I recently attended the SHPE 2005 Region 1 Regional Student Leadership conference at Cal Maritime. I attended a very helpful workshop on interview skills given by Marina Gonzalez of Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. I definitely thought the workshop was helpful maybe because I am actually looking for a job. I think it is vital to know the interview process, not only if you are the one doing the hiring, but especially if you are looking to be hired. So if you ever get a chance to attend a workshop on the hiring process and interviewing skills take it. If you don't get the chance to attend such a workshop read on for a few tips.
According to Marina, you should never turn down an interview. You may be thinking, "What about if I don't want to work for the company at that position?" Well, still don't turn down the interview. You should consider that interview as practice session. But of course don't state your intentions to the interviewer. The career center at universities and placement agencies provide mock interviews. There is no better way to prepare for an interview than by going through the motions of a practice interview.
You can also prepare for the interview by reviewing the job description and the company position in the market place. You should research the company before you enter the building. A long time ago I heard an urban legend horror interview story. The story goes that a college student was interviewing with Cisco, and manufacturer of internet routers and other equipment. The hiring manager asked the student if he knew what Cisco did, the student replied something like, "Yeah, you guys provide food services to different office buildings." The student had confused Cisco with Sysco.
The next step after preparing for the interview and researching the company is to make a good first impression. It is important to be on time and well groomed. You should offer you hand for a handshake and make good eye contact. Don't bring anything other than a few copies of your resume and maybe a copy of a positive evaluation from a previous manager. Be ready with your resume. Don't stumble through your purse or bag or briefcase.
One key advice giving by Marina, which I have heard in the past, is to pause before answering. An interview is not a Jeopardy audition. Take a second to process the question complete and formalize your answer before you verbalize it. It is important that you do take the time to think of your response so that you don't jump on a tangent, ramble or be vague with your response. If you don't know the answer to a question, never ever lie. Be honest at all points of the interview. When I have been asked a question that I didn't know during an interview, I tend to reply with a variation of the following, "I haven't worked with that technology." And try to follow up your answers by asking, "Have I answered your question?"
In speaking of answer the questions of the interviewer. Always provide ample examples, expand your answer to more than yes or no, and refer to your resume to highlight your experience. Interviewers are looking for problem solvers. Hiring managers are looking for results. Make sure you mention these skills during the interview. At all times during the interview process, be confident, enthusiastic, and confident. And don't forget to smile.
According to Marina, you should close the interview with a few questions about the position, the team, and/or the company. You can also close an interview with a strong pitch of your qualifications as they relate to the position. Always thank the interviewer for the interview and consideration. As soon as you are done with the interview write what worked and what didn't during the interview. And always write a thank you letter. Even though there is no perfect interview, there is no bad interview either. Every interview is a learning experience. A good interview will feel more like a conversation. Make the interviewer feel comfortable.
What follows are common interview questions and at the same time I have heard many interviewee says that this are the toughest questions to answer. Be sure to prepare and rehearse for questions like this. The questions are in no particular order, as I have heard most of them at one time or another.
Can you tell me about yourself?
Can you describe your past experience?
What salary are you looking for?
Why did you leave your last position?
What are your faults and weaknesses?
What are your strengths?
Why do you want to work for this company/department?
What would be the ideal job for you?
What did you like the most and least about your last position?
How would your previous supervisor describe your strengths and weaknesses?
What are your future goals?