Interviewing

Keys to a Successful Interview

An interview is an integral part of any job search process. Preparation is the key. The amount of time you spend preparing for an interview is in direct correlation with the success of that interview. The Cascadia Community College would like to offer four keys to a successful interview.

How well do you know yourself? Will you know what to say when you are asked to "Tell me about yourself?" You need to know your values, strengths, skills, education and interests. If you are unsure of your values, use the Work Related Values Assessment to find the values most important to you. Translate your strengths into assets the company is looking for. Be sure to keep your answer between 60 - 120 seconds. Any longer and you will lose the interest of the interviewer.

Find out everything you can about the organization before the interview. Know the company's products, services, history, training program, financial status and employee relations. Look on the company website, ask neighbors, ask for annual reports, and public relations materials. You may also look at either a local or university library. Your local librarian would be a good source for information.

You need to review the skills and competencies required for the position. Take the time to articulate your key strengths as they relate to the position. You will need to know if the position is part of a team or not. If you know what is required you will be better able to answer the interview questions.

Everything we do well and are successful in takes practice. An interview is no exception. Practice how to get to the interview and where to park, so you will be on time. Practice a brief introduction of yourself (60 - 120 seconds). Try on what you are going to wear. Practice answering questions in front of your mirror. Practice, practice, practice. Make an appointment for a mock interview. Practice answering questions with faculty members, your colleagues, your significant other or even your neighbor. Practice your tone of voice, be positive.

The following are some questions to get you started:

Why do you want to work for this company?
What is your greatest weakness?
Describe the most difficult assignment you have tackled.
What motivates you to do a good job?
Why did you choose this career?

Questions you might ask the Employer at the interview

At almost every interview you will be given a chance to ask questions. You should have several prepared. It will convey to the interviewer that you are thoughtful, enthusiastic and interested in the position and the company. Do not ask about salary or benefits at this time. Hold those questions until after you have an offer. Below are a few questions you might ask.

How would you describe your management style?
Would you describe the job responsibilities for me please?
What characteristics do you most like to find in people in this job?
What specific experiences would help someone do well in this job?
I know about your______ (product, service, company.) Would you please tell me more about________?
What would you consider to be the most difficult task involved in this job?
Will I have an opportunity to meet the people I will be working with?
What would be a typical first assignment?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
Is this a newly created job? If so, what results are you hoping to see?
To whom would I be reporting?
Does the company accept ideas or suggestions?
How socially responsible is the company?
Do you have any questions about my resume or application?

Compilation of questions from Careers Centers at Bellevue Community College and University of Washington. 2002

Questions Most Commonly Asked During an Employment Interview

Tell me about yourself.
What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
What are your long range and short-range goals and objectives? What and why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
Why did you choose your particular field of work?
Which is more important to you, the money or the type of job?
How would you describe yourself?
How would your friends describe you?
What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
Why did you choose your particular college?
How has your college experience prepared you for this particular career job/position?
Would you prefer a large or small company? Why?
What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
Why do you think you would like this particular job?
Will you relocate? Does the thought of relocation bother you?
What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
Why did you decide to apply for this position with this company/organization?
Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
What school activities have you participated in and why? Which did you enjoy the most and why?
What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable? Why?
How do you work under pressure?
In what part-time and/or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why?
Are you willing to travel?
Why would you like to live in the community in which our company is located?
What major problems have you encountered and how did you deal with them?
What have you learned from your mistakes?
What college subjects did you like the best? Why?
Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?
What kind of work did you perform while serving in the military?
Have you ever changed your major field of interest while in college? Why?
What do you know about opportunities in the field in which you are trained?
Do you like routine work?
Define cooperation?
What are your special abilities?
What kind of work interests you?
What do you know about our company?
What personal characteristics are necessary for success in your CHOSEN field?
If you were hiring a graduate for the position, what qualities would you look for?
Tell me about one of your failures?
What about your last job bothered you the most?
Give me a time you dealt with criticism from your boss?
How do you organize and plan for major projects?
What kind of work are you looking for?
What experience do you have that prepares you for this position?
Why should we hire you for this position?
What book has had the greatest impact on you?
What three words best describe you?
What did you learn in school that will help you succeed in school?
What did you learn in school that will help you succeed in this job?

Online Interviewing Tips:

http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/CareerBytes/Index.htm#interviewing - Careerbuilder has articles that offer advice on resume writing, interviewing, and the job search process.

http://interview.monster.com/ - Monster has helpful interviewing tips and provides opportunities to practice interviewing.

http://www.wetfeet.com/advice/interviewing.asp - Wetfeet's site has tons of articles related to the interviewing process and more. Great place to search for answers/advice on everything from what to wear to an interview to how to turn down a job offer.

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