SWIM STRONG AND FOCUS
ON YOUR INTERVIEW FORM!

 


The interview is your opportunity to match your talents and interests to the needs of the employer. Your goal in the interview is not merely to convince the employer you are the right person for the job; you should also use the interview to evaluate whether this is the right position for you. Throughout the interview, the employer is looking for an answer to the question, "Why should I hire YOU?" Your responses must focus on answering that question. Remember: interviewing is a two-way street!

 

Before the Interview: Preparation

Preparing for the interview is almost as important as the interview itself. The key to successful interviewing is knowing yourself, knowing the position, and knowing the organization with whom you are interviewing. To prepare for any interview you should:

1. Review your skills, interests, and values as they relate to the position

2. Research the organization

3. Prepare to answer questions you might be asked

4. Prepare questions you can ask the interviewer

5. Practice interviewing to familiarize yourself with the interview process:

a. Career Services offers a Mock Interview Program where you can practice an interview scenario, have it videotaped, and then review one-on-one with a Career Advisor. For further information check out the Mock Interview Program on our website.

6. Plan your wardrobe so that you are dressed appropriately

7. Adjust any online profile including Facebook and MySpace so that they are a professional representation or restricted from public access

 

Evaluate Your Communication Skills

  • Handshake - firm, don't hesitate to extend your hand first. Shake hands upon meeting and before leaving the interview.
  • Eye contact - direct eye contact makes you appear confident; however, don't stare!
  • Posture - sit up straight with a slight lean towards the person(s) interviewing you, do not slouch in your chair or cross legs at the knee.
  • Use professional verbal communication - avoid slang terms and pronounce words completely.
  • Remember that employers often make their hiring decision within the first three-five minutes of the interview so your communication skills are being tested - market yourself properly.
  • Concentrate on giving clear and concise responses to questions you are asked. Avoid "yes" and "no" answers. Be prepared to give examples to support your answers. Responding with vague generalities will indicate you have not taken the time to think about the questions you could be asked or that you do not have the skills for the job.
  • Have a positive attitude even when answering difficult questions. Be confident, respond openly and honestly.
  • Project enthusiasm about the position.
  • Gesturing and smiling, when appropriate, are considered behaviors used by successful, intelligent candidates.
  • Speak with conviction in your voice.
  • Be courteous and attentive to everyone you meet.

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    Anticipate Questions Employers are likely to Ask

    There are a number of questions employers commonly ask during an interview. By being aware of some of these questions and thinking about your responses, you will be better prepared to offer well thought-out and concise replies.

    1. Tell me about yourself.

    2. Why did you choose to attend Virginia Tech? Why did you pick your major?

    3. Do you have plans for continued study?

    4. How would others describe you?

    5. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

    6. What do you feel you can contribute to our organization?

    7. Why should we hire you?

    8. What are your short/long term career goals?

    9. What have you done in the past year to improve yourself?

    10. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?

    11. How has your college experience prepared you for this career?

    12. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?

    13. Describe the ideal relationship between a supervisor and supervisee.

    14. What do you know about our organization?

    15. Are you willing to relocate? Do you have a location preference?

    16. Tell me more about a time when you worked with a difficult person.

    17. Describe for me a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty to get a job done?

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    Tips for Responses

  • If you are asked to describe your weakness, include in your response the steps you have taken to overcome the difficulty. For example, "I tend to procrastinate in preparing term papers. This year, however, I devised a schedule with deadlines for completing research, writing the first draft, and for editing and word processing. I feel that this is helping me stay on track." 
  • If asked why you chose your major/university, remember that the employer is interested in your decision-making skills, how you researched the information as well as the end result.
  • If the interviewer says, "Tell me about yourself," confine your answers to career-related information. Too much detail about your personal history is inappropriate. Be careful not to share potentially discriminatory information!

    Do you wish you could have practice interview before the real interview? You can! Take advantage of the Mock Interview Program. You can register on-line for a practice interview at :www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/interview/MockInterview.htm.

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