The Art of Interviewing

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The Interview • What is it?– A conversation between the candidate

and the employer to see if there is a “fit.”

– A time for candidates and organizations to learn about each other.

Things To Consider• You should prepare for each interview

individually - for a specific position with a specific organization.

• You need to demonstrate your knowledge of and interest in that particular organization.

• It is a two-way conversation. • Don’t sell yourself short!

Common Types of Interviews• Initial Screening

– Might seem less formal.– No more than an hour.– Could be over the phone or at a job fair.

• In Depth/Formal Interview/On-site/Second Interview– Longer, perhaps a half day. – Could be a series of shorter interviews with multiple

people.• Group Interview

– With multiple interviewers.– Perhaps with multiple candidates.

• Informational Interview– Used for networking purposes or to gain specific career

information.

Preparation• Who ultimately “Gets the job/internship?”– Usually it is the person who interviews

the best!• Conduct an inventory of yourself!– What are your accomplishments, skills,

experiences, degrees, courses taken, etc.– Which items most closely match that

organization’s needs or would fit the job/internship description?

– Strengths!------Prove it!

Prepare for Behavioral Interviewing

• Be a good storyteller.• Past behavior predicts future

performance.• Identify your 10 best stories.• Understand what skills are required for

the job and find examples to show you have them.

• Structure your answers effectively!• SITUATION, ACTION, RESULT

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Preparation Continued• Don't emphasize weaknesses.• Discuss how (specifically) you are

working to overcome the weakness (e.g. “Although I have limited experience in Microsoft Access, I am currently taking a course in that area.”).

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Preparation Continued• Do not overuse clichés - e.g. “I am

a workaholic.” or “I don’t take ‘no’ for an answer!”

• It is better to give specific examples of how hard you work. – e.g. “I have a 3.6 GPA while working part time and being the president of my student club.”

Preparation Continued• Make sure you prepare for some

basic interview questions such as:– Tell me about yourself

–Why should I hire you?

–What do you know about our organization?

Research• Would you hire someone who knew

nothing about your business? NO!• Demonstrate that you have done your

research on the organization!• Find out the following:

– What are their products, clients, specialties, etc.?– What skills & qualities are organizations seeking in that

field?– Learn and incorporate the “buzz” words for your

profession in your responses.

Research Continued• Read everything you can about the

organization. • Visit the organization’s website.• Utilize Internet search engines.• Utilize the research section of the Career

Services website: www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu/research.shtml.

• Use electronic databases. • Try to find something about their

organization that they didn’t think you would know.

Your Appearance• Dress conservatively – remember first impressions count!• Wear a well-fitting interview suit, preferably navy blue or

dark grey – avoid bright colors.• Be sure your shoes are polished and appropriate.• No white socks!• Wear very little makeup, jewelry, perfume, cologne etc. • No visible body piercings except earrings.• Cover any tattoos.• Practice:

– Firm handshake– Straight but relaxed/natural posture– Eye contact

The Actual Interview• Be in your “interview mode” as soon

as you arrive. Be nice to everyone.• Be on time (or early) but don’t get

mad if they’re not!• It’s okay to be nervous.• Most interviews start with some

casual “small talk” – e.g. the weather, parking etc.

• They will usually begin by discussing the opportunity or the organization.

The Actual Interview Continued• Next will usually be their questions, e.g.

– Tell me about yourself. – Why did you choose to interview with our organization? – What do you consider to be your greatest strengths? – Can you name some weaknesses? – Have you ever had any failures? What did you learn

from them? – Of which three accomplishments are you most proud? – Who are your role models? Why? – How does your college or work experience relate to this

job? – What do you know about our organization? – Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years? – Why should we hire you rather than another candidate?

The Actual Interview Continued• Be sure to look at more sample questions found at:

www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu/intv.shtml.

• Have questions ready to ask them e.g.:

– What qualities are you looking for?

– What do you see as the biggest problem you will be facing in the next six months?

– Is there a formal mentoring program?

• Avoid bringing up salary issues in the first interview.

• Ask when you can expect to hear from them or what is the next step in the application process.

The Day Of The InterviewWhat You Should Bring:• A briefcase or other professional carrying piece.• Extra copies of your resume.• Contact information for your references or

reference letters.• Pen and pad holder.• Copies of transcripts (new professionals only).• Completed application (if needed).• Writing samples/portfolio (if needed).• Anything else that was asked for as part of the

application process.• Directions to the interview site.• CONFIDENCE!

Interview Reminders• Be prepared!• Show how you can meet the needs of the

organization - not what they can do for you.• Make the interviewer want to hire you. • They can’t read your mind – you need to:

– Demonstrate your communication skills.– Explain your abilities.– Show enthusiasm! Tell them you want the

job/internship!• Thank them for the interview and send a formal

thank you note within 24 hours – email is acceptable

Good Luck! Don’t forget to smile!