Interview Overview

Here’s what a typical interview process can look like, from preparation to follow-up:

PREPARATION

  • Review what a typical interview process can look like.
  • Research the business to learn about their goals, customers, accomplishments and values.
  • Prepare a list of questions you can ask the employer at the end of the interview.
  • Write the first draft of your thank you letter / email.
  • Practice answering interview questions out loud by yourself and with others.
  • Know the do’s and do not’s of the interview process.
  • Get your outfit together and ironed the night before your interview
  • Pack a small notebook and pen/cil to take quick notes during the interview, if needed.
  • Print a few copies of your resume to bring with you, if possible.
  • Bring a list of contact information for 3-5 references.
  • Look up directions and even swing by the location ahead of time to confirm where it is located.

PRESENTATION

  • Be neat and clean.
  • Arrive on time.
  • Be confident, but not arrogant.
  • Be ready to talk about your interests, skills, and experience, which are relevant to the job.

INTRODUCTIONS

  • Let the interviewer initiate the shaking of hands.
  • Let the interviewer initiate the exchange of names.
  • Say your full name (first and last).
  • Maintain eye contact.
  • Chit-chat (small talk), but let the interviewer initiate this process more than not.
  • Speak clearly; articulate your words at a volumn that can be heard.
  • Ask where you should sit, if it is not obvious.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

  • Offer your resume to the interviewer(s), if you brought copies.
  • Interviewer offers details of the job and perhaps the hiring process for the position.
  • Interviewer asks questions about you, your work experiences, interests, and goals in a variety of ways.
  • Interviewer might ask about your knowledge of the company.
  • Interviewer will be looking for signs of your work ethic and values.
  • Avoid answering with one word or saying “I don’t know.”
  • You can pause a bit to think, if need be.
  • You can even ask the interview to repeat or rephrase 1-2 questions, if you need to.
  • If you don’t understand a word or part of a question, ask them to clarify.

CONCLUSION & FOLLOW-UP

  • Interviewer summarizes conversation or details about the hiring process.
  • You will be given an opportunity to ask the interviewers questions. Make sure you ask 2-4 questions!
  • If the interviewer doesn’t explain the next steps in the hiring process, ask about the next steps.
  • You restate interest in job.
  • If they didn’t ask for them already, offer the interviewer(s) your contact list of references.
  • Ask for business card(s)
  • Send thank you note(s) within 48 hours (24 hours if at all possible).