Interview Tips
No matter where you are looking for work, you will need to interview well if you want to get a job. Here are some tips from the CareerCenter on doing your best at an interview.
General Interviewing Tips
- Get enough sleep the night before.
- Arrive about 15 minutes early.
- Bring at least 5 copies of your résumé. Bring open letters
of references or your list of references. Bring copies of
licenses and credentials if you need them. Bring your portfolio
if you have one.
- Dress appropriately for the interview.
- Show your enthusiasm and self-confidence in your body
language and tone of voice.
- Do not exaggerate your skills, but sell yourself.
- Always describe people and situations in a positive light.
- Let the interviewer do at least half the talking.
- Ask good questions.
- Make a strong closing statement and thank the interviewer for the interview.
- Express your desire for the job.
- Follow up with a thank-you note to each person on the
interview committee.
Answering Interview Questions
The interview process is a way for your potential employer to get the answers to two basic questions:
- Why should I hire you?
- How will you fit in to my organization?
The key to effectively answering these two questions is using a skills statement. Here's a formula you can use for a skills statement answer:
- Name your skill and relate that skill to your worker preference with data, people or things.
- Give an example of how you have demonstrated that skill
by telling a story, mentioning an award or commendation,
providing a statement from a reference or producing a portfolio.
- Give the outcome or result you achieved.
- Relate this skill to the position you are seeking.
Here are some sample skills statements:
Skills Statement Describing People Skills
I am very good at organizing a work team. I seem to have a knack for
getting people working together to reach a common goal. For example,
when I was shift leader at Acme Widget Company, our production
was going downhill for two quarters in a row. I pulled the
team together and let them discuss the issue and come
up with possible solutions. We took the time to come
together on a solution, implement it and monitor the
results. The next quarter we were back on target.
Everyone felt good about the results. I could have
imposed my solution on the team, but better cooperation
came from letting the team be a part of the
solution. I could bring this same kind of teamwork
to your organization.
Skills Statement Describing Using Data
I am very accurate with financial data. In my last position I was the person who checked the accounts receivable at the end
of each day. I was the one who checked the books when
no one else could find the error. I spent many evenings
searching for errors that kept the books from balancing,
and I always found it. To me, it’s like a puzzle that I enjoy solving. I am always very thorough and
accurate with financial data. I could bring this same thoroughness and accuracy to the position of bookkeeper here at Acme Widget Company.
Skills Statement Describing Things
I take good care of my tools. I always keep them clean and in their place
when I’m not using them. A worker who respects his tools respects his
work. I’m very proud of the fact that my workstation is neat, clean and
safe. To me, that shows the pride I take in doing a good job every
day at work.
Need More Help?
CareerCenters offer workshops or one-on-one help to jobseekers looking to improve their interviewing skills. All CareerCenter services are no charge to jobseekers. For more information, contact your local CareerCenter office.
