Effective Interviewing Skills and Preparation

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Effective Interviewing Skills and Preparation

• Center for Career Development
• Borough of Manhattan Community College

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Preparing for the Interview

• Key Things to Perform
• Research the companies and organizations.
• Practice a series of questions that you might be
  asked and questions you should ask an employer
  (examples attached).
• Finalize your resume (must come to the Center for
  Career Development for assistance) and print
  several copies on bond paper.

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• Professional attire, What does this mean?
• Confirm the date, time, and location of interview
  or Career Fair
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the time
  scheduled.
• Remember to smile, make eye contact, give a firm
  handshake and be friendly and professional to
  everyone.
• Have a set of pens, pencils, a note pad, and
  portfolio

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• Believe in yourself! Interviewers are often
  trained to read peoples emotions!
• During the Interview/Career Fair
• Stand up, make eye contact, give a firm handshake
  and smile when the recruiter greets you. Do not
  forget to do the same at the end!
• Be positive and convey positive responses to
  questions asked.
• Remember to use proper English language
  vocabulary and speak clearly and in full
  sentences.

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• During the Interview/Career Fair
• Complete the employment application completely
  (if applicable screening).
• Think before you speak and listen carefully to
  the questions asked.
• Be honest.
• Use real-life, examples to back-up your
  responses.
• Do not forget to get recruiters business cards,
  at the end of the interview, and ask when he/she
  will follow-up with you.
• Always address the recruiter by their last name.

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• During the Interview/Career Fair
• Thank the recruiter for their time and attention.
• After the Interview/Career Fair
• Send a thank you letter (sample attached).
• Assess how you felt you did and work on areas you
  feel you need improvement. Come to the Center for
  Career Development for assistance.
• Follow-up with the employer if you have not heard
  from him/her (a week after the fair, if
  applicable).

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• After the Interview/Career Fair
• Practice your interviewing skills. Remember,
  practice makes perfect!
• Common Interview Questions
• Tell me about yourself, Why should I hire you?,
  What are your major strengths and weaknesses?,
  How does your previous experience relate to the
  job you are applying for?, What did you like
  most/least in your previous jobs?, What will your
  former employers (or teachers, if you are a
  recent student) say about you?,

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• Common Interview Questions
• Tell me about a stressful situation you
• encountered and how did you handle it?
• (handout attached)
• Common Interview Questions (to ask an
• employer)
• What kind of employee are you looking to fill
  this position?, If I am offered this position,
  will I receive training? If so, what does the
  training involve?, Will I work in a team or
  independently or both? Will I be evaluated? If
  so, when and how often?

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Important Things to Also Remember

• Grooming
• Fashionable Attire Vs. Professional Attire set
  aside attire at least a day before the interview
• Definite donts include Chewing gum, listening
  to your I Pod, talking on the phone , too much
  cologne, showing tattoos and/or body piercing,
  bringing people to apply for your same position

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Sample Thank You Letter

• July 10th, 2007
• Mr. James N. Ortiz
• Hiring Manager
• Goya Foods
• 3333 Liberty Avenue, Building 445
• Jersey City, New Jersey 11765
• Dear Mr. Ortiz
• Thank you very much for interviewing me for the
  Network Technician position. It was a pleasure
  meeting with you and learning about your company
  and the position.
• My enthusiasm for the position and my interest
  in working for Goya Foods were strengthened as a
  result of the interview. I believe my education
  and experience meet the job requirements, and I
  know that I could make a significant contribution
  to the firm, over time, if given the chance.
• I am strongly interested in the position and
  working with you and your staff. You provide the
  opportunity that I am currently seeking in my
  career.
• Thank you once again for the opportunity to
  interview with you. I look forward to hearing
  from you soon.
• Sincerely,

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Interview Formats

• Screening interview- Usually handled by a
  recruiter or a representative by Human Resources
  (in-person or over the telephone).
• One-on-One Interview- Most common type of
  interview. Focus is on assessing skills,
  knowledge and abilities.
• Panel Interview- Group interview format usually
  conducted by three or more people. Questions
  usually asked to assess interest/expertise.

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Interview Formats

• Peer-Group Interviews- This type of group
  interview will introduce you to your potential
  co-workers.
• Luncheon Interview- This type of interview is
  used to assess how well candidates handle
  themselves in social situations.
• Second Interview- Similar to first interviews
  except they may be longer (in time) and involve
  more people. Some are held at company/organization
  headquarters.

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• For more information, please come to the
• Center for Career Development, in North
• Hall room 210.
• Good Luck!
• Created by Driada Vallieres, Center for
• Career Development Coordinator