求职面试英语系列-GuidetoInterviewing

Interview Preparation Packet Table of Contents Basic Interviewing Tips What is an interview? How do I prepare for an interview? Responses Common Interview Questions Questions to Ask the Interviewer Behavioral Questions Illegal vs. Legal Questions Thank You Letter Follow Up Additional Help Basic Interviewing Tips  Research the company and the position. Understand the company‘s products and services, clientele, culture, etc. (Use the internet and one other source if possible).  Take a test drive to the location of the interview if you are not familiar with directions prior to the interview date.  Dress appropriately, conservatively, and professionally. No excessive jewelry or other accessories that distract the interviewer from focusing on YOU.  Prepare questions. (At least 3).  Arrive early. (Preferably 10-15 minutes).  Bring a professional folder (portfolio) with a notepad, pen, EXTRA RESUMES, and a list of references. No manila folders!  Be personable. Greet the receptionist, staff, and interviewer with a smile.  Offer a solid handshake whenever you get the chance. (Usually upon arrival and departure.) Remember to SMILE!   Do not sit down before the interviewer. Wait to be shown where to sit or to be asked to be seated.  Make good eye contact. Do not fidget with pens, paper, or your hands. Try to keep hands still or folded in your lap. If crossing your legs, avoid bouncing your leg or foot.  Sit up straight with upright, yet relaxed posture.  Don’t speak too fast. Speak clearly and don't be afraid to pause a moment to collect your thoughts. Silence is better than filling the time with ―um‘s‖ and ―uh‘s‖.  Do not criticize previous employers, supervisors, professors, etc.  Be honest. Don't try to cover up mistakes. Instead, focus on how you learned from them.  Be assertive. Remember-the interview is a way for you to learn if the job is right for you.  Ask the interviewer for a business card and send a thank-you note or email as soon as possible. What is an Interview? An interview is like a final exam. Your success depends on how thoroughly you have prepared for this test of your ability to handle the subject. And the subject is you. How well you can relate your skills, interests, and potential to the needs of the employer will dictate your success. Although interviewing is usually stressful, it should not be approached with such fear that you are nearly immobilized by anxiety. Many factors are at play on the hiring scene, and you should expect to encounter many ―no‘s‖ before the right ―yes‖ comes along. There is no one sure way to prepare for an interview. Therefore, this guide should be used as a tool and a foundation from which to begin preparing. PURPOSE: To supply the employer with information about you that is not contained in your resumé, application or cover letter. It is not an interrogation, but instead should be a conversation. To enable the employer to evaluate your personality, communication skills, attitudes, values, vitality, motivation, and interest, based on the requirements of the position and the organization. To enable you to gain further information about the employer and position. FOCUS ON: What you have done and what you can do for the employer. How you can help the employer accomplish the objectives of the organization. How the employer can help you achieve your objectives either directly or indirectly. TYPES OF INTERVIEWS: Telephone Interview: Also known as a ―screening‖ interview. This is to narrow down the applicant pool so as to only invite the top candidates on site for an on-site interview. Human Resources Interview: Another kind of pre-screening type of interview that can be held at the company or conducted on the phone. An HR representative will make sure you have the appropriate experience, educational background and skills for the position. On-Site Interview: The focus is on initial impressions and reactions of the applicant. You may or may not meet with a department head or supervisor. If favorable, an invitation will follow for an in-depth interview at the company. In-depth Interview: This is done by the hiring authority such as department head, manager, or supervisor. It can last from 30 minutes to a full day including lunch and dinner. You may meet with a variety of people and may have a group interview. Group Interview: Usually used to measure reaction to a variety of individuals and situations or to have a certain group of involved representatives from the employer make a collective decision. In education, this would be a search committee or board of education. This is usually part of the in-depth interview, especially if you have a day of interviewing and are meeting with a variety of people from the organization. How do I prepare for an interview? 1. Thorough self-examination is necessary. The interviewer will focus on getting to know your personal characteristics and will be looking for a pattern of behavior. Therefore you must have a good idea of . . . What skills you have to offer. What you have accomplished. What you do with your time. Who you are, your personality, values, and attitudes. Where you want to go with this job; what are your goals. 2. Thorough research of the company. You must know enough about the company to justify why you are seeking employment, and to formulate intelligent questions about the organization. What are the products, services, size and clientele? What is the relative size of the firm in the industry? What functions are involved in the position for which you are applying? What is the organization/industry‘s potential for growth? How is the organization structured? Who is their competition? Sources of information: Employer brochures, annual reports, directories, newspapers, business and trade journals, professional associations, employees in the organization, etc. No excuse will be acceptable to an employer for not knowing this information. 3. Plan your presentation: Be prepared to talk about your background, accomplishments, skills, abilities, and goals. Make a list of your best “selling points” and bring it to the interview. Make sure that you make these points known. Do not wait for the employer to ask questions which lead to this information; be prepared to sell yourself. Cite SPECIFIC EXAMPLES that demonstrate your skills and strengths. 4. Prepare questions for the employer. Remember that you are also looking for the right organization, people, and working environment. Asking intelligent questions is just as important as how you answer their questions. Do not wait until the end of the interview when you are asked if you have any questions. Promote a two-way conversation throughout the interview by interjecting (not interrupting) questions and responses. Lead the interviewer to your area of knowledge by asking related questions. 5. Be prepared with references. Three references are typically requested by employers. Have the correct name, title, work address, telephone number, fax number, and email address of those people whom you have asked to serve as a reference for you. Make sure you ask permission and give your reference a heads-up that you are interviewing for jobs. Give each person who will act as your reference a copy of your résumé so that he/she is aware of the type of position for which you are interviewing. You might want to ask your references for letters of recommendation to keep on file. Excellent references are hard to come by; so do not risk losing one due to retirement, relocation, or illness. 6. What to bring. Bring copies of your resumé, reference list, and an unofficial transcript with you to the interview. You should also have a pad of paper and pens/pencils. Carry contact phone numbers in case you are detained along the way and need to call the interviewer to inform him/her of your delay. Do not forget a list of job-related questions. Before the interview, make sure that you verify the date, time, and place, have directions and decided on a route of travel. 7. Portfolios. These are typically used by writers, artists, designers, advertisers, etc. However, students in any major can use portfolios to demonstrate skills, abilities, and accomplishments. They can include writing samples, artwork, project summaries, and materials from an event that you organized, and a letter of recommendation. 8a. What to wear (suggestions for men). A conservative, dark, two-piece, single-breasted suit is appropriate. Any pattern in the fabric should be subtle. White, long-sleeved dress shirt and a conservative tie will look professional. Black dress shoes that are polished and black dress socks are recommended. Conservative jewelry should be worn – one ring and watch only (consider removing earrings & body piercings, if distracting or inappropriate). Hair should be neat; keep sprays and gels to an absolute minimum – no ―wet‖ looks. Use very little cologne or none at all. 8b. What to wear (suggestions for women). A conservative, dark-colored suit or dress with a jacket is best with a business blouse or tailored shirt. Knee-length or an inch above is the highest your hem should be. Shoes should be comfortable and simple with low heels and in a dark color that matches or complements your clothes. Hosiery should be a natural color or the color of your shoes. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum; simple gold or silver accessories – no flashy fashion jewelry (consider removing body piercings, if distracting or inappropriate) Handbags should be conservative and match your shoes; not too large/overstuffed. If you are carrying an attaché case, carry a very simple and small handbag or none at all. Use very little cologne/perfume, or none at all. Responses: Keep responses related to position you are interviewing for: Personal information can be interesting but not necessarily appropriate in an interview. Stick to responses that show how you are most qualified for the position you are seeking. Examples, Examples, Examples: Giving concrete examples helps you present yourself in a specific and unique way to the employer Focus on the positive: Often employers can ask questions about your weaknesses or why you left your last job. It may be tempting to dwell on the negative, but always put a ―positive spin‖ in your answers. Follow the S.T.A.R.: When in doubt, follow the rules of S.T.A.R. (Explain a related Situation, the Task at hand, your Action taken, and the positive Result!) IMPORTANT: Please take the time to review and think of your own personal responses. A mock interview can be scheduled with a Career Counselor to practice this material. Please set up an appointment by calling Career Services at 860.465.4559 or via email: careers@easternct.edu Common Interview Questions  Tell me about yourself. Keep response related to the job you are applying for. You may include educational experience, interests, goals, dreams, recent activities, etc. Another approach is to give 3 examples of traits that describe you best: EX: I am a hard-working, creative, and organized individual who likes to work with elementary students. I have been a student teacher for the past year and would like to encourage children to achieve their potential.  Why are you the best person for the job? Focus on how you fit with the description of the position. What skills/experience can you bring to this position? EX: Your ad described that you are looking for a person with _________, __________, and ________. I have experience working with________ and have _________, _________, and _________ skills.  How has your educational training prepared you for this job? Explain how coursework, internships, volunteer experience, projects, or workshop have contributed to your learning and have helped you gain skills for the job. Give concrete examples. EX: My courses in childhood development gave me insight into the developmental stages of elementary students. I also worked on a project with my peers which helped to gain skills in assessing students‘ needs. By working at an elementary school this past year, I have gained hands-on experience with the students as well as with teachers in the field.  Why is your G.P.A. low? (Note: Employers can request your G.P.A. or transcript) If the employer has access to this information, be prepared to explain why your G.P.A. may be low. Explain reasons why: -Working full time while in school -Transitioned to another major -Discovered that the program was not a good fit or describe that your G.P.A. is not a good reflection of your capabilities. Describe how your employment history and references are able to vouch for your skills, character, and abilities.  Discuss your work experience. Focus on jobs that are related to the job you are applying for, yet you may consider mentioning skills that you acquired from unrelated employment. Make sure to give examples of accomplishments and overall skills that you have learned from your work experience.  In what work environment are you most productive? Explain what work environments you have had experience in. Then, explain what your ideal working environment would be. EX: My ideal working environment would be one where I could utilize my _________, _________ and ________ skills.  Name 3 adjectives or descriptors that best describe you? Be honest and give examples to back up the 3 descriptors. EX: I am hardworking, creative, and intelligent. I have pursued my degree while working, achieved a GPA of 3.6 and have accomplished projects and assignments that have been creative and unique at both work and school.  Why do you want this job? Discuss the position and how you are qualified for it. Again, give examples of how you are a match for the hiring position. Make sure you really want the job you are applying for! EX: The position describes someone who has strong organization and leadership skills. For example, I have been a leader as a coach for girls‘ high school basketball team for 2 years and have strong organization skills that I used to plan and implement practices and games.  What are you looking for in a position? Share how you would like to contribute your skills. Discuss how you wish to service the clientele you will be working with. You may mention that you would like to gain experience and the opportunity to grow in the field. Additionally, a good reason to want a certain position is to gain a sense of purpose or fulfillment.  What are your strengths? Strengths may be different from descriptors. Discuss what your abilities are and share what you are best at accomplishing. EX: Some of my strengths include that I communicate well with others, pay high attention to detail, and problem solve well. For example, I was able to solve a problem with….(Provide examples of your strengths)  What are your weaknesses? Name a positive weakness. Share a weakness that is work-related. Do not include any weakness that deal with your personal life or your relationships. EX: ―I can be too ambitious‖, ―I am sometimes timid to approach my supervisor‖ or ―I can take time to make decisions‖ Give examples as to how you are improving your ―weakness‖. EX: I am working on becoming more assertive and confident in my decision-making and have made great strides.  How would co-workers describe you? Give specific traits and examples. Include personality traits that fit with the job description. EX: Co-workers would say that I work well under pressure and keep a level-head in times of crisis. I also have a friendly nature and set people at ease.  What did you like or dislike about college and/or your previous job? Focus on the ―likes‖ rather than ―dislikes‖. If you have ―dislikes‖, limit your answers and do not dwell on them. Also, try to put a positive spin on what you disliked. EX: I disliked ________ about my last job, but this taught me to ____________.  Why did you leave your last job? Be honest, but do not criticize your last job or last employer. This will show negativity and the interviewing company may believe that you might speak negatively about them. If you left your last job due to negative circumstances, again, put a positive spin on what you learned from that experience.  Are you willing to relocate? If required in the job description, say yes. Interviewing for a job that requires relocation means that you are interested and have accepted relocating as a possibility. If not previously mentioned in the job advertisement, state that you are open to consideration. This is neither a YES nor a NO and leaves the topic open to discussion.  What are your greatest achievements? Keep answers relative to job and consider including one personal achievement. This shows that you have life goals/accomplishments aside from work. Provide examples.  What does success mean for you? Describe the positive qualities that you possess as a success. Be honest and focus on what is most fulfilling for you. Give an example related to the career you are pursuing. EX: Success to me means reaching for goals and not giving up or giving in to negativity. It also means having close relationships with friends and family. Success also means using my gifts and talents to work with children and make a positive difference in a child‘s life.  What do you know about our organization? Do your research. If you cannot answer this question, then you have not properly prepared for the interview. EX: I have heard that your company services describe clientele by providing describe services. I like that your company describe one positive aspect of the company.  What are your short term goals? Hopefully that position you are applying for is one of your short term goals. This is a good opportunity to explain your career goals and how you would like to include the position you are applying for as one of your career goals.  What are your long term goals? Describe that you wish to progress and advance with the company if this is desired. Mention that you hope that the position you are applying for is a good opportunity for growth within the field. Staying in the current field or with the company is always a safe answer and shows that you are not looking to hold a temporary position with the company. EX: I hope to expand my skill set and contribute to the field of _______. I would like to grow and learn in the field to eventually become a ___________.  What are your salary requirements? A good way to respond is to avoid being boxed in to a particular amount. This is not rude, but rather, helps the interviewer focus on whether or not they want to offer the job to you based on your skills, experience, and qualifications. EX: I‘m hoping that you will consider my experience and skills that I would bring to this position and compensate me with a fair offer. EX: I‘m sure that we can come to a salary agreement if I‘m the right person for the job, and I hope you‘ll agree that I am. If the employer really needs to have an answer, try to stay away from mentioning ONE exact figu