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Interviewing Guide
Office of Career Services
Beloit College
The Liberal Arts in Practice Center
Office of Career Services
700 College St. Beloit, WI 53511
Phone: 608-363-2673
Email: careerservices@beloit.edu
Website: http://www.beloit.edu/careerservices
GUIDE TO INTERVIEWING
Making it to the interviewing stage of a job or internship search, or graduate school application process is
an accomplishment in itself. The ultimate goal of interviewing is typically getting to the next step in the
selection process, whether that is being selected for hire or to move forward in the selection process, or
possibly even you as a candidate learning enough to realize that you would decline an offer or decide not
to move forward in the selection process, even if selected, based on your new knowledge of the
organization or position. The interview should allow you to learn more about the organization while you
share more information about and market yourself in the process.
Interview processes, questions, length, etc. greatly vary by organization, position type and industry.
There are some generally common best practices for all types of interviewing, however. This guide offers
some ways in which you may prepare for, participate in and follow up from interviewing experiences that
heighten your chances of being selected for the position for which you are interviewing.
SCHEDULING THE INTERVIEW
Whether you are scheduling the interview by phone or email, there are a number of things you should
know or have clarified in confirming the interview:
Day and Date - have a calendar handy so you may check to be sure the day and date the recruiter
gives you is consistent; consistency errors are common, i.e. giving Tuesday, September 18th as the
interview date/time when September 18th end up being a Monday – checking while you are on the
phone/in email saves later confusion!
Time (clarify time zone) – including length of interview
o Ask, “About how long should I allot for the interview? Or “About how long will the
interview be?” AVOID negative language, such as asking “How long will this take?” By
asking about the time length in a professional way, you are showing organizing/time
management skills, you can plan for the interview better, and you won’t be wondering how
long you will be meeting/talking with the interviewer(s)!
Location (if not by phone) – including street address, building, department/office to where you
should report upon arrival, directions to the building and department, etc.
Phone number they/you should call at the interview time (if a phone interview) – Typically
employers/recruiters will call you; be sure you give them a phone number at which you will be
available and have privacy
Name(s) and Title(s) of interviewer(s) – some interviews involve several interviewers while others
have only one; find out to whom you’ll be talking so you can do some research on them prior to
the interview, and know from what perspective they may be asking questions
Travel and/or expense reimbursement arrangement details (only if the interview requires extensive
travel and the organization offers this) – most typical with national employers and higher
education; the recruiter should bring this up if you’re going to be expected to travel at great length
to participate in the interview, but if the recruiter does not, then you may bring it up
INTERVIEWING PREPARATION
1. Do a self inventory – know yourself
Explore yourself objectively – with pencil and paper go over your strengths and weaknesses, i.e.,
leadership qualities, communication skills, interpersonal skills, initiative, creativity, academic
training, area(s) of competency.
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2. Study the job description – know the job
Know the basic duties and responsibilities of the position being interviewed for, as well as desirable
qualifications applicants should possess. Match your background, experience, training and skills with
factors associated with the job and be prepared to identify and emphasize these items as appropriate
during the interview process – stress the positive. Remember, it’s not a case of what the employer
can do for you but rather what you can do for the employer.
3. Research the employer – know the employer
Study available information concerning the employer – brochures, annual reports, directories,
journals, Internet, etc. Who are they? What do they represent? What do they do?
4. Personal appearance and grooming
First impressions are important. Appropriate dress and overall personal appearance will help greatly
in getting the interview started on a positive note. Be aware of acceptable dress, the importance of
properly fitting clothes and the details associated with proper appearance and grooming. (See
additional guide, p. 6)
5. The interview
This is the time to truly feel good about yourself. Being well prepared will give you a lot of
confidence going to the interview.
Review questions frequently asked by interviewers
Practice interviewing – set up a mock interview at Career Services
Be on time for your appointment – plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early
Eye contact is important
Be yourself – you’re better at being yourself that someone you’re not
Listen attentively and actively to questions and comments
Be prepared to ask questions when appropriate
Evaluate the interview
Be pleasant and enthusiastic
A good sense of humor is a plus but don’t let levity overshadow sincerity
6. Follow-up
Always send a thank-you letter, email or card to each interviewer. Generally, a formal letter or email
is most appropriate, using professional correspondence that represents the formality of the
relationship and situation you are in with the interviewer. However, a handwritten or typed card may
also be appropriate if the relationship is less formal (or sometimes used to thank someone with whom
you have established a closer relationship through an informational interview or job shadowing
experience in a networking situation).
Your thank you correspondence should be sent no later than 24 hours after the interview, if possible.
This will keep you in the forefront of the recruiter’s mind.
Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview
Express your continued enthusiasm about the position and organization
Re-cap your strengths, being careful to relate them to the requirements of the job and organization
Request to meet again
Send the letter typewritten and no longer than one page. Personalize your letter – don’t send a
form letter. See sample in the Career Services Resume & Cover Letter Guide.
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STAGES AND TOPICS COVERED DURING INTERVIEWING
Stage 1 – First Impressions
Interviewer Topics: Interviewer Looks for:
• Introduction and greeting • Firm handshake, eye contact
• Small talk • Appearance, appropriate dress
• Ease in social situations, good manners, poise
Stage 2 – Your Record
Interviewer Topics: Interviewer Looks for:
EDUCATION
• Value of education/training to work setting • Intellectual abilities
• Special areas of interest • Breadth and depth of knowledge
• Special or general interest
• Willingness to work hard
• Ability to cope with problems
• Sensible use of resources (time, energy, money)
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Nature of jobs held • High energy level, enthusiasm
• Why undertaken • Leadership ability, interest in responsibility
• Level of responsibility reached • Willingness to follow directions
• Duties liked most and least • Ability to get along with others
• Supervisory experience • Seriousness of purpose
• Relations with others • Ability to motivate oneself, to make things
happen
• Positive “can do” attitude
ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS
• Role in community, social service • Diversity of interests
activities • Awareness of world
• Social conscience; good citizenship
Stage 3 – Your Goals
Interviewer Topics: Interviewer Looks for:
• Type of work desired • Realistic knowledge of strengths/weaknesses
• Immediate goals and objectives • Knowledge of opportunities
• Long-term goals and objectives • Seriousness of purpose
• Interest in the organization • Knowledge of the organization
• Geographical preferences and limitations • Real interest in the organization
• Attitude towards relocation
Stage 4 – The Organization
Interviewer Topics: Interviewer Looks for:
• Opportunities • Informed and relevant questions
• Where you might fit • Indications of interests in answers
• Current and future projects • Appropriate, but not undue interest in salary
• Major products/services or benefits
• Major units, divisions, departments
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Stage 5 – Conclusion
Interviewer Topics: Interviewer Looks for:
• Further steps you should take • Candidate’s attention to information
(application form, references) as a sign of continued interest
• Further steps the company will take,
outline how application handled, who
handles, time of notification of decision
• Cordial farewell
Adapted from Peterson’s Engineering, Science, and Computer Jobs
COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOURSELF
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What do you consider to be your strengths? Weaknesses?
3. What qualifications do you have that indicate you will be successful in your field? How would they
relate to our position?
4. What do you have to offer? (Why should we hire you?)
5. What have you done which shows initiative and willingness to work?
6. What new skills or capabilities have you developed over the past year?
7. What are your greatest work and non-work accomplishments?
8. Describe three things that are most important to you in a job.
9. What motivates you?
10. What have you been doing since your graduation from college? Since you left your last job?
11. How would a co-worker, friend, or boss describe you?
12. What are your interests outside of work/school?
13. What qualities do you admire most in others?
14. How would you describe your work style?
15. What do you know about this organization?
16. What interests you about our product or service? How would you improve it?
17. What do you think would be your greatest contribution to our operation?
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CAREER GOALS OR PLANS
1. What type of position are you interested in?
2. What are your salary requirements – short/long term?
3. What is success? What personal characteristics will contribute to your success?
4. How will employment with us contribute to your career plans?
5. What do you expect from a job?
6. What are your long and short-term career goals?
7. This job is a total change from previous employment. How does it fit your career goals?
8. What are your location preferences?
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QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHOOL/EDUCATION
1. How does your education relate to or prepare you for this position?
2. What activities did you engage in at school?
3. What classes did you like most in school? Least? Why?
4. Why did you decide to go to ___________ school?
5. Why did you choose your major?
6. Describe your academic strengths and weaknesses?
7. What are your plans for continuing your education?
8. What career related skills do you possess as a result of your academic preparation?
9. What have you read recently in your field?
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE
1. What have you learned from your past jobs?
2. What did you like most/least about your last job?
3. How often and in what way did you communicate with your subordinates and superiors?
4. What were the biggest pressures on your last job?
5. What kind of boss do you like to work for?
6. How does your previous experience relate to this position?
7. Why did you leave your last job?
8. Whom may we contact for references?
BEHAVIORAL-BASED INTERVIEWING
Behavioral-based interviewing is based on the premise that past behavior (performance) predicts future
behavior (performance). Examples that you choose to use during an interview may come from work
experience, campus activities, hobbies, volunteer work, etc.
Employers will evaluate you according to how your examples define your abilities in three skill areas.
1. Content skills (knowledge or work specific skills), such as computer programming, accounting,
typing, or editing skills.
2. Functional skills (or transferable skills) used with people, information, or things. These skills
typically can be used in many different jobs and in many different kinds of organizations. They
include organization, management, and communication skills.
3. Adaptive skills (or self-management skills). These are skills that have to do with what kind of
employee you will be. They include dependability, teamwork, initiative, punctuality, etc.
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STAR Responses to Behavioral-Based Interview Questions
Your response to behavior-based questions should be very specific. That is, you should relate a scenario
from class, an activity, hobby, etc. which demonstrates the characteristics the interviewer is looking for.
The scenario you choose must contain three key pieces of information commonly know as a complete
STAR:
Situation and/or Task: The situation you were in and/or the task (problem) for which you were responsible
Action: The specific action you took
Result: The results of your action (pick examples with POSITIVE results!)
The interviewer will literally assign you points for each portion of the STAR acronym you answer
completely. Likewise, they will give you zero points for those items missing. Of course, in addition to
the completeness of your response, they will also be looking at how articulate you are, your vocal tone,
pitch, and speed, as well as body language. However, if you omit parts of the STAR, they can’t give you
any points at all, so remember to aim for complete STARs.
Preparing for Behavioral-Based Interviews
1. Analyze the types of positions for which you are applying. What skills are required?
2. Analyze your own background. What skills do you have that relate to your job objective?
3. Identify examples from your past experience which relate to the questions on page 5.
4. Be prepared to provide examples of when results didn’t turn out as you planned. What did you
do then?
5. Once employed, keep a personal achievement diary to help document demonstrated
performance.
TOP 25 BAHAVIORAL-BASED QUESTIONS
Tell me about a time when you…
1. Worked effectively under pressure.
2. Handled a difficult situation with a co-worker.
3. Were creative in solving a problem.
4. Missed an obvious solution to a problem.
5. Were unable to complete a project on time.
6. Persuaded team members to do things your way.
7. Wrote a report that was well-received.
8. Anticipated potential problems and developed preventative measures.
9. Had to make an important decision with limited facts.
10. Were forced to make an unpopular decision.
11. Had to adapt to a difficult situation.
12. Were tolerant of an opinion different from your own.
13. Were disappointed in your behavior.
14. Used your political savvy to push a program that you really believed in.
15. Had to deal with an irate customer.
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16. Delegated a project effectively.
17. Surmounted a major obstacle.
18. Set your sights too high (or low).
19. Prioritized the elements of a complicated project.
20. Got bogged down in the details of a project.
21. Lost (or won) an important contract.
22. Made a bad decision.
23. Had to fire someone.
24. Hired (or fired) the wrong person.
25. Turned down a good job.
TIPS ON APPEARANCE AND DRESSING FOR SUCCESS
Your appearance will be the first impression an employer has of you. Your clothing should communicate
a professional business manner. Although many companies/organizations have a relaxed dress code,
interviewees are still expected to dress professionally. Your body language is also important to your
overall appearance.
Business/Professional Clothing and Appearance Suggestions
All
Conventional, two-piece business suit (solid dark blue, gray or black typically best)
Conventional, long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is typically best, pastel is next best)
Clean, polished, conventionally designed shoes
Well-groomed hair style
Clean, trimmed fingernails
No or very minimal cologne or perfume
Empty pockets – no bulges or tinkling coins
No gum, candy or cigarettes
Light briefcase or portfolio case
No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)
Men
Necktie should be silk with a conventional pattern
Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
Dark socks (black is best)
Short hair always fares best in interviews; if your hair is long, pull it away from your face
Mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and trimmed
No rings other than a wedding ring or college ring
No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)
Women
Wear a suit with a jacket; no dresses
Conventional heeled dress shoes – ½ to1-inch heal (black or navy color typically best), avoid
open-toed or sling-back heels
Conventional hosiery at or near skin color (avoid runs - carry extra hose and clear nail polish when
traveling to stop runs before going into an interview)
No purses, small or large; carry a small briefcase instead
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If you wear nail polish (not required), use a clear or light, conventional color
Minimal use of make-up (make-up is recommended to smooth skin tone and counteract
blotchiness that often accompanies nervousness; at the same time, make-up should not be too
noticeable – apply lightly and use conventional eye and lip color)
No more than one ring on each hand
No more than one set of earrings only
Body Language Behaviors and Interpretations
Brisk, erect walk = Confidence
Standing with hands on hips = Readiness, aggression
Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly = Boredom
Arms crossed on chest = Defensiveness
Hand to cheek = Evaluation, thinking
Touching, slightly rubbing nose = Rejection, doubt, lying
Hands clasped behind back = Anger, frustration, apprehension
Locked ankles = Apprehension
Head resting in hand, eyes downcast = Boredom
Rubbing hands = Anticipation
Open palm = Sincerity, openness, innocence
Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed = Negative evaluation
Patting or fondling hair = Lack of self-confidence, insecurity
Stroking chin = Interest
Looking down, face turned away = Disbelief
Pulling or tugging at ear = Indecision
Adapted from College Grad Job Hunter, www.collegegrad.com/book/app-a.html and CareerCity, www.careercity.com/content/interview/prep/dress4.asp
SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES ORGANIZATIONS/RECRUITERS SEEK
1. Communication skills – writing, speaking, listening and understanding.
2. Intelligence, common sense, ideas, (some) originality.
3. Self-confidence; positive people who believe in themselves.
4. Willingness to accept responsibility, challenge.
5. Initiative, self-starter & self-motivated.
6. Leadership potential & background.
7. High energy level.
8. Problem-solving abilities, logic, analytical skills, pro/cons, long vs. short term benefits.
9. Flexibility, capable of change, receptive to new ideas and environments.
10. Interpersonal skills, getting along with others, not upset easily, smiles, team player.
11. Knowledge of self, including interests, goals, skills, values.
12. Ability to handle conflict and remain calm.
13. Goal achievers.
14. Competitive spirit.
15. Direction – knowing where you are going and what it takes to get there: focus.
16. Appearance: if you are going to represent them and they feel “image” is important, you’d better look
like someone who could do the job.
17. Reliability: follow-through; dedication
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18. Honesty and integrity.
19. Pride in work.
20. Achievements that: saved money; saved time; generated money; raised/lowered percent; etc.
Top Mistakes that Turn Job Interviewers Off
1. Poor grooming and inappropriate dress. There is no wrong or right way to dress; just appropriate or
inappropriate.
2. Lack of enthusiasm. You are expected to be enthusiastic and alive during the interview process. First
impressions are lasting impressions.
3. Failing to ask questions about the job. To employers, this suggests a lack of initiative and enthusiasm.
You are expected to have done homework on the company before you go for the interview.
4. Asking direct questions about salary and benefits before the interviewer brings it up. It is never
appropriate for the interviewee to ask about salary and benefits during the first or screening interview.
If the interviewer brings it up, then it is appropriate for the interviewee to respond.
5. Showing that you need a job desperately. Never attempt to elicit sympathy from an interviewer.
6. Show, at all times, a positive attitude. Never blame circumstances.
7. Exaggerating skills or accomplishments. Don’t overstate your skills and accomplishments. Be
accurate.
8. Failing to maintain eye contact. One creates a favorable impression by looking the interviewer in the
eye.
9. Failing to learn about the company. Do some homework on prospective companies and jobs within
those companies.
10. Showing lack of confidence. Be self-assured and modestly confident.
QUESTIONS FOR THE COMPANY/RECRUITER
Successful interviews rely upon the active participation of both the interviewer and you, the interviewee.
When asked by the interviewer if you have any questions, this is a clear sign that the interview is drawing
to a close. You now have one more chance to make a favorable impression by asking well thought-out
questions. You need to ask questions to get as much detailed information on company needs and the job
so that you can determine if you will be comfortable with that organization. Your company research will
assist you in preparing questions.
POSSIBLE TOPICS
Opportunities for growth
Typical career paths and realistic time frames for advancement
Performance evaluation and promotional opportunities
Typical first year assignments
Initial and future training required
Type and length of training required
Company’s “personality” and management style
Policy on promotion
Expectations of new hires
Interviewer’s own experience with the organization
Qualities needed in new hires
Characteristics of person successful with company
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Description of work environment
Organizational structure
Future growth plans
Challenging facets of job
Industry trends and potential effect on company
Organization’s stability and financial soundness
Differences from competition
Organization’s strengths and weaknesses
POSSIBLE QUESTIONS
1. When and why will you be filling this position? What happened to the individual previously in this
position?
2. May I have a copy of the job description? Which of the duties of the position does the company or
department consider most important? If I were in the position, on what tasks would I actually spend
most of my time?
3. Where would I fit in the organizational structure? With whom would I be working if I were in the
position? May I speak to some of them?
4. What type of training do new employees receive?
5. Do you have a performance review system? How is it structured? How frequently are employees in
this position evaluated? By whom?
6. What career path/promotion options would be available for me?
7. What are the department’s goals? How do they relate to the company’s objectives as a whole? What
are the most urgent department’s needs?
8. Where is the organization going? What plans, projects, or products are being developed to maintain
market share?
9. What do you see as the organization’s best capabilities and accomplishments? Its biggest challenges?
10. What is the search timeline? Or When can I next expect to hear about the status of my candidacy?
SKILL AREAS
We need to be aware of our skills and be able to communicate them to others. This knowledge enables us
to decide upon and reach our goals.
Often it may be difficult to identify our skills because of our tendency to lump together, ignore, or
discount many or our most important assets.
Perhaps it would help to see that skills may be divided into three categories:
ADAPTIVE/SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Also known as personality traits, we rarely think of them as skills. These skills have to do with how you
deal with people and time. To identify Self Management Skills, ask yourself this question: What personal
characteristics do I have?
Examples:
punctual imaginative patient
dependable industrious persistent
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conscientious leadership ability
sincere congenial loyal
athletic efficient open-minded
clear-thinking
CONTENT SKILLS (technical or work-specific)
These are specific skills related to performing a job/activity in a particular field, work situation, or subject
matter. They involve learning and memory.
To identify your Work Skills, ask yourself this question: What sort of specific knowledge do I have?
Examples:
programming computers preparing a lesson plan
knowing anatomy accounting
editing repairing a car
typing legal documents reading blueprints
tailoring suits taking blood pressure
TRANSFERABLE OR FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
These are skills needed to deal with data (information), people and/or things in any occupational field.
They are not specific to any particular task, but transfer to a wide variety of settings. To identify your
transferable skills, ask yourself: What kind of actions have I used in various situations?
Examples:
Data: People: Things:
synthesizing negotiating precision work
coordinating supervising setting up
analyzing consulting manipulating
computing treating operating
compiling instructing driving control
copying persuading handling
comparing diverting tending
helping
exchange information
taking instruction
EXAMPLES OF ADAPTIVE/SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS
academic motivated business-like precise considerate
ambitious original clever realistic deliberate
broadminded practical conservative responsible flexible
cheerful rational dominant sincere gentle
conscientious resourceful firm strong humorous
dignified sharp-witted generous tenacious initiative
farsighted stable honest unassuming likable
friendly teachable informal warm methodical
helpful trustworthy kind adventurous opportunistic
industrious versatile mature artistic patient
inventive adaptable open-minded calm progressive
loyal analytical outgoing competent reflective
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sensible consistent prudent charming organized
sociable dependable relaxed confident poised
supportive witty sensitive cooperative quick
thorough goal-directed spontaneous determined reliable
understanding imaginative sympathetic frank serious
wise intelligent thoughtful good-natured spunky
affectionate logical wholesome independent tactful
assertive meticulous zany introspective tolerant
capable optimistic aggressive loving verbal
competitive persevering attractive modest
EXAMPLES OF TRANSFERABLE OR FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
achieve adapt adjust administer advertise
advise analyze anticipate arrange assemble
assess assign assist author budget
build calculate catalog clarify collaborate
communicate compare conceive conceptualize conduct
create decide define delegate demonstrate
design determine develop devise direct
estimate evaluate examine exchange execute
expand expedite facilitate forecast formulate
fund raise guide hire implement improve
increase influence inform initiate innovate
institute instruct integrate interpret interview
investigate invent lead maintain manage
market mediate merchandise modify monitor
motivate negotiate obtain operate originate
perform persuade plan preside problem
solve produce promote publicize publish
reconcile recruit report research resolve
review revise schedule select speak
standardize stimulate summarize supervise survey
synthesize systematize teach team build train
transmit update write
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RESOURCES
Career Services Library - Guides to Interviewing and Networking*
96 Great Interview Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Affirmative Action Register
College Grad Job Hunter - 1997 Edition
Dynamite Salary Negotiations (3rd Ed.)
Information Interviewing: How to Tap Your Hidden Job Market (2nd Ed.) (2)
Interviewing Principles and Practices (5th Ed.)
Job Search Handbook for People With Disabilities
Job Search Networking
Manager's Book of Questions: 751 Great Interview Questions for Hiring the Best Person
Negotiating Your Salary
Peterson’s Breaking Into Advertising - How to market yourself like a professional
Peterson’s Liberal Arts Jobs - 3rd Edition
Smart Woman's Guide to Interviewing and Salary Negotiation - Land the Job You Want and Command
the Salary You Deserve
Why Should Extroverts Make All the Money? : Networking Made Easy for the Introvert
Women's Resource Guide - Emerge
*The Career Services library also includes additional career/major specific guide books not listed above. Visit Career Services
to learn more.
Recommended Websites
Jobweb http://www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/default.htm
WSJ general career page http://www.careers.wsj.com/
DBM Career Consulting http://www.dbm.com/
CareerPerfect http://www.careerperfect.com/
CollegeGrad http://www.collegegrad.com/intv/
Public service/government job interviews http://www.pse-net.com/interview/interview.htm
TrueCareers http://www.truecareers.com/content/interview/index.asp
Career Agent www.thecareeragent.com/default.htm?/caninter.htm
Update 091906 13
