Interview Information

The Purpose of an Interview

Goal of Candidate:

Gather information on position and employer.

Evaluate position, job-setting, co-workers.

Determine if position is suitable – “Do I want to work here?”

Communicate information about yourself – convince employer to hire you because you are qualified for the position.

Goal of Interviewer:

Promote organization.

Attract the best candidate, gather information, and assess candidate’s qualifications.

Determine if the candidate fits the position.

Research the Position

Make sure you understand the details, requirements, and responsibilities of the job you are applying for. This information can be typically found by reviewing interview bulletins, recruiting information, and company literature. Additionally, conducting your own informational interviews can often provide valuable information. Finally, be able to relate your skills and qualifications to the stated job responsibilities.

Research the Organization

How long has it existed?

What is its mission?

What does it produce?

Who does it serve?

Size?

Location?

Visit the organization's website to help you research companies and organizations. In addition, expand your search by conducting informational interviews.

Prepare and Practice

Develop specific examples that highlight your skills. Make sure that you can answer each question honestly and sincerely without sounding like you prepared them. But remember, this is not an exhaustive list of possible interview questions, but rather some general samples to help you begin thinking about what may be asked during an interview.

Anticipate Difficult Questions

Can you explain your low grade point average?

Why did you change you major three times?

Do not try to avoid these questions, explain the situation honestly and in a positive manner. Try to turn a weakness into a strength, i.e., “Yes, my GPA is low, but this is because I worked thirty hours a week to put myself through school.”


Prepare Questions for Your Interviewer

What are the educational opportunities?

What training will I receive?

The end of the interview is usually reserved for your questions. Do not just ask generic questions, and do not ask questions that could easily be found in company literature. Ask questions that will help you determine if you are a good match for the position and organization, such as the questions above.



Examples of Interview Questions to ask:

Asking questions indicates to the employer that your job search has been well thought out. Your interest in the organization resulted in thorough research and preparation.


The following are samples of questions prepared to start you thinking about questions you can ask in an interview. Do not memorize these samples but do sit down, study them and figure out how they translate into suitable questions for the organization you are interviewing. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer, such as:


What do you think are the three key skills/strengths vital to this position?

What characteristics do the achievers in this company seem to share?

Is there a lot of team project work?

What would I be expected to accomplish in the first six months on the job? in the first year?

What are some of the department’s ongoing and anticipated special projects?

Identify a typical career path in your organization for someone with my qualifications.

How is an employee evaluated and promoted?

What is the retention rate of individuals in the position for which I am interviewing?

Tell me about your initial, as well as future training programs.

What are the challenging facets of this job?

What industry trends will occur in this company?

Describe the work environment.

What are the company’s strengths and weaknesses?

Who are your clients? May I talk with one?

Who are your competitors?

What kinds of computers and programs do you use? Will I have my own computer?

How would you describe your company’s personality and management style?

Is it company policy to promote within?

Tell me the work history of your top management.

What are your expectations for new hires?

What is the overall structure of the department where this position is located?

What qualities are you looking for in your new hires?

Is this a new position or a replacement? What happened to the person who held it previously? Is there someone already employed by the firm who thinks they should have this position?

What is the next step in the hiring process for this position?

Do not ask about salary and benefits.

Will I work independently or with others?

Who directly supervises this position? What is his or her background? What's he or she like? May I talk to other people who report to this person?

Are there any recent or anticipated changes in the structure of the organization (mergers, cutbacks)?

If I want to further my education, does the organization offer tuition benefits?

Can I provide you with any other information to help you in the decision making process?

Will I have a written employment agreement?

Does your company require that I sign a non-compete agreement?

How many women and minorities hold management positions in your company?

Where do the other employees live? How far away are these communities? Can you describe them? What is the commute like?

How many other candidates are you considering for this position? What can you tell me about them?

How soon can I expect to hear from you?