Be Prepared for the Hot Seat

8/9/2019 Be Prepared for the Hot Seat

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Be Prepared for the Hot Seat

Interviews reveal whether you and an interviewer get along and whether you fit the workplace. They're

also chances to show your personality and enthusiasm. The quality of your interview could easily makethe difference between getting an offer and getting a "Sorry, but..." letter.

WHAT TAKES PLACE

Interviewers usually do most of the talking, describing the company and the position. They'll ask about

your background or general interests and they'll expect you to ask questions. You may also be given a test

(such as copyediting or typing), to complete on the spot or at home.

HOW TO PREPARE

Consider the following tips:

Visualize a positive experience.

Gather extra copies of your resume, references, and portfolio.

Bring a notebook for jotting down questions, points, or assignments.

Prepare answers to broad questions about yourself.

Prepare questions for the interviewer.

Practice interviewing with friends and family, and videotape yourself.

Hit fast-forward to see gestures become obvious (and comical).

Read the newspaper, in case you're asked about current events.

Learn all you can about the organization.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY

Before your interview, do your homework. Research the company's products, structure, and financial

standing. Get catalogs, look in trade directories and publications, contact professional associations, andconduct internet and newspaper searches. If the company is public, you can request a copy of the released

annual report or the copy filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission (technically known as a form

10-K).

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

You want to be remembered as the self-confident candidate, not the one with braided facial hair. Consider

the following:

It's not the time to make a fashion statement, so dress professionally.

Arrive before the scheduled time of your interview (but not too early).

Spit out the gum and kill the cigarette.

Be nice to the assistant(s). Shake hands (firm but not bone-crunching) as you meet.

Sit with erect posture, facing the interviewer, and make eye contact.

Deer-in-the-Headlights Time?

Prepare for questions (yours and theirs) by practicing, doing your homework, and following these Q&A

tips:

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If you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to say so.

Don't bare your soul or give your life history.

Don't be negative about your school or previous employer.

Answer concisely, but not just with yes and no. Give examples.

Use proper English and avoid too much slang (unless it's called for). Listen for cues that tell you what the interviewer wants to hear.

Don't ask about hours or benefits until the second interview.

Don't fidget or fondle items on the interviewer's desk.

Be respectful but not Eddie Haskell, confident but not arrogant.

Show enthusiasm--it can make up for holes in your rsum.

Ask questions that show interest and attentiveness.

If the interview isn't going anywhere, turn it into an informational interview.

ENDINGS ALWAYS COME AT LAST

Watch for signs that the interview is about to end (e.g., you may be asked if you have any last questions).

Get some closure by tactfully asking what the next step is and when a decision is expected. Let theinterviewer know you want the job. As you leave, thank the interviewer and assistants. Be sure to jot

down notes for your own reference and your thank-you note.

50 Practice Interview Questions

Here, in no particular order, are some questions you may or may not be asked during interviews.

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What do you really want to do in life?

3. Why did you choose the career for which you're preparing?

4. What are your long-range career objectives?5. How do you plan to achieve your career objectives?

6. What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?

7. What do you see yourself doing 5 years from now? And earning?8. Which is more important to you, the money or typeof job?

9. What do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

10. How would a friend or professor describe you?

11. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

12. How has your college experience prepared you for a business career?

13. Why should I hire you?

14. What qualifications would make you successful in business?15. How do you determine or evaluate success?

16. What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?

17. In what ways do you think you'll contribute to our company?

18. What qualities should a successful manager possess?

19. Describe the relationship that should exist between the supervisor and those reporting to her or him?

20. What 2 or 3 accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?21. Describe your most rewarding college experience?

22. If you were hiring a graduate for this position, what qualities would you look for?23. Why did you select your college or university?

24. What led you to choose your field or major study?

25. What college subject did you like best? Why?

26. What college subject did you like least? Why?

27. If you could do so, how would you plan your study differently? Why?

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28. What changes would you make in your college or university? Why?

29. Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?

30. Do you think that your grades are an indication of your academic achievement?31. What have you learned from participating in extra-curricular activities?

32. What are your interests outside of work?

33. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?34. How do you work under pressure?

35. In what part-time or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why?

36. How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation?

37. Why did you decide to seek a position in this company?

38. What do you know about our company?

39. What 2 or 3 things are most important to you in your jobs?

40. Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why?41. What criteria are you using to evaluate companies?

42. Do you have a geographic preference? Why?

43. Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you?

44. Are you willing to travel?

45. Are you willing to spend at least 6 months as a trainee?

46. Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our company is located?47. What major problems have you encountered and how did you deal with them?

48. Why did you leave your former job?49. What is your favorite book? What are you reading now?

50. Where else have you applied?

How to Schmooze and Eat at the Same Time

Has your prospective boss scheduled an interview during lunch, dinner, coffee, or some other less formal

setting?

Review these important DOs and DONT's:

Before the Meal

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

This meal-time meeting may not be in an office setting, but it's still a job interview. Prepare by pulling

your portfolio together, researching the company, practicing your pitch and responses, and visualizing a

positive experience.

MIND YOUR MANNERS

Read a how-to guide, consult your mother, do whatever you have to do to brush up on your dining

etiquette. You don't want to embarrass yourself by drinking out of the finger bowl or eating a salad with

your dessert fork. And, of course, put your napkin in your lap, don't chew with your mouth open, keep

your elbows off of the table... you know the drill.

During the Meal

FOLLOW YOUR PROSPECTIVE BOSS'S LEAD

When you get to the restaurant, wait for your interviewer to arrive before getting seated, then let him or

her order first.

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HOLD YOUR TONGUE

Don't knock the food or service. The restaurant is probably a place your interviewer likes and goes tooften so you may be seen as criticizing his or her taste. And don't comment negatively on what the

interviewer orders. No one is interested in your all-rutabaga weight-loss plan or what "zone" you happen

to be in. If other people want to order two desserts, it's between them and their arteries.

REFLECT POSITIVE QUALITIES

When it's your turn to order, be decisive. Make your decision and stick with it. You want to give the

impression of being a confident decision-maker.

DON'T BE A "MESSY MARVIN"

You don't want to get caught with a mouthful when asked a question. Order food that's small in portion

and easy to chew. With less time to chew, you'll have more time to sell yourself and less chance of

experiencing indigestion (belching your job qualifications may not be a crowd pleaser). Also, avoid

possible distraction by avoiding messy foods. Clean-up time could ruin any interview momentum you've

established.

DON'T BURY GROSS FOOD IN YOUR NAPKIN

Don't order dishes if you don't know what they are. Ordering sweetbreads and then freaking out when

your platter of pancreas arrives won't impress. And don't pretend to be a gourmand if you're not--you may

get caught.

STAY SOBER

Even if the boss is having a three-martini lunch. Even on the chance that you found a boss that wants anemployee who knows the difference between a gimlet and a gibson. Why gamble with your future?

FOCUS

Remember the purpose at hand: to land the job. While the conversation may be less intense than an in-

office interview, don't wander off into irrelevant personal musings. It may seem like a casual social event,

but there are bigger things at stake.

After the Meal

LET THE INTERVIEWER PAY

You don't need to offer to pay for all or any of the bill. The interviewer will pick up the tab. With this in

mind, don't order the most expensive thing on the menu. Choose another occasion for your surf 'n' turf

extravaganza.

DON'T ASK FOR A DOGGY BAG

Even if you'd prefer your meal's leftovers to the canned soup you have budgeted, even if the restaurant

will wrap it up like a foil swan, do not ask for a take-home bag. It will give you eau de desperation.

FOLLOW THROUGH

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When the interview ends, be sure to thank your interviewer for the meal. It's easy to forget to do this

when the instant relief (it's over!) and self-analysis hit. Follow through here and with the thank-you letter

that you write promptly following the meal, when topics of your conversation are still fresh in your mind.

For Your Information

Informational interviews are ideal for making contacts and getting the inside story. Whether you get

interviews via school alumni, a cold call to a professional, or Bev in your mom's bridge club, go for it.

The Purpose

Although you're still on display, these aren't the same as interviewing for a position. Informational

interviews are either to obtain information (no duh) or referrals. They can be used to get the buzz onindustries and companies and find out how comfortable you feel in certain environments--in short, almost

anything you wish to pursue.

Finding Willing Interviewers

People are usually receptive. Many want to help new recruits, and they get great ego gratification.

The Basics

Though the purpose may be different, follow the same advice as for application interviews. Dress

appropriately, find out as much as you can about the company or individual, know what you're going to

ask, be open to questions, and send a thank-you letter.

Your Goals

There are six main goals of informational interviews:

1. Establish rapport with the interviewers. Get to know them.

2. Let them know who you are. Be genuine and interested.

3. Get advice on your job-search, particularly on improving both your approach and your

presentation.

4. Find out about your job market. Ask about latest developments, publications to read, or

professional groups you should investigate.

5. Get referrals. If you haven't received names by an interview's end, it's appropriate to ask

for other people with whom you might talk.

6. Be remembered favorably. Before leaving, tell an interviewer that you would appreciatebeing kept in mind in case s/he hears of anything.

Follow Up and Negotiate

You walk out of the interview, grab a celebratory cocktail, and now what? Are you done? Nope. Now you

follow through and follow up.

The Thank-You Letter

A thank-you letter is so basic that some employers will whistle you out of the applicant pool if you don't

send one. Be prompt and personal, incorporating elements from your interview.

Negotiating a Better Offer

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There's usually room for negotiation, whether for salary or benefits. If you're willing to walk, you can be

firm about your conditions. If you're not, be prepared to take no for an answer. Always get the offer in

writing.

Your Final Decision

There's no way to remove all risks from a career decision, but you can increase your chances of making

the right choice. Revisit your criteria for choosing a job or field, weigh the advantages against

disadvantages, and consider the following factors:

Money: Does the job pay what I need now, or will I feel resentful? Does the field offer salary levels that

will meet my future needs?

Security: Is the job year-round and full-time? How great is the turnover? What benefits does the job

offer? Is the field expanding?

Mobility: Does the job allow for or require one to move from place to place or stay in one location?

Flexibility: Would the job let me keep my options open or does it require intense specialization? Does itpermit independence?

Qualifications: Am I qualified for the work? Is on-the-job training offered to me help me qualify or

prepare for future advancement?

Day-to-day Content: Will the work keep me interested? Are the other workers in the field the kind of

people I won't mind spending time with?

Rewards: Does the job offer the kind of rewards I need, along the lines of status, helping others, seeing

finished product, and using creativity?

The Hot Seat: Mock Job Interview

Can you survive the mock interview and land the job?

It's one thing to read about practice interview questions, and another to actually brave them. So, take a

seat and face your job interviewers in this wacky simulation game.

Choose the best responses to questions and you earn two points and move closer to a regular paycheck &

benefits. Choose a mediocre or foolish response and you'll ease forward with just one point or get shownthe door. Good luck!

Copyright 1998 by Kaplan Educational Centers, al

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Be Prepared for the Hot Seat

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