So you have an Interview!?
Call Career Services (202-884-9636) to schedule a
video mock-interview!
Here are some general tips to get you started:
Know yourself! Know your skills, experiences, interests
& career goals. Be prepared to share them with an employer.
Know the employer! Research the business, their mission
& whom they serve. Use other employees, newspapers, web
sites, & publications.
Practice makes perfect! Practice interviewing with
friends & family. Use sample employer questions (below),
as well as others specific to the job.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
Dress appropriately and professionally for the interview.
Make sure that hair, shoes, make up, nails & hygiene are clean
& neat.
Be on time! Or better yet, be about 10-15 minutes
early (not more).
Be prepared! Bring a couple of extra copies of your
resume & references. Also consider bringing a copy of
your work history, residential history, transcripts or degree.
Bring a copy of your cover letter & the job description or advertisement
to review beforehand.
Be proactive! Bring a notepad or portfolio to write
down interviewers’ names or questions that arise during the interview.
Bring a list of prepared questions for the interviewer that is specific
to the job or company.
Be confident! Sit up straight, stand tall, speak clearly,
look them in the eye, give a firm handshake, believe & show
them that you are the one for the job!
Be gracious! Thank him or her for their time and follow
up with a prompt thank you letter to each person that interviewed
you.
| Sample questions
to ask employers: |
Questions to avoid
on the first interview: |
- Could you describe the daily responsibilities of the
position?
- What is the normal path for career advancement within
the company?
- What type of community or civic activities does the
company support?
- How would you describe the training and work environment?
- What are the company’s goals, challenges, growth potential,
etc?
- How would my performance be evaluated?
|
- What is the salary?
- How many vacation days or holidays would I get?
- How many sick days or personal days would I get?
- Would I be paid for mileage & travel?
- How long before I can apply for another job within the
company?
These questions MAY be appropriate on a 2nd
or 3rd interview or if an offer is made. |
Common Interview Questions
- How did you prepare for this interview?
- What do you know about our company?
- What is your understanding of the job that you are applying
for?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Why should I hire you? How long would you be satisfied
in this position?
- Which of your personal/professional experiences best prepares
you for this job? Why? (Avoid clichés, like “I’m a people-person.”).
- How would your friends/family/previous employers describe you?
What characteristics would they say you possess?
- What would you say your three greatest strengths are?
Your three greatest weaknesses? Why?
Note: An employer may not ask questions 7 & 8 “as they
relate to the position,” but you should ALWAYS relate your answer
to the job at hand.
- Tell me about a time when you had to
- Utilize time management,
- Organize or manage a project,
- Supervise a staff,
- Motivate a group of people (perhaps unwilling people),
- Work on a team,
- Work independently,
- Resolve a dispute or conflict,
- Support a decision you didn’t necessarily agree with,
- Demonstrate flexibility,
- Respond to change,
- Interact with a large number of people,
- Analyze data,
- Learn from your mistakes, or
- Prioritize many tasks?
- Tell me about a time when you had a success in your job/life?
Failure?
- How does your education prepare you for this job?
- What are your salary requirements? What is your willingness
to travel or relocate?
- What are your schedule requirements? Do you have any
conflicts with (unpaid?) overtime, evening or weekend hours?
- Do you have reliable transportation?
- We conduct drug screening, background, and/or credit checks
with all applicants. Is there anything that you would like
to make me aware of at this time?
|
