The job interview is your first face-to-face meeting with a prospective employer. It is critical that this first impression of you is positive and it is almost impossible to overcome a negative first impression. Being prepared for the interview is the key to that positive first impression. Below are some descriptions of different types of interviews, interviewing preparation tips, do’s and don’ts of interviewing, closing and interview follow-up suggestions.

Structured Interview

In a Structured Interview the interviewer asks each applicant the same set of specific questions. A very structured interview may feel rather rigid and formal. A typical question in a structured interview might be “What are your career goals and objectives?”

Unstructured Interviews

Unstructured Interviews are more conversational. The interviewer usually has some general questions in mind, but there will be more give and take of information. An unstructured interview might open with the statement “Tell me something about yourself.”

Behavioral Interview

In a Behavioral Interview the interviewer will ask very pointed questions regarding how you have handled specific kinds of situations, or how you would anticipate dealing with the kinds of challenges presented on the job. A sample question in a behavioral interview might be “describe a situation where you had a difficult customer or client and how you handled it” or “describe a time when you had an issue or disagreement with a co-worker.” When answering these types of questions, be specific. Give a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in successfully solving a problem.

Interview Objective

Remember, the objective of the interview is to convince the interviewer that you are the most qualified potential team member. Use a firm handshake and smile when you meet people, address them by name, and maintain eye contact during the conversation. Place yourself in the position of the interviewer so you can listen and respond from his or her perspective. Demonstrate interest in the company, the job, and especially the interviewer. Remember, you are also interviewing the company. Make sure it meets your needs. Below are some additional interviewing tips.

Interview Preparation

Before you walk into any interview, you should know as much about the company and the position as you possibly can. Always go to the employer’s website and learn as much as you can about the employer. Let them know you did this somewhere in the interview process. After you have studied the company, prepare a list of questions to ask the employer.

No one can predict the exact questions that an interviewer will ask, but there are certain types of interview questions that seem to be asked frequently.

To prepare for the interview, think about how you would answer the following questions:

• Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer in the professional realm only. Review your past positions, education and other strengths.
• What do you know about our organization? If you’ve done your research correctly, you should have no problem answering this one.
• Why are you interested in this position? Relate how you feel your qualifications really match the requirements of the job. Also, express your desire to work for that company.
• What are the most significant accomplishments in your career so far? Pick recent accomplishments that relate to this position and its requirements.
• Describe a situation in which your work was criticized. Focus on how you solved the situation and how you became a better person because of it.
• 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?
• Why did you leave your previous employer or why are you considering leaving your present employer?
• What is your ideal working environment?
• How would your co-workers describe you?
• What do you think of your previous managers?
• If it’s a management position, have you ever terminated 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/compensation are you looking for?

Interview Do’s and Don’ts

There are several common sense interview do’s and don’ts. We have suggested some below.

Interview Do’s:

• Arrive to the interview on time.
• Dress professionally and appropriately. It is always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed for a job interview.
• If presented an application, fill it out completely.
• Bring at least three fresh copies of your resume, even if you have already sent one to the interviewer. Sometimes more than one person will be meeting with you and will want it.
• Be aware of your body language. Sit up straight, don’t cross your arms or fidget with objects, etc. Always have good eye contact with anyone interviewing you.
• Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
• nswer questions truthfully. Never lie.
• Stress your accomplishments and achievements relative to the position.
• Use good listening skills when others are speaking. By listening you will be able to pickup on the employers’ style, body language and tone of voice. Once you understand how the hiring authority thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to better relate to him or her.
• Ask questions. Learn about the hiring manager’s top priorities and needs. This will show your genuine interest in the company as well as your importance of focusing on the company’s needs, and not just your own.
• Always ask questions throughout tine interview. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one sided conversation. Find out what the goals are for the position, and for the company. Try to find out what problems they are tying to solve, and let them know what your previous experience is in those areas and how you can help if they hired you..
• Consider purchasing a book on interviewing to further develop your interviewing skills.

Interview Don’ts:

• Don’t answer vague questions. Rather than answering questions you think you hear, get the employer to be more specific and then respond.
• Never interrupt the employer. If you don’t have time to listen, neither does the employer.
• Don’t ramble. Long answers often make the speaker sound apologetic or indecisive. On the other hand, don’t answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no.” Explain whenever possible.
• Do not make derogatory remarks about your present or former managers, co-workers, employers or companies.
• Don’t make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record or resume.
• Don’t be or act nervous. The best interviews are when there is some humor and laughter.
• Don’t take notes during the interview. Jot down your notes immediately after the interview.
• Don’t emphasize money as your main interest in the job unless the salary is based on commission and is used as a motivator.
• Don’t chew gum or place anything on the employer’s desk.
• Don’t wear heavy perfume or cologne.

Closing the Interview

Too many people second-guess themselves after an interview. By closing strongly and asking the right questions, you can eliminate the post-interview doubts that tend to plague most candidates. If you feel that the interview went well and you would like to take the next step, express your interest to the hiring authority and turn the tables a bit. Try something like the following: “After hearing more about your company, the position and the responsibilities at hand, I am certain that I possess the qualities that you are looking for in the (title) position. Based on our conversation and my qualifications, are there any issues or concerns that you have that would lead you to believe otherwise?” You have a right to be assertive. This is a great closing question because it opens the door for the hiring authority to be honest with you about his or her feelings. If concerns do exist, this is a great opportunity to overcome them. You have one final chance to dispel the concerns, sell your strengths and end the interview on positive note. Express thanks for the interviewer’s time and consideration. Ask for the interviewer’s business card so you can write a thank you letter as soon as possible.

Follow-Up

When you leave the interview, immediately write down key issues uncovered in the interview. Think of the qualifications the employer is looking for and match your strengths to them. Call your recruiter to discuss the interview. A “thank you” letter should be written no later than 24 hours after the interview to the employer.

Tips for sending your follow-up letter:

• Always keep your audience in mind. Address the issues and the concerns that were mentioned during the interview.
• Use the thank you letter as a follow-up “sales” letter to restate your reasons for wanting the position and remind the interviewer why you’re qualified.
• Mention anything of importance that your interviewer might’ve neglected to ask in person.
• Choose your words carefully when using email. Email creates an instant written record, so don’t let the speed and the ease of sending it blind you to the fact that you will be judged on what you’ve said and how you’ve said it.

Sample Thank You Letter

August 1, 2007

Mr. John Smith
Human Resources Manager
ABC Company
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345

Dear John,

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the “insert title of the position here” position with you today. Our conversation gave me a better understanding of ABC Company and the needs of the department. I am confident that my experience and skills can make a positive contribution to ABC Company.

I am excited about the position, and I look forward to the possibility of working with you and your team. Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe