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Interviewing FAQs
- What are some things that I can do to prepare for my upcoming interview?
- How should I dress for the interview?
- What are some good strategies to employ during the interview?
- When is it appropriate to inquire about salary and benefits?
- What are Behavioral and Case Study interviews? I have read that they've become more common place.
- After the interview, should I just wait for a phone call from the company?
What are some things that I can do to prepare for my upcoming interview?
Talk to your recruiter who arranged your interview. Spend quality time discussing the position, interview process and company culture so you know what to expect.
Do your homework. Use the Internet to thoroughly research the company beforehand. You need to have a solid frame of reference about products, services, market and industry and the person who may become your boss. Companies appreciate the fact that you have made the extra effort to be prepared.
Show and tell. Bring several copies of your resume and any non-proprietary examples of your successes that you can share if asked. You may not use them, but if you don’t have them when asked, you could appear unprepared.
Map your route. If you are prone to getting lost, do an advance trial run to the location. Always arrive 5-10 minutes early and wait patiently if the company is running late.
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How should I dress for the interview?
Make a good first impression. First impressions are lasting, so make them count. Dress professionally and stylishly. Look successful and businesslike. Remember...a firm handshake and polished shoes are important.
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What are some good strategies to employ during the interview?
You have been invited to interview because the company feels that you may be able to add value and fit their job requirements. Likewise, you must:
- Let them know, through your dialog and interest, that you believe they are the most exciting organization around and that you would welcome the opportunity to work there.
- Speak confidently about your skills and focus on your accomplishments, always trying to match your background to the position being discussed.
- Identify ways to sell yourself without appearing to brag.
- Listen carefully, and pause briefly before you respond to make sure that the interviewer has finished speaking.
- Answer questions concisely, and ask for clarification if you don’t understand.
- Never answer with a yes or no response. Explain information thoroughly whenever possible, yet don’t overdo it and talk too much.
An interview is a two way street … the company is evaluating you at the same time that you are sizing them up. But always keep in mind that you are not conducting the interview, the company is.
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When is it appropriate to inquire about salary and benefits?
Do not inquire about salary, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the initial interview. If salary is mentioned, always indicate that you are more interested in an opportunity for continued career growth, that you feel you would be a highly productive employee and that you really like the organization. If pressed for a response, corroborate what you are currently earning, and indicate that if the company decides to offer you a position, you feel that they will make you a fair offer.
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What are Behavioral and Case Study interviews? I have read that they've become more common place.
Be prepared for Behavioral and Case Study Interviews. Sometimes a multiple step interview process will include separate, in depth interview sessions based on the behavioral and case study approaches. However, traditional interviews often employ behavioral and case study interview questions as well.
Behavioral interviews are based on the premise that the predictor of future performance is past performance in a similar situation. Interviewers at many organizations use behavioral interview questions or behavioral approaches during the interviewing process. Behavioral interviews are less conversational than traditional interviews where you are asked about your background, strengths and weaknesses. Candidates are asked questions that begin with phrases such as … “tell me about a time when you...” or “describe a circumstance when you were faced with a challenge or problem...” Then the interviewer asks follow up questions that relate to the response that was provided. Generally, this is when you can describe the actions taken and the results that occurred. Behavioral interview questions can focus on a wide range of skill sets that are required qualifications for the job.
Case Study Interviews help interviewers determine:
- How you think through problems
- How you listen and reach conclusions
- How you think on your feet
- What kind of business sense you have
You might be asked brain teaser questions, theoretical questions, graphic interpretation questions, and estimation questions. Like behavioral interviews, case study interviews are less conversational than are traditional interviews.
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After the interview, should I just wait for a phone call from the company?
Absolutely not! Leave a lasting impression.
- Thank each interviewer by name, and shake each interviewer’s hand.
- Send a thank you note or e-mail to each person you have met expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to discuss your skills and qualifications.
- Ensure that your letter is carefully written, perfectly punctuated and has no spelling errors.
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Always stay in communication with your recruiter throughout the entire interview process
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