Phone interviews can be conducted by an individual or a group.

Face to Face interviews can also be conducted by an individual or group.  In face to face interviews, you may be answering a panel's questions or be moving from one office to another for a serial style interview.

Behavioral interviews  The basic premise behind behavioral-based interviewing is that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in a similar situation.  It provides a more objective set of facts to make employment decisions than other interviewing methods.

Most interviews...

• Begin with introductions including a firm handshake

• Followed by small talk (Make an effort to connect to the interviewer)

• Then, your answering content questions of various types

• Listening to information from the interviewer about the company & position

• Finally, it's your turn to ask questions

One of the keys to a confident interview is doing your homework.  It is difficult to make a strong case for yourself if you don't know much about the company and the position.  You spend hours studying for one class exam; your job search requires equal attention!  Remember, it's okay to bring notes to an interview as long as you are not too dependent on them.

• Reference USA, (At Career Center)

• Organization/school's website

• Business magazines and newspapers

• Chamber of Commerce publications

• People who work/have worked for the organization or in a similar field

• Company annual report

• Reference materials in the Career Center and Pickler Memorial Library

Job or Internship Interview
 

Research...

• Products & services

• How long they've been in existence

• Historic milestones

• Financial situations

• Plans for growth or cutbacks

• Management

• Number of employees

• Culture & dress code

Prepare notes on...

• Three professional achievement stories (examples from school, activities, work...)

• Three strengths

• Three weakness

• Company & job info

• Industry facts & news

• Examples of your fit (Must be specific)

• Proof of qualifications

• Immediate contributions you could make as an employee

Ask the interviewer....

• What do you see as the first priority for the person you hire?

• Can you tell me what my day-to-day responsibilities would be?

• What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?

• When will a hiring decision be made for this position?

• How much guidance or assistance is made available to individuals in developing career goals?

• How did you begin your career in this field

• What do you like about this company or organization?

• Avoid questions regarding salary and benefits until offer is extended!

Graduate School Interview
 

Research...

• University mission/goals

• University programs

• Specific faculty

• Specific research & publications

• Graduation requirements

• University standings & reputation

Prepare notes on...

• Three achievement stories (examples from courses, research, experience...)

• Three strengths

• Three weakness

• Notes about school

• University and program info

• Facts & news about school or faculty

• Examples of your fit into the program's rigorous requirements

• Proof of qualifications for graduate study

• Immediate contributions as well as future goals

Ask the interviewer....

• What characteristics are specific to this program and distinguish it from competitors?

• Where are recent alumni employed?

• What do most students do after graduation?

• What types of financial aid are offered?

• What criteria are used for choosing recipients?

• Are there any scholarships or fellowships available?

• Do most students publish an article or present a paper before graduation?

• What planned practical experiences are included in the program (e.g., internships)?

• How are mentoring and advising relationships established?

• How long do most students take to graduate?

• Do most students live near campus?

• What is it like to live in this area as a graduate student?

• Professional attire

• Extra résumé, cover letter, reference pages

• Work samples  (Visit Professional Portfolios for more information).

• List of at least 10 questions to ask the employer

• Directions (which exit, which building, which room, whom do I ask for, how long will it take to get there?)

• Approach the interview with a positive attitude and sincere interest in the company.

• Pay attention to your appearance.  You want to appear professional, so dress conservatively.

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the interview (allow enough time to go to the restroom and check your grooming)

• Greet the secretary/receptionist politely and let him/her know why you are there.

• Wait to be seated until the interviewer offers.

• Let the interviewer initiate the conversation.

• Be friendly, relaxed; be yourself.

• Maintain good eye contact.

• Communicate accomplishments.

• Do not monopolize the conversation, but be an active participant.

• Be an attentive listener when the interviewer is speaking.

• Respond to questions with more than a yes or no answer.

• Do not try to fill in the silent spots.  You may tend to ramble.

• Display your personality and achievements, initiating as well as responding.

• Accentuate the positives.  Be optimistic.  Display self-confidence, ambition and a competitive attitude.

• Emphasize your special skills and interests.

Because it will likely be the first question asked, it is important that you carefully prepare your response.  Using the format of past, present, and future, give a 30 second - one minute "commercial" about yourself.  Feel free to interject personal information, but be cautious in bringing up sensitive issues such as children or physical limitations.  As a general rule, only include information that would be perceived as neutral or positive - when in doubt, don't mention it.

Typical Questions (Find more question at Sample Interview Questions)

• Tell me about a situation where you had to take on responsibility.

• Tell me about a situation where you demonstrated your initiative.

• Tell me about a time when you had to be especially flexible.

• Describe the most significant or creative presentation that you've had to complete.

• Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.

"I have a great deal of experience working in teams, and I really excel in that environment.  For example, (Situation) during my senior year I took a marketing research class. (Task) Our group worked on a project for the Career Center, trying to determine reasons why some students don't utilize the Career Center.  To do this, (Action) our team decided to survey students as they entered and left the campus library.  We had to work closely to develop the survey and to coordinate the times that we stood outside the library.  We also spent a lot of time analyzing the data together, and preparing our final report.  As a result (Result) our project provided the Career Center with helpful data, and our group received an "A".

You my be asked about the following topics even though they are illegal.  You have a few choices in your response-answer the question if you do not believe it will negatively affect your application or tactfully avoid the question by addressing the interviewer's true concern.  For instance, if an interviewer asks you about your plans for having children, respond by assuring him/her that you will have ample amount of time to devote to the position. 

• Marital Status

• Age

• Height/weight

• Dependents/children

• Native language

• Sexual preference

• Pregnancy

• National origin

• Religion

• Worker's comp. claims

• Name of spouse

• Photo

• Race

• Non-job related handicaps

• Head of household

• Living arrangements

• Home or car ownership

• Military discharge

• Thank interviewers

• Iterate your interest and fit

• Collect business cards

• Inquire about next steps in acceptance

• Send a thank you note

• Call or email in ten days to inquire about status of application

• Showing up late

• Not answering the questions asked

• Telling too much

• Chewing gum, smoking, eating

• Answering only with "yes" or "no"

• Belittling past jobs

• Being inappropriately dressed

• Interrupting the interviewer

• Speaking too quickly , quietly, or loudly

• Not asking questions

• Not thanking the interviewer

• Use of qualifiers - "I believe, perhaps, maybe, I think"

• Lying

• Not sending a thank you note

• Allowing the cell phone to ring

• Fidgeting

• Forgetting copies of professional materials

• Being unprepared

• Talking too much

• Avoiding eye contact