Suit up—it’s interview time! We’ve got the tools to help you make a strong first impression. And avoid any missteps.
Your Interview Questions, Answered.
Q: How Long Are Average Interviews?
A: Most interviews run from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Q: What Should I Wear?
A: Smart casual attire
- Neutral/mild-patterned button-down shirt or blouse
- Neutral colored chinos or pants (no jeans!)
• Casual leather or suede shoes or casual heels/ballet flats (skip the sneakers!
Q: How Do I Stand Out?
A: Lots of ways!
- Bring 2+ copies of your resume to the interview
- Take notes during the interview
- Prepare questions to ask the hiring manager
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake
- Maintain good eye contact/posture
- Make sure you are energetic and enthusiastic • Be friendly and professional
- Speak clearly and use specific examples when answering questions
- Collect your thoughts before answering a question
- Stay on topic
- Review the job description before the interview
- Thank the interviewers!
- Smile!
Q: What Typical Questions Do Interviewers Ask?
A: General and behavior-based
GENERAL:
- Tell me about yourself”
- Provide a brief statement of your professional status, your career objective, and some detail about your progression to this point, and the strengths/skills you can offer them.
- What are three things you are looking for in a new position?
- What attracted you to our [the] company?
- What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
- Why should we hire you?
BEHAVIOR-BASED QUESTIONS:
- STAR (situation, task, action, results)
- Tell me about a time you were in a difficult situation: what was it, and how did you handle it?
- Can you describe the most valuable criticism you have received and what you did with it?
- Can you tell me about an event that really challenged you?
- Can you give me an example of a project that required attention to detail and how you handled the details?
Q: What Questions Should I Ask The Hiring Manager/Employer?
A:
- What kind of training will I receive?
- What type of advancement opportunities are available within your organization?
- What are some of the challenges this role will face?
- Why do you enjoy working here?
- What is your timetable for the remainder of the hiring process?
- What are the next steps in the process?
Q: Where Do Candidates Go Wrong?
A:
- Poor handshake (limp hand, tips of fingers, arm pump)
- Talking too much (talking too long, but not answering direct questions, nervous talking)
- Talking negatively about current or past teams, coworkers, employers/managers
- Showing up late or way too early
- Asking about benefits, vacation time, or salary in an initial interview
- Treating the receptionist rudely
- Not preparing for the interview
- Verbal tics (umm, like, you know)
- Not enough/too much eye contact
- Failure to match communication styles (e.g., too informal, too businesslike)
- Not thanking the interviewer and/ or not sending a follow-up “thank you” email/note
