Lesson 13: Interview Like a Pro
When do you think the interview begins? When I ask this question someone usually responds, “When you meet the interviewer.”
Actually, the interview begins with your initial contact with a company. That includes the initial telephone call to set up the interview appointment, an e-mail inquiry, when you are sitting in the waiting room waiting for an appointment, or when you are interacting with the secretary or receptionist. With each contact you make with a potential employer, you are providing information that they will use to form an opinion about you-even before you meet face-to-face! Therefore you need to be at your best whenever you have any contact with the employer.
The difference between candidates who ace their interview and those who do not is their level of preparation. Would you go into a final exam unprepared? If you did, the outcome would not be very good. You would have more success and feel more confident if you arrived well prepared. The same principles apply to the interview.
Now watch the video to learn how to prepare for an interview, about the different types of interviews, and the types of questions that you’ll be asked during an interview: Interview Like a Pro.
Here is a list of commonly asked questions on an interview: Commonly Asked Interview Questions.
This is a list of interview questions that college graduates are often asked:
1.Can you tell me a little about yourself?
2.What do you know about our company and why do you want to work for us?
3.How would you describe your ideal working environment?
4.What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
5.How would someone who knows you well describe you?
6.Describe a challenging situation that you have faced during your college years, and how you resolved it.
7.Why did you choose this college?
8.What was your favorite course? Your least favorite?
9.Are you willing to travel/relocate?
10.Why should I hire you?
Using a Portfolio
Students who major in art, communications, graphic design, architecture, education engineering, computer science/IT, marketing, and sales often bring a portfolio to the interview to showcase their skills. A portfolio can be in paper (binder) or digital format and should contain representative samples of your creativity, artistic range, lesson plans, research projects, computer programs, engineering designs, and past projects. To learn how to construct a portfolio, please read: Creating a Portfolio.
The more prepared you are for an interview, the more confident you will feel, and the better you will perform. I have served on many search committees and I can tell you that good candidates are easy to spot because they really stand out during an interview. So many candidates come unprepared for questions, are not dressed professionally, or project a sloppy, unfocused, or unprofessional image.
When you go to an interview, use this checklist to help you prepare and to evaluate your performance. Download this interviewing checklist: Interview Checklist.
Assignment 13
Directions: Practice your interviewing skills using Big Interview located at www.jobgateway.pa.gov. Register and then click on Big Interview.
When you have practiced interviewing, you will be ready to learn about finding job openings in Lesson 14.