Tips for Interviewing for a Job

January 16, 2019

You have found a listing, submitted your resume, and now you have an interview. How do you ensure that you get the job? Come learn from Career Services all their tips and tricks to ensure that you put your best foot forward at future job interviews.

Career Design Center

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Tips for Interviewing

  • Soft skills are important but are often overlooked by people preparing for interviews. When asked, they give generalities and not specifics. You should have specific examples and stories prepared. Don’t undervalue soft skills.
  • Behavior-based interview questions. Past behavior is a pretty good indicator of future behavior. You get zero points for general things such as “I usually get along really well with people.”
    • “Tell me about a time…”
    • “Give me an example of…”
    • “What methods have you used for…”
    • “In developing curriculum, tell us how you…”
    • “If faced with this scenario…”

Interviewers favorite questions

  • “Tell me about yourself.”
    • Really means tell me about yourself as it relates to this position.
    • Don’t try to be funny.
    • Focus on academics, experience, and research.
    • Identify the top 2-3 things you want this person to know as they relate to the job/program you are targeting.
  • “Describe how you have involved undergraduates in your research?”
    • Your response should be related to the work you might be doing at the new institution. What void could you fill?
    • People are likely going to choose the person who has experience with training others.
  • “What is your greatest strength?”
    • Relate your strengths to the position you are applying for.
    • Just mention one strength, not five.
  • “What is your greatest weakness?”
    • State your challenge and then personal “work around”
    • Looking for self reflection
  • “Tell us about a lesson in an introductory course that went well and why?”
    • Be ready with a great example!
  • “Tell me about a time when you had to accomplish a task with someone who was particularly difficult to get along with.”
    • Don’t throw them under the bus but help them do better.
    • Use a specific example.
  • “Why should we hire you?” AND/OR “Why do you want this job?”
    • Explain how your skills and experiences fit the job
    • Be positive and enthusiastic and state how much you really want the job
    • Confidence is critical in this process.
    • Trying to act like someone else rather than yourself never works, you can never keep it up.

Questions to ask in the interview

  • The questions you ask can make a huge difference.
  • ALWAYS ask questions.
  • The organization:
    • What do you see ahead for this organization in the next five years?
    • How would you describe your organizational culture?
  • The position:
    • When you think of the ideal candidate for this position, what top three skills/qualities come to mind?
    • What is the natural career path for employees in this position?
    • When will I have my first formal performance review? Can I ask for informal feedback at any time?
  • The expectations & next steps:
    • What are the next steps in the interview process and when might you make a decision?
    • What are the most immediate challenges I would face in the position?

Before the interview

  • Research the organizations you are interviewing with
  • Confirm time, place, and interviewer’s name (including spelling and pronunciation)
  • Dress appropriately and be sure to have several copies of your resume and references
  • Take relevant samples of your work
  • Practice responding to sample questions
  • Have a list of questions to ask the interviewer

During the interview

  • Don’t arrive more than 10-15 minutes early
  • Introduce yourself in a courteous manner with a firm handshake
  • Make eye contact
  • Use body language to show interest and actively listen
  • Smile, nod, give nonverbal feedback to the interviewer
  • Ask about the next steps in the hiring process
  • Thank the intervewer and re-state your interest in the position
  • Don’t discuss salary. Let the interviewer bring it up.
  • If you’re taken to lunch, think about what you’re ordering. Make sure it can be eaten cleanly. Don’t order the most expensive things. Don’t drink more than one alcoholic beverage.
  • Better to take a moment to breathe than to try to fill the silence. “Wow, that’s a great question. Can I take a moment?”

Interviewing over the phone

  • Smile a lot. It can come through the line.
  • Wear the right clothes, it’ll get you in the right mindset. You might not be your best self if you’re in your pajamas.
  • Be yourself.
  • You can ask things like “Did I answer your question” because you aren’t getting the same feedback you would in an in-person interview.

Questions you shouldn’t be asked

  • When do you plan to have a baby?
  • Age, Race, Religion, Sexual preferences
  • You can answer with things like “Can you tell me how that might be relevant?”