable in identifying the optimal
person for the job[2]. An interview also allows the candidate to assess the corporate culture and
demands of the job.

Multiple rounds of job interviews may be used where there are many candidates or the job is
particularly challenging or desirable. Earlier rounds may involve fewer staff from the employers
and will typically be much shorter and less in-depth. A common initial interview form is the phone
interview, a job interview conducted over the telephone. This is especially common when the
candidates do not live near the employer and has the advantage of keeping costs low for both
sides.

Once all candidates have been interviewed, the employer typically selects the most desirable
candidate and begins the negotiation of a job offer.

Types of Interview
[edit]Behavioral interview
A common type of job interview in the modern workplace is the behavioral
interview or behavioral event interview. This type of interview is based on the notion that a job
candidate's previous behaviors are the best indicators of future performance. In behavioral
interviews, the interviewer asks candidates to recall specific instances where they were faced
with a set of circumstances, and how they reacted. Typical behavioral interview questions:
  "Tell me about a project you worked on where the requirements changed midstream.
What did you do?"
 "Tell me about a time when you took the lead on a project. What did you do?"
 "Describe the worst project you worked on."
 "Describe a time you had to work with someone you didn't like."
 "Tell me about a time when you had to stick by a decision you had made, even though it
made you very unpopular."
 "Give us an example of something particularly innovative that you have done that made a
difference in the workplace."
 "What happened the last time you were late with a project?"
 "Have you ever witness a person doing something that you felt was against company
policy. What did you do and why?"

A bad hiring decision nowadays can be immensely expensive for an organization – cost of the
hire, training costs, severance pay, loss of productivity, impact on morale, cost of re-hiring, etc.
(Gallup international places the cost of a bad hire as being 3.2 times the individual's salary).

[edit]Stress interview
Stress interviews are still in common use. One type of stress interview is where the employer
uses a succession of interviewers (one at a time or en masse) whose mission is to intimidate the
candidate and keep him/her off-balance. The ostensible purpose of this interview: to find out how
the candidate handles stress. Stress interviews might involve testing an applicant's behavior in a
busy environment. Questions about handling work overload, dealing with multiple projects, and
handling conflict are typical.[3]

Another type of stress interview may involve only a single interviewer who behaves in an
uninterested or hostile manner. For example, the interviewer may not make eye contact, may roll
his eyes or sigh at the candidate's answers, interrupt, turn his back, take phone calls during the
interview, or ask questions in a demeaning or challenging style. The goal is to assess how the
interviewee handles pressure or to purposely evoke emotional responses. This technique was
also used in research protocols studying Stress and Type A (coronary-prone) Behavior because it
would evoke hostility and even changes in blood pressure and heart rate in study subjects. The
key to success for the candidate is to de-personalize the process. The interviewer is acting a role,
deliberately and calculatedly trying to "rattle the cage." Once the candidate realizes that there is
nothing personal behind the interviewer's approach, it is easier to handle the questions with
aplomb.
Example stress interview questions:

 Sticky situation: "If you caught a colleague cheating on his expenses, what would you
do?"
 Putting you on the spot: "How do you feel this interview is going?"
 Popping the balloon: "(deep sigh) Well, if that's the best answer you can give ...
(shakes head) Okay, what about this one ...?"
 Oddball question: "What would you change about the design of the hockey stick?"
 Doubting your veracity: "I don't feel like we're getting to the heart of the matter here.
Start again - tell me what really makes you tick."

Candidates may also be asked to deliver a presentation as part of the selection process. The
"Platform Test" method involves having the candidate make a presentation to both the selection
panel and other candidates for the same job. This is obviously highly stressful and is therefore
useful as a predictor of how the candidate will perform under similar circumstances on the job.
Selection processes in academic, training, airline, legal and teaching circles frequently involve
presentations of this sort.

[edit]Technical Interview
Further information: Microsoft Interview

This kind of interview focuses on problem solving and creativity. The questions aim at your
problem-solving skills and likely show your ability and creativity. Sometimes these interviews will
be on a computer module with multiple-choice questions.

[edit]Telephone Interviews
Telephone Interviews take place if a recruiter wishes to dwindle down the number of prospective
candidates before deciding on a shortlist for face-to-face interviews. They also take place if a job
applicant is a significant distance away from the premises of the hiring company such as abroad
or in another state.[4]

[edit]Controversies

This article may contain original research or unverified claims. Please improve
the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (April 2008)

In many countries, employment equity laws forbid discrimination based on a number of classes,
such as race, gender, age, and marital status. Asking questions about these protected areas in a
job interview is generally considered discriminatory, and constitutes an illegal hiring practice.
However, many employers ask questions that touch on these areas.[who?]
Objective of the Interview
An interviewer has just one objective: to decide whether or not to make you a job offer.

While the interviewer will examine your work history and educational background, your strengths
and accomplishments will also be important criterion. He or she is also interested in evaluating
your level of motivation, values, attitude and personality. In other words, to find out if you're the
right person for the job, what your potential is for promotion and whether or not you will fit into the
company environment.

While it is true that an interview is an important screening tool for companies, it also allows you to
learn those things you need to know about the position and the company so that you can make
an intelligent decision about the job. Always approach an interview focused on your objective: to
get a job offer.

As with many situations, preparation is the key to success. The job market is very competitive
and you will probably not be the only qualified candidate for a position. The deciding factor may
simply be the way you present your skills and qualifications relevant to the position and how well
you present yourself during the interview.

The recommendations on our website have been made available for your use by your Executive
Recruiter. They will help you prepare for and succeed at the interview. Take the time to review
the material. The tips and techniques outlined have been tested, and they work! They will
improve your chances of receiving a job offer. Should you have any questions about your
upcoming interview, the company, the opportunity, or the suggestions printed on our website,
consult your Executive Recruiter.

Definitions of interview on the Web:

• conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

• discuss formally with (somebody) for the purpose of an evaluation; "We
interviewed the job candidates"
• the questioning of a person (or a conversation in which information is
elicited); often conducted by journalists; "my interviews with teenagers ...
• consultation: a conference (usually with someone important); "he had a
consultation with the judge"; "he requested an audience with the king"
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
• Interview was a 1971 Bengali film directed by noted Indian art film director
Mrinal Sen.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interview_(1971_film)
• Interview is a remake of Dutch film maker Theo van Gogh's 2003 movie of
the same title. The American version, which premiered in 2007, stars
Steve Buscemi as Pierre Peders (originally played by Pierre Bokma), who
is a fading political journalist. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interview_(2007_film)
• Interview is a 2003 Dutch drama film, directed by Theo van Gogh, starring
Katja Schuurman and Pierre Bokma. The film is about a war
correspondent having an interview with a soap opera actress.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interview_(2003_film)
• An interview is a conversation between two or more people (the
interviewer and the interviewee) where questions are asked by the
interviewer to ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interview
• The Interview is a 1998 Australian thriller film from writer-director Craig
Monahan, and is the first of two films directed by Monahan. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Interview
• Interview is a concept album by British progressive rock band Gentle
Giant which was released in 1976. This is an interesting concept in the
canon of Gentle Giant work in that it is conceived as a radio interview.
Thus the narration or interviewer is an integral part of the overall
soundscape.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interview_(album)
• Interview is a magazine founded by artist Andy Warhol and Gerard
Malanga in 1969. Dedicated to the cult of celebrity which fascinated
Warhol, it ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interview_(magazine)
• A formal meeting, in person, for the assessment of a candidate or
applicant; A conversation in which facts or opinions are sought; The
account of such a conversation; An interrogation of a suspect or party in a
police investigation; To obtain an interview with someone; and to have an
interview
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/interview
• InterViews is a native C++ toolkit for the X Window System developed by
Mark Linton and his team at Stanford University and later Silicon
Graphics. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InterViews
• Interviews is a compilation album of Bob Marley & The Wailers songs,
released in 1982.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interviews_(album)
 • Questioning a person to determine their understanding and knowledge of
the facts or circumstances related to the subject of an investigation.
www.mangrum-pi.com/glossaryOfTerms.php

Question:
What Is An Interview
Not finding your answer? Try searching the web for What is a interview
Top Answers
An interview is a series of question one person asks another and then responses
are received. A lot of time an employer sets up an interview with a potential
employee.

http://answers.ask.com/Business/Management_and_HR/what... See entire

page »
when someone asks questions (could be personal questions) to a other person
publicly or privately

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_interview&src=rss0 See entire page »

An interview is a chance for your child to show that she is more than just test
scores and grades. It's an exchange of information—your child learns about the
college and the college learns about your child. It can last anywhere from 30 to ...

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/apply/college-appl... See entire page »

Images

•
•

More Web Answers

Video: Rod Cornwell (International Director, Thomas International) gives expert
advice on: What is an interview?
http://www.videojug.com/expertanswer/job-interviews-def... See entire page »
An interview is an opportunity for the employer to meet the prospective employee
and to evaluate the attitude, aptitude, educational qualification, technical skill of
the candidate to decide whether the candidate will be suitable for the jo...
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061007082... See entire page
»
A good interview is like a good conversation, with a purpose. Two people
exchange information, ask and answer questions, and, in the process, form
opinions about each other, and about whether a relationship is likely to develop.
How shoul...
http://www.indiana.edu/%7Espeaweb/careers/interviewing.... See entire page »
Sponsored ResultsLearn From Media Experts
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www.ClassesandCareers.com/Stimulus
STEVE BUSCEMI: It's a remake of a Theo van Gogh film, the Dutch filmmaker
that was killed a year ago. Although, this is not about his life or a remake of the
short film that he made that sort of caused a lot of controversy. This is just one...
http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=23227 See entire page »
The Oxford Dictionary defines is as a face-to-face meeting, for the purpose of
assessing the qualifications of a candidate for jobs or admission to educational
institutions of for the purpose of obtaining statement or opinion of any respect...
http://www.bestbpojob.com/BPO%20JOB%20Interview%20Tips.... See entire
page »
It's all about your resume. You will be asked about anything you put on your
resume. Therefore, don't put wrong information as you may get caught. When
you enter the room, be friendly with the interviewers as they are very friendly
themselv...
http://www.tipt.islamcan.com/interview.shtml See entire page »
Interview is a face-to-face conversation for a specific purpose. Before you appear
for an interview, you must clearly know and understand the purpose of the
interview. The nature and type of the interview will vary according to the
purpose....
http://www.sristysaviation.com/interview.html See entire page »
Many law schools pay traveling representatives to interview prospective students
in lieu of an on-campus meeting. However, depending on your level of interest in
a program, a school visit might be just the thing you need to fully commit. A ...
http://www.gradview.com/articles/careers/what_to_expect... See entire page »
An interview is a screening process and an opportunity to learn more about an
organization. At the same time, the organization has the opportunity to evaluate
you as a prospective employee. An interview is an opportunity to set yourself
apa...
http://www.uwec.edu/Career/online_library/interviewing.... See entire page »
The interview is probably the most commonly used assessment tool. A job
interview in the School District is called a selection interview and follows a pre-
determined structure. An interview is designed to predict future job performance
on t...
https://lausdjobs.lausd.k12.ca.us/appv1/main/seekers_to... See entire page »
An interview is a face-to-face meeting, especially for the purpose of obtaining a
statement for assessing the qualities of a candidate. It further, indicates a
physical meeting of people with two possible objectives: * To obtain a
statement...
http://askinterviewquestions.blogspot.com/2007/09/inter... See entire page »
You may be invited for interview at your chosen institution as part of their
selection procedure. Not all institutions use interviews, and certainly not for every
course. Interviews are usually conducted with students individually. If you a...
http://www.ukcoursefinder.com/help.aspx?theme=6 See entire page »
The interview is about your health, occupation, and personal and family history.
Our project staff will call you to schedule an appointment for the interview. You
may refuse to answer any questions during the interview.
http://steed.cancer.gov/faqs.html See entire page »
A formal interview consists of a series of well-chosen questions (and often a set
of tasks or problems) which are designed to elicit a portrait of a student's
understanding about a scientific concept or set of related concepts
(Southerland,...
http://flaguide.org/cat/interviews/interviews1.php See entire page »
Our Admissions team is dedicated to meeting with each student individually for
this career planning session. The interview gives you the chance to hear about
the school in detail, get your questions answered, see the studios and
workstation...
http://www.ipr.edu/about-ipr/faq.php See entire page »
An interview is a personality test. In an interview, the panel looks for a sound
grasp of your discipline, self-awareness, clarity of goals, and a well-rounded
personality.
http://www.onestopmba.com/Cat-Tips/cat-faq.asp See entire page »
An interview is a meeting between a job applicant and a representative of the
company. The meeting comes about because the company had a job available.
People applied for the job. The company needs to decide who to hire.
http://www.moneyinstructor.com/lesson/interviewoverview... See entire page »
6

You walk into the interview room, shake hands with your interviewer and sit down with your
best interviewing smile on. Guess what their first question is? "Tell me about yourself."

Do you "wing it" and actually tell all manner of things about yourself? Will you spend the next
5 minutes rambling on about what an easy-going, loyal, dedicated, hard working employee
you've been? If this is the case, you stand a good chance of having bored your interviewer to
death thus creating a negative first impression.

Because it's such a common interview question, it's strange that more candidates don't spend
the time to prepare for exactly how to answer it. Perhaps because the question seems so
disarming and informal, we drop our guard and shift into ramble mode. Resist all temptation to
do so.

Your interviewer is not looking for a 10-minute dissertation here. Instead, offer a razor sharp
sentence or two that sets the stage for further discussion and sets you apart from your
competitors.

Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Give them "your synopsis about you" answer, specifically your Unique Selling Proposition.
Known as a personal branding or a value-added statement, the USP is a succinct, one-sentence
description of who you are, your biggest strength and the major benefit that a company will
derive from this strength. Here is an example of a Unique Selling Proposition: "I'm a seasoned
Retail Manager strong in developing training programs and loss prevention techniques that
have resulted in revenue savings of over $2.3Million for (employer's name) during the past 11
years."

What a difference you've made with this statement. Your interviewer is now sitting forward in
her chair giving you her full attention. At this point, you might add the following sentence: "I'd
like to discuss how I might be able to do something like that for you." The ball is now back in
her court and you have the beginnings of a real discussion and not an interrogation process.

Be Specific
The key is that you must lead with your strongest benefit to the employer. Be specific and
don't wander about with some laundry list of skills or talents. Be sure to put a monetary value
on your work if at all possible and be ready with details when you're called upon. Give an
estimated value to the $$ you've either helped to make or save for your employer.

Be Prepared

When you walk into an interview, remember to always expect the "tell me about yourself"
question. Prepare ahead of time by developing your own personal branding statement that
clearly tells who you are, your major strength and the clear benefit that your employer
received. The advantages of this approach are that you'll quickly gain their attention and
interest them in knowing more. You'll separate yourself from your competitors. You'll also have
a higher chance of being positively remembered and hired

Job Interview Questions About You

• What is your greatest weakness? - Best Answers

• What is your greatest strength? - Best Answers
• Describe a typical work week. - Best Answers
• Do you take work home with you? - Best Answers
• How many hours do you normally work? - Best Answers
• How would you describe the pace at which you work? - Best Answers
• How do you handle stress and pressure? - Best Answers
• What motivates you? - Best Answers
• What are your salary expectations? - Best Answers
• What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make? - Best Answers
• Tell me about yourself. - Best Answers
• What has been the greatest disappointment in your life? - Best Answers
• What are you passionate about? - Best Answers
• What are your pet peeves? - Best Answers
• What do people most often criticize about you? - Best Answers
• When was the last time you were angry? What happened? - Best Answers
• If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would you do differently? - Best
Answers
• If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?
Best Answers
• Do you prefer to work independently or on a team? - Best Answers
• Give some examples of teamwork. - Best Answers
• What type of work environment do you prefer? - Best Answers
• How do you evaluate success? - Best Answers
• If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it? - Best
Answers
• Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it. - Best Answers
• Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it. - Best
Answers
• More job interview questions about your abilities. - Best Answers
 • More job interview questions about you. - Best Answers

Job Interview Questions About the New Job and the Company

• What interests you about this job? - Best Answers

• Why do you want this job? - Best Answers
• What applicable attributes / experience do you have? - Best Answers
• Are you overqualified for this job? - Best Answers
• What can you do for this company? - Best Answers
• Why should we hire you? - Best Answers
• Why are you the best person for the job? - Best Answers
• What do you know about this company? - Best Answers
• Why do you want to work here? - Best Answers
• What challenges are you looking for in a position? - Best Answers
• What can you contribute to this company? - Best Answers
• Are you willing to travel? - Best Answers
• Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to
know? - Best Answers

With the competition keener than ever and the economy in a slump, you need to prepare for
your job interview thoroughly. It’s no longer enough to offer a firm handshake to
yourinterviewer, make eye contact, and nod pleasantly now and then. You need to prepare a
dynamic application letter and resume. You need to research the company. And you need to
present a confident image and develop the ability to answer tough questions on the spot.

Although no one can predict the questions your potential employer will ask, you can think
about how you’d answer some of the commonly asked ones. Here are ten questions for you to
consider and a few hints about how to answer them:

1. Tell me about yourself.

Chances are the employer doesn’t want to know how much you weighed when you were
born, when you learned to tie your shoes, or how much you had to drink last night. He or
she wants to know how you would fit into the company and what your relevant job
experience is. You might answer by asking theinterviewer what he’d like to know. Or you
might talk about your education, the fact that you’re a team player, or whatever you think
might be important to this particular company.

2. Why should we hire you?

Even though five people may be waiting outside, you need to sound confident, calm, and
capable. Explain how your experience has prepared you for the job. Emphasize the
qualities you think the employer is looking for, such as your outstanding work ethic or the
fact that you’re a fast learner.

3. What is your worst characteristic?

Some human resource specialists suggest that you make a virtue sound like a flaw. “I tend
to be a perfectionist,” or, “Everyone says I work too hard.” But others say these answers
 have become clichés. Mention a minor flaw, such as, “I think I’m too outspoken at times,
but I’m working on it.”

4. Where do you want to be five years from now?

Let the interviewer know you’re looking for job stability and that you aren’t planning to
use this job as a temporary stopping point in your quest for a better position. You
could say, “I’d like to be employed in a small company like this one, where I can learn,
contribute, and advance.”

5. Why did you leave your last job?

Never put your former employer or your co-workers in a negative light. Don’t blame them
for your departure. Give a positive reason, such as you left to take advantage of another
opportunity that was better suited to your skills.

6. Tell me about a problem you had in your life and how you
solved it.
Be prepared with a short answer that shows you’re resourceful. “I really wanted to go to a
private university, but my parents didn’t have the money. I went to a community college
for two years, worked part time and saved my money so I could attend the last two years
at the college of my choice.”

7. Have you had difficulties getting along with supervisors

or co-workers?
You’d have to be a saint to have had no problems with the people you worked with. You
might answer, “Nothing major. I try to get along with everyone.”

8. How do you deal with stress on the job?

The employer wants to know if you’re going to run out the door when things get stressful.
Ask yourself if you thrive on working with deadlines or if you need creative time to
function more effectively. Think about how you handle stress and be honest. “I focus on
the work I’m doing,” or, “I make time to work out at the gym.”

9. What salary do you want for this job?

Rather than stating a definite figure, tell the interviewer you’d expect to get somewhere in
the standard range paid for this position.

10.Do you have questions for me?

Always have a few questions. They show that you researched the company. Ask about a
current issue the company is working on or how their recent layoff in another department
affected company morale.

Interview Questions: The Future

 • What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you? - Best Answers
• What are your goals for the next five years / ten years? - Best Answers
• How do you plan to achieve those goals? - Best Answers
• What are your salary requirements - both short-term and long-term? - Best Answers
• Questions about your career goals. - Best Answers
• What will you do if you don't get this position? - Best Answers

•
Step 1: Learn About the Interview Format
 The more you know about the format of the interview, the easier your preparation
and the better your performance will be. Don't be shy about asking the employer;
it shows you are serious and professional.
11 Ask how long the interview will be.
 Make sure not to schedule something immediately after the interview.
You don't want to have to choose between the interview and another commitment, or to rush at the
end of the meeting.
 This also helps you to anticipate the pacing of the meeting and prioritize
your talking points.
11 Ask who you'll be meeting with.
 Get the name and title of the interviewer(s), and check the
organization's website for more information.
 The more you know about your interviewer(s), the more you can
anticipate their general interests and concerns.
 If an interviewer works in HR, this means your conversation
probably will emphasize general employment matters, such as your work ethic.
 If you're going to meet with a supervisor, be prepared to
discuss things more specific to the job, such as your technical skills.
 Knowing a person's position or background is helpful, but it's just one
factor in your overall preparation. It's good to do some preparation specific to that person, but also
keep your other bases covered.
 For instance, you may be scheduled to meet an HR person,
but actually end up meeting with a supervisor.
11 Ask whether there'll be more than one interviewer or meeting that day.
 If you'll be meeting with more than one person at once, be aware that
one thing they may be looking for is how you perform in group situations.
 For instance, are you collegial, passive, or aggressive?
 If you'll be having multiple meetings, eat well beforehand and bring extra
copies of your resumé. Be prepared to shift gears and discuss different things with different people.
11 Ask whether there are onsite accommodations.
 If you may need certain onsite accommodations, such as wheelchair
access, ask the employer.
Learn how the interview will take place
11 The traditional face-to-face meeting still is the most common format, but there are several
others, each having its own peculiarities.
11 A telephone interview will be relatively easier since you won't dress up or travel, but also harder
because of technological limits, like not being able to respond to body language.
11 An interview over a meal may seem less formal, but you have to be just as careful; practice your
best table manners.
11 A behavioral or situational interview will emphasize how you behaved in an actual situation, or how
you think you'd behave in a hypothetical one. Be ready with some stories about how you demonstrated
specific strengths pertinent to the job.
11 If you'll be interviewing internally, say for a promotion, you not only have to prepare for the interview
itself, but also handle your relations with co-workers, for instance managing possible gossip about your
situation.
111
Learn about the dress code
111 Except for a telephone interview, you'll
need to know the organization's dress code and make
sure you have appropriate clothing and accessories to
wear to the interview.
111 "Appropriate" depends partly on the particular
employer and job, so check with the organization as
well as general guidelines for men and women and for
individual professional fields.
111 Generally speaking, it's better to be dressed a little more formally than less, and to be comfortable.
111 Avoid anything that's likely to be perceived as distracting.
Step 2: Research, Research, Research
 Knowledge is power, and the more you learn in preparation for the interview, the
better. But don't try to learn everything; focus on what matters the most for your
situation.
Self-Assessment
11 Hopefully you've already done some self-assessment to identify what types of
jobs and employers are best for you.
11 And you've done some research or thinking about other things specific to your
situation, for instance how your age might be a factor. Or whether you're changing careers. Or what
interview preparation is specific to your field, such as government work.
11 If you need to do some more self-assessment for these or other
questions, Monster.com, Yahoo! HotJobs.com, and CareerJournal.com are terrific resources.
Research the Employer
11 It helps to know general aspects of the organization including its size, history,
philosophy, reputation, training programs, and competitors.
  You probably won't be quizzed on these things, but having a sense of
them will help you better understand the job and talk more effectively with the interviewer.
11 Study their website and other online sources, but don't limit yourself to the
Internet.
11 Current or former employees can be great resources. One good way to reach
them is through your alumni network.
11 Whether from employees, the web, or a discreet site visit, see if you can find out
specific things that would impact your daily life there, such as the workplace environment.
Research the Job
11 If you don't already have a full job description from the employer, ask for one or
check the HR section of their website.
11 What exactly are the job requirements? How do they match your abilities?
111 How does the job seem to fit into the organization's overall structure or goals?
Are you comfortable with that?
111 How does the job compare to similar jobs elsewhere, or work that you've done
before?
Evaluate Your Results
 Based on all this research, do you think you're really qualified for the job? And is
the job right for you?
 Thorough research may show that the job really isn't a good fit. If so,
decide whether to cancel the interview or go ahead with it.
 If you decide to cancel the interview, you should do so with appropriate
advance notice (at least 24 hours beforehand). If you're asked for a
reason, you could just say that you think it's not going to be a good fit.
 By going ahead with the interview, you can test your suspicion as well
as practice your general interviewing skills.
Step 3: Prepare Questions and Answers
 The interviewer probably will spend some time describing the organization and
job, which calls for you to listen attentively. But there also will be a lot of
questioning and answering, which is much more challenging.
Prepare Questions to Expect
11 The best preparation for the Q&A is to develop a list of anticipated questions.
 You don't have to use all of the hundreds of possible questions that you
can imagine or find online, but several that your research suggests are important or obvious to expect.
 You may or may not be asked these questions, but preparing them
gives you self-confidence as well as talking points that you could bring up in conversation.
11 These are some common interview questions that are always good to prepare
for:
 Tell me about yourself.
 What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?
 Why do you want this job?
 What can you do for this organization?
 Where are you now in your career, and where do you want to go?
 When can you start? Can you commit to our work schedule, and for how
long?
11 Many potential questions fall into general categories or types. In addition to
preparing for specific questions, like the ones above, it's good to be ready for these different areas of
questioning.
11 One type of question is the credential verification, where the interviewer checks
the accuracy of some factual information you provided in your application, partly to test whether you
are honest and detail-oriented.
 For instance, "When exactly did you work at your last job?"
 In answering this type of question, be honest and direct. If need be, it's
usually better to admit and dismiss a minor mistake than to defend it.
11 The behavioral or situational question asks what you have or would do in a
certain challenging situation. This helps show the interviewer how you would behave on the job.
 For instance, "Tell me how you solved a significant problem involving
your work."
 For this, it helps to prepare some anecdotes beforehand. Choose and
tell your story so it illustrates your professionalism and qualifications for this job.
11 Stress questions are those that may seem especially confrontational or strange.
They are intended to show how you handle pressure or awkward situations.
 For instance, "What would you say if I told you that you seem to lack a
basic qualification for this position?"
 If pressed about a particular weakness, you could tactfully assert
something that counters this perception, or acknowledge the weakness while asserting that your
overall qualifications are strong and you're eager to learn.
11 Industry-specific questions ask about something particular to the field in which
you want to work. They test your knowledge and commitment to that field.
 For instance, in interviewing for a job at a video store, you could be
asked, "What are some of your favorite films by Francois Truffaut?"
 The longer you've worked in a field, the less challenging these types of
questions will be. If you're a relative newcomer, you could acknowledge that there may be some gaps
in your knowledge but you're ready and willing to learn.
11 You probably won't be asked an illegal or clearly inappropriate question, but it
does happen.
 Questions about things such as your age, race, gender, religion,
disabilities, marital status, or sexual orientation are discriminatory and should not be asked in job
interviews.
 If you're asked something along these lines, you have options for
whether and how to answer.
 You could simply answer and move on, or ask how this relates to the
job, or say you don't feel this is an appropriate question.
  However you handle the question, you also have the option afterward of
deciding whether this organization is a good fit for you.
Prepare Answers to the Anticipated Questions
11 Develop persuasive answers that are concise and unscripted enough so they will
seem natural in conversation. Create simple outlines and bullet points rather than essays.
111 Depending on the questions, your answers may be pretty specific or general to fit
a range of possible questions. Here again, some anecdotes about how you succeeded in some
professional matter can be very useful for lots of potential questions.
111 Keep your answers honest while accentuating the positive; always avoid making
any criticisms or othercommon interview mistakes.
Prepare Questions to Ask
111 Prepare some intelligent questions related to the job. Make sure that you
genuinely want to know the answers and that you could not find them through your research.
111 Ask questions that elicit some dialogue or followup questions, rather than short
answers that don't really go anywhere.
111 Ask questions that will both inform you about the organization and say something
positive about yourself, like you're hardworking.
111 Depending on your field and the interviewer (HR, a supervisor, a co-worker), you
might develop some questions specific to them; but be sure to have some good general ones that
could work in various situations.
111 These are some general questions you could ask:
 What prospects are there for growth or advancement? (Shows you're
dedicated and forward thinking.)
 What would a typical day or week be like in this job? (Shows you're
realistic and seeking a good fit.)
 What are some of the biggest challenges of the job? (Shows you're
serious and focused.)
 Is there anything you'd like to discuss that we didn't go over, or that I
could better clarify? (Shows you're thorough and courteous.)
 What's our next step? (Shows you're interested in the job, but not
pushy.)

111 These are some general questions you shouldn't ask:
 Will I be expected to work overtime? (Suggests you may not be serious
or dedicated.)
 What are the salary and benefits? (Save this for when you have a job
offer.)
 Do I have the job? (Suggests pushiness or desperation.)
Practice the Q&A
111 Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend or career counselor who gives
constructive feedback about the form and content of your performance.
 111 Likewise, practice the formal introduction (no limp or sweaty handshakes,
please!).
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Evidence of Past Performance
 Be prepared to show or describe previous work that demonstrates your strengths
for the job under discussion.
11 Your resumé and cover letters are likely starting points for this, so be prepared to
clarify or expand on what's there.
11 Additional evidence could include the work itself, performance reviews, or
professional references. For a first-round interview, you probably won't need to bring these things, but
be prepared to describe them or say they're available upon request.
11 Whether discussing your resumé or performance reviews, it's good to be able to
cite some specific examples that support your application.
 For instance, state how exactly you improved customer satisfaction at
your previous company.
 Numbers can be very persuasive, for instance if you improved revenues
by 30%.
Step 5: The Day Before the Interview
 Now you can tackle some of the easier (but also important) aspects of
preparation. Aim to have all of this done before the day of the interview, so the
next day can be that much easier and effective.
11 Review your research and practice your anticipated questions. See if you've
forgotten anything important.
11 Get a discreet look at the interview location during business hours, so you know
how to get there and can get a sense of the environment.
11 Gather the materials you should take with you:
 A cell phone.
 A portfolio or folder containing (but not stuffed with) your employer
contact info, research, copies of your resumé, a notepad, two pens, and business cards (if you have
them).
 Your calendar, in case they want to schedule a follow-up interview.
 An umbrella, if there's any chance of rain.
11 Prepare anything you need to be properly dressed and groomed, based on your
site visit and/or asking beforehand about the organization's dress code.
 Clothes always should be clean and neatly pressed.
11 Get a good night's sleep.
Step 6: The Day of the Interview
 Now it's time to put all your preparation into practice.
Before Leaving for the Interview
11 Be prepared for possible performance anxiety. You can overcome those natural
jitters by doing things like reviewing your research or taking a brisk walk.
11 Give yourself time to get dressed and groomed, and then be careful to avoid
anything that could mess up your appearance.
On the Road
11 It's essential to be on time.
 This shows respect and good self-management skills, and helps reduce
performance anxiety.
 Aim to arrive quite early at the interview location, but don't approach the
interviewer until your scheduled time.
11 If you're running late despite all your preparation, don't give up.
 Call the employer before the interview time, be honest about why you're
going to be late, apologize, and ask if it's possible to reschedule.
 Maybe you can reschedule and maybe not, but at least try to give
yourself that option.
11 Make sure your cell phone and any other potentially distracting devices are
turned off before you arrive.
Being There
11 Wait patiently and calmly for the interview. No fidgeting or gum chewing.
11 Offer a professional greeting with eye contact and a smile, a solid handshake,
and a polite introduction that follows the interviewer's lead.
Resources for How to Prepare for a Job Interview
 About.com: Interview Questions to Ask the Interviewer
 About.com: Complete List of Behavioral Interview Questions
 Best-Job-Interview.com: List of Interview Questions Not to Ask the Interviewer
 Buzzle.com: Job Interview Jitters
 CareerHub.Typepad.com: Wrangle Multiple Interviews With Ease
 CareerJournal.com: Job-Hunting Advice - Interviewing
 CareerJournal.com: Prepare for Interviews Using Tested Strategies
 CNN and CareerBuilder.com: Answering 6 common interview questions
 CNN and CareerBuilder.com: Interview prep 101
 CNN and CareerBuilder.com: Worst questions to ask at an interview
 CollegeGrad.com: Dressing for Interview Success
 CollegeGrad.com: Ten Tough Interview Questions and Ten Great Answers
 CollegeRecruiter.com: Four Types of Interview Questions
 Essortment.com: How to prepare for a job interview
 HRWorld.com: The Interviewing Cheat Sheet: 100 Resources for Interviewers
and Candidates
 Illinois State University: Interview Preparation
 InterviewTips.org: Group Interview Tips
 ManagementHelp.org: Various Self-Assessments for Personal and Professional
Development
 Monster.com: Prepare
 Monster.com: Dressing for the Interview, by Industry
 MyWritingResources.com: Promotional Interview Strategies
 National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult: Contacting Employers:
Disclosure, Interviews, and Accommodations
 Professional Aptitude Council: Common Mistakes Made by Interviewees
 QuintCareers.com: Job Interview Questions Database for Job-Seekers
 QuintCareers.com: Situational Interviews and Stress Interviews: What to Make of
Them and How to Succeed in Them
 QuintCareers.com: The Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Preparation
 SelfGrowth.com: How To Prepare For A Job Interview
 Simon Fraser University: The eight types of interview questions
 Unidev.com: Great Questions to Ask An Employer During An Interview
 The University of Arizona: Before the Interview: Prepare & Practice
 The University of Delaware: How to Prepare for a Job Interview
 The University of Minnesota: Developing and Using a Portfolio in Interviews
 USA Today: Common interview questions
 USA Today: Illegal interview questions
 USA Today: Prepare for the Job Interview
 Washington State Employment Security Department: Interview Effectively
 Yahoo! HotJobs.com: Interview Preparation
 Yahoo! HotJobs.com: It's Your Turn: What to Ask an Interviewer