Job Interview 101

Kavin Ramasamy, Secretary

Job interviews can be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences, but they are the best way to showcase what you bring to a potential employer. Whether you are applying for a part-time, internship, or full-time position, the interview process is a key stage that determines the outcome of the application process. Here are some key strategies that help you do your best before, during, and after every interview.

Preparing for the Interview

The first steps toward success include researching the company you will be interviewing. Learn the mission of the company, its core values, some of its recent projects, and what the company looks for in candidates. Give special attention to the job description since this can give valuable clues about the position's responsibilities and the particular emphasis a company places on specific skills. Your experiences must more closely approximate what the job requires-you have a better case this way. Your resume, tailored to the position, achieves its goals of being readable, informative, concise, descriptive, and results-oriented. Eliminate general, undefined statements regarding what you can do, and cite relevant, actual, measurable success; for instance, improving customer satisfaction percent, improving sales, and enhancement in some particular projects on efficiency grounds. If there is a list of required or preferred skills within the job posting, reflect them in your resume and your answers during the interview. Other important parts of preparation include rehearsing responses to common interview questions. Many applicants find the helpfulness of STAR-a Situation, a Task, an Action, a Result framing responses. Think of a few key experiences you've had, maybe a struggle you overcame at school or a leadership opportunity with a club, and walk through the situation: what were your goals, how did you approach the problem, and what was the outcome? When you can illustrate an impact in real life, interviewers are more likely to see your value potential.

Nailing the Interview

​ How you come across is as important as what you say. Confidence, punctuality, and genuine interest in the position go a long way toward making a good first impression. If you are interviewing in person, arrive a few minutes early. If it's virtual, log on promptly and make sure your environment is clean and free of distractions. Greet your interviewer with a warm smile and, where appropriate, a firm handshake. It will also individualize you, so you must answer each question thoughtfully. That means making eye contact and pausing to gather your thoughts is appropriate, especially on questions where you have to draw on a bank of experiences. Use examples wherever possible to help illustrate your responses. The level of detail will bring your story alive and allow the interviewer to picture you taking on challenges in your organization. Ask questions at the end of the interview, such as about company culture, future goals, or growing up together as a team. This will prove that you are generally interested in the company. You can also mention compensation, benefits, or similar topics; just be sure to counterbalance those types of questions with questions that demonstrate your interest in the specific position. 

Common Interview Questions

Most interviews will include variations of a few standard questions. If you are asked why you want the job, answer with aspects of the job description that appeal to you, relating them to your personal goals. A question about overcoming a challenge is often meant to probe your resiliency and problem-solving skills. Walking your interviewer through a specific incident in which you either innovated or collaborated effectively will show you understand how to deal with obstacles. Another popular question is where you see yourself in five years. You can demonstrate ambition by explaining that you hope to grow within the company or use this experience as a stepping stone to a leadership role.

Following Up

What happens after the interview can be as important as what happened during it. An email of thanks within 24 hours is a considerate way to thank your interviewer for their time. To impress, write a short, handwritten note. In either case, make it personal with something specific to your conversation, such as a common interest or an answer to any general questions that may have been brought up..

Professional Qualities and Skills:

Most employers want to hire someone who is flexible, reliable, and initiates new challenges. They also want a person with good written and oral communication skills who can work well in a team. The ability to stay positive and enthusiastic can keep team morale high, and an attitude of positive thinking often drives creative solutions that get the job done. Showing this—and any particular technical skills you may need for the job—will generally find you in good standing. If you're uncertain which skills a particular position might serve best, start with the job description. Notice how leaders in the company act and what they say is essential. You can even ask your interviewer directly what qualities they feel are most important in their team members. In that way, by showing your interest and willingness to adapt, you further suggest that you will continue to grow and deliver. Overall, interviews are not just question-and-answer sessions. They are a gateway to good professional relationships, learning about the culture and mission of a company, and highlighting your best self. With proper preparation, genuine enthusiasm, and a clear vision of your capabilities, you can convert each interview into an opportunity to reach a role that best fits you