INTERVIEW

For Professional Positions

Introduction
You can’t control all that occurs during job interviews in most sectors – whether for corporations, nonprofit organizations or government agencies -- because you know less about the hiring organization’s needs and work culture than the person interviewing you (and much less about your competitor’s for the position). However, you can strengthen your chances to be offered positions if you:

• Thoroughly pre-scout the employer’s history, mission, products, services and work culture .
• Have a clear understanding of which of your qualifications will be most valuable to the employer and can advocate for your ability to go beyond the employer’s performance expectations.
• Ask pertinent questions to demonstrate your interest in the position.
• Have a realistic estimate of your skills, interests, values and needs so that you can project yourself into the responsibilities and lifestyle you may assume if offered the position.
• Know your salary requirements based on the location and level of the position.
• Ask for a rating of your qualifications for the job.
• Follow up with post-interview note that highlights your qualifications for the position and affirms your interest in the employees you met, the position and the organization.

Reasons for Flubbing Interviews

• You come across as nondescript.
• From your appearance, you don't think the company's culture important enough to imitate.
• In answer to "tell me about yourself," you start with your birthplace.
• You don't know enough about the organization.
• You can't translate the questions you're being asked.
• You can't identify the main qualifications for the job.
• You can’t articulate why you should be hired.
• When asked why you should be hired, you cite only values.
• You don't offer answers to questions you should have been asked.
• You confuse interviewing with psychotherapy, friendship or a gig at a comedy club.
• You don't project self-confidence or passion for the work opportunity on offer.

Sample Interview Questions

• How did you become interested in________________________?
• Describe a work-related achievement that you are proud of.
• How has your graduate school experience prepared you for this position?
• Why our organization and not one of our competitors?
• What are your team player qualities? Give examples.
• Describe a time when you had to sell your ideas to others with a different point of view? What was the outcome?
• We are offering a two-year appointment. What are your long-term goals?

More Interview Questions ( link to shared section)