Interview Skills

Unit IV - Interview Skills

Interview Skills

A job interview can be described as a mutual "exchange of information" because it provides the candidate with an opportunity to both gain information about the department and position, and to discuss his/her own skills, and career goals in relation to the job.

The interview is a conversation in which you and an employer exchange information. Your objective is to get an offer of a job, and the employer's objective is to find out the following:

What you have to offer (your skills, abilities, basic knowledge).

Who you are (your personality, character, interests).

Why you should be hired (you have what they are seeking).

The interviewer will try to determine whether you will be an asset to the organization.

4.1.2 The Purpose of the Interview

It is important to remember that the purpose of the interview is two-fold:

(1) The employer needs to find out if you are the best candidate for the job and

(2) you need to find out if this is a good opportunity for you.

From the employers perspective, they want to find out:

Can you do the job?

• Do you have the appropriate background, including education, skills, and experience?

• Do you have the expertise needed to make you "stand out?"

• Are you able to learn and adapt?

Will you do the job?

• Do you want to work for this company, or do you simply see it as a stepping-stone?

• Are you aware of and honest about your future goals and plans?

• Are you motivated and eager to learn?

Will you fit in?

• Do you work well with others?

• How do you respond to supervision and criticism?

• Do you have the skills to balance where their team is currently weak? Do they like you?

From the candidate's perspective, you want to find out:

What do I want my typical work day to look like? What are my career goals for the next five years?

• Do I want to spend a lot of time on the phone?

• Do I want to work with new people every day?

• Will this job help me to achieve these goals?

What kind of work schedule do I want?

• Does this position require a great deal of overtime?

• Will I be required to travel?

• Are evening hours involved?

What kind of work setting do I want?

• Do I want to work mostly in the office?

• Do I want travel involved?

Am I willing to relocate?

4.1.3 Types of Interviews

1.      The Phone Interview

Due to a company's geographic location, travel costs, and divergent schedules, a phone interview may often be your initial contact with a prospective employer. Therefore, we're offering some phone interview tips.

Objective - The idea behind a phone interview is to gain an invitation for a personal interview, and to gather more information for future steps in the process.

Preparation - Have a pad, pen, and a copy of your resume near the phone. Use a phone in a quiet area. Avoid any background noise. Also avoid using a cordless phone, because they tend to transmit poorly.

2.      One-on-One Interview

 This is the most common interview format and is usually conducted on site by the hiring manager. The interview focuses on questions to assess your skills, knowledge, and abilities specific to the job. Tip: In addition to selling your key strengths, ask what problems the supervisor is facing currently and then suggest strategies that he or she could implement to resolve the issue.

3.      Panel/group Interview

 Three or more people, representing varied departments within the company, typically conduct group interviews. These representatives generally ask you questions that relate to their areas of interest and expertise.

Tip: Remember to direct your answers to the person who asks the question, but maintain eye contact with other members of the group as well. Gather business cards from the group. Place the cards in front of you in the configuration of the people in the room to remember names and key in to their represented functions. Following the interview, send a thank you note to each of the participants, personalizing with comments or questions specific to that individual or division.

4.      Video conferencing/ video interview

Ø  Make sure the table is clean and neat. You don’t want to distract the interviewer.

Ø  Be aware that the microphone picks up all the noise in the room. Don’t tap your pen or shuffle papers.

Ø   Make eye contact. If you don’t the camera will be focused on the top of your head.

Ø  Use the Picture-in-Picture feature so you can see how you appear.

Ø  The interview process will be the same as an in-person interview. The interviewer’s objective (to screen candidates for employment) is the same.

Ø  You will be asked the same type of interview questions. Also, be prepared to ask questions.

4.1.4 Preparing for the Interview

 You need to get your goals in focus. You need to know what you want, where you want to be, who can employ you and, most importantly, why you will be good at the job you seek. If you are undecided or unsure about the jobs that best match your skills, interests, and background, take time now to assess yourself and explore various career fields. It is very difficult and can be frustrating to conduct a job search if you are unsure about your career options.

Know Yourself

Most interviews include questions regarding your qualifications, education, campus and community activities, prior work experience, personal characteristics, skills, and career interests. To prepare for answering questions about yourself, think about the following questions:

ü  Which personality characteristics and skills do I want to talk about?

ü  What job experiences are most relevant to this position?

ü  What did I gain from my college education?

Focus on those experiences that best sell you for the position for which you are interviewing. Identify your three main strengths. Be able to cite specific examples and apply these strengths directly to the requirements of the position you are seeking. You should also be prepared to state the reasons why you should be hired, what you have to offer the employer, and your interests in the position.

Research the Position

Analyze the job description and how your background, skills, and experience apply to the position. Evaluate your interest in this career field and be able to verbalize it. If the job description is limited, research similar jobs in similar companies and look up information on the job title in various career information resources, such as the O*Net.  

Research the Employer and Industry

It is important to learn as much as you can about the employer before you interview. By adequately researching the organization, you will have a much better chance of creating a positive impression. The following questions can help guide your research:

Ø  What are the organization's philosophy and goals?

Ø  What are the size and structure of the organization?

Ø  What are the organization's products and services?

Ø  What is the organization known for?

Ø  What are the geographical locations of its plants, stores, or sales outlets?

Ø  How well is the organization doing? (growth patterns)

Ø  Who are the organization's clientele or customers and major competitors?

Ø  What are the organization's entry-level positions and career paths?

Ø  What type of training does the organization offer its employees?

To obtain information about the employer, read company annual reports, recruiting brochures, promotional materials, job descriptions, trade journals, Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Business Week, and other business publications. Faculty, alumni, friends, and present employees can also be helpful sources of information.

4.1.5 During the Interview

First impressions - First impressions take only thirty seconds. Establishing rapport, direct and sustained eye contact, a firm handshake, a warm smile, good posture, and introducing yourself in a confident manner are important ingredients. A well-groomed, professional appearance is critical. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake, whether it is a woman or a man. (No one likes a weak handshake.) Always maintain eye contact while shaking hands.

Smile - A smile denotes confidence in a candidate. Try to smile often. Also, don't be afraid to use some hand animation while answering questions. This suggests enthusiasm in a candidate.

Body Language - Use good posture, and look the interviewer right in the eye. Sit up straight. Never slouch.

Speak Clearly - Don't mumble. It portrays a lack of confidence. Speak with assurance. This indicates confidence.

Listen Before Answering - Allow the employer to begin the interview, but be prepared with some opening statements or questions such as, "I understand that this position involves…," or "What are you looking for in a job candidate?" Make sure you understand the question. If not, ask the interviewer to clarify it. Don't be afraid to take some time to think before answering. Interviewers are impressed with someone who thinks out an answer before speaking.

 Give Brief Answers - Make your answer concise and to the point. Rambling tends to suggest that you really don't have the answer to the question(s) asked.

Previous Employers - Never, ever say anything negative about your present or previous employers. No matter how much you may have disliked someone, find a way to give your experiences a positive spin.

Be Truthful - Don't lie when asked about something you haven't done. The next question will be "tell us about it."

Know Your Resume - Be prepared to talk about every fact that is on your resume. Many people embellish their accomplishments on their resumes. Avoid this, since the only point of reference an interviewer has about you is the resume you provide to him/her beforehand.

Keep things at a professional level - Sometimes near the end of an interview, the two parties start feeling comfortable with each other. Don't let this comfortable feeling lead Page 3 of 5 you to telling them something about yourself that they really shouldn't know. Always keep things at a professional level.

Look for Something in Common - This is something that has given us an edge in the past. Try to find a common bond between yourself and your interviewer. If you are being interviewed in an office, look at how the office is decorated. Look for something you can identify with. Is his/her college diploma hanging on the wall? Did you attend a nearby school, or perhaps one in the same Division? If so, make a quick comment about it: "Did you attend Penn State? I attended the University of Michigan. What a great football conference." Interviewers sometimes feel more comfortable with people with whom they have something in common. This approach has helped several candidates obtain a position over other qualified candidates. Above all, be sincere.

4.1.6 After the Interview

v  Send a concise 1 – 3 paragraph thank-you letter within 24 to 48 hours of the interview. Reiterate your interest in the position, mention anything you know reinforces you as a good fit for the job, and your contact information.

v  If you are not selected for the job, it is OK to politely ask an interviewer which area(s) you could improve on in the future!

4.1.7 How to Dress for an Interview

Good grooming

Check your hair, fingernails, and make-up application. Clothing should be neatly pressed and shoes should be in good condition.

Dress conservatively

The emphasis should be on appropriate dress; there is no rule that fits all people. For male and female professionals, a conservative and properly fitting business suit is recommended. If in doubt, dress up. Jewelry should be limited. Beards and mustaches are generally accepted when nicely groomed

Qualities Employers Evaluate During the Interview

Ø  Self concept, self confidence, goal setting, realistic assessment of strengths and limitations

Ø  Mature behavior and judgment

Ø  Communication skills, the ability to interact with others, the ability to listen actively

Ø  Leadership potential, often demonstrated in extracurricular activities and on the job

Ø  Personality, enthusiasm, poise, cheerfulness, flexibility, sense of humor

Ø  Patterns of accomplishment

Ø  Problem solving and analytical abilities

Ø  Interest in and knowledge of career field

Ø  Work ethic, acceptance of responsibility, ability to keep commitments

Ø  Appearance, dress and grooming

4.1.8 Interview Do’s and Don’ts

 Do’s

Ø  Do make sure that your hands are attractive. This means spotlessly cleaning with trimmed nails.

Ø  Do make sure your hair is in place and conservative.

Ø  Do pay attention to your scent. Women with powerful perfumes and men with intense colognes can destroy interviews. Moderation is recommended.

Ø  Do go to the rest room before you visit the employment lobby. It is embarrassing to interrupt an interview, and you want to be as comfortable as possible.

Ø  Do get a good night’s sleep before each day that you search for employment. If you yawn in the lobby or smother a yawn during the interview, it will cost you. Be rested and at your alert best.

Ø  Do look the interviewer in the eye. Recruiters place a lot of emphasis on eye contact.

Ø  Do try to sparkle! Use gestures in your conversation. Make sure they are smooth and emphatic.

Ø  Do smile. 

Ø   Do make sure you get the interview’s name right and use it a few times in the interview.

Ø  Do have some money with you. You never want to be in the embarrassing position of having to say, “I don’t have any money with me.” The employer will almost always pay any expenses for something the company asks you to do.

Ø  Do take notes if you wish. Write down some questions before you go into the interview.

Ø  Do let the interviewer set the pace of the interview. Let him or her lead with the questions.

Ø  Do let the interviewer decide when the interview is over.

Ø  Do ask the interviewer when you will hear from him or her again if he or she does not offer the information.

Don’ts

Ø  Don’t be late. In fact, plan to be early for any scheduled interview. If you are late or arrive just in the nick of time, the interviewer will start to wonder how prompt you might be after you start to work.

Ø  Don’t wear your outer clothes into an interview. Take any kind of overcoat off. Take rubber boots off and leave them in the employment lobby. Wearing those to an interview gives the impression you are anxious and want to leave.

Ø  Don’t sit down until you are asked. Don’t worry about this, the recruiter won’t make you stand-but if you move quickly to your chair and sit down, you will appear forward.

Ø  Don’t have anything in your mouth except your teeth-no gum, no candies, no breath mints and no cigarettes (obviously!)

Ø  Don’t lean on or put your elbows on the interviewer’s desk. Sit back in your chair, so the interviewer can see more of you. Sit erect.

Ø  Don’t wear tinted glasses into an interview and if don’t wear your eyeglasses all the time, don’t park them on top of your head. Take them off and put them in your purse or pocket.

Ø  Don’t carry an oversized handbag even if it is fashionable. Carry a bag that is smaller and more manageable. Put it on the floor during the interview. Never place it on the interviewer’s desk.

Ø  Don’t have unusually long fingernails. This applied to men as well as women.

Ø  Don’t show your nervousness by drumming your fingers, swing your leg, or cracking your knuckles. Don’t have any loose change in your pocket—most of us tend to jingle it when we’re nervous. (You really shouldn’t have your hands in your pockets in the first place.)

Ø  Don’t keep adjusting your clothes.

Ø  Don’t fiddle with your hair.

Ø  Don’t compare the recruiter’s office with others that you have seen. The recruiter might decide that you have seen the inside of too many employment offices, including his or hers.

Ø  Don’t pick up anything from the recruiter’s desk unless you are invited to do so.

Ø  Don’t listen to any phone calls the recruiter may receive while you are with him or her. It’s hard not to listen, but do you best to tune it out. After such a phone call, don’t comment on something he or she said or ask a question about the conversation.

Ø  Don’t stand if someone else (man or woman) enters the recruiter’s office. Keep your chair and don’t say anything to the visitor unless you are spoken to first. If the recruiter introduces you to the person who came in, then you may stand.

Ø  Don’t inspect or read documents on the recruiter’s desk.

Ø  Don’t call the recruiter “sir” or “ma’am” too much. Respect is mandatory, but don’t go overboard.

Ø  Don’t overuse the interview’s name. Too much of that is annoying.

Ø  Don’t be a comedian. Wisecracks and laughter can come later. Be pleasant, but remember that the interviewing process is formal and serious. An overly lighthearted approach will cause the interviewer to question the seriousness of your purpose.

Ø  Don’t give one or two word answers. The recruiter is trying to get to know you. Talk to him or her. If you go into a shell, you probably won’t be hired.

Ø  Don’t dominate the conversation. Answer the questions thoroughly, but don’t drone on forever.

Ø  Don’t interrupt. It is inexcusable in an interviewing situation.

Ø  Don’t use profanity even if the recruiter does. It can’t possibly help your image.

Ø  Don’t use a lot of slang.

Ø  Don’t gush. You can be pleasant without being syrupy.

Ø  Don’t say “you know” all the times. It’s, you know, annoying.

Ø  Don’t call the interviewer by his or her first name, unless invited to do so.

Ø  Don’t slip into a speech-making or preaching tone of voice. You are not on the Senate floor. You are in a conversation.

Ø  Don’t mumble.

Ø  Don’t chatter while the interviewer is reviewing your resume. Let him or her read it in peace.

Ø  Don’t interpret items on your resume until you are asked. Your resume should be self-explanatory. If additional details are needed, the interview will ask for them.

Ø  Don’t try to overpower the recruiter with bragging or overstatement. He or she will not respond well, and he or she is probably skilled in recognizing distortions of background and experience.

Ø  Don’t lie about anything. Sometimes candidates lie about their salary. Recruiters often ask for proof, such as a W-2 form.

Ø  Don’t criticize your present or past employer too much. If it is a bad situation, you can mention it but don’t harp on it. Be objective instead of complaining or bad mouthing.

Ø  Don’t get angry or even irritated during the interview. You can be firm—not angry—if the questioning becomes improper or begins to slip into irrelevant areas.

Ø  Don’t look at your watch during the interview. This tends to hurry things along. Let the interview set the pace.

Ø  Don’t ask, “Will I get the job?” or “Can I have the job?” Those questions tend to push the recruiter and he or she will not like that. Rather say, “I hope you can consider me as a candidate for this job” or I’m really interested in the job.”

Ø  Don’t talk about the salary until later in the hiring process or until the recruiter brings it up.