Interview Basics

You have passed the initial test. Your resume has impressed the interviewer enough that he or she has called you in for a closer look. Always remember that the person on the other side of the desk wants you to be the perfect candidate. Your goal is to convince him or her that you are in fact the best person for the job. That means you must look, act, and be the part from the moment you enter, because the first interview is often the deal maker or deal breaker.

You might even consider rehearsing with a friend or colleague before the interview. Try anticipating questions that the interviewer might ask and planning your responses to them. Interviewers often ask very simple as well as complex and deliberately challenging questions to get an idea of how you will handle yourself in different situations. Keep in mind that there are no dumb questions, only dumb answers.

Here is a list of frequently asked interview questions:

• What are your career interests and goals?
• What was your most recent job or schoolwork like?
• What are your greatest strengths and skills?
• What are your weaknesses?
• How would you feel about getting more schooling or training?
• How much supervision do you require?
• What do you want to be doing five years from now?
• What are your career objectives?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• Do you think you can handle this job? Why?
• What did you like most about your last job? Least?
• Why should I hire you?
• How long do you think it will take you to learn how to do this job well?
• What about you makes you perfect for this job?

For specific tips on how to answer difficult interview questions, refer to the following books:

101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions: Sell Your Strengths!
By Caryl Rae Krannich and Ronald L. Krannich
Published in 1999

101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, 3rd Edition
By Ron Fry
Published in 1995

Tips for Successful Interviews

Review the list of some tips for successful interviewsand making a great first impression.

What Are Employers Looking For?

Most employers are looking for employees with the following skills:

• the ability to learn new skills rapidly
• the willingness to take responsibility
• the ability to function effectively in teams
• excellent problem-solving skills
• good interpersonal and communication skills
• leadership skills
• the willingness to take reasonable risks
• the ability to plan ahead and think strategically
• a passion for winning and excellence
• a positive attitude of cooperation and helpfulness

The Bottom Line for Interviews

Always remember that an interviewer wants you to succeed. He or she wants you to be the ideal person for the position. Never take rejection personally; it is not about you, it is about what the employer needs at that moment.

Never burn your bridges. Remember that a new opportunity may arise later in the same organization.

Finally, always leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you. Thank him or her for the meeting, let him or her know you are very interested in the job, and ask when you might hear about any hiring decisions that have been made.