General Interview tips

• Do some research on the employer before the interview, and have a good understanding of their business.
• Practice interviewing.
• Greet the employer with a handshake.
• Make frequent eye contact.
• Smile, be polite, and the most important of all is to relax.
• Listen carefully to the questions asked.
• Answer the questions as directly as possible.
• Be optimistic and make positive statements.
• Use examples of how your skills and abilities would fit the job.
• Bring your “Fact Sheet” with telephone numbers and addresses of your references and former employers, just in case you are asked to complete an application.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

After you have studied the company, make a list of questions for your employer. Here are some for your reference.

• Why is this position available?
• What are your goals for this position?
• How will my performance be evaluated?
• What opportunities are there for career growth?
• Two years? Five years?
• What growth do you anticipate for your company in the next 12 months?
• What will your customers expect of me?
• What other departments will I work with and what are their expectations?

QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED

It’s best to write down answers to these questions and practice answering them verbally before your interview.

• Tell me about yourself.
Keep your answer in the professional realm only. Review your past positions, education and other strengths.
• Why are you interested in this position?
Relate how you feel your qualifications match the job requirements. Also, express your desire to work for the employer.
• What are the most significant accomplishments in your career?
Identify recent accomplishments that relate to the position and its requirements.
• Describe a situation in which your work was criticized.
Focus on how you resolved the situation and became a better person because of the experience.
• What do you know about our organization?
• How would you describe your personality?
• How do you perform under pressure?
• What have you done to improve yourself over the past year?
• What did you like least about your last position?
• Are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) company?
• What is your ideal working environment?
• How would your co-workers describe you?
• What do you think of your boss?
• Have you ever fired anyone?
• What was the situation and how did you handle it?
• Are you creative?
• What are your goals in your career?
• Where do you see yourself in two years?
• Why should we hire you?
• What kind of salary are you looking for?
• What other types of jobs/companies are you considering?