Interviewing Workshop

Interviewing is something you can learn, you can practice, and you can improve your skills over time! Don't fall into the trap of thinking you are just "not good at interviews." It's a simple matter of preparation. Knowing what to wear, what questions might be asked (and how you should answer them), what questions you should ask (and which ones you should save for another time), and finally following up professionally after the interview is key.

We've broken the workshop into 3 components - before - during - after - and finish up with a few handouts that may be helpful for you as you prepare.

Before the interview

Thoroughly Research the Company

The more information you have about a prospective employer, the better prepared you will be during the interview. Knowing about the organization's products, trends, and employment requirements are vital to your interview preparation. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your research.

Company/Organization Information - General Knowledge
Name of company
Growth history of company
Anticipated growth of company Where do they rank in the industry in size and sales?
Current problems of company/major competitors
Location and number of plants, offices, and stores of company
Parent company
Subsidiaries
Major activity of company - what do they do?
How many employees do they have?
What are their sales figures from last year? Projections for this year?
Description of position for which I am applying
Major duties of the position
Geographical location of position
Minimum requirements for the position
Deadline for application and starting date of position
Salary range
Recent items in the news

Honestly Assess Yourself

Know your strengths and weaknesses.

Don't go into an interview before you can name at least 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses - with examples. Be certain to identify weaknesses that are sincere but not ones that will keep you from being hired such as "I can never get anywhere on time" or "I can be really stubborn and moody at times".

Know where you might fit into this particular organization.

You know yourself better than anyone at the company, do your homework and have some ideas about what you have to offer. Don't sit back and expect the company to just know where you "fit" them best.

Identify what skills/abilities/experience you have that this company values.

Again, it is up to you to show the recruiter/hiring manager what you can do for his/her company. That really is the bottom line in today's job market ... "What can this candidate do to improve our company?"

How do you match up with the company based on your research? What related experience do you have? What about relevant coursework? Your school and community activities?

Prepare for Both the Traditional and Behavioral Interview

Traditional Interview

Questions deal with hypothetical situations "What would you do if ....?" and generally include questions such as "Tell us about yourself" or "What did you do in your position with XYZ Corporation?"

Sample traditional interview questions are available in the "Handouts/samples" section below.

Behavioral Interview

Research shows that the best way to predict future action is by observing past behaviors. Thus, this type of interview question requires real life examples. "Tell us about a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker and how you resolved it."

Sample behavioral interview questions are available in the "Handouts/samples" section below.

Practice, Practice, Practice

To succeed, you must practice your responses to interview questions. It isn't smart to walk into an interview without giving any thought to how you will respond to questions. Looking on the Handshake company review and Q&A sections as well as websites like Glassdoor can help you figure out what kinds of questions you might be asked in any given interview.

Mock Interviews

A terrific way to practice is with a mock interview. Our office sponsors a mock interview day/night every month. This practice interview consists of a professional from the community acting as a recruiter conducting a 30 minute practice interview. This individual will ask you questions and observe your responses and behavior. At the end of the interview you will be given feedback on how you did. Log in to Handshake or visit the Mock Interview program webpage for details.

Know the Interview Details

Where is the interview?

Do you know where to park? Where is the entrance is to the building? It can be helpful, if you're not familiar with the company, to make a 'dry run' before interview day to determine how long it will take you to get there and to familiarize yourself with the layout of the company.

What time is the interview?

Plan on getting there 15-20 minutes early so that even if something happens, traffic jam, you get lost, etc., you'll still arrive in plenty of time. It is NEVER acceptable to be late to an interview!!

With whom will you be interviewing?

Be sure you can spell AND pronounce the interviewer's name and title. If this person is a division head or manager, find out as much as you can about his/her area so you can ask pertinent questions.

Dress Appropriately for the Company's Culture

From your earlier company research, you will have an idea of appropriate business dress for the company. What you'll wear for an interview at an accounting firm is going to be different than what you'd wear to a meat-processing plant. Someone interviewing at a store in the mall catering to teenagers would be expected to dress differently than someone interviewing at a bank. If you are in doubt about what to wear, CALL the company and ask.

General Guidelines:

FOR MEN: a suit is usually best. Wear a long sleeve white shirt, conservative tie, dark socks, and dress shoes. If you don't own a suit, wear a dark sport coat and dress slacks. Do not wear sneakers and never wear jeans unless you are specifically instructed to wear them by the employer.

FOR WOMEN: a suit is also best. If you don't own a suit, a business-like dress will work. You could also choose a skirt or slacks and a blouse, no tee-shirts and nothing too low cut or flashy. If the outfit is one you would wear out on a Friday night, you probably don't want to wear it to an interview. Remember, cute does not mean professional. Never wear jeans unless you are specifically instructed to wear them by the employer.

FOR ALL: Now is not the time to be flashy! Keep your extra jewelry at home. One ring per hand is plenty, one earring per ear for women (earrings not recommended for men.) No other piercings should be visible. Go light on the cologne and other "smelly things" as well. Make sure your shoes are clean, polished and in good repair. Stop in front of a mirror after you've arrived at the company - preferably in a restroom, not in the lobby or the interviewer's office - and do a last minute check of your appearance. Look up your nose, at your teeth and make sure your pants are zipped.

During the interview

Be prepared!

Plan to bring only the bare necessities! Now is not the time for a large purse or backpack. What do you need?

Professional padfolio - buy or borrow a nice vinyl or leather folder to carry to the interview. Hint #1: if you've attended a Prepare for the Fair Networking Night you already have one! Hint #2: you can even put your car key/clicker in the pocket of this if needed.
Extra copies of your resume and references , on resume paper. You may be interviewing with a committee, make sure each of them has a 'nice' copy of your resume... not one that was photocopied or printed from an email.
An official transcript which indicates your degree(s).
A notepad and pen. Stick with black or blue ink.
Your list of questions to ask the interviewer(s).
Anything else the interviewer has specifically asked you to bring. Samples of your work, recommendation letters, etc.

In your car, have professional note cards, so that you can write your thank you note(s) immediately after the interview!

Make the best first impression!

Be on time - or, better yet, EARLY! Arrive at the interview no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time. Go ALONE, do not take anyone with you. If the interview is out of town and a family member or friend is traveling with you, leave him/her at the hotel or mall or fast food restaurant while you go to the interview.

When you enter the building, find a bathroom where you can do a final check of your appearance. Look to see if there is anything in your nose - gross, but look, see if there is anything in your teeth. Make sure your slacks are zipped. What a nightmare it is to get back in your car only to discover food in your teeth or an open fly.

Smile warmly when you enter the company's space. The administrative staff are important people in any organization, so be friendly and warm. Oftentimes, these employees are consulted about candidate behavior before an offer is made, so don't blow it by being rude.

When you are introduced to the interviewer, smile warmly. Make and maintain good eye contact and offer a firm handshake (*this may be amended in the COVID-19 era, stay tuned.) This goes for both men and women, don't be a "cold-fish" handshaker! Practice if necessary.

Usually the interviewer will try to make you feel at ease by making small talk with you while escorting you to the location of the interview and while getting settled into the room where the formal interview will take place. Follow their lead but remember, you are being judged.

Sell yourself

You already know how important preparing for questions is ... and how important it is that you know what the position requires so you can answer the questions with that in mind. If you did not do the "Before The Interview" section, go back now as it contains resources for interview questions to practice.

Take your interview to the next level for surefire success. Don't simply answer the question, use examples and illustrations to make your point.

They will ask you a final question something like, "Why should we hire you?" Use the tried-and-true sales technique called sealing the deal. Summarize why you are a good choice for the job. Develop a short answer about your strengths and fit for the job and how much you want to work for their company. This answer should be developed and practiced long before you have to use it in the interview.

Know your elevator pitch

Develop your "elevator pitch" and then practice it. The question "tell me about yourself" exists in many situations besides the job interview. Developing a "sound-bite" of about one minute in length will enable you to be articulate and enthusiastic about yourself. In it you will cover:

background (education and/or how you began in the world of work)
skills, strengths and accomplishments and
job focus and future career plans.

This short verbal presentation is an advertisement designed to market your best skills and accomplishments, highlight the strengths and advantages of your education and experience, and be tailored to each listener and situation. It can be used to demonstrate your enthusiasm, personal style and judgment as well as present you with clarity and focus. In turn, having an elevator pitch ready allows you to market yourself effectively in a variety of situations besides interviewing such as job fairs, networking and social occasions.

Developing your elevator pitch worksheet are available in the "Handouts/samples" section below.

Powerful responses

Use the STAR method to answer questions. Don't simply answer "yes" or "no" - utilize this method and WOW the interviewer with your breadth of experience! Think STAR:

S - Situation or setting, where did this take place?

T - Task, what were you trying to accomplish?

A - Action, what did you do? What role did you play?

R - Results, how did it end? What did you accomplish?

Stay positive

When answering questions, dwell on the positive, even if you are asked a negative question, phrase your answer in a positive way. For example, "Tell me about a time you disagreed with your supervisor and how you handled it?" We all have disagreed with a supervisor in our working life about something. How you approach the answer will tell volumes about you.

Sell yourself - Non-verbally

Be aware of your non-verbal communication! Watch your actions when you're talking. Nervous gestures can distract the interviewer. Sit up straight! This will help you appear (and feel) more poised and confident.

Prepare ahead of time to ASK QUESTIONS!

Make sure they are appropriate. Now is not the time to ask about salary or benefits.

From all the research you have done ahead of time about the company, you should have a good idea about questions to ask in the interview. Write down your questions on the note pad inside your padfolio that you bring to the interview. Don't expect to remember them off the top of your head, you won't! Make sure you have at least 5-10 to ask, as it is likely the interviewer will answer some of them during the interview. You will only ask 1-3 of the questions you have written down.

Sample questions you might ask are available in the "Handouts/samples" section below.

Get business cards

Be sure to get a business card from each person with whom you speak. These will come in handy when you write those all-important thank you notes. If business cards are not out and available, ask for one. If it's not possible, be sure you've written down the names/titles of each of your interviewers.

After the interview

Be sure to FOLLOW UP!

Write a thank you note to each and every one of your interviewers - personally and individually.

The big question is, hand-written or email? And there is no one "right" answer. Take your cues from the employer and from the situation. If they are planning to make a decision soon, you might want to email them so they hear back from you quickly after the interview. If your interview was by phone or video chat, an email would likely be welcomed.

However, you won't ever go wrong by sending a thank you note that you've written yourself in a blank, professional notecard. You could even write them in your car in the parking lot and drop in the mail on your way home? If you do not have the time then, make sure you do it that evening and get them in the mail the next day. Timing is everything here!

Use this follow up as an opportunity to provide other requested documents and information such as transcripts, references, copies of licensures, etc. A quick Google search will provide you with many sample thank you letters. RESIST the urge to copy, use them for inspiration!

Maintain contact with the company

Wait until the day after they told you you'd hear from them and call. Let them know you're extremely interested in the position - but don't be a nuisance! Find out where they are in their decision-making process, again ask if they need any more information from you. Persevere ... you must be your own advocate in this process.

Keep detailed records of your contacts with each company: who, what, when, and how

This will help you remember when to contact a company - and to see if you've done so excessively. It also helps to know who told you something and who you sent those transcripts to, etc.

Sample Tracking for XYZ Corporation

1/15/202x emailed resume to: Mr. Tom Thomas, tthomas@thecompany.com @ 11:45 am

1/20/202x called Mr. Thomas to follow up on receipt of resume. Spoke with Kathy Katherine (his administrative assistant) - she said he did receive it and would begin interviewing when the position was "officially closed" which would be 2/1/202x.

2/3/202x called and spoke with Mr. Thomas to check on interview status. Scheduled an interview with him and Dr. Rob Roberts on 2/6/202x at 9:30 am at XYZ Headquarters. I need to bring my references and an official copy of my transcript.

Handling rejection

Fact: Most of the time you will have multiple interviews before you get a job offer.

This means you will have to face rejection. Because it is a fact, do not feel bad if you don't get an offer from your first (or even second or third) set of interviews. Companies are not always great at notifying candidates who are not selected. That's why we recommend that you keep in touch with them, so you know when the selection has been made, even if you are not who they selected. If you are fortunate, you may get a phone call or email telling you that you were not selected for the position.

How you handle the rejection if important! First for yourself and second, for the impression the employer has of you. It is critical that you face the rejection with class and grace. It sometimes happens that their first choice may back out or even quit after a short time, or another similar position could open up. If you handle the bad news gracefully today, you may be the big winner tomorrow.

If the recruiter contacts you by phone to let you know you were not selected, be disappointed but not devastated. With confidence and enthusiasm in your voice, thank them for the opportunity to interview, to meet them, and say that you enjoyed learning more about their company. Let them know that your interest in their business is still high and if some other opportunity in the future arises, you want to be considered. Immediately write a note to the recruiter thanking them for the opportunity to interview and for their personal phone call to let you know that you were not selected.

Should you receive an email informing you that you did not get the job, again follow-up with a note or email to the recruiter. Include the same type of information as mentioned above.

Then move on

Dust the rejection of your feet, get up and move on. Remember, every rejection you receive puts you are one step closer to a job offer. Target your resumes, research employers, and apply strategically. Don't just apply online or send your resume to every job you see available. Keep an eye on openings at companies of interest and be sure to use the Hidden Job Market!

Handouts and sample questions

Designing your elevator pitch

Download PDF version

Step 1: A quick introduction

Your name
Your classification at WT (or when you will graduate)
Your degree/major

Step 2: What are you seeking?

What are your career goals?

Step 3: What experience do you have?

Internships?
Part-time jobs?
Summer jobs?
Campus involvement?

Step 4: What can you offer?

Skills specific to the organization
Relevant marketable skills
Your CliftonStrengths®

Behavioral-Based Interview Questions

Download PDF version

Tell me about a time when you were asked to do something you had never done before.
How did you react? What did you learn?
Describe a situation in which you embraced a new system, process, technology, or idea at work that was a major departure from the old way of doing things.
Recall a time when you were assigned a task outside of your job description. How did you handle the situation? What was the outcome?
Tell me about the biggest change that you have had to deal with. How did you adapt to that change?
Tell me about a time when you had to adjust to a colleague’s working style in order to complete a project or achieve your objectives.
What are the three things that are most important to you in a job?
Tell me about a time in the last week when you’ve been satisfied, energized, and productive at work. What were you doing?
What’s the most interesting thing about you that’s not on your resume?
What would make you chose our company over others?
What’s the biggest misconception your coworkers have about you and why do they think that?
Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. How did you handle interactions with that person?
Tell me about a time when you were communicating with someone and they did not understand you. What did you do?
Tell me about one of your favorite experiences working with a team and your contribution.
Describe the best partner or supervisor with whom you’ve worked. What part of their management style appealed to you?
Can you share an experience where a project dramatically shifted directions at the last minute? What did you do?

Traditional Interview Questions

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What are your long-range career goals and objectives?
When and why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
Why do you want this job? and/or Why do you want to work for this company?
How would you describe yourself?
How do you think a friend or professor describe you?
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
What motivates you to put forth your best effort?
How has your university experience prepared you for a career?
Why should I hire you?
What qualifications do you have that make you think you'll be successful?
How do you determine or evaluate success?
What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and subordinate?
What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction and why?
How did you choose your major?
If you were hiring a new graduate for this position, what qualities would you look for and why?
What classes did you like best at university? Why?
What changes would you make if you go go back and do college over? To your course of study and to the university?
Do you think your grades are a good indicator of your academic ability?
What have you learned at WT outside the classroom?
In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
How do you work under pressure?
What has been your favorite part-time or summer job?
Why did you apply for this job with this company?
Describe your ideal job.
Name two or three things that are most important to you in a job.
What criteria are you using to evaluate potential employers?
Are you willing to relocate?
What have you learned from your mistakes?

Questions You Can Ask

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Identify a typical career path in your organization for someone with my qualifications. What is a realistic timeframe for advancement?
How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
What is the retention rate of individuals in the position for which I am interviewing?
Describe the typical first-year assignments.
What are the challenging facets of this job?
What are the company's plans for future growth?
What industry trends will occur in this company?
What makes your firm different from its competitors?
Describe the work environment.
What are the company's strengths and weaknesses?
How would you describe your corporation's personality and management style?
Is it company policy to promote from within?
Tell me the work history of your top management.
What are your expectations for new hires?
What is the overall structure of the department where this position is located?
What qualities are you looking for in the right person for this position?
What characteristics does a successful person have at your company?
What type of training is available?
What kind of ongoing professional development programs are available to help me continue to grow?
Whom would I report to in this position? What can you tell me about that person's management style?
Any other questions brought about by your company research... "I saw on your website ..." or "In my research, I found..."