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 Prepare yourself with effective interview strategies before you actually go
to an organization and meet with the interviewer. Increase your chances of
success by using these tips from the experts.

FIND OUT DETAILS OF THE INTERVIEW

When you are invited for an interview find out who will be interviewing you (name and
title) and what style/format the interview will take. Ask if you are required to bring
anything in particular such as an additional resume, portfolio of past work etc.
Determine if you will need to arrive early in order to complete an application form or
testing.

GET GOOD DIRECTIONS

Be sure you know exactly where to go, how to get there, and expected travel time. If
possible, do a practice run before your appointment.
 RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION
Nearly every organization has published information available. Business directories,
newspapers, trade journals, annual reports are all good sources of information. Speak to
anyone you know who works in the organization to see if they can provide an insider’s
viewpoint.

PREPARE YOUR INTERVIEW MATERIALS

These would include extra copies of your resume, your reference list, letters of
reference, copies of degrees, certificates, credentials/registration, etc. Organize these in
a folder or document keeper which you can present neatly. As well, bring a copy of
your cover letter and, if applicable, the job advertisement. Bring a good pen to
complete an application form, and your prepared list of questions.

DRESS IN A MANNER THAT SUITS THE JOB

Strive for a business-like appearance. Most dress mistakes are those being under-
dressed or too casual.
 PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS IN YOUR APPEARANCE
Ensure that buttons are done up, your shoes are polished, your nails are clean. Avoid
wearing heavy fragrances. Again, be job-appropriate.

HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO GET TO THE INTERVIEW

Never be late. Ideally, you should arrive 15 minutes early in order to have time for one
last check in the washroom mirror, and to feel relaxed.

YOU ARE “ON” THE MINUTE YOU ENTER THE BUILDING

Managers are influenced by the impressions of their assistants and support staff. If you
are rude to the receptionist, that information will be relayed to the interviewer.
 GROOMING
WHAT TO BRING
Shower
Resume/Application form
Hair shampooed
Pen
Clothes – clean, neat, appropriate
for a job interview Knowledge of organization to which
you are applying
Shoes are cleaned and shined

ATTITUDE
Be punctual, realistic, relaxed, courteous, enthusiastic
Show initiative
Smile, pleasant greeting, firm handshake
 COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Clear, concise, well organized thoughts
Good listening skills (eye contact)
Ask pertinent questions
Use expressive effective vocabulary
Participate in conversations and prepare closing question

REMEMBER YOUR STRENGTHS

Come with three stories that give examples of your strengths and skills
Complete these statements:
I have always been glad that I have the ability to…
My greatest achievement this year was…
One of my skills that I hope to use in my work is…
 THE APPLICANT’S PERSPECTIVE
The interview is the focal point of all your work search efforts. It represents your
opportunity to sell yourself in person. An interview is a conversation between 2 or
more people. Its purpose, from your point of view, is ultimately to get the job offer.

You attempt to achieve this goal by:

· persuading the prospective employer to hire you.
· displaying confidence in your ability to perform competently.

· demonstrating interest in the employers’ needs and interests.

· demonstrating behaviors that are congruent and consistent with
your advance “publicity” (e.g. resume, cover letter, promotional
brochure, broadcast letter, letter of inquiry).
 THE EMPLOYER’S PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of the interview from the employer’s point of view is to
assess/evaluate your suitability, relative to other applicants.

For their needs by:

· verifying information supplied in your work search documentation
(e.g. application, cover letter, resume, broadcast letter).

· asking questions, listening to your responses and observing your

body language.

· exploring your values, beliefs, expectations, skills, and

qualifications as they relate to the type of work you are seeking.

· gathering information about you to help in making an

informed decision.
 THE ROLE OF THE INTERVIEWER
In an ideal situation, the interviewer will view him/herself as a “host” and will want
to create a friendly, comfortable environment for the interview. She/he will have
planned the interview structure and questions and will be comfortable with his/her
ability to make effective selection decisions.

The world being what it is, not all interviewers:

· know what they are looking for.

· know what they need.

· know how to interview effectively.

· recognize that the interviewee should be doing most of the talking.

· know how to stress the candidate’s suitability.

 OPENING
Generally begins with a greeting from the interviewer(s).

ESTABLISHING RAPPORT
Means the small talk, the getting-to-know-you that begins, perhaps, as you’re walking
with the interviewer to the interview room.

SETTING THE AGENDA

Your interview will often give you an idea of how long the interview will be and what
to expect as you’re settling into your chair and the environment.
 INFORMATION GETTING
This is the focal point of the interview during which you are asked questions about
your…
Background, Interest in the position/organization, Specific knowledge
Skills and abilities that make you a good candidate for the position
Career plans, Reliability, Work habits, Attitudes
Other information the interviewer deems important

INFORMATION GETTING
Most interviewers will ask you whether you have any questions. They may also give
you an overview of the nature of the opening they’re filling and/or the company and
it’s goal.

CLOSING
The interviewer will be likely advise you that the interview is over and let you know
when and how you can expect to hear about the outcome. If not, you should ask, she/he
should also thank you for your time and interest. You should do the same.
Practice your handshake with different people and ask for feedback.
Get into the habit of shaking hands whenever you greet someone.
Observe what you feel is, and is not, a good handshake.
When meeting someone, listen to the other person’s name and state
yours clearly. The sooner you can use the other person’s name the
better.
 Visualize yourself in the interview.

See yourself- how you are dressed, how you are looking (confident,
professional, enthusiastic).
Watch yourself shake hands as you meet the interview panel, take
your chair and poise and sit in a comfortable position eager to
experience the meeting.
Observe how well you are responding to the questions; questions you
anticipated they would ask and have given some thought to.
Notice how you are feeling as you have the opportunity to
demonstrate that you’ve done your homework by analyzing what
you have to offer and how it matches their needs.
 Now move to the conclusion of the interview. Hear yourself
reinforce your interest in the position and the organization, and
summarize what you would bring to them. Conclude the
interview, confident that you’ve made an impact; that you’ll be
hearing from them soon with a job offer.

By focusing on the image of the best possible scenario, you create

a model in your mind’s eye - here’s what it would look like, be
like, is like. You mentally prepare for the best you can do.

Visualizing a positive outcome can be effective in that your

attitude about yourself can influence your behavior. When you
clearly form the intent to positively influence the outcome, you
will experience more energy and be better able to focus and
concentrate on listening and behaving in a congruent manner.
 Researchers tell us that over 55% of the impact we have in a personal
meeting is our nonverbal presentation. This means the way we look in
total. It includes dress, grooming, body language and facial expression.
Dress Professionally
Like you would if you were working in the position for which you’re
being considered. In your employer research, observe the dress code.
Dress includes your whole appearance from your shoes to your hair,
and everything in between.

CAUTION
Wearing a new outfit for the first time to an interview is not
recommended. Give it a test run.
“YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION”
This refers to the way we carry ourselves and the nonverbal messages
that are transmitted by our gestures or mannerisms.
• Shake hands. Do not hesitate about taking the lead by offering your
hand first.

• Walk and stand straight – head erect and sitting squarely on your
shoulders.

• Sit upright (avoid slouching), feet flat on the floor or crossed at the
ankles, whichever is most comfortable.

• Sitting up and leaning forward shows interest and enthusiasm.

• Make eye contact with all interviewers.

• Hands and arms should be in an open position, resting on your lap,
arms at your chair or at your side.

• Avoid fidgeting, squirming, rocking, or playing with objects, your

hair, clothing, etc.

• Wear a friendly, welcoming smile on your face.

• Look confident.
Arrive five to ten minutes early allows you to do:
* Get your bearings.
* Learn more about the organization and the people who
work there.
* Make that last trip to the washroom.
* Collect your thoughts.
* Affirm your strengths and your ability to give a good
interview.
* Focus on what you’re about to do.
BE SURE TO ALLOW YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME
TO GET THERE, ALLOWING FOR TRAFFIC,
WEATHER, PARKING PROBLEMS, ETC. IT IS A
GOOD PLAN TO DO A “DRY RUN” A DAY OR TWO
BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW.
° A positive, expectant attitude.

° Belief that you have something valuable to offer to this organization.

° An awareness that you can handle anything that comes up in the

interview.

° Knowledge that you’ve prepared well for this big event and you’re
ready!

° Willingness to be yourself.

° Additional copies of your resume.

° A typewritten list of references with phone numbers.

° Transcripts and an original of your degree/diploma/certificate.

° A portfolio (if applicable)

° A list of questions to ask about the organization and position.

° A pad of paper on which to make a few notes to yourself of key points

you want to cover in the interview.
 Interviews can usually spot a “phony” easily. What they want is to get a
sense of the real you. Their job of assessing your suitability is made easier
when you present yourself as you really are. Ask yourself: “What are my
strengths?” The five or six that describe you best are the ones you really
want them to see. One of the best ways to ensure that is what they see is to
affirm those strengths just before the interview.

Your willingness to:

BE SPONTANEOUS
Say “I need some time to think about that.”

ASK FOR CLARIFICATION

If you don’t fully understand the question…or to say “That’s a
tough one - I honestly don’t know.”

SHOW YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR

To acknowledge that you’re nervous.
 There are a few questions that interviewees particularly dislike.
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?
This question is often used as an opening question.
The interviewer wants you to:
• highlight and summarize your background (education, training, and
experience) as it relates to the job you’re being considered for.
The interviewer will learn:
• how well you’ve matched yourself to the job.
• how effectively you organize, summarize and anticipate what she/he
needs to know about you.
• how well you communicate.
 WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?
This one should be a snap since the whole purpose of the work search process is
selling yourself, you should able to answer this one confidently, clearly and
with real conviction. It requires the self analysis we’ve mentioned frequently
and the practice of saying your strengths to yourself and to others until you get
comfortable doing it.
WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?
This question is difficult because most interviewees understand that their role is
to convince the employer to hire them. To reveal weaknesses is to supply the
interviewer with information and reasons not to hire. There is the conflict.
EXAMPLE
“One of my weaknesses is that my expectations of others are sometimes to high.
I expect people to do their best and make good use of time and resources. As a
supervisor or team member, I have to remember that we all have different
strengths and different rates of speed in completing tasks. I’m working on being
more tolerant and patient with others, recognizing my responsibility.”
1) Why do you want to work here?
2) How do you feel that you can help our school/company/organization?
3) What are your strengths?
4) What are your weaknesses?
5) How would you handle this (job related) problem?
6) Tell me about your greatest achievement/disappointment in life.
7) What did you like best/least in your last job?
8) What else do you think I should know about you?
9) Are there any questions you would like to ask about the
school/job/company?
10) How do you spend your spare time?
When the employer says…
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in this job?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
Give me 2 reasons why I should hire you.
He/she is really asking…
What kind of person are you
Are you going to fit into
this company?
Do you have the right
personality?
Are you just looking for any job or
are you interested in this field?
How well do you manage yourself?
How well do you manage your work
with others?
What should I be concerned about?
How would you like to grow personally?
What would you like to learn?
Are you confident? Can you sell yourself?
 Down below are the reasons to why employers rejects job
applicants
1) Poor personal appearance.
2) Inability to express self clearly – poor voice, diction, grammar.
3) Lack of interest and enthusiasm – passive, indifferent.
4) Lack of tact, maturity, vitality, courtesy, and social understanding.
5) Little sense of humor.
6) Lack of knowledge of field specialization.
7) Lack of planning for career – no purpose and goals.
8) Overbearing, overaggressive, conceited, superiority complex, a
“know it all”