WHAT’S YOUR INTERVIEW I.Q.? Revised 5-2-19

By

Workforce Boulder County

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE NUMBER Answers to Frequently Asked Interview Questions 14-17 Employer’s View 3 Interview Checklist 20 Personality-Related Skills 7 Possible Job Applicant Questions 19 Research 18 Skill Statement Example 10 Skill/STAR Statements Form 12 Skill Statement Information 9 Skills Triangle 4 Skills Worksheet 8 STAR Technique Information 11 E-Mail Thank You Sample 13 Transferable Skills 5-6

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EMPLOYER’S VIEW DO YOU LOOK RIGHT FOR THE JOB?

• Personal Appearance: Dress, Grooming • Manner: Confident, Courteous, Positive • Paperwork: Neat, Complete, Accurate

CAN YOU BE COUNTED ON TO DO THE JOB?

• Attendance • Quality • Punctuality • Consistency

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR THE EMPLOYER

• Skills • Employment Experience • Abilities • Volunteer Work • Life Experience • Training

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SKILLS TRIANGLE What is your definition of a “skill?”

Here are a few different definitions: Skill: * ability to do something well * something you enjoy doing * an ability that you have right now

I. Three types of skills comprise the skills triangle: PERSONALITY-RELATED JOB-RELATED SKILLS SKILLS

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

II. Identifying your skills a) Transferable Skills-Transfer to any industry

Skills that may be taken from one job or life experience to another are called transferable skills. Examples include: keyboarding skills, editing skills, care-giving skills, and keeping financial records.

b) Personality-Related Skills

Assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Keirsey Sorter can assist you in identifying these skills. Everybody has these types of skills. These skills are natural and don’t have to be learned. Some examples include: being detail-oriented with data, being organized, or being outgoing.

c) Job-Related Skills

These skills are specific to a job or industry and are learned. Typically, these skills may have a certain vocabulary or lingo associated with them. For example, a computer programmer may write code using “JAVA,” or a medical assistant may be “skilled working with pulse oximeter equipment” or “set up nebulizer treatments.”

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TRANSFERABLE SKILLS These skills transfer to any industry Strong Next Skill Job KEY SKILLS SELLING ____ ____ MANAGE MONEY ____ ____ UNDERSTAND / CONTROL BUDGETS ____ ____ MANAGE PEOPLE ____ ____ SUPERVISE OTHERS ____ ____ MEET DEADLINES ____ ____ MEET THE PUBLIC ____ ____ SPEAK IN PUBLIC ____ ____ NEGOTIATE ____ ____ ORGANIZE / MANAGE PROJECTS ____ ____ SOLVE PROBLEMS ____ ____ ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY ____ ____ WORKING WITH THINGS ASSEMBLE THINGS ____ ____ BUILD THINGS ____ ____ CONSTRUCT / REPAIR BUILDINGS ____ ____ DRIVE / OPERATE VEHICLES ____ ____ GOOD WITH HANDS ____ ____ OBSERVE / INSPECT ____ ____ OPERATE TOOLS / MACHINES ____ ____ REPAIR THINGS ____ ____ USE COMPLEX EQUIPMENT ____ ____ WORKING WITH COMPUTERS ____ _____

Strong Next Skill Job WORKING WITH DATA ANALYZE DATA ____ ____ AUDIT RECORDS ____ ____ BUDGET / NUMBERS ____ ____ CALCULATE / COMPUTE ____ ____ CHECK FOR ACCURACY ____ ____ CLASSIFY THINGS ____ ____ COMPUTER SKILLS ____ ____ COMPILE ____ ____ DETAIL-ORIENTED ____ ____ EVALUATE ____ ____ INVESTIGATE ____ ____ KEEP FINANCIAL RECORDS ____ ____ LOCATE ANSWERS, INFORMATION ____ ____ RECORD FACTS ____ ____ CONDUCT RESEARCH ____ ____ SYNTHESIZE INFORMATION ____ ____ SPREADSHEETS ____ ____ WRITE CODE ____ ____ WORKING WITH DATABASES ____ ____

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Strong Next Skill Job WORKING WITH PEOPLE ADMINISTER ____ ____ CARE FOR ____ ____ CONFRONT OTHERS ____ ____ COUNSEL PEOPLE ____ ____ DEMONSTRATE ____ ____ TEACH / TRAIN ____ ____ HELP OTHERS ____ ____ INSIGHT ____ ____ INTERVIEW PEOPLE ____ ____ KIND ____ ____ LISTEN ____ ____ MENTOR ____ ____ OUTGOING ____ ____ PERSUADE ____ ____ PLEASANT ____ ____ SENSITIVE ____ ____ SOCIABLE ____ ____ TACTFUL ____ ____ TOLERANT ____ ____ TOUGH ____ ____ TRUSTING ____ ____ UNDERSTANDING ____ ____

Strong Next Skill Job WORKING WITH WORDS, IDEAS ARTICULATE ____ ____ BILINGUAL ____ ____ VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS ____ ____ WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS ____ ____ EDIT ____ ____ CREATE NEW IDEAS ____ ____ INGENIOUS ____ ____ INVENTIVE ____ ____ REMEMBER INFORMATION ____ ____ CREATIVE / ARTISTIC ARTISTIC ____ ____ DRAW / PAINT / PHOTOGRAPH ____ ____ EXPRESSIVE ____ ____ PRESENT ARTISTIC IDEAS ____ ____ DANCE, BODY MOVEMENT ____ ____ OTHER ____________________ ____ ____ ____________________ ____ ____ ____________________ ____ ____ ____________________ ____ ____

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PERSONALITY-RELATED SKILLS

Personality-related skills are skills that come naturally to you; you don’t have to work at developing them. You have these skills due to your personality type. Remember that employers value these critical skills!

Check the personality-related skills you have: Most of the

time: Some of the time:

Ambitious Patient Assertive Learn quickly Flexible Mature Dependable/Reliable Thoroughly complete assignments Sincere Empathetic Good sense of humor Physically strong Resourceful Highly motivated Intelligent Creative Leadership / comfortable taking charge Enthusiastic Persistent Self-starter Results-oriented Ask questions easily Able to assess and critique people and projects Work best independently Logical thinker / logical analysis Manual dexterity Multi-task with ease Strategic thinker Sensitive Adaptable / spontaneous Diplomatic Organized Efficient Best work done in teams OTHER:

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SKILLS WORKSHEET Instructions: In the skills column, list your top skills. For each skill, write key words that help you recall three examples of when you used that skill. TRANSFERABLE SKILLS EXAMPLE A EXAMPLE B EXAMPLE C Problem-solve

Star Corp.: Created electronic tracking system -tracked $2M of company purchases

IBM: Instituted new process that doubled label conversion output

Star Corp.: Developed efficient procedure for marketing software

1.

2.

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PERSONALITY SKILLS EXAMPLE A EXAMPLE B EXAMPLE C 1.

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JOB-RELATED SKILLS EXAMPLE A EXAMPLE B EXAMPLE C 1.

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SKILL STATEMENT INFORMATION

_______________________________________________________________

80% OF ALL JOB SEEKERS ARE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY AND COMMUNICATE THEIR SKILLS TO EMPLOYERS!!

________________________________________________________________

EMPLOYERS WANT TO KNOW:

• How many people or products were involved • How many people you assisted • How long the results lasted • Size of the budget • How quickly the task was accomplished • Percent or amount of increase or decrease • Savings of time and/or money

This type of communication is most effectively packaged as a....

___________________

SKILL STATEMENT ___________________

Skill statements contain the following 5 components: 1. State the skill Identify your specific skill 2. Describe the setting Give your job title and the name of the company where you worked. In a problem solving skill statement, add the problem here. 3. Tell the story by describing the action and reinforcing with measurable data What did you do? Give details! Add numbers-quantify. How many? How long? 4. Emphasize results

Why or how was this situation significant to the employer? Identify increases or decreases....

5. Offer a link to the job you are targeting (Optional)

Tell them you will bring this skill (mention the skill from step one again) to the company.

* Adapted from “A Job Hunting Guide”; Georgia Dept. of Labor

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SKILL STATEMENT EXAMPLE

1. State the skill Identify your specific skill.

2. Describe the setting Give the job title and the company where you worked. If the skill is problem solving, put the problem here.

3. Tell the story by describing the action and reinforcing with measurable data What did you do? Give details! Add numbers! How many? How long? (people, processes or products) 4. Emphasize results

Why or how was this situation significant to the employer? What was the benefit of what you did? (Was it two weeks before deadline? Identify increases or decreases.)

5. Offer a link to the job you are targeting Mention the skill from # 1 again. I will bring my __________________ to this position. Skill: I am very adept at designing spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. Setting: As Data Manager for XYZ, Inc., I was faced with the challenge of demonstrating to my fellow employees that a Contractor’s proposed construction project was an unrealistic enterprise given the real estate market at the time. Story/Action: I designed a complex spreadsheet that utilized all information available, including construction budgets, phasing schedules, real estate market and carrying cost information, as a tool to forecast how the project would impact my company’s financial picture. Emphasize Results: With the information incorporated into one comprehensive picture, the spreadsheet convinced my fellow employees that the project was too aggressive for the market conditions. Our company declined the opportunity to fund the construction project. The contractor found financing elsewhere and, soon thereafter, that project ended up in Bankruptcy. Link: I will utilize my Microsoft Excel spreadsheet skills for the benefit of your company.

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STAR TECHNIQUE INFORMATION Format used by interviewers to gather all the relevant information about a specific capability that the job requires. This interview format is to have a higher degree of predictability of future on-the-job performance than the traditional interview.

STAR TECHNIQUE EXAMPLE

Situation: "A customer called up complaining that she'd waited more than two weeks for a reply from our sales team regarding a product order." Task: "I needed to address the client's immediate concern and find out what happened to her order." Action: "I apologized, got the details and passed them to our head salesperson, who contacted the client within the hour. I investigated why the order hadn't been answered. I discovered that it was a combination of a wrong phone number and a generic email address that wasn't being checked. I let the client know and we offered a goodwill discount on her next order." Result: "The client not only continued to order from us but posted a positive customer service tweet."

You will want to use this whenever asked “Tell me about a time when…” “Describe a situation in which…” and/or whenever you have the chance!

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SKILL/STAR STATEMENTS FORM

(Skill: I)_______________________________________

Setting/Situation: __________________________________

Story/Action/Task:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Results:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Link:) _______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________

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INTERVIEW TYPES Telephone Interviews are a common way for a first interview to take place. They are often used as a screening device though you must prepare for them as much as you would for a face-to-face interview.

• If the call comes out of the blue, say you’re delighted to talk to the interviewer, but could you speak later, and suggest a time.

• Make sure you are in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted by loud noises, children, or pets. Have a glass of water handy.

• Have the job description, your resume, and all your skill statements at hand. • During the interview, stand up and smile. Do not use the speaker function

as it can make you sound disinterested. • Keep your answers brief and focused. Use skill/star statements. • When you finish your answer expect there may be a long stretch of silence.

The interviewer is most likely taking notes. • At the end of the interview, say thank you, express your interest in meeting

in person, and ask about the next step in the process. Skype Interviews are becoming increasingly more common. Set up a free Skype account. Practice with a friend before your skype interview to ensure everything is working well.

• Place the computer/camera on books to have the angle of the lens slightly above your eye level.

• Click and drag the image of the interviewer as close as possible to the camera lens. Look at the image of the interviewer as much as possible

• Add the interviewer’s contact info to your Skype contact list. • Eliminate interruptions – no dogs or kids, and turn your cell phone off. • Dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview. • Log on early to make sure you are really online with Skype. • Be sure the image quality is good and that your face is in focus and well lit. • Remove clutter or anything distracting that’s behind you!! • Sit up straight and smile. Look at the camera lens, not the image of

yourself. Panel Interviews are comprised of two or more interviewers, usually the supervisor, peers and/or subordinates. Prepared questions are usually asked by any of the interviewers, and interviewers often take notes during the interview. When asked a question, begin your answer by addressing the person who asked you the question and then include other panel members as you answer. As you conclude your answer, return to the person who posed the question. Lunch/Dinner Interviews assess how well you handle yourself in a social situation. Do not order alcohol. Select easy things to eat (in the mid-price range) so you can answer questions and pay attention to the conversation.

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INTERVIEW ATTIRE

Do Don’t Dress professionally for the position Eat garlic, onions Dress one step above employee attire Show cleavage Hair cut and styled neatly, away from face Wear open toed shoes or sandals Wear up-to-date clothes that fit well Wear sleeveless shirts/dresses Wear colors that flatter you Wear shoes with worn down heels Research industry and company Smoke Ask HR what appropriate attire is Wear perfume or cologne Limited jewelry Wear dangly earrings Limited makeup Shoes shined

DECODING DRESS CODES Business professional: In a business professional atmosphere, suits are the norm. Women might wear a skirt or pant suit with heels, while men may wear a blazer or suit jacket, button down shirt, suit pants, a tie and dress shoes. Business casual: Men might opt to wear dress slacks or chinos, a button down or polo shirt, a belt and dress shoes. Women might consider wearing a conservative dress, or a blouse (or sweater) with a skirt or dress pants and dress shoes or boots. Casual: When interviewing at a casual office, it's still important to look polished and professional. Men might consider wearing a long-sleeved dress shirt, khaki pants a belt, and dress shoes. Women might wear a collared shirt with pants or a pencil skirt, or a work dress. (Save the jeans and flip flops for when you actually have the job.) General rules to keep in mind for any type of position at any company … Do your homework. Research the company before the interview to get a feel for the culture: Check out its company careers site, Facebook page and reviews on Glassdoor. Tap into your professional network to see if you know someone (or know someone who knows someone) who works for the company and can offer some insight. You could even call or email the company's recruiting or HR department and ask them about the appropriate dress code. Err on the side of overdressing. Even if the company you're interviewing with allows employees to dress in jeans and more casual attire, most experts advise dressing "a step above" the typical daily dress for the company. In other words, wait until you've gotten the job to show off your new J Brand jeans.

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Pay attention to details. Make sure you always look polished – in other words, don't show up in wrinkled, stained, ripped or ill-fitting clothing. Comb your hair, and check to make sure none of this morning's spinach omelet ended up in your teeth. Consider keeping a small grooming kit with you for any last-minute touch-ups you may need. Go blue. In a 2013 CareerBuilder survey, blue topped the list of employer-approved colors to wear in an interview, followed closely by black, brown and gray. In general, neutrals are a safe bet because they go with anything and can be paired with a classic white button-down, or some colors and eye-catching (but not over-the-top) accessories. https://www.careerbuilder.com/advice/what-to-wear-for-different-job-interviews-based-on-the-company

THANK YOU EMAIL GUIDELINES Be Prompt: Send your Thank You email between 3 and 24 hours after your interview. Morning interview? Send your email that afternoon. Afternoon interview? Send it early the next morning. Not only is it more likely to give you an edge if it arrives quickly, punctuality reflects well on your character. Draft thoughtfully: Match the formality of the employer. A great thank-you note to a finance VP should look different than a note written for a startup. Craft your email on your computer; it’s too easy to make an error from your cell phone. This is your last chance to make a great impression. Be Brief: Show gratitude for people’s time and expertise. Say thank you, mention a specific fact or detail that was particularly helpful or interesting. Express interest: If you want the job, tell them! Individual or group: If it makes sense to send different emails to each person that interviewed you then do so. If a panel interviewed you then it’s fine to send your email to one person and add something like “Please tell the team how much I enjoyed meeting them,” or “Please forward this to everyone who interviewed me yesterday.” Always Proofread: Double check to make sure each person’s name is spelled correctly. Ask your favorite proofreader to look for glaring — and subtle — mistakes. When there’s a fatal flaw like a misspelled name or an incomplete sentence, it can dampen your prospects at the organization.

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OUTLINE AND SAMPLE THANK YOU EMAIL OUTLINE Interviewer’s Name

Initial Paragraph – Express thanks for the interview. Middle Paragraph -- Add a sentence or two about your skills and how they fit the job. Mention an area from the interview that was of interest or beneficial. Tell them you would like the job. Last Paragraph – Close by saying you look forward to the results of the

interview. Sincerely, Your Name Typed Phone number SAMPLE Ms. Johnson: Thank you for meeting with me today about your Administrative Assistant position. I enjoyed learning more about the specifics of the position. It was very interesting to hear about the vision you have of a candidate who would best fit your current needs. You mentioned your goal was to find someone who could step right into this role and hit the ground running. My previous experience multi-tasking at a busy front desk office, reorganizing patient files, and supporting a medical team I believe would fill that need. I would love to bring my energy, previous experiences working as an Administrative Assistant, and my passion for the healthcare field to your office. I would be thrilled to work for your organization, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you over the coming weeks.

Best, Janice Anderson 303-223-4444 janice.anderson@gmail.com

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ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Tell me about yourself OR Why should I hire you? • Use a skill statement pertinent to one of the main skills mentioned in the ad OR

“Well, in addition to my (mention previous skill given in skill statement), I am also good at (use another skill statement with results).

2. What do you know about our company?

• Mention information on their company or their latest product that you discovered via your research before the interview.

3. What is it about this job that interests you the most?

• Relate how you can contribute to the company based on the ad and your research of the company or industry.

4. What is your major strength?

• Know your strengths (more than one!); match your strengths to what the company needs.

• Provide a skill statement of a time you successfully used a strength.

5. What is a weakness of yours? • In one or two brief sentences, give a weakness and turn it into a positive (e.g.,

“I sometimes expect everyone in the company to be as dedicated as I am. I’ve learned that not everyone has the same work ethic and have learned to accept differences.”)

6. What are your salary requirements? OR What were you making at your last job?

• Research salary prior to the interview (glassdoor.com, salary.com, payscale.com) to have a current range for that position.

• Determine what you’re your salary needs are and be prepared to give a general range: “In the 50s,” or “$35-45,000.”

• “What I was making on my last job was based on a managerial position. This position has less responsibility, and my salary requirements have changed. My research for a position like this shows a range of 65 to 75K and that works for me.

7. Why are you /did you/ leave your last job? • Stay as neutral as possible, e.g., “OR “Our department was outsourced, and

all positions were eliminated”. Do NOT mention personality conflicts.

8. What is the biggest risk that you have taken? • Give an example using a skill statement that shows a benefit to the company

from the risk you took.

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ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

9. Describe how you would solve a personal problem with another employee. • Your answer should mention communication skills. For example: “I would

think about the cause of the problem, what I need and why, then set up a time to meet with the employee. I would explain what was bothering me and notice reactions, then ask what they thought and begin a discussion from there, asking also for their ideas regarding solutions.”

10. What have you done that improved the bottom line?

• Give an example of an experience using a skill statement. 11. Name a situation in which you failed and how you went about correcting it.

• Use an example and focus on the correction and what you learned.

12. What was a recent, significant mistake that you made? • Be brief on the mistake and spend a sentence or two telling what you learned.

Be sure it is something that can be seen as positive, i.e., bankrupting a company cannot be turned around into a positive.

13. Give an example of how you solved a work problem.

• Focus on the job you are applying for and provide an example (via a skill statement) showing skills that will transfer to this job.

14. This is a high-pressure job. Are you up to it?

• Say, “Yes” and mention a skill statement to illustrate a time you handled pressure well.

15. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

• Keep your answer general or centered on skill building, e.g., “I want to learn this job as quickly as I can to be productive and assume any additional responsibilities as they come along,” or “I intend on continuing to upgrade my skills and grow professionally.”

16. You have been out of work for a long time haven’t you?

• Don’t be apologetic! For example: “I believe it is important that I get a position that uses my skills and experience in a way that will benefit the company as well as offer job satisfaction. In a tight job market, that takes a little longer, but I believe the time is well spent.”

17. Why haven’t you found a new position by now? (See above answer)

18. What challenges or developments do you see for this industry?

• Hopefully your research prior to the interview will help you answer this.

19. You have too much experience for this job. Why do you want it? • Tell them, e.g., “I’ve been a comptroller for many years and now I want to

concentrate on what I really enjoy, which is cost accounting. I believe all my experience will be an advantage at your company.”

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ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

20. What is it about your last job that bothers you the most? • Give a fact that is neutral, if not positive. “I guess what bothered me the most

was co-workers who frequently complained about their jobs to others.”

21. What motivates you? • Think of an example that relates to the qualifications for the job. For example:

“Doing a good job for my own satisfaction and providing excellent customer service motivates me. It if weren’t for the customers, I wouldn’t have a job.”

22. What are your most important accomplishments to date?

• Think of what stands out to you in your career AS IT RELATES TO THIS JOB.

23. What qualities do you have that would benefit our company? • Focus your answer on the qualifications for the potential job. For example: “In

addition to my (name skills mentioned in the job description, which you have, and you may have already mentioned), I am also a good team player (then give an example via a skill statement).”

24. Tell me about a goal you did not meet. Why?

• Discuss a time when you had to prioritize competing goals and focus on the accomplishment.

25. Name five adjectives to describe yourself.

• Use the skills worksheets to select five of your top skills as they relate to the job.

26. Name an action you performed that went above and beyond the call of duty.

• Give an example using a skill statement.

27. Tell me what you liked/disliked about your past bosses. • Try to think of something that wasn’t too bad & how you handled it, e.g., “My

boss was disorganized sometimes. I made sure I let her know in advance of upcoming meetings and sent e-mails to keep her informed of projects.”

28. As you leave this interview, what is the one last question you want me to ask

you? • Be upbeat, e.g., “When can you start?” or “What will it take to get you on

board?”

29. What makes you unique? • Think of a personal quality, relevant to the job, and name a time when you

successfully employed that quality.

30. How do you handle frustration on the job? • Give an answer that demonstrates your ability to be self-aware and

responsible. For example: “First I take the time to notice the frustration and where it is coming from. Sometimes, when I am able, I take a walk to give me time to think. I will usually mull it over for awhile and, when needed, try to get another point of view from a neutral party.”

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ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

31. Why do you want to change careers at your age? (or at this time) • Stay positive in your answer and don’t get defensive, e.g., “I find that as I

grow and change, my needs grow and change too. I keep looking for opportunities to enrich my working life. I think this is the next step in that direction. I also know that a happy employee is a productive employee and I plan to bring my energy for this career to your company.”

32. How much are you worth?

• Mention qualities and skills you have that match what the employer wants. For example: “An employee like me, who is responsible, hard-working and focused on client satisfaction, is worth a lot, wouldn’t you agree?” Or you may ask, “What are my skills and experience worth to this company?”

33. If I were to talk to your employer today, what would s/he say about you?

• Focus on the qualities and skills that match the potential job, e.g., “That I am very focused on meeting the clients’ needs”; OR “That I am a responsible employee and do my job very well.”

34. How are you different from the other candidates?

• See answer # 29.

35. What was the latest book you read? • Choose an inspirational or motivational book, if you have read one. Ideally the

book would be connected to the job topic, but if not, pick something neutral, i.e., not extreme on any topic.

36. Would you work if you were independently wealthy?

• Mention that you would still choose to use your skills in some capacity, e.g.,“ Wish I truly had to make that decision! I hear that managing money is a full time job. Seriously, if I really loved the job, I would work part-time or as a volunteer.”

37. How sensitive are you to criticism?

• Show an openness to communicate, e.g., “I understand we can always learn more and sometimes do better. If the criticism improves my productivity and is offered in a proactive way, I welcome it.”

38. What is the most difficult challenge you have faced in your life?

• You may choose to give a relevant personal answer here, but try to come up with a professional one that fits. You can also stick to a more general statement to avoid going into too much detail, e.g., “I am seeking balance among my various responsibilities.”

39. What are you doing now to improve yourself?

• Show an interest in on-going education/training or self-improvement, especially related to the job, e.g., “I am taking classes to upgrade my computer skills.”

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RESEARCH THE COMPANY AND PEOPLE INTERVIEWING YOU!

HOW???

Check the company website as well as:

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POSSIBLE QUESTIONS BY THE JOB APPLICANT

These are only suggestions. Be sure to have some specific questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company and/or industry. Do not ask questions that are clearly answered on the company website. *****Use the information below as a “skeleton” and FILL IN with specifics from your research!!! REGARDING QUALIFICATIONS

• What do you think are the most important qualifications for this job? • Do you have an image of the ideal candidate for the position? • Do you have any questions about my qualifications? • What specific responsibilities of this job do you think are the most

important? GENERAL

• What would you hope someone in this position accomplish in the first three months on the job?

• What improvements or changes do you hope a new employee would bring to this position?

• What characteristics do you like most in an employee? • What are the major challenges and rewards of this job? • What are your goals for the department? • Would it be possible to have a tour of the company/building?

REGARDING THE HIRING PROCESS

• Will there be a second interview? • When do you expect to make a decision? OR • When is the best time to follow up with you? • May I call you by (date employer gave) if I haven’t heard from you? • May I have your business card?

REMEMBER: THE EMPLOYER IS LOOKING TO SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR THEM!! NOTE: IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE TO ASK ABOUT SALARY AND BENEFITS UNTIL THE EMPLOYER MAKES YOU AN OFFER!

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INTERVIEW CHECKLIST Here is a reminder list for your next interview.

• Do your homework! Research the company, the field and the people you will be interviewing with. Be prepared!

• Dress professionally for the job

• Use the interviewer’s name at least once during the interview

• Give a firm handshake, smile, and make eye contact

• Use good volume and a pleasant voice tone and be sure facial expressions, mannerisms, and movements are appropriate

• Maintain good posture

• Exhibit self-confidence (as in well prepared and practiced)

• Be prepared to give short and specific examples of when you used any of

the skills listed in the job description

• Give skill statements using the STAR technique (think story)

• Give appropriate responses

• Have several questions ready about the job or company to ask the interviewer

• Thank the interviewer and express an interest in the job

• Ask for the next step – “When do you expect you’ll be making a decision?”

• Ask for a business card • Give a handshake at the end

• Follow up with a thank you email

• DO NOT ask about salary or benefits until you have been offered the job