Interview Assistance

The more prepared you are, the more confident you become and that confidence shows in your interview. To prepare for an interview, you may want to:

1. Investigate/research the company/department you are interviewing with. Even if you are applying for positions in SRS, know what the position is responsible for and what the program does.
2. Review your resume and application. Refresh your memory on your past experiences and accomplishments.
3. Identify how your skills fit the position. Be prepared to offer information that will demonstrate that fit. Be prepared to describe what you do and the knowledge/experience you can bring to the position. Never assume anything - The interview team can only score you on information you supply in the interview.
4. Know who you are interviewing with, when and where. Be sure of the location. You may want to make a trial run to determine how long it will take you to reach the interview site.
5. Practice. Practice. Practice. You may want to enlist the help of a friend/coworker or practice in front of a mirror, but whatever method you choose, practicing will build confidence. Some applicants use a video recorder to review the way they interview and make adjustments in their presentation. You won't know the questions, so it's hard to be to specific as you practice, but you can practice your body language, and the general way you present yourself.
6. Take a list of references with you to the interview. The list should be complete with names and current phone numbers.

• Cleanliness and neatness says you are aware of the importance of the job.
• Attire can be stylish, but conservative.
• Dark colors such as black or navy are considered appropriate
• Don't wear colors that are distracting from the interview
• Large, colorful prints should be avoided.

Guidelines for accessories:

• Jewelry should be small and tasteful. Avoid large items or noisy ones.
• Earrings for men could be risky. You should weigh the decision carefully.
• Hair should be conservative in style, color and clean.
• Wear no cologne/perfume/after shave or something very light.
• Makeup should be conservative, natural looking.
• Nails can be tastefully polished, in subtle colors.
• Shoes need to be clean and polished.

If you aren't sure something is appropriate, avoiding it is always best. Making sure whatever you wear is comfortable, is very important. The feeling you get when you know you look nice and are comfortable is great for your confidence.

1. Be Confident. Be aware of your Nonverbal communication. Posture, walk, facial movement, energy and gestures are nonverbal communications that send a message of your confidence, enthusiasm and eagerness to go to work. Arrive on time and allow enough time for the interview.
2. Smile. Have a firm handshake.
3. Be courteous to everyone you meet before and during the interview.
4. Make Eye Contact with the interviewer asking the specific question, but with the rest of the team, also. Make sure the entire team is aware of your qualifications and abilities.
5. Use notes. Bringing notes to an interview is all right, and using those notes is OK, too. BUT, notes should be organized so you can retrieve them easily, without fumbling and shuffling.
6. Speak distinctly, and avoid "yes/no" answers. Give complete and concise answers, don't ramble. Stay targeted and address the question.
7. Take time to formulate answers the way you want to present them. If you don't understand the question, ask for clarification. It's OK to take time to be sure of a question before you answer and to be sure the answer is what you intended.
8. Be prepared to discuss weaknesses as well as strengths. We all have weaknesses, but it's not always easy to talk about them. When we discuss them in interviews, we need to be willing to take responsibility for them and not attempt to put the blame elsewhere -"they wouldn't train me" or "I didn't have enough time". Although, these may be true statements, stating them in an interview may not be to your advantage.
9. Answer the questions and give information that explains what you can contribute and give to the position. Assume nothing in any interview. Knowing the information was in your application or resume does not relieve you of the responsibility of restating it in the interview.
10. Never take anyone with you to an interview, unless you need a personal attendant or interpreter.
11. Don't park in a place where you will have to leave to "feed the meter".

Interview F.A.Q.s

At Should I get my hair cut for the interview?

If a hair cut will improve your appearance, yes. If you are ready to try out a new style, after the interview may be a better time.

I have non-refundable tickets for a cruise I've been planning for 2 years. The cruise is scheduled 1 month after I would start this new job? Do I talk about this in the interview?

No. It is appropriate to talk about this vacation when you are offered the job.

I have a disability that is not readily visible. What do I need to say about it in the interview?

Unless a disability affects your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, information about a disability is not relevant. If the disability requires an accommodation, it is relevant information in the interview. Focus on your ability to do the essential functions and stay away from "I can't."

I am only interested in this job if it pays more money than I am currently making. Is the interview the appropriate time to let the new employer know my salary needs?

Once you know the employer is interested in hiring it is appropriate to negotiate salary. Employers are more interested in negotiating salary with candidates they want to hire.

I get so nervous in an interview setting that I have trouble remembering important information about my skills and abilities. Can I bring notes?

Absolutely yes. Explain in the interview that you have notes to help you focus on your skills and abilities.

Its been awhile since I have had to interview for a job and I'm apprehensive about my performance. What can I do?

Practice is always a good way to improve confidence and mock interviews can provide you an effective opportunity to ease your apprehension.

What should I be talking about when the interviewers ask if there is anything else they should know about me?

Talk about any experiences you've had that you think would help you on the job. This is usually a last chance to sell yourself. Use it.

What if I'm asked a question about my age? Or, child care arrangements, etc.?

Try neutralizing these questions with statements like "I find that a person's attitude, enthusiasm and ability to learn and adapt is more important than age. I'm 54".

What if a question requires only a yes or no answer?

There are some purely yes/no questions in an interview such as "Do you have a current license to practice?"

What if I can't think of an answer?

Be honest with the interviewer. Don't make anything up!