Introduction to Interviewing
The primary purpose of the interview is to determine “best fit” for the candidate, employer, and
organization. The interview serves multiple purposes – for both you and the employer. Not only
is the employer evaluating you – your qualifications, motivation, and organizational fit – but you
are evaluating the position and organization to see if they are a good fit for you and your career
path.
Your Goals



To communicate important information about yourself – your qualifications, motivation,
and suitability
To determine whether the job is suitable for you and whether you want it
To favorably impress the employer
Goals of the Employer




To promote the organization and attract the best possible candidates
To gather information about you
To assess how well your qualifications match the job requirements
To determine whether you will fit in with the organization and the staff
Types of Interviews
There are several types of interviews. Each serves a specific purpose.
Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are a means of connecting with professionals in the position, company,
and/or industry in which you are interested. It is a formal meeting that allows you to ask
questions and learn more about the type of work and/or work environment.
Screening
An initial or screening interview is a preliminary interview to identify if a candidate is a good fit
for the organization. It is designed to identify the top candidates within the applicant pool. It is
typically a one-on-one, personal interview. It could last a few minutes or all day.
Hiring Interviews
The hiring interview usually follows a screening interview. The purpose is to select the most
qualified candidate. It is significantly more in-depth, taking more time and addressing the job in
greater detail. It may take a variety of formats.
Career Development
Pomajevich Building, Office 121 | 541-684-7289 | [email protected] | www.nwcu.edu/career
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Interview Formats
Your interview may take a variety of forms. It’s important to know the format so you can prepare
accordingly.
Phone Interviews
The phone interview is commonly used as a screening interview. An individual may conduct the
interview, but it can also be handled as a conference call, where your voice is placed on
speakerphone for a panel of interviewers to hear. One person or multiple people may ask the
questions. This format may be awkward because you cannot see your interviewers and they
cannot see you. You must rely on the quality and tone of your voice to communicate. Avoid
speaking in a monotone voice. Be sure to vary the tone to convey your personality and speak
slowly and clearly. Place a mirror in front of you as a reminder to smile. A smile relays warmth
and enthusiasm, as well as boosts your confidence. Keep a copy of your resume in front of you
so you are able to refer to it if necessary.
Skype Interviews
Similar to phone interviews, Skype interviews can take place anywhere, which is a cost-effective
way for employers to conduct the initial screening of applicants. The benefit of Skype or video
chat interviews is the ability to gauge nonverbal behavior, such as facial expression and body
language.
Individual Interviews
An individual interview is a one-on-one, face-to-face interview held in the interviewer’s office or
a small conference room. Typically, the interview lasts one hour. It may be used as a
screening or hiring interview.
Panel Interviews
A panel interview is one in which a group of people interview you. The size of the group may
range from four to six individuals who have an interest in the hiring process. One person may
ask all the questions, or the group may take turns asking questions. Direct your answer to the
person to who asked the question, but maintain eye contact with each person in the group.
Serial Interviews
Serial interviews are comprised of a series of individual and/or panel interviews. They are
designed to expose you to a cross-section of the organization, meeting potential supervisors
and colleagues. You may be asked the same questions of each interviewer or differing
questions. It is important to maintain pace and consistency. Pace yourself throughout the day
and reserve energy for the final interview - with whom the final hiring decision resides. You
want to appear fresh for each interview. As much as possible, keep your answers consistent.
The interviewers will most likely compare answers. Inconsistency may be portrayed as
untrustworthy and/or dishonest. Conduct yourself with integrity.
Group Interviews
A group interview is one in which you interview with other candidates. Candidates competing
for the same position hear your answers. This format may be used to select individuals to fill
2
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
multiple openings of the same position. It may also be used to observe candidates’ ability to
work in a group. It can be intimidating, but exhibiting good interpersonal skills will go a long
way. Be careful not to monopolize the conversation or refrain from speaking at all. Use your
effective communication skills to listening attentively and articulate yourself clearly.
Preparing for the Interview
Never enter an interview unprepared! Take the time to research and practice. Having
knowledge of the organization and practicing your interviewing skills will help reduce your
nervousness and anxiety. Your confidence level will increase, and you will communicate more
effectively.
Research, Research, Research
Ideally, you began the research process prior to applying for the position. Conducting more indepth research once you’ve received an invitation to interview will help you prepare more
effectively. It is advantageous to ask about the format of the interview and name and title of the
interviewer when you schedule the interview. This information will influence your preparation.
The Organization
Know the organization with which you are interviewing. Read company literature, annual
reports, and website. Familiarize yourself with the major developments and trends in the field,
as well as the mission and direction of the organization. Be aware of the history, financial
profile, strengths/weaknesses, competition, and employee retention. You can use the
information you’ve gathered to communicate to the employer how you can meet their needs.
Your ability to apply this knowledge in the context of your qualifications will increase your
chance of receiving a job offer. This information will also equip you to form intelligent questions
to ask during the interview.
The Job Position
Be familiar with the job description. What is required? What are the expectations and
responsibilities? What is the organizational structure? Who do you report to? How does the
position fit with and support the mission of the organization? Identify skills that are important to
the success of the position, and articulate examples from your employment history that
demonstrate those skills.
The Salary and Other Benefits
Approach the topic of salary and benefits with discretion and tact. You may receive salary
information prior to the interview. The employer may address it at the end of your interview.
It is never appropriate to lead with questions about salary and benefits. However, you may
have an opportunity to discuss compensation. Here are some acceptable questions:



What is the salary range for this position?
What kinds of benefits are available – medical, pension, tuition, etc.?
What opportunities for advancement exist?
Not all benefits are monetary. At the same time, you have financial obligations to meet. There
is a time and place for salary negotiation, and it is not to be initiated by the candidate in the first
3
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
interview. Use labor market research to determine if the offer is competitive and commensurate
with your education and experience.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Prepare answers to questions that might be asked. Do not memorize answers. Let your
responses flow naturally. Employers will recognize “canned” answers. Genuineness and
authenticity are important in building positive rapport with your interviewers and making a
favorable impression.
Have a friend or career counselor review your answers. Set up a “mock” interview with a
professor or colleague to practice articulating your answers.
Consider the following:







Did you answer directly or did you ramble?
Did you give specific examples to substantiate your claims?
Did you ask for clarification if you were unsure of the question?
Did you sound natural or stilted?
Did you avoid using filler words, such as “um,” “like,” “uh,” or “you know?”
How was your body language – eye contact, hand movements, diction, and
enunciation?
Did you remember to smile?
What to Bring
It may be helpful to have certain materials with you:






Copies of your resume
Unofficial transcripts
List of references
Portfolio if appropriate
Pen & paper to take notes
List of prepared questions for your interviewers
Arrive on Time
Punctuality is critical. A good rule of thumb is to arrive 5-10 minutes early. Being able to arrive
on time sends the message that you are reliable and dependable – necessary work skills. In
order to arrive on time, ask for directions when you schedule the interview. You may find it
helpful to make a trial run.
Allow ample time for traffic and parking. You may need to acquire a parking permit. You may
be required to park at a meter, in which case, be sure you have enough change on hand. Know
the bus routes. When in doubt, ask in advance what the expectations are for parking.
Be prepared to stay late. You may need to arrange for extended childcare or park in location
with unlimited parking time. Addressing these items in advance will free your mind to focus on
the interview and not getting a ticket.
Dress the Part
Your appearance can make or break you. Appearance is more than wearing professional
clothing; it also involves grooming and personal hygiene. Here are some guiding principles.
Dress according to the field and industry standard. Even in an industry that has a casual dress
4
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
code, it is advisable to dress up for the interview.





Visit the organization to observe what the standard dress code is.
Err on the conservative side. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed. Avoid
wearing the latest fashions and select attractive colors in established styles that flatter
your body type. A black or navy suit tends to be standard for both men and women.
Jewelry and make-up should be subdued, complementing the overall look, not
distracting from it.
Facial hair on men needs to be trimmed neatly.
Give special attention to grooming. You should look clean and well pressed. Be sure
your nails and hair look their best and that accessories, like shoes and bags, are
polished and coordinated.
You want to be remembered for your professionalism and ability to perform the job, not what
you look like.
The Interview
The Introduction
First impressions are critical. Most impressions are made before you even open your mouth to
speak.




Smile – Greet everyone you meet with a smile. A smile expresses warmth and
enthusiasm. There is also a physiological response when you smile that stimulates
activity in the brain and elevates your mood.
Handshake – A handshake is a formal greeting appropriate for the business setting. A
firm handshake, making web-to-web contact, communicates respect and confidence.
A “bone- crusher” or “limp-fish” handshake is not appropriate.
Eye Contact – By making eye contact, you exude confidence in yourself and respect
for the other person. It also shows that you are actively listening to what the other
person is saying.
Speech – When you do speak, do so with an appropriate volume and rate.
Nervousness often causes individuals to speak either louder or softer than their normal
volume. Be sure to speak up but not yell. Nervousness may also cause you to
increase your rate of speech, making it difficult for others to hear and understand what
you are saying. Enunciate and articulate your words clearly without mumbling or
slurring. You want yourself to be heard and understood.
The Content
The content of your interview will be delivered through your answers to the interview questions.
Highlight your abilities through examples. Be specific and concise.
Demonstrate your poise, confidence, maturity, and motivation using your body language. Lean
forward to show interest. Maintain an open body posture. Refrain from folding your arms
across your chest. If you naturally use your hands in gesturing, feel free to do so. Allow your
body movements to complement and reinforce the content of your answers.
Answer questions based on your research of the company. Relate your past experience directly
to the needs of the company. Make it easy for them to see how you fit within their organization.
5
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
One of the best strategies for organizing the content of your answer is to be a STAR!
Situation – What happened? State the situation and provide context. Describe the project,
problem, or circumstance in enough detail to give them a mental picture.
Tasks – What needed to be done? Identify the tasks you needed to complete in order to
execute the project, solve the problem, or address the situation. Be specific.
Action – What did you do? Share the actions that you (not someone else) took to carry
out the tasks in order to complete the tasks or bring resolution. Use vivid action
verbs.
Results – What was the outcome? How did things turn out? Describe the results of the
situation in specific and measurable terms.
Always provide an example or tell a story that demonstrates your ability – even when the
question doesn’t explicitly ask for one. Vary your examples in your responses. In other words,
draw examples from a variety of experiences you’ve had. Do not recycle the same experience
over and over again in your interview.
Finally, constantly “sell” yourself to the interviewers. Without appearing cocky or arrogant,
promote the positive qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for the position with
confidence.
Handling Inappropriate Questions
Listen careful to questions. Only share information that is relevant to your ability to perform the
requirements of the job description. Appropriate questions address the job qualifications.
Inappropriate questions tend to probe at personal information.
Inappropriate topics may include:




Marital status
Disability
Religious practices
Military/Veteran status




Age
Race/Color
Ethnicity
Sexual Orientation




Arrest record
Labor organizations
Residence
Social affiliations
If faced with an inappropriate question, you have several choices:



Answer the question – With this option, you run the risk of revealing potentially
discriminating information and hinder the possibility of receiving an offer.
Decline to answer the question – Refusing to answer may cause you to appear
“uncooperative” or “confrontational.”
Answer the intent of the question – Identify what the employer is really asking. For
example, if asked “How old are you?”, you respond with, “I am over 21.
The best option is to answer the intent of the question, evaluating what aspects are essential to
the job function and providing examples of how you meet the qualification without revealing
potentially discriminating information.
Imagine yourself in the job. Think about how you would perform in the company –
professionally & personally. Prepare questions for areas in the job description that are unclear.
You are interviewing them as well as them interviewing you!
6
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
The Close
In closing, remember the following items:





Summarize your qualifications.
Reiterate the reasons that make you the most qualified candidate for the position.
Express your sincere interest in the position.
Ask about the next step: When should you expect to hear? How will you be notified?
Or when should you make contact?
Exit courteously.
Follow Up
After the interview, record your observations, names of interviewers, and any questions that did
not get answered. This information will help you evaluate the position and whether or not you
intend to accept an offer.
Based on the interview, is this position a good fit for you? Can you envision yourself working at
that organization? Would you work well with the people you met at the interview?
Evaluate your performance. What did you do well? What did you forget? What would you do
differently next time? Be careful not to overanalyze your performance or be too hard on
yourself. You are not perfect, and that’s okay. Reward yourself for the things you did well and
take note of areas to improve upon next time.
Write thank you notes to your interviewers within 24 hours. Sincere notes of appreciation,
preferably hand written and addressed to each individual member of the committee, will leave a
positive impression. If your handwriting is illegible, then you may choose to print your message
on quality thank you note stationary. Just remember to sign the card by hand. This simple step
is often overlooked but has the potential to enhance your positioning.
7
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Practice Questions
1. What interested you most in this position? In this organization?
2. How did you become interested in this field?
3. What personal characteristics do you think are necessary for success in your chosen
field?
4. What do you do in your spare time?
5. What do you consider to be your most significant accomplishment?
6. What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
7. How do you define success?
8. Define teamwork.
9. What have you enjoyed about past jobs? Disliked?
10. What was the toughest decision you had to make?
Behavioral Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Tell me about the most difficult person you’ve had to communicate with.
Tell me about a group project you were involved with. What was your role?
Describe a major problem you encountered and actions you took to resolve it.
What kind of pressure did you feel on your last job?
Describe a situation where you had to do several tasks at the same time.
Tell me a time when you went out of your way to provide good service.
Tell me time when you demonstrated assertiveness.
Tell me a time when you followed through on a commitment, despite difficulties.
Questions to ask Employers
1. What is your leadership/management style?
2. How is a new employee assimilated into the organization?
3. What is the nature of your training program and supervision in the early years of
employment?
4. What will be expected of me as a new employee?
5. Are there negative aspects of the job?
6. Could you describe your employee review/evaluation system?
7. Would you describe career advancement and professional growth opportunities?
8