Interview Skills

Interviews don't have to be scary. We are here to offer advice and talk you through it. Schedule an Appointment to meet with one of our career coaches for a mock interview.

There are a variety of different types of interviews. The two most common are the Common Question & Answer and the Behavioral interview.

Common Interview

Common Interview questions include:

• Tell me about yourself
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What are your goals? Short & long term
• What did you like least about your last job?
• Why did you leave your last employer?
• Describe a conflict you′ve had with others

Behavioral Interview

A behavioral interview is one in which the interviewer is attempting to gain insight on: your past experience, your approach to situations, and your self-awareness. Your realm of responses can include: Internships, Class work, Activities/Clubs, Athletics, Jobs. Behavioral Interview Questions include:

• What was the last project you headed up, and what was its outcome?
• Give me an example of a time that you felt you went above and beyond the call of duty at work.
• Can you describe a time when your work was criticized?
• Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight? How did you handle it?
• Tell me about a time when you had to give someone difficult feedback. How did you handle it?
• If I were your supervisor and asked you to do something that you disagreed with, what would you do?
• Give me an example of a time you did something wrong. How did you handle it?

Follow this simple model to answer Behavioral Interview Questions:

1. State the situation - Be specific to build credibility
2. Addressing the Action - What did you do? Why?
3. Wrapping up with the Result - What happened? Final Result

Ask the Interviewer

• Prepare at least 10 questions to ask an employer. (Some of these may be addressed during the interview, thus the need to have a few extras.)
• Have your questions written down on paper. This will ensure you don′t forget to ask.
• Most times, your questions will be asked at the end; however, if the interviewer invites questions to happen throughout the process, interject the relevant questions as applicable.

Do Ask:

• What is the company's management style?
• What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
• How does one advance in the company?
• How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?

Don't Ask:

• What does this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)
• If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the offer to mention prior commitments)
• Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics of getting to work don't mention it now...)

Regarding the question about salary requirements, it is recommended that the interviewee not ask the about the salary. If the question is posed to the interviewee, appropriate responses include: "I'd request that my salary be commensurate with my work" or "Salary is negotiable".