Get Hired Interview Skills

Job Interview Skills

An interview is usually your first meeting with the prospective employer and is your opportunity to convince him/her that you are the right person for the job. This handout talks about the job interview, questions your prospective employer may ask, what to do when you are called for an interview, three stages of interview, and interviewing skills.

Facilitator: Muhammad Iqbal

Job interview skills

Job Interview

An interview is usually your first meeting with the prospective employer and is your opportunity to convince him/her that you are the right person for the job. For a successful interview, you must make a positive first impression. Answer the interviewer’s questions in ways that demonstrate that your experience and qualifications meet the requirements of the job.

Kinds of Interview

There are various kinds of interview other than job interviews. Job interviews include following:

1. Telephonic Interview2. Panel or Board Interview3. One-on-One Interview4. Group Interview5. Teleconference

What to ask when the employer calls you for an interview?

1. What is the time and date of the interview?2. Who am I meeting with? What is this person’s position?3. What is the exact address?4. Can I please have your phone number in case I need to reach you?

Telephone interview

Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.

While you are actively job searching, it’s important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment’s notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

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Be prepared for telephonic interview

1. Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it’s at your fingertips when you need to answer questions

2. Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review

3. Have a pen and paper handy for note taking

4. Turn call-waiting off so your call isn’t interrupted

5. If the time isn’t convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternative

6. Clear the room – evict the kids and the pets; turn off the stereo and the TV, close the door

During the Phone Interview

1. Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink

2. Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth

3. Smile! Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.

4. Speak slowly and enunciate clearly

5. Don’t interrupt the interviewer

6. Take your time-it’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts

7. Give short answers

8. Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview; after you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person

After the Interview:

1. Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered

Follow up and adjust yourself accordingly

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Interviews in PersonOne-on-one, Group or Board Interview

After you have been called for an interview:

a) Visit - If you do not know it already, visit the place of employment once before the interview so you can find out about the customers and services. This will also give you an idea of the route and the time it will take to get there on the day of the interview

b) Practice - Read the question sheet and practice answers with someone you feel comfortable with before the day of the interview. Make sure you have an answer and/or explanation for everything written on your resume, cover letter and application form. The better prepared you are, the better your answers will be

c) Review - Your resume data (skills, relevant experience etc.). Also review the description of the position applied for, the company’s history, pamphlet, website etc; and anticipate problem areas (e.g. starting salary and number of years experience required for the job).

d) Bring the following - The address, phone number and the name of the person who will be interviewing. Two to three copies of your most recent resume (one for you and one for the employer) and references on a separate sheet of paper; and a pen

Three stages of interview

1. Opening: Establishing a rapport2. Main body: Exchanging information3. Closing: Question the interviewer and arranging to call back

Opening

(a) Shake hands warmly(b) Introduce yourself – name (c) Be prepared to make small talk to put both of you at ease(d) Sit down after you are asked to

Main body

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(a) Know your resume(b) Refer to your resume and written notes, but don’t appear to be reading a script

(c) Desirable personality factors(d) Work experience(e) Previous positions; emphasize problem solving areas most related to the

current needs of the prospective employer

Closing the interview

(a) Express a desire to hear from the interviewer soon and arrange to call back(b) Ask interviewer questions about the job(c) Thank the interviewer, tell him/her of your interest in the job; and shake hands(d) Ask about job leads at other places and mention to him/her if you are

interested in part-time jobs as well

On the day of interview

DO’S…1. Always get to the interview a bit early (5 to 10 minutes), and do not bring any

friends2. Make sure you are clean and well-groomed3. Do answer questions honestly and straight-forwardly (give examples if

necessary)4. Do stress your qualifications5. Do approach employer with respectful6. Do try to be optimistic in your attitude7. Do hold yourself erect (avoid leaning)8. Do have at least three questions to ask9. Do have a list of references and credentials (be sure to contact references ahead

of time)10. Do be a good listener; employer to express11. Do learn in advance of the interview about the company and its products12. “Check in” and confirm the interview time and pronunciation of interviewer’s

name.

DON’TS…1. Do not chew or smoke during interview2. Do not discuss past irrelevant experiences3. Do not display overconfidence4. Do not beg for consideration5. Do not hesitate to fill out an application, give references6. Do not make claims that you cannot deliver7. Do not try to be funny8. Do not criticize previous employer (s)9. Do not be a “know-it-all” person

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10. Do not talk too little or too much11. Do not be late, unprepared, or untidy12. Do not oversell your case

Practice Questions and Answers

Tell me about yourself.

Why do you want this job?

Why did you leave your last job?

What do you know about this company?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

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Why should we hire you?

What is your greatest strength and weakness?

Can you work under pressure?

What kinds of decisions do you find hard to make?

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Questions to ask in the interview

When you think interview is going to its natural end, you, as a candidate, can ask some questions to the interviewer or interviewing board. Some of questions may include:

1. What would my expected duties be? What will I be expected to do?

2. Will I need training for this job? If yes, is it paid?

3. What are the organization’s (or department) principal challenges?

4. What kind of people tend to be successful within your establishment?

5. What are the greatest challenges of this job?

6. How would you describe your company’s personality and management style?

7. What are your expectations for new hires?

8. When will I hear from you about your decision?

9. Will there be a second interview?

10. When would the position start?

11. If I am hired, who will be my immediate supervisor?

12. Why is the position currently open?

13. Does this position have a detailed job description?

14. What are the opportunities for personal growth in your company?

15. Is there a probationary period? How long is it?

16. How is an employee evaluated and promoted?

17. How much travel is normally expected in this position?

18. Is it company policy to promote from within?

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Some guidelines for Interviewing

The interviewing stage of your job search is the most critical. Your success or failure in obtaining a position is often determined at the interview. However, anyone can learn to interview well, since most mistakes can be anticipated and corrected. Learn the following top interviewing techniques to give you a winning edge.

1. Bring extra copies of your resume to the interview 2. Dress conservatively and professionally 3. Be aware of your body language4. Consider first and last impressions5. Fill out company applications completely6. Remember that the purpose of every interview is to get an offer 7. Understand employers’ needs 8. Be likeable - Be enthusiastic. 9. Make sure you have the right skills - Know your competition. 10. Display an ability to work hard to pursue an organization’s goals11. Market all of your strengths 12. Give definite answers and specific results 13. Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes 14. Relate stories or examples that heighten your past experience 15. Know everything about your potential employer before the interview 16. Rehearse and practice interview questions before the interview 17. Know how to respond to tough questions 18. Address the relevant needs of the employer 19. Identify your strengths and what you enjoy doing 20. Know how you communicate verbally to others 21. Don’t plan to arrive on time, plan to arrive early 22. Treat everyone you meet as important to the interview 23. Answer questions with complete sentences and with substance 24. Reduce your nervousness by practicing stress-reduction techniques 25. Be sure to ask questions

Good luck - happy interview

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Get Hired Interview Skills