University Advising Career Center UniversityofNewHampshire·l02HoodHouse·Durham,NH·603-862-2064·www.unh.edu/uac Interviewing Tips In a job interview, an employer will try to learn if you have the skills, experience, knowledge and personal qualities to do the job in question. Your objective is to convince the interviewer that your abilities, background and personality will make you more successful at the job than any other candidate being considered By the time the interview ends, you want your potential employer to know clearly how you will help the organization and why you want to work there There are three key points the employer is most interested in Why do you want to work for us? (Why are you interested in us?) hy should we hire you?"(What can you do for us? What are your skills?) What are you like as a person?"(Personal qualities, strengths, weaknesses, motivation) Almost all interview questions are designed to address one of these three concerns. With a little practice you will be able to determine which piece of information the employer is looking for and craft your answer accordingly Preparing for the Interview Self-Evaluate: Evaluate your skills, interests, strengths/weaknesses, and past successes/failures to determine what you are looking for and how that translates to the employers needs. To assist you in this process, see a University Advising Career Center(UACC)career counselor and ask about one of our assessment tools Research the Organization: Research helps you to be knowledgeable and confident in the interview. In addition it helps you see how your abilities, skills, interests and experience apply to this organization and this job StartwiththeorganizationswebsiteOthersites(suchaswww.vault.com,andforpubliclyheld companiesthestockquoteslinkonwww.yahoo.com)mayprovidemoreobjectiveinformation Use the UACC s Career Mentor Network to seek contacts in the organization The Dimond Library has extensive resource information (www.reference.unh.edu/guides/business.html You can also call the organization and ask them to send you company literature and any other information about the job in question Practice: A good interview is often the key to getting hired. Be prepared to sell your experience, abilities, and personal attributes to the employer who has a need for your product There are many ways you can perform a practice Interview: Make an appointment with a career counselor at the UACC for a mock interview Practice answering questions on your own, out loud Ask a roommate, family member, or friend to perform a mock interview with you. Make sure you choose someone who will take on the role of interviewer in a serious fashion UniversityAdvising&CareerCenter.102HoodHouseDurham,Nh.603-862-2064www.unh.edu/uace
University Advising & Career Center • 102 Hood House • Durham, NH • 603-862-2064 • www.unh.edu/uacc University Advising & Career Center University of New Hampshire • 102 Hood House • Durham, NH • 603-862-2064 • www.unh.edu/uacc Interviewing Tips In a job interview, an employer will try to learn if you have the skills, experience, knowledge and personal qualities to do the job in question. Your objective is to convince the interviewer that your abilities, background and personality will make you more successful at the job than any other candidate being considered. By the time the interview ends, you want your potential employer to know clearly how you will help the organization and why you want to work there. There are three key points the employer is most interested in: • “Why do you want to work for us?” (Why are you interested in us?) • “Why should we hire you?” (What can you do for us? What are your skills?) • “What are you like as a person?” (Personal qualities, strengths, weaknesses, motivation) Almost all interview questions are designed to address one of these three concerns. With a little practice you will be able to determine which piece of information the employer is looking for and craft your answer accordingly. Preparing for the Interview Self-Evaluate: Evaluate your skills, interests, strengths/weaknesses, and past successes/failures to determine what you are looking for and how that translates to the employer’s needs. To assist you in this process, see a University Advising & Career Center (UACC) career counselor and ask about one of our assessment tools. Research the Organization: Research helps you to be knowledgeable and confident in the interview. In addition, it helps you see how your abilities, skills, interests and experience apply to this organization and this job. • Start with the organization’s website. Other sites (such as www.vault.com, and for publicly held companies, the stock quotes link on www.yahoo.com) may provide more objective information. • Use the UACC’s Career Mentor Network to seek contacts in the organization. • The Dimond Library has extensive resource information (www.reference.unh.edu/guides/business.html). • You can also call the organization and ask them to send you company literature and any other information about the job in question. Practice: A good interview is often the key to getting hired. Be prepared to sell your experience, abilities, and personal attributes to the employer who has a need for “your product.” There are many ways you can perform a practice interview: • Make an appointment with a career counselor at the UACC for a mock interview. • Practice answering questions on your own, out loud. • Ask a roommate, family member, or friend to perform a mock interview with you. Make sure you choose someone who will take on the role of interviewer in a serious fashion
Traditional Interview Questions: Interviewers will ask you both traditional and behavioral-based questions Traditional questions may be"Why have you chosen to seek a position with our company? or"How would you describe yourself? Here are some common traditional interview questions What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours? What is the salary range you are seeking? What do you expect to be earning in five years? How has your college experience prepared you for a career in this industry? What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? How do you determine/evaluate success? Describe one of your accomplishments What are your short-range and long-range career goals? What specific skills can you bring to this job? What is the most significant contribution you made to a company in a past job or internship? Why should I hire you? Behavioral Interview Questions: For behavioral-based questions, the interviewer will be operating under the premise that"past behavior in a similar setting is the best predictor of future behavior. Be ready to provide specific examples of past situations and your involvement. One effective response method is to frame your example by stating: the situation or task you are involved in(set up the story ) your actions, and the results or outcomes of your actions Companies are looking for individuals with great transferable skills. These skill sets may include: decision making and problem solving, leadership, motivation, communication, interpersonal skills, planning and organization, critical thinking skills, team building and the ability to influence others. You should provide detailed responses giving examples that show you have the specific skills they are seeking. Here are some common behavioral-based interview questions Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see ur way Describe the most significant written document, report or presentation that you ve completed Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to achieve it Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks Have you ever had to"sell"an idea to your coworkers? How did you do it? Did they"buy"it? Which accomplishment on the job gave you more satisfaction than any other? How would you handle it if a coworker(or subordinate)was not pulling his or her fair share of the load? Give an example of a time when you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision Tell me about a situation in the past year in which you dealt with a very upset customer or coworker Tell me about a job experience in which you had to be assertive in order to get a point across that was Important to you. What have you done in the past to contribute toward a teamwork environment? Be specific Toseealongerlistofpotentialinterviewquestionsvisithttp://www.quintcareers.com/intvres.html Ways to Handle some Typical Questions Tell me about yourself. "A warm-up question which calls for a very short response. A quick formula: spend a few seconds on your schooling/studies and what you're looking for right now in terms of employment(of course, all related to this job) What do you want to be doing in five years?"Talk about building skills, learning, making a positive and significant contribution What are your weaknesses? "Pick one rather harmless problem from the past that you' re now overcoming Some people describe a strength thats gone a bit overboard, such as a tendency toward overwork or perfectionism. Be sure to finish your answer with how you're making it better UniversityAdvising&CareerCenter.102HoodHouseDurham,Nh.603-862-2064www.unh.edu/uace
University Advising & Career Center • 102 Hood House • Durham, NH • 603-862-2064 • www.unh.edu/uacc Traditional Interview Questions: Interviewers will ask you both traditional and behavioral-based questions. Traditional questions may be “Why have you chosen to seek a position with our company?” or “How would you describe yourself?” Here are some common traditional interview questions: • What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours? • What is the salary range you are seeking? What do you expect to be earning in five years? • How has your college experience prepared you for a career in this industry? • What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? • How do you determine/evaluate success? Describe one of your accomplishments. • What are your short-range and long-range career goals? • What specific skills can you bring to this job? • What is the most significant contribution you made to a company in a past job or internship? • Why should I hire you? Behavioral Interview Questions: For behavioral-based questions, the interviewer will be operating under the premise that "past behavior in a similar setting is the best predictor of future behavior.” Be ready to provide specific examples of past situations and your involvement. One effective response method is to frame your example by stating: the situation or task you are involved in (set up the story), your actions, and the results or outcomes of your actions. Companies are looking for individuals with great transferable skills. These skill sets may include: decision making and problem solving, leadership, motivation, communication, interpersonal skills, planning and organization, critical thinking skills, team building and the ability to influence others. You should provide detailed responses giving examples that show you have the specific skills they are seeking. Here are some common behavioral-based interview questions: • Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way. • Describe the most significant written document, report or presentation that you’ve completed. • Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to achieve it. • Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done. • Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks. • Have you ever had to "sell" an idea to your coworkers? How did you do it? Did they "buy" it? • Which accomplishment on the job gave you more satisfaction than any other? • How would you handle it if a coworker (or subordinate) was not pulling his or her fair share of the load? • Give an example of a time when you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision. • Tell me about a situation in the past year in which you dealt with a very upset customer or coworker. • Tell me about a job experience in which you had to be assertive in order to get a point across that was important to you. • What have you done in the past to contribute toward a teamwork environment? Be specific. To see a longer list of potential interview questions, visit http://www.quintcareers.com/intvres.html. Ways to Handle Some Typical Questions: • “Tell me about yourself.” A warm-up question which calls for a very short response. A quick formula: spend a few seconds on your schooling/studies and what you’re looking for right now in terms of employment (of course, all related to this job). • “What do you want to be doing in five years?” Talk about building skills, learning, making a positive and significant contribution. • “What are your weaknesses?” Pick one rather harmless problem from the past that you’re now overcoming. Some people describe a strength that’s gone a bit overboard, such as a tendency toward overwork or perfectionism. Be sure to finish your answer with how you’re making it better
Prepare Your Own Questions: An employer will expect you to have a few questions of your own about the company and/or your role there. Examples What are the attributes of your most successful employees in this position? Why did you choose to work for this company? What kind of internal and external training do you provide new employees? How would describe your company culture? What are the performance expectations for this job and what is the time frame for advancement? What are your organization's goals for the next 3-5 years? Handling Illegal Interview Questions: There are laws that restrict and regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask you as a job candidate. Questions asked of you must relate to the job you are seeking and whether or not you can perform the essential functions of the job If asked an illegal question, you can Answer the question. However, if you choose to do so and are giving information that isn t related the job, you might be giving the"wrong answer thereby harming your chances of getting the job Refuse to answer the question. Choose your words carefully if this is the option you decide on. You do not want to appear uncooperative or confrontational You can examine the question for its intent and respond with an answer as it might apply to the job For example, you've been asked an illegal question if the interviewer asks"Are you a U.S. citizen? You could respond with"I am authorized to work in the United States For a more complete list of illegal questions, please visit http://www.jobweb.com/resources/library/interviews/handlingIllegal4602.htm What to Wear: The way you are dressed is only one factor that will be evaluated during your interview However, your appearance is important because it's the first impression the interviewer receives about you. What you"say about yourself by how you look will influence the interviewer's perception of everything that follows in the interview. Fortunately, your appearance is something you can plan in advance Be neat, clean and well-groomed; clothes should be clean and wrinkle free Wear deodorant Avoid wearing perfume or cologne Test-drive your outfit to ensure you are comfortable walking, sitting and standing while wearing it Dress code varies based on the job, however, it is expected in most industries that you wear a business suit. If you are applying for work as a camp counselor, a casual, sporty look would be acceptable. Some employers'adoption of business casual dress policies makes interview-wear decisions more difficult. A rule of thumb: unless you've gotten clear messages that the interviewer expects you to dress casually, you should wear a suit. Some guidelines follow. For women: In general, the"business uniform" that would work in most corporate settings A two-piece, conservative suit of wool or wool-blend fabric with a neutral-colored blouse that complements the suit If wearing a skirt, opt to wear knee-length or a bit longer Neutral or dark hosiery that complements the outfit Dark brown or black leather heels in a conservative style(no open toes or spike heels) Minimal jewelry(nothing that jingles, dangles, or is at all flashy and minimal make-up UniversityAdvising&CareerCenter.102HoodHouseDurham,Nh.603-862-2064www.unh.edu/uace
University Advising & Career Center • 102 Hood House • Durham, NH • 603-862-2064 • www.unh.edu/uacc Prepare Your Own Questions: An employer will expect you to have a few questions of your own about the company and/or your role there. Examples: • What are the attributes of your most successful employees in this position? • Why did you choose to work for this company? • What kind of internal and external training do you provide new employees? • How would describe your company culture? • What are the performance expectations for this job and what is the time frame for advancement? • What are your organization’s goals for the next 3 – 5 years? Handling Illegal Interview Questions: There are laws that restrict and regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask you as a job candidate. Questions asked of you must relate to the job you are seeking and whether or not you can perform the essential functions of the job. If asked an illegal question, you can: • Answer the question. However, if you choose to do so and are giving information that isn’t related to the job, you might be giving the “wrong” answer thereby harming your chances of getting the job. • Refuse to answer the question. Choose your words carefully if this is the option you decide on. You do not want to appear uncooperative or confrontational. • You can examine the question for its intent and respond with an answer as it might apply to the job. For example, you’ve been asked an illegal question if the interviewer asks “Are you a U.S. citizen?” You could respond with “I am authorized to work in the United States.” For a more complete list of illegal questions, please visit http://www.jobweb.com/resources/library/Interviews/Handling_Illegal_46_02.htm What to Wear: The way you are dressed is only one factor that will be evaluated during your interview. However, your appearance is important because it’s the first impression the interviewer receives about you. What you “say” about yourself by how you look will influence the interviewer’s perception of everything that follows in the interview. Fortunately, your appearance is something you can plan in advance. • Be neat, clean and well-groomed; clothes should be clean and wrinkle free • Wear deodorant • Avoid wearing perfume or cologne • “Test-drive” your outfit to ensure you are comfortable walking, sitting and standing while wearing it Dress code varies based on the job, however, it is expected in most industries that you wear a business suit. If you are applying for work as a camp counselor, a casual, sporty look would be acceptable. Some employers’ adoption of “business casual” dress policies makes interview-wear decisions more difficult. A rule of thumb: unless you’ve gotten clear messages that the interviewer expects you to dress casually, you should wear a suit. Some guidelines follow: For women: In general, the “business uniform” that would work in most corporate settings: • A two-piece, conservative suit of wool or wool-blend fabric with a neutral-colored blouse that complements the suit • If wearing a skirt, opt to wear knee-length or a bit longer • Neutral or dark hosiery that complements the outfit • Dark brown or black leather heels in a conservative style (no open toes or spike heels) • Minimal jewelry (nothing that jingles, dangles, or is at all flashy) and minimal make-up
For men: In general, the business uniform"that would work in most corporate settings A two-piece, conservative suit of wool or wool-blend fabric. a dark or charcoal gray color is best a white or light blue long-sleeve shirt A matching necktie with a subtle pattern Dark socks. mid-calf length that match the suit Dark leather shoes, preferably black with laces Minimal jewelry During the interview Arrive 5-10 minutes early so you have time to collect your thoughts. If you are unfamiliar with the location or commute to the interview site, do a dry run" a day or so ahead to be sure of the route location and timing Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references. If applicable, you may also want to take along a professional-looking portfolio to visually represent your previous work, honors and abilities Be aware of your first impression. Smile, offer a firm handshake, make eye contact and introduce yourself using both first and last name. Establish yourself immediately as prepared and confident If you lack experience in an area the interviewer asks about, say so, but go on to describe similar experiences or examples indicating your willingness and ability to learn new things Try to keep your answers brief and to the point. If in doubt about whether you've said enough, you can al ways ask, "Does that fully answer your question? Never bad-mouth previous employers or co-workers Your interviewer may ask if you have any final questions or comments. Take that opportunity to ask well thought out questions or make a final, compelling personal sales pitch. Express confidence your ability to succeed at the job and your excitement about the opportunity to put your skills to work for this organization At the close of the interview, get the interviewers business card and offer another firm handshake Ask about the next steps in the interview process. above all: show interest, be pleasant, and express enthusiasm After the Interview Always send a thank-you letter within 24 hours, using the information on the interviewers business card to ensure your letter is received. E-mail letters are acceptable as long as they follow a formal format. A handwritten letter is acceptable only if it is neat and legible. Express appreciation and interest. Make or remake a key point(s) If appropriate, say something like, I'll contact you in the next week to see how the process is going. "Make your own notes about the interview they may be useful for future contacts Good Luck! UniversityAdvising&CareerCenter.102HoodHouseDurham,Nh.603-862-2064www.unh.edu/uace
University Advising & Career Center • 102 Hood House • Durham, NH • 603-862-2064 • www.unh.edu/uacc For men: In general, the “business uniform” that would work in most corporate settings: • A two-piece, conservative suit of wool or wool-blend fabric. A dark or charcoal gray color is best • A white or light blue long-sleeve shirt • A matching necktie with a subtle pattern • Dark socks, mid-calf length that match the suit • Dark leather shoes, preferably black with laces • Minimal jewelry During the Interview • Arrive 5-10 minutes early so you have time to collect your thoughts. If you are unfamiliar with the location or commute to the interview site, do a “dry run” a day or so ahead to be sure of the route, location and timing. • Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references. If applicable, you may also want to take along a professional-looking portfolio to visually represent your previous work, honors and abilities. • Be aware of your first impression. Smile, offer a firm handshake, make eye contact and introduce yourself using both first and last name. Establish yourself immediately as prepared and confident. • If you lack experience in an area the interviewer asks about, say so, but go on to describe similar experiences or examples indicating your willingness and ability to learn new things. • Try to keep your answers brief and to the point. If in doubt about whether you’ve said enough, you can always ask, “Does that fully answer your question?” • Never bad-mouth previous employers or co-workers. • Your interviewer may ask if you have any final questions or comments. Take that opportunity to ask well thought out questions or make a final, compelling personal sales pitch. Express confidence in your ability to succeed at the job and your excitement about the opportunity to put your skills to work for this organization. • At the close of the interview, get the interviewer’s business card and offer another firm handshake. Ask about the next steps in the interview process. Above all: show interest, be pleasant, and express enthusiasm. After the Interview Always send a thank-you letter within 24 hours, using the information on the interviewer’s business card to ensure your letter is received. E-mail letters are acceptable as long as they follow a formal format. A handwritten letter is acceptable only if it is neat and legible. Express appreciation and interest. Make or remake a key point(s). If appropriate, say something like, “I’ll contact you in the next week to see how the process is going.” Make your own notes about the interview; they may be useful for future contacts. Good Luck! Updated 6/06
