Developing Interview Skills

Do job interviews make you nervous? You are not alone! With some advance preparation and a few tips, you can make a better impression on an employer and have confidence as you outline why you are the right person for the job. Keep in mind, too, that the interview is also a chance for you to find out if the job is right for you!

The Basics:

• Preparing for the Interview
• At the Interview
• After the Interview

Preparing for the Interview

• Find out all you can about the position and the organization. Use this information to think about how your skills and background would be suitable for the job.
• Practice talking about your work experiences: what you did, what you were responsible for, and what you accomplished in each.
• Think about what questions you expect to be asked and how you would answer them.
• To give a great interview, you need to know the answers to three critical questions:

1. Why do I want this job?

Employers aren't just looking for bodies to fill in vacant positions. They want people who can bring something new and valuable to their business. One way to prove to an interviewer that you've got what it takes is to show that you know what his/her organization does. Find out as much as you can. Where do you see yourself fitting-in? When you really know the answer to "Why do I want this job?" you'll be able to answer some important interview questions such as:

• How did you become interested in this field?
• Why did you submit your application to our company/organization?
• What are your general career interests?
• What do you see yourself doing in five years?

2. What do I have to offer?

Employers want to know why they should hire you. To find out they ask a variety of questions to help them figure out who you are and what you can do for them. To get prepared:

• Review your experiences at work, at school and in volunteer activities;
• Keep a mental list of your accomplishments;
• Think about challenges you have faced and how you have dealt with them;
• Remember times that you have been a problem-solver;
• Consider mistakes that you've made as learning experiences.

3. What else do I need to know?

One of the final questions you'll be asked in an interview is: "Is there anything you would like to know about the organization or the job?" Answering "No" sends the wrong signals, that you're not really interested in the organization, don't know what's important to you in an employee/employer relationship, or lack confidence and assertiveness. Here are some questions you should be prepared to ask.

About the job:

• What is the size of the company/department/branch/section?
• Do you have a training program? Could you please describe it?
• What are my opportunities for advancement?
• What is the salary range for this position?

About the person you would be working for:

• Who would I report to directly?
• How long has he/she been with the company?
• What is their background?

At the Interview

• Arrive a few minutes early.
• Be polite to everyone you meet.
• Make a good impression with a smile, a firm handshake, good eye contact, in a friendly, enthusiastic, confident manner.
• Listen carefully. Be certain you've heard and understood each question. Asking for clarification is acceptable.
• Take your time to give a good, concise answer to the question that was asked.
• Refer to your past work experience and education, especially your accomplishments, for examples of your abilities and how you could add value to the organization.
• Ask questions about the organization and its direction, training opportunities, and challenges the organization faces etc.
• As a last question, ask when they anticipate a decision will be made and how they will inform the candidates.
• Don't linger. Say thank you, restate your interest in working with them, and leave.

After the Interview

• Write down some notes on the questions asked and where you thought you did well or poorly. This will help you prepare for future interviews.
• Send a “thank you” letter to the interviewer(s) thanking them for their time and reminding them that you are still interested in the job. Do this within a day or two of the interview and be sure that you spell the interviewer's name correctly!
• Follow-up by contacting the organization if you have not heard anything from them by the date that they agreed to contact you.
• If you don't get the job, consider calling the interviewer for some feedback about the interview: Did I seem adequately prepared? Was there something that I did not demonstrate? How could I do better in a future interview?
• Don't get discouraged! Interviews are about both parties finding the right fit for the job. Doing better interviews is something that can be developed through preparation and practice.

Helpful Web Sites:

• Get some tips on how to prepare for interviews, conduct yourself and follow-up at the Ace the Interview section of Service Canada's Training and Careers Web site.

• Prepare yourself for interviews by reviewing the information in the Prepare for a Job Interview - Be Your Best section of the Looking for a Job publication from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

• Know how to dress and act appropriately during your job interview by reading the Managers' Pet Peeves About Interviews section of the Summer Jobs publication from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.