Washburn Career and College Center
Tips for Your Interview
Be prepared!
Have the directions to the company, your resume, and clothes ready for the session in advance. Also, have the names of references and their contact information available in case if you are asked for them.
Be presentable!
Depending on the job you may need to wear a suit or wear “business casual clothes” for the interview. [Boys - shirt, tie, and nice pants; girls – sweater/blouse and nice skirt or dress pants.]
Be on time!
Nothing is worse than being late.
Be respectful!
Acknowledge everyone you meet with respect. Be polite. Refer to the interviewer by their last name unless they specify otherwise. Give a firm handshake, make friendly eye contact.
Be knowledgeable!
Research the company before the interview.
Have a couple of questions ready that you can ask the potential employer to show your interest in the job and to answer any questions you may have.
Be appreciative!
Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration.
Tell them you look forward to hearing from them.
Follow-up!
Everyone needs a reminder- call in a week if you have not heard from the interviewer to see if the job has been filled, or if they need more information about you.
Interview DON’Ts
Don't be late.
Don't come dressed sloppy.
(No jeans or sweatshirts; bare midriffs or mini skirts)
Don't use first names unless you are asked to.
No smoking! Don’t smell of smoke either. No gum chewing!
Don't Sit down unless asked to.
Do not stare.
Don't show anxiety or boredom. Don’t be negative.
Don't speak badly about a previous work situation, supervisor or employee.
Don't keep looking at your watch.
Don't discuss race, equal rights, national origin, religion, sex or age.
Don’t talk too much.
Do be articulate and focused.
Don't show samples of your work, unless requested.
Don't assume a submissive or domineering role.
Do be respectful.
Don't ask about pay, benefits or vacation.
They will advise you when appropriate.
Don't go in unprepared.
Do know something solid about the company.
Example of an Interview Situation
The Human Resources interviewer will greet you and ask you questions about yourself and your interest in the job. If you have not filled out an application form already, the representative will give you one to fill out. You can give them a copy of your resume at that time.
General Script
INTERVIEWER: Hello. My name is ___________. I’m an assistant in Human Resources.
Interviewer and Interviewee shake hands.
INTERVIEWER: Now, tell me a little bit about yourself?
Why are you interested in this job?
What strengths would you like to bring to
this job?
What are your weaknesses?
We work as a team here at this company.
Give me an example of a time you acted as a
team player.
Why should we hire you in this position?
Of course, we like our employees to do the
jobs for which they are responsible. We also
like them to show some initiative.
Can you give me an example where you’ve
gone above and beyond your job?
What were the results?
What do you know about the company?
Do you have any questions about the job or
the company?
Interviewer stands up to leave; Interviewee follows.
INTERVIEWER: Thank you for coming today. I enjoyed talking
with you.
We’ll call you in a week or so and let you
know.
Interviewer and Interviewee shake hands. Remember to thank the interviewer for their time!
Example Interview Q & A
Tell me about yourself?
[Use an answer that applies to the job you are applying for. For example, for a daycare job…]
“I am a resourceful person that is known to be creative and good with solving problems. For example, I had to baby sit 3 toddlers at once and in order to stop them from crying; I created bowling pins from empty soda bottles and bowled with the children. The parents gave me a bonus tip for entertaining the children all afternoon.”
“I’m looking for a challenge and an opportunity to gain business experience. Target is a well known leader in the retail industry that will provide me that.”
What strengths would you like to bring to this job?
“I am good with math and I have tutored young children in this area in my previous job at a local school. I also have a lot of patience with people and kids. I believe my resourcefulness and expertise in elementary school math levels will be valuable to your tutoring center.”
“I enjoy working and I am very responsible. So when I sometimes come across other kids not being as responsible, I find it a little frustrating. I am aware of that weakness and in those situations; I try to overcome it with a positive attitude that I hope will catch on.”
“I am a responsible person and a team player; I will be a great asset to your garage. I know how to fix cars as well as to clean them; I have been fixing them since I was a kid.”
Of course, we like our employees to do the jobs for which they are responsible. We also like them to show some initiative. Can you give me an example where you’ve gone above and beyond your job? What were the results?
“In my sophomore year I was responsible for collecting empty cans around the community to raise money for a school fundraiser. The goal of the fundraiser was to raise as much money as you can. So, I decided to sell soda cans at a profit first to raise extra money and then collected the cans afterwards for the 5 cent return factor. I made over $100 for the school charity. I had raised the most money for the charity.”
Do you have any questions about the job or the company?
“What are the responsibilities of this position?”
“What are the opportunities for advancement?”
“What is your company’s mission statement?”