Interview Preparation by Davidson-Davie Community College

The Career Development How-To Workbook Series

Interview Preparation

CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKBOOK SERIES INFORMATION

Interview Preparation Guide This Interview Preparation Guide is part of several informational and resourceful guides for students and alumni known as the Career Development Workbook Series. Other workbooks in this series are the Resume Writing Workbook, the Job Search Guide and an After Transfer Major Guide, available on our website: www.davidsondavie.edu/career-development

Having your first (or second or third…) interview can be daunting and even nerve-racking, but do not fret! We have compiled this interview guide with interview preparation tips; common job interview questions and answers; as well as some post-interview guidance to help you prepare.

WORKBOOK CONTENTS Types of interviews and how to prepare for them Common interview questions and answers

3 4-6

After the interview

How we can help you prepare!

HOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US Appointments with the Career Development Office are available in person, by telephone and virtually via Zoom. Current Students: To schedule an appointment with our office, please visit https://bit.ly/DavidsonDavieCareer Problems logging into Starfish? Dial the Help Desk at (336) 249-8186 extension 6232.

Non-Students: Email us at careers@davidsondavie.edu or call (336) 249-8186 extension 6245. Issued: 10/2023

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR THEM Regardless of your interview format, make sure to prepare in advance. Remember, you only get one chance to make a great first impression! Here are some simple tips to make that happen for each interview format.  Assess your appearance. Acceptable interview attire for most industries is conservative.

Your clothes should be clean and pressed, and your shoes polished (clean). Make sure your hair is neat, your nails clean, and you are generally well groomed. Cover tattoos and remove piercing jewelry, unless appropriate to the job.

 Have extra copies of your resume available to take to the interview. Make sure you bring

along the same version of your resume that you originally sent the company.

 Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your interview.  It's important to make a good impression from the moment you enter the parking

In-Person

area. Greet everyone you see cordially and try to appear confident. You never know what influence the people you encounter at the company have with your interviewer(s)!

 Test your technology ahead of time and have your computer fully charged with the charge

cord nearby.

 Dress for success! Even for virtual interviews be sure to look polished and professional.  Try to be in a distraction-free setting (no kids, pets, people, noise in the background)  Be well prepared with your resume and notes nearby.  Maintain good eye contact and body language. Make sure you are looking into the

camera when speaking and not at the participants.

Virtual

 Project your voice and remember to pause when necessary. Remember there can be a

delay in your video, be patient.

 Be confident and bring upbeat energy. Phone interviews lack body language. Your voice

carries your personality here.

 Be conscious of the time.  Don’t over-complicate your answers.  Get comfortable talking about your previous work experiences.  Set a mirror in front of you.

Telephone

 Try standing instead of sitting; we project our voices better this way.

OTHER HELPFUL INTERVIEW TIPS FOR ALL FORMATS: 1. Know who you are, what you have to offer, and what the company is looking for.

2. Evaluate your skills, abilities, and education as they relate to the type of job you are seeking; and be prepared to describe them to the interviewer. 3. Research the company. The more you know about the company and the job you are applying for, the more confident your answers will be. 4. Learn about interview questions that are commonly asked. Then prepare brief, but thorough answers, and practice each one several times. 5. Assess your interviewing skills. Work on correcting any weaknesses, such as speaking rapidly, talking too softly or loudly, lack of eye contact, or displaying nervous habits such as fidgeting. 6. Prepare a short list of three to four questions that you would like to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position and the company. Write these down and bring them to the interview.

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed as samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim (word for word) or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your imagination and encourage you to think about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.

What the hiring manager really wants when asking this question is a quick, two to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why you’re the best candidate for this position. Use verbs and powerful adjectives to describe yourself, and plan an answer to this question in advance so you won’t be stumped if you’re put on the spot in the interview. Sample Answer: “I chose this profession because it is a good fit for my personality. I am dedicated, determined, and organized. I’m dedicated to the company I work for. I’ve read your mission statement, and I believe in your goals. Secondly, I’m determined. When there’s something to be done, I get it done. I work well as a team member and as a team leader. I excel at motivating a group toward its goals, and virtually always finish projects ahead of schedule. Thirdly, I am organized. I’m a list maker, and if something needs to be done, I break it down into manageable chunks and schedule deadlines for each phase toward completion.” “The job description fits me, and I believe my education and qualifications will allow me to pursue this opportunity with passion.”

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR PREVIOUS BOSS WOULD DESCRIBE YOU?

When you answer this question, be sure to provide specific examples that make it clear why your previous employer would describe you positively. Sample Answer: “I’m sure she would enthusiastically describe me as dependable. We have worked closely together on several important projects, and she knows that I take my work very seriously, and am willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.”

WHAT DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING IN FIVE YEARS?

When you respond to questions like this, try to avoid specific details such as job titles or levels of income. Instead, focus on your general career aspirations and goals. Your answer should also reflect your deep and continuing interest in the industry or field. Sample Answer: “I hope to be working in the same field with a larger team and expanded projects. I think I could find that opportunity with your company.”

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR MAIN STRENGTHS?

Think about the position you are applying for and the strengths needed to succeed in this position. Talk about your job related strengths, rather than ones from your personal life. Sample Answer: “Several strengths are important in this field, and I have these strengths. I communicate well in a variety of situations, and I even enjoy speaking in public. I also write well, and am proficient in the latest computer technologies.”

IN TERMS OF JOB PERFORMANCE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS A WEAKNESS THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON?

You may find this question difficult. One way to respond is to provide an example of a relatively minor and unimportant weakness. This approach is far more credible that simply asserting that you have no weaknesses whatsoever. Be sure to conclude with a plan of action that clearly states how you intend to correct this issue. Sample Answer: “I have strong opinions on the most efficient ways to accomplish a task. I try to remember that if I express my views too strongly, that can have a negative effect on group collaboration. So, I make an effort to keep an open mind and remain flexible.”

WHAT SALARY ARE YOU EXPECTING?

Research the expected salary range in the career field in your geographical location. Avoid stating a number unless you are pressed to do so. If you are asked about salary early in the interview, a good response is: “What would a person with my background and qualifications typically earn in this position with your company?” The best response if asked late in the interview process is: “I am ready to consider your very best offer.” This is one time you do not want to be specific. If you give specifics, you may lose. You will be either too low or too high, possibly costing yourself thousands of dollars or even keeping yourself from getting the job. Other possible answers: “What is the general salary range for new hires in this position?” or, if pressed, “Though salary would not be the only factor I would use in making my decision, if pressed, I would say that I would expect something between $XX,000 and $XX,000, for someone with my education and experience in the field.” (Use the salary range you’ve researched) Remember not to attempt salary negotiation until you have a formal offer in hand.

WHY DID YOU LEAVE/ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?

Regardless of why you left, don't speak badly about your previous employer. Practice your responses so you sound positive and clear about your circumstances and your goals for the future. Some suggested answers are: “My current employment doesn’t offer room for growth, and with my college degree completed, I'm ready to move on to a new challenge.” “I'm relocating to this area due to family circumstances and left my previous position in order to make the move.” “The company was cutting back and, unfortunately, my job was one of those eliminated.” If you were fired from your job, here are a few suggested responses: “The job wasn't working out, so my boss and I agreed that it was time for me to move on to a position that would show a better return for both of us. So here I am, ready to work.” “Certain personal problems, which I now have resolved, unfortunately upset my work life. These problems no longer exist, and I'm up and running strong to exceed expectations in my new job.”

TELL US ABOUT A PROBLEM YOU SOLVED DURING A PREVIOUS JOB AND HOW YOU RESOLVED IT.

The interviewer is trying to learn about your problem solving skills. Be prepared to give a detailed answer including what the problem was, what steps you took to solve the problem and what was the final result or outcome.

WE HAVE RECEIVED MANY RESUMES FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THIS POSITION. TELL ME WHY WE SHOULD SELECT YOU. This question is a wonderful opportunity to present your best qualities to the interviewer. Your response here should be confident without appearing arrogant, and should include the professional qualities and personal attributes that you feel really set you apart from the crowd.

Sample Answer: “I really doubt that you could find another person who could give you the commitment and enthusiasm I’m willing to bring to this job. Combine that with my substantial experience, my education, and my personal qualities, and I believe that makes a very good argument for selecting me.” 5

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (cont.) DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

The opportunity for you to ask questions often comes only at the end of the interview, so you should always have questions prepared. However, there is a question you should ask every interviewer as early as possible in the course of the interview: “Is there more you can tell me about the position and the type of person you are seeking?” Properly positioned, this question can provide you with your single greatest opportunity for understanding more about the job and your ability to fill the role. The answer can show you the specific areas of need you should address during the course of the interview.