The Interview

The Interview Presented by V.K.Enterprises

Interview PreparationResearch the Organisation Compare your Skills Prepare Responses Plan what to Wear Plan what to Bring Pay Attention Follow up

Research the Organisation Seek Background InformationUse tools like Vault, CareerSearch or The Riley Guide for an overview of theorganisation and its industry profileVisit the organisation’s website to ensure that you understand the breadth of whatthey doReview the organisation's background and mission statement.Assess their products, services and client-baseRead recent press releases for insight on projected growth and stability

Research the Organisation Get PerspectiveReview trade or business publications. Seek perspective and a glimpse into their industry standing. Develop a Question List Prepare to ask about the organisation or position based on your research.

Research the Organisation Compare your skills and qualifications to the job requirementsAnalyse the job description.• Outline the knowledge, skills and abilities required.Examine the hierarchy.• Determine where the position fits within the organisation.Look side-by-side.• Compare what the employer is seeking to your qualifications.

Research the OrganisationPrepare responses Resume based Behavioural based Case questions

Research the Organisation Plan what to wearGo neutralConservative business attire, such as a neutral-coloured suit and professional shoes, is best.Err formalIf instructed to dress “business casual,” use good judgment.Plug in that ironMake sure your clothes are neat and wrinkle-free.Dress to impressBe sure that your overall appearance is neat and clean.

Research the Organisation Plan what to bring• Extra copies of your resume on quality paper• A notepad or professional binder and pen• A list of references• Information you might need to complete an application• A portfolio with samples of your work, if relevant

Research the Organisation Pay attention to non-verbal communicationBe mindful• Nonverbal communication speaks volumes.Start ahead• Remember that waiting room behaviours may be reported.Project confidence• Smile, establish eye contact and use a firm handshake.Posture counts• Sit up straight yet comfortably. Be aware of nervous gestures such as foot-tappingBe attentive• Don't stare, but maintain good eye contact, while addressing all aspects of an interviewer's questions.Respect their space• Do not place anything on their desk.Manage reactions• Facial expressions provide clues to your feelings. Manage how you react, and project a positive image.

Research the Organisation Follow Up (Many interviews often end up with… “Do you have any questions?”)Bring a listYou may say, “In preparing for today's meeting, I took some time to jot down a few questions. Pleaseallow me to review my notes.” Be strategicCover information not discussed or clarify a previous topic — do not ask for information that can befound on the organisation’s website.• In your opinion, what makes this organisation a great place to work?• What do you consider the most important criteria for success in this job?• Tell me about the organisation’s culture.• How will my performance be evaluated?• What are the opportunities for advancement?• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Resume-based / TraditionalBreaking the ice• Tell me about yourself.• Walk me through your resume.• What do you want me to know about you that isn’t on your resume?• How would your best friend describe you?Show and tell• Why did you apply to our organisation?• Why do you want to work here?• What can you tell us about our organisation?• What interests or impresses you about our organisation?• What criteria are you using to evaluate organisations?• Are you seeking employment at an organisation of a certain size? Why?• Do you have a geographic preference?• Do you think you would enjoy living in this area?• Why should I hire you and not the next candidate who walks in the door?

Resume-based / TraditionalYour interests and motivation• How did you become interested in this field or organisation?• Tell me about an interesting article you recently read in the newspaper.• If you had six months ahead with no obligations and no financial constraints, what would you do?Your education • Why did you choose to attend this Institute? • How did you select your major or concentration? • Describe the course that has had the greatest impact on your thinking. • What courses did you enjoy the most? The least? • Tell me about your extracurricular activities during college. What do you believe you gained from these experiences? • Describe your most rewarding college experience.

Resume-based / TraditionalYour experience• Tell me what you learned from your volunteer or work experiences.• Tell me about your leadership experience.• Describe the job or the activity that has had the greatest impact on your career goals.• What specific skills have you acquired or used in previous jobs that related to this position?Your strengths and developmental areas• What is your greatest strength? Your greatest weakness?• Which of your qualifications make you think you would be successful here?• What have you accomplished that you are most proud of? 







Dressing for an Interview A Quick Guide to Professionally Dress-up for an InterviewFirst impressions count. The good news is that you don’t have to reinvent the proverbial wheel when it comes to your interview style. While there may be some leeway in creative fields, the standards for interview attire are already well-establishedErr conservative Even if you’re seeking to work in a creative field, it’s wise to dial it down for the interview – it shows that you take the opportunity seriously, and helps you avoid a faux pas.Be neutral. The interview is not the time to show off your mastery of the latest colour trends. Keep it low. Colours such as black, navy, grey, beige, or white will do the trick. Make it a match. It’s said that the shoes make the outfit for a reason. Be sure to match your footwear – and for women, keep to a conservative heel.Dust off your iron. Your clothes should be clean and pressed, every time.Be polished. Scuffed shoes, small stains on clothing, and other minor gaffes will stand out. 

Quick note on type of Interviews Resume-Based / Traditional InterviewsResume-based questions are designed to see how well you can elaborate on and provide support for the information provided on your resume. Often, the recruiter will begin the interview by probing specific details on your resume (fact-checking) before moving on to a different type of question.Know What to ExpectTraditional interview questions are generally designed to• Assess enthusiasm. Your level of interest in the job or the organisation is an important hiring criterion.• Examine your skills.  The interviewer's goal is to ascertain your abilities and developmental areas.• Explore hypotheticals.  Employers want a read on how you might handle workplace situations.





Phone InterviewsStrategies for Phone InterviewsPlan aheadAgree upon a date and time when you will have access to a quiet location and can minimisedistractions. Turn off call-waiting features to avoid annoying beeps or interruptions. You don’t want toput the interviewer on hold for any reason. Prepare your materials• Know who you're talking with. Phone interviews may be with HR representatives or department managers. • Understand their goal. Their goal is to expand on resume details while probing your skills and career goals (and sometimes salary expectations). • Be ready. Have a copy of your resume, calendar, a pen and notepad in front of you. Write short notes in advance on how you match the job description to use if you lose focus.Project confidence• Dress in your interview attire. Stand up or walk around the room to project your voice and enthusiasm.• Take a deep breath. Do this before picking up the phone so that you don’t hyperventilate or quicken the pace of your answers.• Avoid up-talk. This is where you answer questions with an upward inflection so that answers sound like questions

Video InterviewsStrategies for Video InterviewsArrive earlyConnect to the pre-determined site for your video interview in advance to familiarise yourself with theconnection process. Ask for directions on how to use the technology, even if it seems easy. You want tominimise any technical problems.Make connectionsEstablish eye contact and speak directly into the camera. Convey the same level of enthusiasm andconfidence that you would project if the meeting was face to face.Minimise distractionsAvoid interruptions and background noise from papers, cell phones or movement. The microphonemay be very sensitive. Stage your backgroundDress to impress and ensure that the background the interviewer will see is not distracting.

In-Person InterviewsInterview LogisticsInterview logistics run the gamut. Your interview may be held on campus, at the organisation's site, ata restaurant or elsewhere. You may meet with one person at a time or with a panel. You may be askedto return over several days to meet with key decision-makers, or have multiple interviews in one day.Understand the formatNote the structure for your interview and plan accordingly. You may ask the recruiter or hiringmanager.• What is the overall agenda for my interview?• With whom will I be interviewing?• Are there any materials or information you would like me to bring• Should I schedule my own travel?Interview EtiquetteIf you are running late, call the interviewer right away and explain the reason for the delay. For on-campus interviews, please review our policies. If you arrive early, be aware that your interview beginsthe moment you arrive. Waiting room behaviours are part of your first impression. Turn off your phoneand review your notes about the organisation or any literature they provide.

In-Person InterviewsTimeline for 30-Minute InterviewsFirst 2 – 3 minutes• Introductions. The recruiter may ask “How are you today?” or “How is your semester going?”• Setting the course. Next the interviewer may review the plan. “We have 25 minutes, so let me start by telling you more about this position. Then I will ask you some questions.”Next 10 – 15 minutes• Answer questions Review the page on preparing for interviews.• Be open Ask questions and approach the interview like a conversation.Last 5 – 10 minutes• Showcase research Expect to hear, “Do you have any questions for me?” This is when you can show that you researched the position and the Organisation.• Reference notes Bring a list of questions with you. You can say, “In preparing for this interview, I took some time to jot down a few questions. Please allow me to review to be sure we covered everything.”

In-Person InterviewsWrapping up• Show appreciation Thank the interviewer, reiterate your interest and ask for a business card so that you can send a thank you.• Define next steps Ask about the next steps in the process if they have not been addressed. 







Thank You