This document provides tips and guidelines for interviewing techniques. It discusses preparing for an interview by researching the employer, practicing common questions, and developing answers using the STAR method. The document also covers dress, communication skills, interview types, the interview process including follow-up, and common interview questions. Following the tips can help candidates make a great impression and increase their chances of getting the job.

1. P R E S E N T E D B Y C H R I S T I N E S H I N E , C A R E E R C O U N S E L O R
INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Updated 2017

2. WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER?
• Why should the employer hire you over someone else
• Know your strengths, job-related skills, work-related interests,
goals, and your basic values and attitudes towards work
• Be Prepared
 Review your work history and education
 Make a list of your qualifications and experience
 How does your experience directly relate to the job
requirements
Updated 2017

3. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
• Practice Interviewing
 Go over the list of Commonly Asked Interview Questions & Answers
 Formulate your answers to questions
 Practice with a friend or relative
 Ask for feedback
 Sign up for a mock interview with a career professional
Updated 2017

4. Use the STAR System to organize your
thoughts & answer interview questions
STAR Method:
S/T Describe the Situation or Task
A Describe the Action you took
R Describe the Results of your actions
STAR SYSTEM
Updated 2017

5. RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER
• Research the Company
 History, mission, values, products or services,
goals, industry ranking & organizational structure
 Research the position that you are applying for
 What are the job duties
 What are the goals of the department
 What did the previous employee accomplish
Updated 2017

6. DRESS FOR SUCCESS
• Dark two-piece suit, white dress shirt or blouse, conservative
shoes (closed toe, low heel for women)
• Showered, clean shaven, no cologne/perfume, well-groomed
hairstyle & for men, facial hair
• Little jewelry, no visible tattoos, not too much makeup and
conservative nail colors for women
Updated 2017

7. VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
• Interviewing “Do’s”
 Be polite and courteous to all persons in the building and
office
 Be 15 minutes early
 Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake
 Make eye contact with the interviewer
 Smile and have good posture
 Be a good listener
Updated 2017

8. VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
• Interviewing “Don'ts”
 Don’t interrupt the interviewer
 Don’t look at your watch during the interview
 Don’t volunteer negative information about
yourself
 Don’t criticize former employers or coworkers
Updated 2017

9. TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
• Phone
• Virtual
• One-on -One
• Panel
• Group
• Presentation
• Multiple
Updated 2017

10. INTERVIEW PROCESS
• Establishing Rapport
• Arrive 15 minutes early, Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake, smile,
make small talk
• Questions for You
• Make your responses positive, organized and informative, Use the STAR
technique
• Questions for the Interviewer
• You should have two or three questions prepared to ask the interviewer
• Express your interest in the company
• Concluding the Interview
 Thank the interviewer by name
 Express interest in the position
 Arrange a reason and time to call back
Updated 2017

11. INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP
• Send a Thank You Letter
• 76% of those employers polled indicate that it is helpful for a
job candidate to send a thank-you note after the job interview
• This is an excellent opportunity for you to let the employer
know how interested you are in the position while thanking
them for their time and the opportunity to interview
Updated 2017

12. COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
• Tell me about yourself
• Why should we hire you?
• Describe your strengths and weaknesses
• How would others or a former supervisor describe you?
• Why do you want to work for this company?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What is your greatest accomplishment?
• Tell me about a conflict you had at work and how you solved it
Updated 2017