Interviews

By: Barbara Mackessy

Interview attire suggestions 

The way you dress indicates how you want an employer to think of you.

-Proper Hygiene& Grooming:shave, brush teeth & hair, wear deodorant but not strong fragrances.

-Appropriate Attire: clean, pressed, and coordinated

 

Appropriate Attire Depends on the Job

For Example:

• For a position at McDonald’s be neat with good hygiene, collared shirt and nice slacks/jeans.

• For a Position in an office be clean, good hygiene and well dressed.

Interviewing# 1 Tip: Research the prospective employer

Look your best. Smile and be confident

Eye contact. Calm and Relax.

Practice questions and answer before the interview****Listen intently then respond carefully, thoroughly, thoughtfully, and

completely.

First impression:The first five minutes are crucial. 

Be confident Maintain eye contact

The handshake: Initiate it.

Firm and strong handshake Eye contact.

Smile.

Questions asked by some employersTell us about yourself. 1. Why did you choose to interview with us? 2. How do you think your experiences prepared you to work in our organization? 3. In your own words, please describe your ideal job. 4. What type of supervisor have you found easiest to work with? 5. What do you plan to be doing in five years? 6. Tell us what you know about our organization. 7. What do you know about this position? 8. What contributions can you bring to our organization?9. What sets you apart from other applicants?

10. If you were the one who's hiring, what qualities would you look for in an applicant for this position? 11. Do you have criteria in deciding for which organization you'd work? 12. How did your education prepare you for a career in this organization? 13. What made you choose this college/university? 14. What made you choose this field of study? 15. Did this university and the major meet your expectations? 16. Do you think the grades reflect your achievement at the university/college? 17. What are your three greatest achievements since you started college?  Why?

18. Do you prefer to work independently or as a part of a team? 19. What type of work environment do you prefer? 20. What is your preferred method of resolving conflicts with co-workers and supervisors? 21. How do mistakes make you a better professional?  A better person? 22. In what areas do you think you need to improve your skills? 23. Could you tell us why you left the last employment? 24. When would you be available to start?

25. Please describe yourself with your strengths and weaknesses. 26. What kind of challenges have you faced in a job, and how did you overcome them? 27. Have you interviewed with other organizations? 28. Would you be willing to take a drug test? 29. What are the biggest sources of motivation in your life? 30. When you are stressed, how does it usually show up on you?  31. What do you try to do in order to reduce your stress level? 32. What is your definition of success? 33. What qualities does your ideal supervisor possess? 34. Is the location of our organization OK with  your lifestyle?  35. What are your requirements for you to live happily in terms of the community and its surroundings? 36. How do you develop the "team concept" among the people you supervise?

37. What subject matter(s) did you enjoy studying the most?  Why? 38. What subject matter(s) did you dislike studying?  Why? 39. Do you plan to continue your education? 40. If you were given a chance to do it over again, how would you alter the course of your education? 41. Tell us about your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. 42. How did your part-time employment experience prepare you for this position? 43. Which part-time job did you enjoy the most?  Why? 44. What are your three most enjoyable work experiences in the past? 45. I see in your resume that you like     (hobby)   .  Tell us a little bit about your interest.

Review the following points. Which are most important to you?

Job security Working as a part of team

 Working independently with little supervision Making a contribution 

Professional statusIntellectual challengePleasant surroundings

Challenging, stimulating co-workers  Different tasks to accomplish daily  

Financial rewardsCreating something  Ability to advance 

Time and stress management restrictions

Thank you letter

You must type your letter. Send it within a day or two after the interview.

Restate your interest in the position. Thank the prospective employer.

Follow-up

1. Write a thank-you letter

2. Evaluate the job, employer, area where the organization is, possibility of upward mobility, etc.  Write down pros

and cons soon after the interview.

3. Evaluate your performance What did you do well?

What type of unexpected events happened?

How can you improve the next time?

4. Don’t Be Discouraged and Remain positive

...and REMEMBER

*If you receive a rejection letter from the employer, send another thank you letter restating your interest in the position or future positions.

*If you receive an acceptance letter, write a letter of acceptance or give a date by which you'll make a decision.

Illegal interview questionsIt is against the federal law for a prospective employer to ask you about the following and you are not obligated to answer:

*age *race *sex *religion *citizenship *marital status *pregnancy status *childbearing plans *ages of children *military service *arrests (questions about convictions are not illegal) *height *weight

More Illegal Questions

* Physical impairment not related to job performance requirements

*Medical history *Handicap- employers can only ask

about the applicant's ability to perform the job

Although you are not obligated to answer, if asked, tactful answers are preferred over a simple statement such as, "I won't answer that question." 

Answer the question if you determine that it's OK to disclose information and that you find the question/answer to be harmless to you. 

Question: "Are you married?" Answer: "Regardless of my marital status, I believe I can excel in this field.  I view your organization as an excellent place to begin realizing my career goals."

If you do refuse, take note of the exact questions, person’s name, etc. A employer will most likely not push for more information if they notice you making documentation.

For Example:

Evaluation factors rated by employers during interviewsMany employers develop standardized evaluations when deciding

on the candidate.  1. Education

Relevant to the position requirements Technical qualifications

Multi-skilled Ease of training

2. Cognitive qualities Alertness

Good judgment Logical

Perceptive Creative

. Organized Ability to pinpoint the problem

Ability to organize the plan to solve a problem

3. Manner, personal traits Social poise

Sense of humor Mannerisms

Warm and friendly demeanor Self-confidence

Courteous Diplomatic

Eager but not aggressive Ability to listen

Manner of oral presentation Emotionally balanced

4. Appearance Groomed

Dressed well Clean

Healthy

5. Attitude Enthusiastic Cooperative

Open to suggestions Willing to incorporate criticism and improve performance

Have good outlook on life Reacts well to work environment and people

Willing to work hard

6. Level of motivation Have initiative

Driven Energetic Ambitious

Goal-oriented Exhibited evidence of accomplishments that required unusual

efforts

7. Leadership qualities Mature Stable

Willing to assume responsibility Exhibited evidence of

accomplishments in school or community activities, club, student

organization offices held, etc.

8. Interests Liking for the type of work for the position

Genuine interest in the position and the organization Curious

9. Overall impression

How to evaluate a potential employment opportunity

Congratulations!  You Have a Job Offer. Now its time to evaluate if the job is right for you

First, take an inventory of your preferences. 

Second, evaluate the profile of the job you've been offered.

The following slide provides an example job evaluation.

Autonomy -- "Will I be working with someone, or am I in charge?  Comments:5  4  3  2  1

2 Professional relationships -- "Do I work with other health science professionals?"  Comments:

5  4  3  2  13 

Workload -- "Is it important for me to have a lot of 'personal time' off work?"  Comments:5  4  3  2  1

4 Benefits package and vacations -- "Is it important that I have a lot of time off?"  Comments:

5  4  3  2  15 

Salary -- "Is it more important for me to be paid well than other factors?"  Comments:5  4  3  2  1

6 Other fringe benefits  Comments:

5  4  3  2  17 

Climate -- "Do I want to work outside in hot/cold weather?"  Comments:5  4  3  2  1

8 Location -- "Do I mind if it's an urban area?  Do I want to be in a rural area?"  Comments:

5  4  3  2  19 

Contract -- "Is it tenure track?  How soon and how often will I have to meet performance review criteria?  What am I willing to do as an ATC?"  Comments:

5  4  3  2  110 

Job security -- "How much do I have to worry whether or not I'll have a job next year?"  Comments:5  4  3  2  1

In ConclusionLooking for a job can BE a full time job.

Remember the strategies and guidelines.

From grooming to answering practice interview questions in the mirror, preparation is key.

Don’t be discouraged, stay positive and think of rejection as good practice!