What to Expect in a Job Interview.
Last Step in the Job Search Process Job Interviews:
Answer Question about Skills and Qualifications
Ask questions about the job or company
Make a positive impression
Common interview questions:
Q : Tell me about a time that you solved a problem.
A : I created a document to help others teachers plan their schedules.
or
Q : What did you learn from working at XYZ company
A : I learned to use new software and computer programs to manage information in a busy office
Interviews are a great chance to explain your qualifications and transferable skills with examples or short stories. For example, many employers look for people who can show leadership skills or creativity in solving problems. You can prepare answers that show you have these skills by using examples from your past work experiences or education. During the interview, keep eye contact with the interviewer. Give clear and honest answers, and bring extra copies of important documents like resumes or certifications. In summary, job-seekers should be prepared for job interviews with examples of theirs skills and qualifications to answer the questions.
Interview Tips
Make sure to talk about your:
- Strengths
- Flexibility (how you react to new or tricky situations)
- Skills as a leader
- Interest in learning new things
- Contributions to places where you have worked or volunteered
- Problem-solving skills
- People skills
Before the interview, look at the skills needed for the job. The job posting will list these skills. For each one, write down how you are qualified. This will help you to find your strengths and weaknesses. Plan how you will talk about this in the interview. You may not have every skill needed for a job. But you can still show that you can learn those skills.
Make a list of questions to ask. Pick questions that show your interest in the job and the company. Ask about the job you will be expected to do. Some sample questions are:
- What will I do day-to-day in this job?
- How will my work be reviewed? Who will review it?
- Could you explain how the company is organized?
- What computer software do you use?
- What is the company's plan for the next five years?
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
- Go alone.
- Dress in a way that fits the job.
- Leave extra things, like coffee or your backpack, at home or in your car.
- Turn off your cellphone.
- Make sure to SMILE!
- Shake hands firmly, but only if a hand is offered to you first.
- Look the person in the eye.
- Listen carefully. Welcome all questions, even the hard ones, with a smile.
- Give truthful, straightforward answers.
- Have a complete answer ready in your head before you say it aloud. It's OK if you don't understand a question. Ask for it to be repeated. You don't have to rush, but you also don't want to seem uncertain.
Restate any strengths that you might not have mentioned earlier.
- Share an example that shows you are a good match for the job.
- If you want the job, say so!
- Ask if there will be more interviews.
- Ask when the employer will decide if you get the job.
- Ask for the phone number or email address of the interviewer. Make sure to send a thank you note afterward.