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Interviewing techniques
What employers look for when interviewing job applicants
During the interview, an employer learns more about your qualifications in relation to a specific position and you will learn more about the job and the organization.
Interviewers will want to discuss your experience, academic preparation (if required for the position), and personal attributes. Based on how closely your responses meet the needs of the employer, the interviewer will determine whether you will proceed further in the selection process.
During the interview, employers evaluate your:
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving and creative abilities
- Accomplishments as a pattern of success
- Ethics and values
- Skill match with position requirements
- Teamwork and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to remain positive when faced with change
Some important do's and dont's
Do
- Arrive approximately 15-minutes early
- Turn off your cell-phone and beeper
- Smile and give a warm greeting
- Shake hands firmly
- Be enthusiastic
- Look the interviewer in the eye while speaking
- Relate your background, skills, and accomplishments as they relate to the position
- Stress achievements and accomplishments that were measurable
- Present a professional personal appearance
- Offer a copy of your application materials
- Provide a listing of professional references (if requested by the employer)
- Treat the interview as the important activity that it is
- Answer the questions as if the interviewer does not know anything about you
Dont
- Dont answer with a simple "yes" or "no"
- Dont make derogatory remarks about your present/former employers or coworkers
- Dont over-answer questions
- Dont chew gum or eat candy/mints
- Dont treat the interview as informal.especially true when you know the interviewers
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Interview questions
Behavior-based interviewing is built on the premise that recent past behavior will likely predict future behavior. Each question is developed to reveal details on your approach to past situations and the results of your efforts.
The best response describes a problem you faced, the explanation of the actions you took, and the outcomes of your initiatives. Be specific in your answers.
Examples of behavior-based interview questions
- Summarize a situation where you took the initiative to get others motivated on an important project that you played a leading role in getting completed.
- What is the most complex project you have completed? What was your role?
- What steps do you follow to study a problem before you make a decision?
- Provide an example of how you acquired a technical skill and then converted it to a practical application.
- Give me an example of a miscommunication you have had with a client or coworker. What was the issue and how was it resolved?
- How do you determine priorities in scheduling your time? Provide examples.
- Give me an example of an important goal, which you had to set. Tell me about your success in reaching that goal.
- Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the duties of your position in order to get a project or task completed.
- Provide me with an example of a time in which you used your written communication skills in order to get an important point across.
- Describe a significant presentation that you completed.
- Tell me about a time in which you conformed to a policy with which you did not agree.
- Describe any job that you have held in which you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills.
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Be prepared to ask questions
At the end of the interview you will likely get an opportunity to ask questions.
Here are some questions that you may wish to ask:
- What would I be expected to accomplish in this position?
- What are the greatest challenges in this position?
- Will I be a member of a team or will I be expected to work independently?
- A lack of questions may be mistaken as a lack of interest.
Closing the interview
Let the interviewer know that you are interested in the position. Say something similar to: "I am very impressed with what I have been told about your organization. I am confident that I could do an excellent job in the position you have described for me." Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. Let the interviewer know that you are looking forward to hearing from them in the very near future.
Do not be discouraged if you do not hear back immediately on the interview results. The interviewer may want to communicate with others in the organization, interview additional candidates, or conduct reference checks before making a hiring decision.
For additional assistance in preparing for an interview, contact the Recruitment Unit at 503/945-5698 (voice), 503/945-6214 (TTY) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) Monday through Friday.
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