Job Interview Guide

Muhammet Vefa Akpınar

Bahar, 2011

Interview

• A conversation, usually between two people, to determine if one of them should join the organization the other represents.

Where do I look for a job?

• Newspapers

• Federal or state employment agencies

• Internet sources

• Signs

• Friends / networking

• Headhunters

1. Prepare for the Interview

• Learn the Basics and Make a Positive Impression

• Know Who You Are and What You Can Do

• Do Your Homework and Come Prepared

Research the organization

• Answer Key Interview Questions with Ease

Practice answers to questions.

• Handle Tough Interview Situations with Confidence

• Follow Up

• Negotiate Your Way to a Fair Salary

2. What do I do in the Interview?

• Arrive (alone) 5 to 15 minutes early.

• Bring a copy of your résumé and/or application.

• Conduct yourself in a professional manner.

• Greet the interviewer BY NAME and shake hands firmly.

• Listen carefully and follow directions – wait for a seating cue.

• Sit / stand up straight.

• Present a positive attitude.

• Show an understanding of the organization.

• Maintain eye contact.

• Show how past experiences (both educational and business) are relevant to the job.

• Ask appropriate questions.

• Thank the interviewer

What will they ask me?

1. Qualifier Questions

2. Personal Questions

3. Behavioral Questions

Ways to Bomb an Interview

• Arrive late. • Give a limp handshake. • Chew gum. • Move around, wiggle constantly. • End every statement with “you know.” • Appear clueless about the organization. • Appear interested mainly in salary or benefits. • Dress sloppily. • Talk about your social life. • 10. Leave without asking any questions.

“Don’t call us…” (The Post-Interview Follow Up)

• Write a thank-you letter that reminds the interviewer

who you are and what skills you offer.

• If you don’t get the position, another job may become available, and the interviewer will remember you favorably.

• Be sure to include you name, address, phone

• number, and date of the interview.

• Don’t call – write.

The Prove-It Technique

• Present concrete examples

• Quantify your achievements

• Emphasize results

• Link your experience to the job

The Skills Employers Want

1. Learning to learn 2. Basic academic skills in reading, writing, and

computation 3. Good communication skills 4. Creative thinking and problem solving 5. Self-esteem, motivation, and goal setting 6. Personal and career development skills 7. Interpersonal/negotiation skills and

teamwork 8. Organizational effectiveness and leadership

Preparing for the Interview

• Research the industry

• Research the careers that interest you

• Research the company

• Research the job itself

• Research the interviewer

Important Questions to Answer in Your Research

• Who is the employer and what does it do?

• Who is its main competition?

• What has the organization accomplished in the last three years?

• What is the job description and salary range for the job I’m interested in?

• What skills and training does the job require?

• How can I contribute to the organization?

The Ten Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions

1. Why don’t you tell me about yourself?

2. Why should I hire you?

3. What are your major strengths?

4. What are your major weaknesses?

5. What sort of pay do you expect to receive?

6. How does your previous experience relate to the job we have here?

The Ten Questions (Cont.)

7. What are your plans for the future?

8. What will your former employers say about you?

9. Why are you looking for this sort of position, and why here?

10. Why don’t you tell me about your personal situation?

3. Following Up After the Interview

• Make notes on the interview

• Schedule your follow-up

• Send your thank-you note

• Call when you said you would

Seven Tips for Thank-You Notes

• Decide whether to use e-mail or regular mail Use quality paper and envelopes

• Decide whether to handwrite it or computer-print it

• Use a formal salutation

• Keep the note short and friendly

• Be sure to sign it

• Send it within 24 hours after the interview

Sample Thank You Note

Salary Negotiation

Never talk money until after an employer decides he or she wants you.

Know in advance the probable salary range.

Always bracket your stated salary range to begin within the employer’s probable salary range and end a bit above what you expect to settle for.

Never say no to a job offer either before it is made or within 24 hours afterward.

4. Summary

• Practice questions before you go to an interview.

• Dress neatly and conservatively, arrive alone and on time, listen carefully, and follow directions.

• Present a positive attitude in the interview, sit/stand up straight and maintain effective eye contact.

• A follow-up letter can remind the interviewer of your qualifications and leave them with a positive impression of you.

Final Tips

• Know yourself

• Know the employer

• Turn negatives into positives

• Don’t forget to follow up

• Remember, no matter what questions interviewers ask, the underlying question is always, “Why should I hire you?”