All jobs within a company solve problems and fill needs. The purpose of any interview, from the candidate’s perspective, should be to determine what problem the company is looking to solve, and what needs will be satisfied by filling this position.
Throughout the interview you, as the candidate, should accumulate as much information as possible about what’s missing because the job hasn’t been filled and address how you can provide the solutions. There are common themes in all interviews and it is wise to think about the following topics thoroughly before the interview.
FAQ’s about Interviewing:
What is appropriate interview dress?
Should I send thank you letters?
What is the best way to answer questions?
What if I don’t understand the question?
How do I sell myself in an interview?
What are common reasons candidates are rejected?
Common Questions to Expect:
Why are you interested in the job?
What can you tell me about yourself?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Describe major accomplishments and discuss responsibilities in previous jobs.
What questions do you have?
What is appropriate interview dress?
This depends very much on the company and position for which you are interviewing. If possible, try to match the dress of the company, (professional, business casual, etc.). When in doubt, a suit is best.
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Should I send thank you letters?
You should compose thank you letters in advance to be personalized for each interviewer and sent immediately following the interview. E-mail thank you notes are fine and offer the advantage of speed; however, following up with a handwritten note makes a lasting impression. These letters should thank the interviewers for their time, as well as reiterate your understanding of what is missing, and how you can fill that void. If you want the job, ask for it.
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What is the best way to answer questions?
Answer questions concisely and specifically. Try to keep answers to about 60 seconds; remember that you can always ask if further information is required. Answer questions with specific examples; avoid generalities and “yes” or “no” answers.
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What if I don’t understand the question?
Do not be afraid to ask for clarification. It is better to clarify the question than to answer inappropriately. If you don’t know the answer to a question, answering “I don’t know, but I’d be happy to learn,” is far better than making up an answer.
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How do I sell myself in an interview?
You should take advantage of the opportunity to sell yourself, but not until the end when you have a good understanding of what is needed. Avoid arrogance and overconfidence by talking specifically about how you can meet their needs using examples of what you’ve accomplished in the past.
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What are some common reasons candidates are rejected?
The following reasons for candidates being rejected were taken directly from hiring managers’ notes:
Lack of proper career planning – purposes and goals are ill defined – needs direction. Has no idea why they pursued this field.
- Inability to express thoughts clearly and concisely – rambles
- Not prepared for the interview – no research on position or the company
- Inability to discuss achievements
- Unable to explain interest in the position
- Little interest and enthusiasm – indifferent – bland personality
- Overbearing – overaggressive – conceited – cocky – aloof
- Interested only in a higher level or more money
- Asks few or poor questions about the job – little depth and meaning to questions.
- Makes excuses – evasiveness – hedges on unfavorable factors in record
- No confidence and poise – fails to look interview in the eye – immature
- Poor personal appearance – sloppy dress – lacks sophistication. Too much jewelry or cologne
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Why are you interested in the job?
Long before the interview, you should thoroughly research your potential employer. Know why you are interested in the job and the company.
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What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This question trips up many interviewers. Preparing a response in advance is the best advice we can provide. When discussing your weaknesses, be truthful and state a real weakness, then talk about how you overcame the issue and kept it from adversely affecting your performance or how you are currently working to improve. When discussing strengths, do so in a way that highlights your skills, relates them to the job you are seeking, and stops short of arrogance.
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Tell me about yourself.
Employers are looking for your story of how you chose your line of work and what brings you to their company today, not your life story. Speak briefly about your career history, how you moved from position to position, what attracted you to the company, and why you feel you’re a good fit for the job.
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Describe major accomplishments and discuss responsibilities in previous jobs.
In this situation it is best to keep answers concise. It’s important to convey both an overview of the position and your accomplishments in that job. It is wise to develop a brief presentation with bullet points of your work history in advance. While you don’t want to sound rehearsed, practice will help you avoid rambling.
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What questions do you have?
We suggest you prepare a series of questions about the company and position, ideally tailored to each hiring authority you will meet. These questions should illustrate your understanding of the position responsibilities, knowledge of the company, and interest in a career with the organization, in addition to obtaining answers that will tell you what’s missing because the position hasn’t been filled.
All jobs within a company solve problems and fill needs. The purpose of any interview, from the candidate’s perspective, should be to determine what problem the company is looking to solve, and what needs will be satisfied by filling this position.
Throughout the interview you, as the candidate, should accumulate as much information as possible about what’s missing because the job hasn’t been filled and address how you can provide the solutions. There are common themes in all interviews and it is wise to think about the following topics thoroughly before the interview.
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