Interview Preparation Tips

It is normal to feel nervous energy and this actually helps you perform at your best.

Thoroughly review the company's website including what they do, history, executive bios, etc. (The better prepared you are, the more relaxed and confident you will be.)

If possible, research each person you will be meeting with so you will know a little background information about him/her/them.

Bring extra copies of your resume, a pen & paper to take notes, and a bottle of water in case your mouth/throat gets dry.

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow plenty of time to find a parking spot, go to the restroom, complete application forms, etc.

Dress in formal business attire.

TURN OFF your cell. (If you forget to do so and your phone rings, simply apologize for the interruption and turn it off without looking at who is calling.)

Smile when you meet each person and give each person a firm (but not too firm) handshake and look them in the eye.

Sit up straight and maintain good eye contact.

Pause to collect your thoughts before answering each question.

Think about and prepare brief answers in advance to common interview questions (see list below).

A common interview flaw is talking too much so listen carefully and answer ONLY the question asked, as directly as possible.

Behave and speak in a friendly, upbeat, enthusiastic tone and manner. Do not say anything negative at all! (Turn negatives into positives, like it was a great learning experience.)

Prepare and bring a list of at least three questions to ask after you have finished answering their questions. Don't be afraid to ask up to ten questions and listen carefully to each answer -- taking notes if you want. (Lots of interviewers look at that favorably.)

At the end of the interview, ask for each person's business card so you will have their contact information; smile, thank them for their time, confirm your interest in the opportunity, and ask when you can expect to hear about next steps. Don't forget to push in your chair before you leave.

Send a flawless thank you note within 24 hours via email.

Common Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself.
Walk me through your resume.
Why do you want to work for us?
What do you know about (or what interests you about) our company?
Why do you want this position?
Why did you choose your college, major, intended career?
Why should we hire you (rather than someone else)?
What was/were your most significant accomplishment(s) at your past few job(s)?
What are your short and long-term goals?
What is your ultimate career goal?
How do you keep yourself organized?
How does your past experience qualify you for this position?
What are your top three greatest strengths?
What is a weakness, or area for development/improvement?
How would your previous managers/supervisors describe you?
Tell me about a challenge you have faced in the past and how you dealt with it.
What motivates you?
What are you looking for in a job?
What do you think would be most challenging for you in this position?
Can you give an example of a time when you did not agree with a colleague and how did you handle the situation?
What frustrates you, and how do you handle that frustration?
Describe what type of work environment you thrive in.
How were your performance reviews in past jobs?
How did you do in school?
How do you like to be managed by your supervisor?
What do you like most and least about your current (or most recent) position?
What do you do when you make a mistake?
How do you handle stress?
If you could change anything about your past, what would it be?
What is the biggest lesson you ever learned?
When would you be able to start?
Do you have any questions?