Page 1 of 10 How to prepare for a job interview: easy tips and questions to think about Before the Interview: RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION: READ Press releases Other news about the organization Websites Publications Newsfeeds i.e. Google reader People you know Tip for preparing for the interview: Keep in mind the main question your future employer has - why do you want to work for us? RESEARCH THE INTERVIEWERS Social Networks, public databases and search engine results LinkedIn, papers, and press releases SELF-REFLECT: HOW YOU RE A GOOD FIT. THINK ABOUT: Your transferrable skills: how could they solve problems for the organization? What other skills do you bring to group? Why is your background relevant? Why is this role a good fit for you? PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE INTERVIEWING! Run through scenarios so that you become more comfortable. Receive unbiased feedback about your interview style What emotions trigger your confidence? What emotions make you more nervous? How you are branding yourself (who are you, and how are you different from 1000 other people?)
Page 2 of 10 During the interview: In Person Interview Advice Maintain eye contact Speak slow and articulate Dress professionally Have a note pad for notes Have a list of what you want to cover your skills your interest in the role Questions tailored for each interviewer General tips for the interviewee: It is always better to be more formal. Have succinct answers to questions. Don t ramble; don t go on and on. PHONE INTERVIEW ADVICE Stand up and walk around as you talk Speak slowly Write notes down WEB/ SKYPE INTERVIEW ADVICE Dress professionally Put a blank wall behind you Speak slowly Maintain eye contact During the interview: Keep in mind a positive attitude Job searching is a journey, not a race. You want to set yourself up for success. Choosing the right match is key. Each interview will teach you something new about yourself. Wait for the interviewer to finish asking a question and then speak. Listening is Key! If you don t know the answer to something, say so, and that you will follow up later. Then DO follow-up.
Page 3 of 10 At the closing of the interview: Make sure that the organization knows the following You are serious in planning your career You are always prepared You are interested in the organization/role, and you articulated why You want to make sure the organization/role is a good fit for you. You will be an excellent hire from a culture/personality fit; not just a skill set fit You will be able to make an impact right away You are excited to join their team. Post Interview: Follow up! Within 48 hrs. Write an email thanking the individuals that you met with for their time. Mention something that you talked about during your interview, so that it is customized. Do not send everyone the same email, since the interviewing team oftentimes compares follow-up emails. Optional: follow up with a hand written note this will definitely help you to stand out. Show your interest again in the role and state your desire to be a part of the team.
Page 4 of 10 Common interview questions Interview questions that the organization may ask you Why are you interested in our organization? Why are you looking to make a career move? What type of environment do you thrive in? What applicable skills do you have that are relevant to this role? What are your career goals? (i.e. where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years) What biggest benefit would you bring to this organization if you were to join us? What type of management style are you looking to work in? Behavioral-oriented interview questions Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem. Tell me about a time when you had to use your speaking and presentation skills to influence a group s opinion. Explain a situation when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done. Have you ever had too many things to do, and Keep your face to the sunshine, and you cannot see the shadows - Helen Keller Tip for behavioral-oriented questions: keep an optimistic, can-do attitude! If so, how did you prioritize your tasks? Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision. What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Provide an example. Have you ever had to motivate others? Tell me about such an experience. Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem. Highlight your top achievements and / or accomplishments? What is the most important thing that you have learned in the past year? What has been your biggest setback?
Page 5 of 10 Questions for the applicant to ask the organization / department / group How would you describe the culture? What type of people thrive here the most? What are the growth plans/strategy for the organization / group / department over the next 1, 3, 5 years? What excites you most about the organization? What is an area that the organization needs to work on? What are the career progression options for someone in this role? Can you describe a typical day or week? What are the top three things that I could do upon joining the organization to assist you and help achieve the organization s goals? Describe your management style. (If you are talking with your future boss.) Tip for end-of-the-interview questions: Keep in mind that the goal is to make sure the organization/role is a good fit for YOU!
Page 6 of 10 Interview Questions: Interactive Session Tell me more about your background What are you most proud of? What type of environment do you thrive in?
Page 7 of 10 Behavioral Interview Questions: Response Format Situation: The context within which a job was performed or a challenge was encountered. Task: a description of your responsibility to deliver in that situation. Action: how did you complete the task or endeavor to meet the challenge. Result: what was the outcome or result generated by the action taken? Have you ever had to motivate others? Tell me about such an experience. What is your biggest weakness
Page 8 of 10 Tell me about a time when you learned from a mistake? How do you deal with conflict?
Page 9 of 10 If you could go back and start your research project from scratch (knowing what you know now), what would you change? Tell me a time when you managed a project or process? What worked well and what would you change?
Page 10 of 10 How do you handle a challenge?