During an interview, remember the three P’s:
Before formulating an answer to an interview question, consider applying the Three P’s to your response:
Behavioral Interviewing:
This type of interview is popular as employers seek to determine whether or not you can actually demonstrate the skills needed for the position. In a behavioral interview you may be asked to give examples of instances when you have demonstrated a particular skill set.
Sample Interview Questions
Asking Questions:
It is essential that you ask questions during your interview; this will demonstrate to the employer that you are interested in the position and/or company. While questions regarding salary and benefits are considered inappropriate in a first interview, the following are examples of questions that you may ask:
Interview Follow-Up
It is important to always send a thank-you note to the interviewer(s) after an interview. Note the names and job titles of everyone you meet during an interview. Thank-you letters should be mailed to every person who interviewed you within 24 hours of your interview; e-mailed letters may be appropriate in some instances with short timeframes. Consider sending handwritten thank-you notes to people you met throughout the day but who did not interview you (i.e. support staff members and tour guides).
Preparing For the Interview
So you landed the interview. Now what? This is where you make it or break it, so it’s critical that you spend time preparing.
Types of Interviews
Telephone Interviews: Employers typically use the telephone interview as a screening tool to decide whom to interview in person. This can be a very simple interview with just a few questions or it may be a full 30+ minute interview. The interviewee must be careful to speak clearly, listen attentively and communicate sincerely since the interviewer does not have the ability to read body language over the telephone.
One-on-One Interviews: This is probably the most frequently used interview. This meeting incorporates an individual approach to the interview process and allows you to meet directly with one interviewer. Work to establish rapport with the interviewer, as this is the only person making a decision on whether to offer you a second interview, or even the job.
Panel Interviews: In a panel interview, several individuals will interview you at one time. Interviewers may take turns asking you prepared questions. If a panel is interviewing you, relax, get a feel for the group dynamics, and keep the communication lines open by periodically making eye contact with all panel members as you respond to questions.
Group Interviews: The group interview is almost the complete opposite of the panel interview. In the group interview, there is one interviewer and several interviewees, with interviewees competing to see who will surface as the leader of the group. The person who answers questions professionally and diplomatically wins the competition and the right to continue in the interviewing process or to get the job.
Follow-up Interview/On-site Visit: If an employer is interested in continuing the employment process with you after the first interview, you may be invited for a second interview or on-site visit. A tour of the facilities, staff introduction, and multiple interviews typically characterize this type of interview.
Answering Questions
The way you respond to interview questions tells the interviewer whether or not you are qualified. Therefore, it is important to know what types of questions may be asked and what responses are appropriate. A thorough review of the position and job description will help you to prepare for the types of questions that you may be asked.
You may also wish to create an “interview study guide” where you highlight key phrases from the job description, list your strengths and challenges, and write down specific examples or experience where you have demonstrated the qualifications the employer seeks. Practice interviewing before your scheduled interview.