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Preparing for the Interview
Learn
Learn as much as you can about the company and its position. You should have a basic understanding of who the company is, services and/or products they provide, dress code, culture, and any other points of interest.
Research
Much of this information can be found by researching the company’s web site, networking with contacts within the company and researching employer databases such as Hoovers.com or Vault.com.
Know the Job Description
It is important to have a complete job description prior to the interview in order to understand the full spectrum of duties and responsibilities. If you are unable to obtain a complete job description, prior to the interview, research the occupation using the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) or Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), both of which are available online and in the CSO.
Practice Your Interview
Conduct practice interviews with the CSO staff, friends, family members or yourself. Practicing the interview beforehand will allow you the opportunity to pinpoint areas in need of improvement such as communication, posture, dress code, etc.
Question Preparation
Be prepared to answer questions, and to ask questions as well. Evaluating and thoroughly understanding your interests, skills and abilities as they relate to the position will help you answer questions. Although you want to be prepared with answers to possible questions, you want to be genuine and sincere in your answers. It’s best to have a general idea of the types of questions anticipated and be able to communicate your answers concisely, while allowing yourself freedom to change gears if asked a question you did not expect. Below is a list of possible questions you may answer and questions you may want to ask.
Questions Employers May Ask
- Tell me about yourself.
- What attracted you to this position?
- What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your short- and long-term goals? Where do you see yourself in ten years?
- Describe your most rewarding accomplishment.
- What qualifications do you have that you think will make you successful in this position?
- Why are you interested in working for our company or organization?
- What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
- Why should I hire you?
Questions to Ask Employers
- What skills and abilities would you ideally look for in the person filling this position?
- What are the major responsibilities of this position?
- How would you describe a typical day in this job?
- How does one advance in the organization?
- What is the greatest challenge your organization faces or will face within the next year?
- What are the challenging facets of this position?
- What will be expected of me as a new employee?
- Why do you enjoy working for this company or organization?
- If I am extended an offer, how soon would you like me to start?
- When can I expect to hear from you?
- May I have your business card?
In addition to anticipating what questions they may ask, you should be aware of legal and illegal questions.
Below is a list of illegal and legal questions:
Legal Questions
- Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?
- Are you over the age of 18?
- Will you be willing to relocate if necessary?
- Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job?
- Have you ever been convicted of ____ (with relevance to the job)?
- In what branch of the Armed Forces did you serve?
Illegal Questions
- Are you a U.S. Citizen?
- How old are you?
- Are you married/ have kids/ plan on moving?
- Do you have any disabilities?
- Have you ever been arrested?
- Were you honorably discharged from the military?
