The Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing

Senior SeminarMs. Lekan

Interview Questions: What do they expect me to say???

Interviewers are looking for the following information from YOU during an interview:

1. Is the job candidate ABLE to do the work required?

2. WILL the candidate be RESPONSIBLE if hired?

3. Is the job candidate COOPERATIVE ?

SO…tell me a little bit about yourself….

Give them information about how you are INTELLIGENT and are able to be

trained, such as….1. Let them know you are on track to

graduate. 2. Tell them about your awesome G.P.A,

if it is above a 3.03. Tell them about an area of academics

that you either excel at or enjoy. 4. Tell them about any training you might

have had at other places of business.

So, tell me a little bit about yourself…..

Give them information about how you are RESPONSIBLE, such as…

1. Any teams or clubs you were/are involved with

2. Any previous work experience.3. Tell them about your awesome

school attendance record, if applicable.

4. Volunteer work you have done.

So, tell me a little bit about yourself….

Give them information about how you are COOPERATIVE , such as…

1. Any leadership positions you might have attained.

2. Any experience you have with TEAMS

3. Group volunteer experience

4. Organizing experience /fundraising experiences.

So tell me a little bit about yourself…..• DO: • “ Well, I am currently a senior here at Amundsen High School. I am excited to be graduating in June! While in school I’ve been

part of Advanced Band. I have been playing the tuba for three years, now. I’m also really interested in science. I’m hoping to major in biology in college. I don’t have much work experience, because I’ve been busy with classes, but I have over 90 service learning hours. I volunteered at soup kitchens and my old elementary school. “

• DON’T: “ I am a social person who enjoys being around people. I play lots of video games and I also like going to the movies. I’m a

people person who will do all I can for you and your business.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Be careful with this answer. If you don’t see yourself working at McDonald’s in

five years, DO NOT LIE and say so. Instead….

1. Talk about further education plans2. Other responsibilities such as living

on your own.3. Types of jobs and/or positions you

can see yourself responsible for in the near future.

4. ONLY tell them you want to be with the company in five years, IF YOU

REALLY REALLY MEAN IT! Employers can see through the lie. Really.

What motivates you to do a good job?

This is a MORALS and VALUES question. Think carefully.

1. The answer will reflect your own personal values directly.

2. A person or role model can be a good motivator.

3. The desire to learn is always a good motivator.

4. Provide a good explanation. Avoid short answers such as…

• “Money.”• “My mom.”• “My dog.”• “ My future dream house.”

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Be proud of what you have accomplished! Tell the story of your accomplishment and add details that will give the interviewer a good picture of this in his/her mind.

Examples I have heard from the past are…

1. First job experience

2. Finally getting that drivers license!

3. Learning something that was difficult at first, but was mastered eventually.

4. Stage performances of all types.

5. Honor roll attainment / Golden Apple Award / Scholarships / college acceptance

Tell me about a problem you had and how you solved it.

The interviewer wants to see how you determine what a problem IS, the process of how you came to the solution, and the solution you chose.

TELL A STORY! Be sure to add details so the interviewer has a clear idea of what you did to solve the problem.

Examples I have heard in the past…

1. Time management stories.

2. Academic/school problems.

3. Previous work –related problems.

4. Teamwork related problems.

What is your greatest strength? Think carefully. Are you a good communicator? Do you excel in

leadership positions? Do you have an academic strength? Do you have great

public speaking skills? Do you care about others and your community?

Do you want to save the world? Please include a description and avoid

one word answers such as…1. “I am a nice person.”

2. “Dancing.”3. “I’m the best friend anyone could

ever have!”

What is your biggest weakness?This question illustrates how you are self aware. Everyone has a weakness. Yes, even you. Think carefully. Do not

choose a weakness that reflects poorly on your CHARACTER. Focus on how you

are WORKING on the weakness. DO: “ A weakness of mine is that I have

problems with speaking to people in large groups. I’ve been putting myself in more

situations where I have to speak in front of people. I’ve been volunteering in class and practicing my speaking skills with friends.”

Don’t: “ One of my weaknesses is I am kind of lazy and get distracted easily. “

Tell me about a time you made a mistake and what you learned from it.

This question is NOT the same as the problem question.

Tell a story and focus on WHAT YOU LEARNED over the actual mistake.

Some examples I have heard in the past…

1. A mistake made on the job.

2. A mistake made in school/academics.

3. A mistake made during a performance.

4. A mistake made on the field.

5. A scheduling mistake.

Why should I hire you instead of somebody else???

Usually this question comes around the END of the interview. Be confident! Remind them about your honorable qualities and all of the experiences you have that will make you perfect for the job.

DO: “ I am a dedicated person who understands the value of hard work. I have been in leadership positions in school and I can use that experience in the workplace. I also can learn quickly and apply what I’ve learned, as my school record proves. I’m also good with people and I’m confident that I can assist customers.”

DON’T: “Because I am the best you will ever have. Period. You would be stupid not to hire me.”

Do you have any questions for me? Yes, you do. Here are some good interviewee questions …

1. How are new employees trained?

2. How will I be evaluated?

3. Do you promote from within the company?

4. How did you get involved in your field?

5. Describe your idea of a good employee.

6. How are employees scheduled?

7. When is lunch? ( Just kidding!!!)

Remember….• DO: Be confident and enthusiastic! You are perfect for the

job. • DO take a shower and groom yourself carefully before

entering the interview.• DO bring a pen and paper for any notes you might take. • DO bring a CLEAN copy of your resume.• DO practice with someone before your interview. • DO : Be aware of your hands and posture.• Do maintain eye contact with your interviewer. • Do bring breath mints. NO GUM.• Do remember to SHUT OFF your cell phone! • Do remember to smile.

Remember…

•DON’T forget to brush your teeth!•DON’T wear cologne or perfume. •DON’T forget to wear deodorant. •DON’T eat something the night before that will make you “gassy”.•DON’T smoke, but if you do, DON’T smoke before an interview. Wait until the interview is done. Why? You stink. •DON’T LIE about yourself or your accomplishments. •DON’T stay up all night watching You Tube videos the night before. If you look tired, you will appear sick or on drugs. •DON’T forget to practice.