Interview Preparation

Job Interviews: Putting Your Best Self Forward

Purpose of the Interview

• The interview is an information gathering process that helps in the final decision of whether or not to hire (interviewer) and whether or not to take the position (interviewee)
• The interview is a two-way process in which both you and the interviewer are selling and evaluating

Your chance to:

• Find out more about the company
• Find out if the position is right for you
• Explain how your skills and abilities relate to the position

Employer’s chance to:

• Learn about you
• Find out if the position is right for you
• Tell you about their company/position
• See if you’re a fit with the company/department

When you are called for the interview, find out the:

• Date and time of the interview
• Name of the company and their address
• Name(s) and position(s) of the interviewer(s)
• Type of interview
• Ask for a job description

Preparing for the Interview

Put your best self forward! Research and preparation are a must!

• Know yourself
• Know the occupation
• Know the employer/organization
• Prepare for questions

Remember to:

• Bring your:
  • resume
  • portfolio
  • recommendations/references
  • pen and paper
  • list of questions to ask the interviewer
  • interviewer’s contact information
  • positive attitude
• Review your resume
• Dress for success
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Turn off your cellphone

During the Interview

Make an excellent impression:

• Convey professionalism, poise and confidence
• Smile, make eye contact and show enthusiasm
• Wait to sit down; let the interviewer sit first or offer you a seat
• Follow the employers lead – casual/formal
• Establish a rapport – conversation

Exchange information:

• The bulk of the interview and your opportunity to let the employer know how your skills match the requirements
• Expand on your answers by providing examples; length of answers may vary; stay focused on the question asked
• Be aware of the interviewers reactions, if they look confused with the answer you provided, explain further
• If you don’t understand a question ask for further clarification
• Don’t assume anything, be sure to include information from your resume
• Always speak positively about past employers, colleagues and places of work
• Provide enthusiastic feedback, show interest in the position/company
• Never mention personal problems in an interview
• Never ask about salary/holidays unless initiated by the employer

Common types of interview questions:

Strength-based Questions – Provides the employer a general idea of who you are. Examples:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why should we hire you?
• What do you know about us?

Competency-based Questions – Describes how you have dealt with a specific situation in the past. Examples:

• Tell me about a time you had a conflict at work.
• Give us an example of a project you completed with a team.

Situational Questions – Determine if your values align with the company’s. Examples:

• What would you do if a co-worker isn’t pulling their weight?
• How would you respond to a customer who isn’t happy with the product?

The BAR Formula

When answering competency-based questions, answer the question completely using the BAR formula.

Background

Provide background information and describe the situation you were in or the task that needed to be completed.

Action you took

Keep the focus on you; if you were working in a group, describe how you contributed to the situation or task.

Results you received

What happened? What was the outcome? What was accomplished?

Sample questions to ask the employer

• What are your expectations of a new hire in the first few months of employment?
• What do you feel are the greatest challenges and rewards of this position and/or department?
• How do the goals of this position fit into the overall mission of the organization?
• What do you like best working with this company?
• How is the program evaluated? What reflects success?
• What are the most significant factors affecting your business?
• When do you hope to have your decision reached by/have the person in place for?

Illegal interview questions

Questions that pertain to an applicant’s nationality or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or disability.

If you are presented with potentially discriminatory questions:

• Evaluate the situation. Inappropriate questions are often unintentional.
• Politely ask, “Can you please tell me how the question relates to the job or the job responsibilities?”
• Maintain professionalism at all times and react objectively, not defensively.

After the Interview

Make sure to:

• Record the interview questions you can remember, you may be asked that exact question in the future.
• Continue other job search efforts as you wait to hear about a decision; If you are not offered the position, this can provide an excellent opportunity to obtain feedback.
• Send thank you letters.

Mistakes that can cost you:

• Overselling
• Underselling
• Negative body language
• Lack of honesty
• Negative attitude
• Lack of preparation
• Lack of enthusiasm

Core Competencies

During the interview, employers will be assessing your core competencies. To be well prepared for your interview, read and study the job description closely, and identify the core competencies. Explore these competencies and have examples of how you have displayed the required competence or behaviour in the past.

While different jobs demand different competencies, the following core competencies are commonly recognized behaviours required for success in nearly all career fields:

• Communication
• Decision making
• Teamwork
• Motivation
• Leadership
• Customer service
• Conflict resolution
• Reliability
• Problem solving
• Adaptability
• Planning and organizing
• Integrity
• Initiative
• Results driven
• Stress tolerance