Questions about yourself

"Tell me about yourself" and questions about attitude. These help the employer get to know you more quickly

 

Competency/Work History Questions

Questions that pertain to your employment history (when you have used various skills)

 

Behavior Based Questions

"Tell us about a time when..." type of questions that address how you did something at work, now how you would do something.

An employer will also analyze a candidate's ability to present themselves (how well they communicate, how they dress, how sincere they appear, have they researched the company, do they have a resume?).


They want to know how motivated he/she is to contribute to company goals, and can they prove it? Is the person qualified to do the job, or can they be easily trained in the position? Are they dependable? Can the candidate prove that they can be counted on? This doesn't only mean will they arrive on time, but will they excel in the position?

How Employers Evaluate Candidates

Employers will gladly hire and train someone who might be lacking in their technical skills, as long as the candidate has basic social skills (are they presentable, do they understand customer service, do they have a positive attitude, are they a problem solver and a team player?)


Employers do this because while they can train someone to have exceptional technical skills, they know that someone cannot be trained to have good interpersonal qualities.

Interview  Questions


6) Strong Work Ethic

7) Analytical/problem solving Skills

8) Flexibility/adaptability

9) Computer Skills

10) Self-Confidence


Interviewing Guidelines

Interviewing is an opportunity to convey to the potential employer your interest in the position and present your skills. The resume tells the employer what you have done and the interview enables you to tell the employer what you have accomplished as you sell your personal qualities.

Interviews are a two way street. It is a chance for you to get to know each other and assess if this is a position that could be a good fit for you. The interview gives the employer a chance to determine if you have the skills and attitude to be an effective member of their team.


Preparing for the Interview

** Know yourself

** Think about your skills and interest

** Consider you strengths and weaknesses

** Identify your accomplishments

** Provide examples of how you have utilized your skills


What to Bring to an Interview

** Copies of your resume, References, try to bring a portfolio

** Questions to ask the employer

** Extra pen (very tacky when you have to ask for one)

** Map/Parking money Information to fill-out an application

** Breath mints


Interview Basics

** Be flexible when scheduling an interview.

** Make a dry run if you are unsure of the location (drive there the night/day before)

** Be clear of the name of the person you are interviewing with or who to ask for

** Arrive 10 minutes early. Too early is a potential problem as is late

** Greet the receptionist and introduce yourself and state why you are there


Researching the Employer Boosts your chances

These days, nearly every company has a website or has general information available on the web. Major search engines such as www.yahoo.com and www.google.com offer impeccable information for doing research. An employer is impressed when you have done your homework. It generally shows that the candidate is not just another job seeker, but is highly interested in the position. Employers realize that you have done your homework when you ask specific questions or raise comments about them (information that can only be brought up after researching).


It usually takes 5-30 minutes to research a company. Your goal should be to find out how large they are, if they have a website, how long they have been in business, what specific type of products and services they offer and so on. To find out quickly about a company, go to Google or Yahoo, and type in the name and address of the location to see if there are any matches. If all else fails, you can at the very least contact the office and ask for information.


Interview Tip

The cornerstone of a successful interview is presentation. Your appearance should be conservative in nature, your handshake firm, and your sales presentation (why should they hire you), flawless


Presentation

** Dress for the Interview not the job

** Dress for success, conservatively

** Be neat and clean cut

** Wear make-up conservatively

** It is suggested that women wear either a nice dress or a
    blouse with skirt and blazer, or nice pant suits Men/Business
    suit or tie and jacket


What to Avoid

** No perfume or after shave (interviewer could have a allergic reaction)

** Minimize jewelry

** Only ear piercing should be noticeable

** Keep tattoos hidden if possible

** Don’t smoke beforehand so that you don’t smell like smoke


The Interview Begins

** Standup when being introduced

** Greet with a firm handshake (match their handshake)

** Look the person interviewing you in the eye as you answer questions

** Sit where shown or wait until the interviewer sits down

** Sit up straight, feet on the floor, body forward, and keep your hands on your lap

** Do not accept any kind of beverage (you might spill!)

** SMILE. You will be surprised how well your interview goes if you show your personality just a tad (Don't overdo it)

** Never Ever forget a thank you letter!

A "Few Words" About Interviewing

Click & Download questions in MS Word

Free Resumes, Tips and more
What to Bring to an Interview

** Copies of your resume, and a list of References, try to bring a portfolio

** Questions to ask the employer

** Extra pen (very tacky when you have to ask for one)

** Map/Parking money Information to fill-out an application

** Breath mints

Interview Basics

** Be flexible when scheduling an interview.

** Make a dry run if you are unsure of the location (go the night/day before)

** Know who you are interviewing with or who to ask for

** Arrive 10 minutes early. Too early is a potential problem as is late

** Greet the receptionist and introduce yourself and state why you are there

Qualities Employers Want in Candidates

1) Excellent Written & verbal communication skills

2) Honesty/Integrity

3) Teamwork Skills

4) Relate well to others

5) Takes the initiative, motivated