INTERVIEW SKILLS
Interviewing
Tips for Success
First Impressions
The first words you speak count
It is a pleasure meeting with you
Thank you for for scheduling this time to meet
Walk with vigor and show confidence
People who walk 10% faster than they normally do are
perceived as getting more done
Dress for Success
From head to toe should reflect impeccable
grooming. Your hair, collar, tie/scarf and other
accessories should be a reflection of the quality
person you are.
It is a fact of life that we do “judge books by their
covers.” To be marketable in business today, your
image is as important as what you know. You must
“fit in.”
Image Tips for Men
Shirts
Long sleeve white shirt is
the best option
A light blue is an
alternative
Shirts in 100% cotton are
a good investment
Have it professionally
ironed for the interview
Suits
Invest in a conservative
color (navy or gray).
Jacket and trousers should
coordinate.
Check for proper fit.
Best investment; worsted
wool or wool gabardine
Do the wrinkle test
(cont.)
Ties
The smaller the pattern, the
more authority you will
project.
Use a power color (yellow
or red) in the pattern
The tip of the tie should
barely touch the top of your
belt buckle
The knot should be small
Belts and Shoes
Leather belts in black and
burgundy to match your
shoes are good investments
Wing-tips portray a more
conservative image than
tassel loafers
Wear socks that cover you
calf and match your trouser
Image Tips for Women
Dresses
Suits show more authority
but a dress is a second
option
Conservative colors are best
No shorter than 2 inches
above the knee
Wrinkle free fabric is best
Keep with classic styles
Suits
Navy, gray, taupe and black
are all good suit colors to
invest in when building a
wardrobe
Skirts should be no shorter
than 2 inches above the knee
Worsted wool is the best
Accessories
•Shoes should be darker than the suit and be at
least a one inch heel
•Hosiery should be skin tone
•Keep accessories to a minimum
•Hair should be away from your face
•Make-up should look natural
•Choose one; handbag or briefcase not both
Image Tips for All
•Keep it conservative
•Do not wear cologne or perfume
•It feels like a uniform because it is a uniform
•Be aware of all details (the shine on your shoes,
nail polish chips, etc)
Body Image
Use good posture
Give a firm handshake (regardless of sex)
Lean forward while listening and answering
questions
Hands above board
Make eye contact
Voice Image
Speak with confidence
Speak clearly and concisely
Project your voice so that you are heard
Be Prepared
You should have a briefcase or portfolio containing the
following:
A note pad
Two erasable pens
Extra resumes and reference sheets
Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
Educational transcripts
Work samples (if applicable)
Special note for women- extra hosiery
Interview Checklist
Arrive 15 minutes early
Dress should be appropriate
Know the interviewer’s name and pronunciation
Extend a warm greeting and handshake
Wait to be asked to have a seat
Good eye contact
Enthusiasm
Knowledge of the company, industry, and position
Ready to answer and ask questions
Central Themes of Questions
Suitability
Credibility
Capability
Compatibility
Affordability
How will the questions be asked?
Straight forward
Problem solving
Don’t find the “right answer” - show them you know the right way
to come up with the answer
• Listen to what is being asked
• Ask clarifying questions
• Respond by first explaining how you’d gather the data
needed to make an informed decision
• Discuss how you’d use that data to generate options
• Finally, based on the data, the available options, and
your understanding of the open position explain your
recommendation
Questions
Behavior based questions
Behavior is the best predictor of future performances
• Don’t tell a story that will hurt you
• If you don’t understand a question, clarify
• Explain what you hoped to show from your story
• Ask for feedback
• Don’t be intimidated
Unrelated questions
Make your best to make it related
• Who would you want with you if you were stranded on a
deserted island?
–A boat builder thus showing your
resourcefulness
How Do You Formulate Your Answers?
S: situation
T: task
A: action
R: result
Interview Types
Screening interviews
Sequential interviews
Group interviews
Stress interviews (take control)
Performance interviews (show case your skills)
Testing
Computer assisted interviews
Mealtime interviews
Out-of-town interviews
Handling negatives or objections
Be positive - never complain
Recognize stereotypes and biases
Stress your strengths
Use examples that show your reasons and
motivations - avoid yes or no answers
The underlying questions is always “why
should I hire you” - give them reason
Discussing a weakness
![22+ Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews [2020 Best Answers]](https://d.novoresume.com/images/blogs/a92bde20-aabf-11e8-8568-93bf27218072/strengths-and-weaknesses.png)
Discuss a negative which is not related to
the job
Discuss a negative an employer already
knows, but make up for it in another way
Discuss a negative you have improved on
Discuss a negative that can become a
positive
Illegal Questions
Most employers are familiar with the laws
regarding what questions they can ask and
what they can not ask.
If you feel a question is inappropriate, don’t
get upset and refuse to answer. Ask the
question “Can you tell me how that pertains
to the job” in a polite and respective way
Asking Questions
You should have questions prepared. It is
your chance to interview the interviewer.
Don’t ask questions that can be readily
found on company brochures.
Ask questions that will directly affect you or
shows your interest in the companies
success.
The Close
Thank them for their time
Restate your interests and strengths
Ask what type of follow-up you should
expect
Send thank-you notes to each interviewer
Questions??
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