Interview Preparation
Does the idea of a job interview make you nervous? You are not alone. Every job candidate benefits from feedback about their skills in an interview situation.
Your skills will improve with practice. Before your real interviews begin, rehearse your interviewing technique with friends, mentors, or in the Career Services mock interview program for job-seeking students and alumni.
Some tips for interview preparation:
Mentally prepare a 20 second introduction for yourself: who you are, your qualifications, and your interest in the position and the organization.
Questions may be of a field-related technical nature, or follow a pattern of behavioral interviewing, designed to reveal your past behavioral patterns.
You can effectively answer behavioral interviewing questions by following a model referred to as P-A-R: Problem - Action - Results. In the PAR model, you first describe the problem or situation; then relate the action you took; and, finally, the results. Specific examples with salient details are best.
You cannot predict what questions will be asked, so it is not wise to memorize prefabricated answers to specific questions. However, it is good to know the types of questions you might face so you can decide what evidence of your skill and anecdotes about your experience show you off to best advantage. Familiarize yourself with standard questions you may be asked.
All questions in an interview aim to answer one thing: why should the company hire you. Answer all questions with one theme in mind: why I am the best person for this job.
Candidates do well when presenting successful examples of their work, or discussing accomplishments. Review your paid and volunteer experiences, course projects, personal projects and make a list of your successes.
For each opportunity, research the company or organization prior to the interview, using their Web site, business profiles, business journal articles and any personal connections you might have. After your research, questions may remain or emerge. Make a list of questions to ask the company or organization. Review sample questions to ask.
Using a video camera, practice the interview process with a friend or associate. Play back the interview and make notes for improvement: did you maintain eye contact? did you answer questions concisely with appropriate examples? were you skilled at redirecting negative questions to illustrate positive attributes?
Assess your physical presentation: is your posture straight but relaxed? Do you emphasize points with hand gestures appropriately but in a small and limited way? Do you smile periodically? In general, do you convey confidence and a positive image?
Your hair should be recently cut and conservatively styled.
Hands and nails should be smooth and manicured.
The quality of your personal care will be interpreted as the quality of care you will exercise in your job.
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This page was last updated Thursday, 15-May-2008 16:16:27 EDT.
Questions or comments?
Email career_services@wright.edu