Interview Skills
Interviewing is probably the most important
and most nerve-wracking step in the job hunting process. To aid in
preparing for this experience, we at Career Services have prepared this
document to advise you in this process. To download a Microsoft Word 6.0 (copyright Microsoft
Corp) version of this document, click here.
Interviewing
The Purpose of the
Screening Interview
Preparation for the Interview
The Interview
Interview Closure...Key
Plant/Office Visits
What Are
Some Basic Principles That I Should Follow?
Questions to be Answered
Expenses
Offers and Acceptances
Examples of Questions
Frequently Asked During the Employment Interview
What Reasons
Do Recruiters Give for Rejecting Candidates?
For More Interview Information
INTERVIEWING
One of your most
important steps in the job search process is the interview. This
face-to-face meeting gives the company representative the opportunity
to discuss your qualifications in terms of the job requirements, as
well as the opportunity to observe you as a person and a prospective
employee.
Your role in the
interview process is to be thoroughly prepared. You need to know the
employers and the type of position you are seeking. Additionally, you
must be able to communicate your answers to questions in an accurate
and relevant manner.
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THE PURPOSE OF THE SCREENING INTERVIEW
Your
first meeting with an employer has three fundamental functions. First,
the employer needs information about you that cannot be obtained by
examining your resume or application form. Secondly, as an applicant,
you wish to make an informal decision about your choice of employer and
probably need more information than what you have obtained on the
employer through research. And finally, a bridge of contact is
established between the organization and the prospective employee
through the interview process.
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PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEWING
While each
interview has the potential of being different from the others, most
employers will pursue a line of questioning designed to determine your
qualifications in three general areas: (l) technical experience, (2)
personal attributes, and (3) level of maturity and organizational
"fit." With this in mind, your preparation for the interview should
include the following:
Self
Knowledge What skills and abilities can you offer an employer? What
type of experience has helped discover and develop those skills? Can
you identify and communicate your skills?
Job
Knowledge Where do these skills and interests lead you in terms of
positions? What are you looking for in working conditions, location,
job type, opportunity for advancement?
Which of
these factors are most important to you?
Employer
Knowledge Are you familiar with the employer's products and
services? What is the market outlook for these products or services and
what is the reputation of the organization?
Are you
informed about the typical jobs in which you might begin your career
with the organization?
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THE
INTERVIEW
What should I expect in an
on-campus interview, and how should I prepare? On-campus interviews,
whether at Penn State Harrisburg or at University Park, are normally 30
minutes long. Although the interviewer will have a copy of your
resume from the Nittany Lion Career Network, you might want to offer a copy of
your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript. The
resume helps to present your qualifications in a unique manner to the
employer, and the transcript provides them with documentation of your academic
abilities and grade point average.
You may best prepare for on-campus interviews by carefully selecting
the organizations with which you wish to have interviews. You should be
knowledgeable about each organization and its operation, and you should
be able to discuss your employment goals as well as your qualifications
and assets with the interviewer. The Career Library, located in the
Career Center, (Susquehanna Building), contains reference materials to assist you
in this matter. Workshops on interviewing are conducted by Career
Services personnel each semester.
The recruiter's primary responsibility in the interview is to evaluate
you in an effort to determine if you merit employment consideration.
Thus, it becomes your responsibility to demonstrate that you are a good
prospect for employment.
Often, it is the initial contact with the employer that is a
determining factor of the screening process; the first impression you
make on the interviewer will set the stage for the interview.
Therefore, please keep in mind the following:
Timing Arrive early for your meeting. Late arrival for a job
interview is inexcusable!
Readiness
Psychologically prepare yourself for the interview. It is normal to be
nervous before an interview, however, try to use this extra energy to
your advantage. Anticipate questions you may be asked during your
interview, as well as practice responses to these questions.
Appearance/Personal
Physically prepare yourself for the interview. Get a good night's rest
before your interview. Shower and groom yourself appropriately (not too
much cologne or makeup). And, dress for the position you are applying
for (a good rule to follow is to dress the way you would expect the
person interviewing you would dress.
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INTERVIEW CLOSURE...KEY
How can
you determine that your interview went well?
It all
happens at the conclusion of the interview.
Listen
carefully to an interviewer's words and actions. If you had a good gut
feeling about the meeting, you felt like you liked him or her, you'll
probably be asked back. But also pay close attention to the exact words
used. At the end of the interview, what does the interviewer say before
he/she says goodbye?
They
may say, "Thank you very much, we have a number of other people to see
over the coming weeks. We'll call you." Translation: "You did OK, but
we're going to look around and see if there's anyone better."
A more positive
statement would be, "We really enjoyed talking to you. We are going to
talk to a few more people, but I feel confident that we'll call you
back for another meeting."
Obviously
a better statement: "I enjoyed the interview and I look forward to
working with you when you're on board."
Sometimes
the candidate can prompt a more positive response. A confident and
positive statement by the candidate may do wonders for his or her
chances. Example: "This have been an exciting interview for me. I feel
I can add a lot to your company and be successful. I'm very interested
in this position. Where do we go from here?"
You have
expressed a very clear interest in the job and an enthusiasm for the
company. Many times, if the interviewers are on the fence, this
positive attitude will convince them that you are right for them. Also,
the last sentence will drive them to give you a specific response.
Another
method is to lead the interviewer toward a positive statement, for
example: "Which areas of my background are most valuable for success on
this job?" Other options are: "How do I stack up?" or simply, "How do
you think I fit in?"
It's
also good to try to nail the company down as to when you will be
contacted again. Try to be specific in holding the interviewer to a
date, because the most frustrating part of looking for a job is waiting
interminable for a reply. Also, you are showing your confidence and
professionalism by making the interviewer accountable.
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PLANT/OFFICE
VISITS
A
candidate being seriously considered by a prospective employer is
usually invited to visit an organization at one of its locations for
further interviews. One purpose of the plant/office visit is to provide
you with an opportunity to observe the prospective working environment
Another function is for the employer to give you an opportunity to meet
other staff or plant personnel, and to give additional interviews to
help determine whether a good match is developing. Remember that such
an invitation is not a job offer, but it is a very important step in the
process of evaluation, both by the organization and by you.
If
for some reason you are unable to make a plant/office visit at the time
suggested, call or write the representative as soon as possible to
arrange an alternate date for your visit. All invitations should be
acknowledged promptly, even when you are not interested.
Your
interviews at the plant or office will be in-depth and you will be
competing with other candidates. Depending upon the position for which
you are being considered, the location, and company policy, you will
usually meet and be interviewed by several people representing a
cross-section of the firm and department in which you would be
employed. As a rule, you are asked to report to the personnel
department. You may meet with one or more coworkers and higher level
executives. One of the most important interviews will be with your
prospective supervisor.
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WHAT ARE SOME BASIC PRINCIPLES THAT I SHOULD FOLLOW?
Whether your interview is on-campss and/or at a
plant/office, it is often difficult to rehearse your role as an
employment candidate. However, you will find that a good source to rely
upon during the interview session is your own native courtesy and good
sense. The following principles are offered as a guide for you to use
during the recruiting process.
Select your interviews with care. Don't make
appointments in which you have no interest. You will find yourself in
an extremely awkward position and you will stand to lose the confidence
of everyone involved.
Take your cues from the interviewer. Take your
cues from the interviewer at the start. If he/she moves to shake hands,
do so but not unless the recruiter makes the first gesture. Don't chew
gum or smoke unless invited to do so. Be ready for at least one
surprise question at the start. A few interviewers favor such openers
as:
What can I do for you?
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in this company?
If you think those are easy questions to answer
without some previous thought, just try it. This is where preparation
will count.
If you are asked, "What can I do for you?", tell
the recruiter that you would like to apply for a job in a certain
operation of the organization, with an idea toward progressing into
some more advanced phase -- or say anything that will demonstrate your
interest in progress with that organization. Be as specific as you can.
If you are asked to talk about yourself, tell
those things about yourself which you feel will relate to the particular
job for which you are applying. Learn to articulate your personal
strengths and assets. Be informative without boasting or telling your
troubles.
As for the third question, if you have studied
the company's literature you will not be at a loss for words. Company
literature is available in the Career Services Library.
Know your career objective. Try to avoid giving
the impression that you have come in to look over the possibilities and
that you are not yet sure what you want. Don't say, "I'll do anything
if I'm given the chance to learn," or, "I don't know what I want to do;
I hope you can suggest something." Whenever possible, apply for a
specific job or field of work. If there is no opening in the line you
suggest, the way you present what you have to offer may well lead the
interviewer to suggest another job or department, perhaps even better
than the one you were seeking. For this reason, it is not advisable to
get too far out on a limb by saying you will not consider anything but
one certain job.
If the courses you took have not led you into
preparation for a specific field of work, do not pass up chances for
interviews on that account. Research on a company will help you present
your broad qualifications in light of the company's needs.
Develop your communication style. Look your
interviewer directly in the eye and keep doing it from time to time
during the conversation. This is important; nearly every interviewer is
conscious of it. Your mannerisms should be professional, but don't
tense up -- be relaxed.
A few interviewers like to do most of the
talking and judge you by your reactions, i.e., the interest,
comprehension, and intelligence you show. Others hardly speak at all,
and for an amateur these things are the hardest to deal with.
Most interviewers will follow a rather
structured question and answer format. If such is the case, your ability
to answer quickly and intelligently is of great importance. If your
answers are confused and contradictory, your cause is lost. The
greatest prevention against contradictory answers is the open and
honest response. A "frank" answer, even if it seems a little
unfavorable to you, is better by far than an exaggeration which may
tangle you up in the next question.
Highlight your strengths. Make sure your good
points get across. The recruiter won't know them unless you tell
him/her but try to appear factual and sincere, not bloated with
conceit. If you can mention your best qualities in relation to
something concrete, so much the better. For example, saying "I paid for
75% of my college expenses," is better than saying, "I am a hard worker
and I want to get ahead." The first establishes the point more
convincingly than the second.
Even if the recruiter does much of the talking,
remember that you can lead the conversation by asking questions which
call in turn for a question you want to answer. Example: You have
worked hard in extracurricular organizations. The interviewer has not
mentioned that point and you want to go into a little detail you
couldn't fully cover in your resume. You simply watch for an opening
and ask, "Are you interested in my extra-curricular activities?"
Don't become discouraged. If you get the
impression that the interview is not going well and that you have
already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. You have
nothing to lose by continuing the appearance of confidence and you may
gain much. The last few minutes often change things. Once in a great
while, an interviewer who is genuinely interested in your possibilities
may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction. If you
remain confident and determined, you have probably made a good
impression.
Probably no two interviewers will evaluate you
on exactly the same criteria, and in each case the evaluation process
is complex. The interview results in evaluation of a number of
individual characteristics. Some criteria evaluated are basically
objective such as grades, work experience,and activities. Many others,
however, are very subjective and involve the personal aspects of the
individual. This would include, but not be limited to, maturity, poise,
attitude, judgment, and interpersonal skills.
If you have answered the two questions uppermost
in the interviewer's mind -- (1) Why are you interested in this
company, and (2)What can you offer -- you have done all you can in the
initial interview. If you don't connect immediately, remember that
interviewers, companies,and jobs differ greatly. You will learn much
from your first interview, and you will almost certainly do better in
succeeding ones. The important thing is to keep trying.
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QUESTIONS
TO BE ANSWERED
Yes,
the interview day can be exhausting. But this day affords an excellent
opportunity for critical observations by both parties, you and the
employer. When you walk away from the interview, you should know the
answers to the following points: specifics of the position and how you
will fit into the organization; if you were employed and performed
above expectations, where would this job lead you, what company
policies and practices affect you, and are they compatible with your
values and objectives? What about the people with and for whom you will
be working? Remember, if you are on a plant/office visit, you will have
the opportunity to tell the company executives in greater detail just
what you have to offer and why you are interested in their company. So
be prepared. Know your previous accomplishments and strengths; reflect
upon your immediate and longer range career goals. And have a good
night's sleep prior to the interview day, not a night on the town!
Following your on-campus interviews or plant/office visits, a letter to
the appropriate employer representative expressing your appreciation is
good practice and part of job hunting etiquette.
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EXPENSES
Unless
the organization states in its invitation that it will pay the expenses
incurred in a plant/office visit, you may expect to pay your own. Any
questions you have concerning payment of expenses should be discussed
with the employer.
If
paid by the employer, legitimate expenses are those which are necessary
to get you there and back, covering the basic items of transportation,
food, and lodging. Be certain you understand whether you will receive
an advance, immediate payment at the plant/office location, or
reimbursement at a later date. Also, unless clearly outlined, determine
whether the employer prefers you to travel by air, bus, or auto.
If
you are visiting more than one organization on a single trip, your
expenses must be pro-rated. The invitation to visit an organization is
extended as a courtesy and must not be abused.
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OFFERS AND
ACCEPTANCES
Be
prompt in corresponding with employers. Acknowledge receipt of offers
of employment; then, take time to make a thoughtful decision. As soon
as possible, write the employer of your decision. After accepting an
offer, notify those organizations whose offers are being rejected.
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EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED DURING THE EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEW
What made you decide to attend Penn State
Harrisburg?
What specifically have you done while in college
that has enhanced your leadership qualities?
In what extra-curricular activities have you
participated?
What courses have you enjoyed the most? The
least?
What percentage of your college expenses did you
earn? How?
Why did you choose your particular field of study?
In what type of position are you most interested?
Why do you think you might like to work for our company?
What qualifications do you have that make you feel that you
will be successful in your field?
Are you willing to relocate for the company?
Do you have any geographic preferences?
Are you willing to travel for the company?
What type of professional literature have you read?
What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
What are your career objectives?
Where do you envision yourself five years from now? Ten years?
Tell me about your previous employment.
How were your positions obtained and why did you leave?
Which position did you enjoy most? Least?
What have you learned from your employment experience?
What is the greatest challenge you've had to face, and how
did you handle the situation?
I see many students with good credentials like yours. Why
should I hire you?
Sell yourself to me.
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WHAT REASONS DO RECRUITERS GIVE FOR REJECTING CANDIDATES?
No Enthusiasm Answers often short. Tone of voice lacks
interest or color.
Vague Answers No details given, words are general and
not relevant to the type of job.
Very Fidgety Very little eye contact, many nervous
mannerisms, such as playing with hair, rubbing hands, etc.
Know-it-all Attitude Lack of sincerity. Try to show
off all they know about the field. Makes superficial remarks to
impress the recruiter.
No Career Direction Have no idea what they want in a
job. Unable to show how their skills and experiences prepared them for
work in any field.
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FOR MORE
INTERVIEW INFORMATION
Interview
workshops conducted by Career Services are offered each semester at a
variety of times. Watch the bulletin boards and Career Services News for
workshop announcements.
For
viewing, the following videotapes are available:
"Dynamic
Interviewing"
"How to Get
the Job You Want"
"The Campus
Interview"
These
videotapes may be reviewed in the Student Assistance Center or they can
be checked out for viewing at home (deposit required). Contact Career
Services to make arrangements.
The Career
Services Library and the Penn State Harrisburg Library reference section include
several interview technique guide books. Ask a reference librarian for
assistance.
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