Transition Career Preparation Center
Job Interview
From Interviewee to Employee
By: Jeffery Guillermo
Congratulations, your résumé was a hit! The interview is the most important part in securing a job. It will ultimately determine if you are hired or not. This step of the admissions process is useful for both you and your possible employer: It serves as a filter for your employer, while at the same time being a way to learn about the organization you want to join. Yet, many applicants forget to treat the activity very carefully. The job world is littered with people with impressive résumés that were passed over by those with lesser résumés just because of the interview.
The first thing to do once your interview is scheduled is to research the company in depth. Thanks to the Internet, your job is much easier. Many companies have Web sites that describe their philosophy, summarize their mission, list their financial information and discuss their career developments. Use a search engine (Google, Yahoo!, etc.) to search for relevant articles about the corporation. It will be a benefit for you to know about the company’s present situation, whether they are expanding their workforce, executing a merger, in a financial decline, etc. If you know a person that has worked for, or with, the company you seek employment with, talking to that person may also help you. From this information, formulate a few questions for your interviewer that reflect your research.
After doing the initial research, make sure your appearance is interview-ready. Appearance is very important for two reasons. First, the interviewer is meeting you for the first time, and has only a résumé and a pair of eyes to establish an impression of you. Second, many experts believe that first impressions are made after approximately 30 seconds of initial contact. This is good if you plan accordingly, disastrous if you do not.
Here’s how:
- Conservative and clean business attire is mandatory. Your clothing should be neutral in color, and match the environment of the business. Your hair should be clean cut. Avoid jewelry that provokes attention away from your words. Avoid strong perfume. Bring an umbrella if rain is expected. Being soggy will obviously put a damper on your style.
- Even though you walk into the office and feel overdressed, don’t worry. It is best to err on the overdressed side.
- Know where your interview is, and arrive 15 minutes early. This will give you time to settle down, fill out forms and observe the organization though a keen eye. Watch the employees carefully, and take note that they may or may not be watching you.
- Know the correct pronunciation of the interviewer’s name, and do not refer to the person by their first name, unless you are invited to.
- Bring additional copies of your résumé on high quality paper with density between 16 and 25 lbs.
- A firm handshake and eye contact is a must.
- Do not sit down until you are beckoned.
- Silence your cell phone. Your priorities lie with the interview, not with the outside world.
- Do not use profanity, smoke, chew gum, deride an old employer, consume beverages, use illegal drugs, impart intimate details of your personal life or sexually harass your interviewer. These have no place in an interview. Common sense is key. If you wouldn’t do an action in front of your parents, teachers and state police officers, you should especially refrain from it during an interview.
- Small talk may be the interviewer’s initial step, as it allows both of you to establish rapport. Welcome the topics, whether they are about current events or the temperature outside.
- Stay calm and confident. Take note that animals can sense fear, and humans are no different. Be sure to breathe. Remember that you have prepared meticulously and are ready for action. Think about what Ben Affleck’s character said to his trainees in Boiler Room (2000): “Either way a sale is made, the only question is who is gonna close? You or him?”
There are countless questions that your interviewer could ask you. Here are a few common ones:
- Tell me about yourself. (This question does not prompt your life story, but your occupational story. They want to know about how and why you are in that room seeking a job.)
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why did you decide to go to [insert name of your school here]?
- Why are you majoring in [insert your major here]?
- Are you more of a people person or paper person?
- How organized are you?
- Tell me about a mistake you’ve made, and what you’ve learned from it.
- Do you have any goals you intend on accomplishing at [insert company here]?
- Are you a leader? Give an example that describes your leadership skills.
One mistake applicants often make is trying to second-guess the interviewer. Don’t do this, as the risk of guessing wrong is often worse than answering honestly. However, you must guard against volunteering information that may eliminate you from the applicant pool. If you feel a question is inappropriate, inquire politely on the issue’s relevance. Depending on the occupation, your interviewer may ask technical questions specific to the field. Answer them to the best of your ability, and if you are unfamiliar with a topic, state that you are not certain.
After the interview is over, ask if there is any other information you can provide. Also ask about what the next step is, as well as when you can expect to hear from them. Thank the interviewer for his/her time. But, before you leave, be sure to ask for a business card. This is so you can send a thank you letter to them. This is a very effective move that allows you to reemphasize your interest, as well as thank the interviewer. You should have no more than three paragraphs total, and send it no later than 48 hours after the interview. Send letters to everyone who has helped you find that particular opportunity.