Interviewing Skills

Arun John Mathias

Interviewing - What is it?

- A structured meeting between
you and an employer
- Interviewing is a skill - like
riding your bike
- PRACTICE makes PERFECT

Interviewing is a twotwo-way process

Employers are attempting
to determine if you are an
appropriate fit for the job
and their culture
- You decide if the
environment is right for
you.
-

Types of Interviews
Phone: used as an initial screen of
candidates or to narrow the pool of applicants
One-on-One: most common interview style and
incorporates you with the potential employer

Types of Interviews
Panel or Group: allows many individuals to
interview you at once
Second or On-site Interview: this allows one to
get a tour of the facility, meet the staff, and
additional questioning from different employees
and/or administration

Pre--Interview Preparation
Pre
Research position, company & industry
Know yourself and be able to articulate
skills, strengths, accomplishments and career
goals
Prepare necessary materials (Copies of
resume, photos, references, pen/paper all
arranged neatly in folder)
Ask for directions (Use Google Maps)

Arriving
Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at
your destination
Arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site to
allow you to park, walk to the interview, use
the restroom or just gather yourself

Greeting & Introduction

Dress appropriately
Your entry
Smile
Maintain eye contact
Firm handshake
Remain poised and
confident

Body Language:
What signals are you sending?
Positive Signals
Leaning forward =
interest
Smiling = friendly
Nodding = attentive
and alert
Eye contact =
curious and focused

Negative Signals
Crossed arms =
defensive
Fidgeting hands or
tapping feet = nervous
or bored
Lack of eye contact =
untrustworthy
Leaning back=
discomfort

Types of Interview Questions

Sample Questions

Standard or
traditional:

targeting your education,

work experiences, and
career goals

Tell me about yourself?

What is your greatest
strength? Weakness?
Why did you choose to
interview with us?
What are your short and
long term career goals?
What did you like most
about your last job?
Least?

Types of Interview Questions

Behavioral Questions
- These focus on your
actions and/or
behaviors in a
previous setting
- Past behavior
provides clues to
future behavior

Sample Questions

Describe a time you had to

make a difficult decision
Tell me about a time you
worked under a deadline
What do you do when a
team member is not pulling
his/her weight?
Think about a time you
made a mistake. What did
you learn from it?

Types of Interview Questions

Inappropriate or
unethical questions
Sample Questions
- Questions which probe Do you have a
into your private life or
boyfriend/girlfriend?
personal background
Do you have a
- Questions about your
disability?
ethnicity, religion, sexual
What religion do you
orientation, disabilities,
practice?
marital status

Types of Interview Questions

Questions asked by
the interviewee
To determine if you are
an appropriate fit for
the company and
position

Sample Questions

What type of assignments

can I expect within the first
year?
What is the biggest
challenge facing this
company/industry right
now?
What is the next course of
action?

General Interview Strategies

- Be prepared to talk about yourself and your
experiences
- Master the art of storytelling
- Provide specific and concrete examples of your
results/accomplishments
- Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident
throughout the interview process

General Interview Strategies

Remember an interview is a formal conversation

avoid filler words like Um, Ah, & You know
Avoid indecisive phrases like: I think, I guess,
probably, or pretty good
Think before speaking
Avoid long verbose answers limit your response
to 1-2 minutes
If you do not hear or understand a question, ask
them to repeat or clarify it for you

General Interview Strategies

Remain calm, relaxed,
and be yourself
Try to focus on the
message you are trying
to convey--NOT how
badly or well you are
doing!

Dressing for Success - Men

Formal shirt and pant

Tie not much used
nowadays
Polished formal shoes
Neatly groomed hair
Avoid strong colognes,
earrings, and body
piercing

Dressing for Success - Women

Smart salwar-kameez or dress
Comfortable footwear
Light makeup and perfume
Non-distracting jewelry

FOLLOW--UP
FOLLOW

Ask good questions

Thank the interviewer

Inquire about next steps in the process

Final Thoughts
Take some time to reflect
- Overall, how well did I do?
- What went well?
- What steps can I take next time to
improve?

Suggestions
Practice! Practice! Practice!
Obtain a list of practice interview
questions and jot down short answers
Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse
your answers
Get a good nights sleep - be well rested and
alert for the interview
Be relaxed and be yourself!