JobBlog

Arrive early and take time to double-check your appearance. Try to relax. Breathe deeply or use mental imagery to help control your nervousness.

Greet the interviewer by name, make eye contact and shake his/her hand. Below are ten questions that are often asked and are termed the “ten deadly” questions.

1. How do you spend your spare time?
2. What jobs have you held?
3. Where do you want to be in five years?
4. What kind of boss do you prefer?
5. What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?
6. What is your major weakness?
7. Tell me about yourself.
8. What jobs have you enjoyed the most? The least? Why?
9. What type of a salary did you have in mind?
10. Silence—the interviewer intentionally pauses to see if you can handle the pressure.

Neatness and cleanliness are critical for job interviews. Usually business suits and ties for men and suits or tailored dresses for women are appropriate for job interviews. Professional attire is usually conservative. Even in a business casual environment, dress for the interview.
Review your work experience and skills. Pick out your most relevant job or school experiences. Also, recall any positive work habits developed at work or in school. Going over these things helps build confidence and gets you mentally prepared for the interview.

Prepare a folder with copies of your resume, references,
samples of your work (or a portfolio), transcripts,
certifications or licenses, if applicable. Be sure to have
a data sheet of all pertinent information in case you are
asked to fill out an application when you arrive. This may
include exact dates of employment, company addresses,
phone numbers, supervisors’ names, salary history,
detailed education and training.

Spend some time researching the company or organization. Ask friends. Conduct research in the library, use the Internet, check with Career Development, and ask the company to send you brochures or annual reports.
Utilize the Chambers of Commerce, personal contacts, and printed materials about the company, its products and/or services, research newspapers, professional journals, libraries, etc.
Try to find answers to the following questions:

1. How large is the organization?
2. How long has the firm been in business?
3. What are its products and/or services?
4. Does the company have a good reputation?
5. What is the managerial style, corporate structure and culture of the company?
6. What kind of future seems to be in store for the organization?
7. Are the employees and the environment compatible with your personality?
8. Why do you want to work for this company?
9. What do you know about this company?
10. Why do you think you would like this job?
11. Who are their major competitors?
12. What benefits and/or drawbacks can you foresee in working for this company?
Mentally prepare other questions that you may be asked and tentative answers so that you are not caught off guard. Prepare questions you want answered by the interviewer. Get the date, time, place, and the interviewer’s name. Ask about the format – will there be more than one interview or interviewer, how much time should I allow, is there anything I should bring? Get the salary (or salary range) before the interview.