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Interview Preparation

Everyone has interviewed at some point in his life, it can be both an intimidating and exhilarating experience. However you view the interview process, the reality is that you need to understand and be prepared for this experience.

You are the Expert

The interview is all about you; you are the expert in this situation. Your job in the interview is to make sure the recruiter has enough information to make a yes decision at the end of the meeting. It is important to talk about your strengths and achievements throughout the interview. Try to make a strong case for the good fit between you and the … [ Read more ]

The Key is Preparation

It is imperative to prepare yourself for this meeting, do not wing it!

Preparation is two fold. You must do a self-assessment of how your abilities and experiences match the job and also research the organization well.

Focus On You

Review your resume with the job you are interviewing for in mind.

  • Identify all your achievements both from your work and education. Quantify when possible.
  • Identify leadership roles, honors, internships, class projects and volunteer experience.
  • Be prepared to answer the key question “Why do you want to work for this company and this industry?
  • Practice (yes, this is necessary!) Role play the interview, have someone ask

… [ Read more ]

Focus on Company Organization

  • Get financial information and research new developments in the company. Some resources are: a company’s web page, annual report, Lexis/Nexis, research in the Wall Street Journal and business sections of major newspapers for key articles about a company.
  • What niche does this company have in the market?
  • Make a list of questions that could be a problem for you in the interview; rehearse how you will

… [ Read more ]

Basics of Interviewing

  • Arrive early for the interview- get mentally prepared.
  • You are interviewing the company, it is a two-way street.
  • Be enthusiastic – you must show that you are interested in the job. This leaves a big impression on the interviewer.
  • Dress to your advantage- conservative is best.
  • If at all possible, do not discuss salary in the initial interview. This might be tempting, but you do not have enough

… [ Read more ]

Interviewing Approaches

You should be prepared for a few different approaches to interviewing. You may encounter behavioral interviewing or the case approach to interviewing. On occasion a company may give a stress interview to determine how a candidate handles himself under pressure. You may also get a panel interview, however employers often tell you in advance so you are prepared for it.

Behavioral Interviewing

This method is used by large consulting firms and multinational companies.

  • The purpose of this interviewing approach is to screen for certain skills and characteristics found in successful employees in the company.
  • Interviewer will ask specific questions about a candidate’s experiences to determine if he/she has demonstrated certain job characteristics such as: leadership, creativity, initiative.
  • The interviewer will ask pointed follow-up questions such as:
  • “Can you

… [ Read more ]

Tips for Behavioral Interviewing

  • Be as specific as possible. Avoid “usually” or “always” responses – no hypothetical answers.
  • Try to use examples related to education, work or extracurricular experience.
  • Take the necessary time to organize your thoughts and responses, “I’ll have an answer for you in a second.”
  • Ask for clarification if needed: ” Am I answering the question … am I on the right track?”

Case Method Interviewing

This method is usually used by management consulting firms and large corporations.

  • Employers use this method to assess if you think logically, have problem solving skills and know business principles.
  • Classic business cases are given to test analytic ability, the ability to sort out key facts and stay focused.
  • Some consulting firms think that this is the best test of a typical consulting situation for

… [ Read more ]

Tips for a Case Interview

  • Take notes, if necessary. Ask a few questions.
  • Take some time to organize your thoughts; don’t be afraid of a little silence.
  • Explain your thought process, state assumptions, work from hypothesis )
  • Push for a conclusion
  • Be quantitative and specific if possible

Sample Interview Questions

  • What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
  • How does your previous experience relate to the job for which you are interviewing?
  • Why are you looking for this type of position and why are you interested in our company?
  • Why should I hire you?
  • Describe a situation where you took initiative /solved a problem.
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What courses in graduate school did you like the most/least?
  • What jobs/projects did you

… [ Read more ]

Good Questions to Ask an Interviewer

  • What would be a reasonable career track for someone starting in the position for which I am interviewing?
  • What opportunities will I have to learn new skills /gain new knowledge within the organization?
  • What are the most important characteristics /qualifications that you need in this position?
  • Where do you see this division/department/company/industry headed in the next few years?
  • Is continuing education/training encouraged?
  • How and when will I be evaluated

… [ Read more ]

11 Rules For A Successful Interview

  1. Show That You Are Knowledgeable About the Company and Its Operation
    Interviewers favor an applicant who has made an effort to research their firm. As an applicant it will help that you can show the interviewer in what ways you can contribute to their company.
  2. Present a Positive Attitude
    Preparation for the interview will undoubtedly give you self-confidence. Don’t hesitate to tell the interviewer your accomplishments

… [ Read more ]

Sell Yourself

Interviewing is about selling. Keep these three points in mind:

  1. The product you’re selling is you. Give them reasons to buy.
  2. Tell them what you can do for them. Emphasize what you can bring to the company‚ department and position.
  3. Convince them that your product is better than the competition’s.

Information to Have on Yourself During an Interview

Be prepared to give examples and talk about yourself in terms of your skills.

  • Creative Skills: Develop models, experiment, apply theory, synthesize, predict, create new ideas, use imagination.
  • Organizing Skills: Keep deadlines, details, accept responsibility, reason, use logic, make contacts, arrangements, decisions, clarify, clerical skills.
  • Numerical Skills: Use computational and statistical abilities, inventory.

… [ Read more ]

Information to Have on the Employer During an Interview

  • Organizational goals
  • Relative size of firm
  • Growth potential for security
  • Percent of annual sales growth last five years
  • Array of product or service line
  • Who are competitors?
  • Reputation
  • Organization structure by product line
  • Geographical locations –

… [ Read more ]

Interview strategies for fighting age bias

The key to coping with age bias is to provide the right feedback and dismiss concerns about age right off the bat. Most times, a subtle age bias will appear in questions and comments from interviewers. The trick is identifying the questions and knowing the best way to answer them. Here are nine practice questions and suggested replies.

  1. Tell me about yourself. Focus on your

… [ Read more ]