Job Interviewing Guidelines

BASIC GUIDELINES

• Be prepared! Review information on the organization and the position well in advance of the interview. Be prepared to talk about your assets and how they relate to the organization and position.
• Be comfortable discussing everything on your resume, some interviewers will use it as their only guide for the interview.
• Practice! Have a friend ask you common interview questions.
• Dress appropriately. A positive first impression gets the interview off to a good start. Many employers now have a business casual work environment, however, most prefer or expect professional dress for interviews. Always error on the conservative side when choosing interview attire including jewelry, make-up, and perfume and cologne.
• Utilize positive nonverbal communication to show your interest. A firm handshake, a smile and good eye contact are very important.
• Be positive. Keep answers to questions positive and upbeat, do not offer or dwell on negatives.
• Use examples from professional internships, work experiences, projects, achievements, and college and community involvement. Interviewers often hear the same answers from several candidates, but the stories you tell are unique to you.
• Listen attentively to the interviewer. If you do not understand a question, ask to have it restated.
• Let the interviewer control the questions while you control the answers. Controlling the answers means that you will be deciding what to say and what examples to give as a result of your interview preparation.
• If you do not know the answer to the question, don't be afraid to admit it.
• If you think your answer may have been too short, ask the interviewer if you answered the question or if he or she would like additional details. If you think your answers are too long and the interviewer does not maintain eye contact with you, stop and ask if you are answering the question.
• Be honest. Any information you give is subject to verification.
• Being nervous is normal. If you are interested in the position whether it is a new employer, or a promotional opportunity with your current employer, you will be nervous. The interviewer is interested in getting to know you and as a rule, will try to relieve your anxiety. Thorough preparation and practice can alleviate anxiety.
• At the conclusion of the interview, if you are still interested, politely reaffirm your interest in the position.

RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER

• Don't expect the employer to educate you about what they do! Identify the organization's products or services, investigate its history and growth. Most employers now have excellent websites that will provide you with all the necessary information. If you cannot find any specific information about the organization, then research the industry or field.
• Request a copy of the job description for the position you are considering. It will help you identify your strengths as they relate to the position.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD BE PREPARED TO ANSWER
Many of the common questions interviewers ask are included in this section. No two interviews or interviewers will be alike. Questions generally take three forms, situational which asks an applicant to respond to a given situation; observational where an applicant is asked to reflect upon the actions of a third party or conceptual where an applicant is asked about their personal philosophy or future goals. However, you should be prepared to answer the following questions in any interview.

• Please give me an overview of your qualifications. This is the most frequently asked question in interviews. Always be prepared to summarize your background as it relates to the position for which you are interviewing. It is a wonderful opportunity to sell yourself and you should look forward to this question. Inform the interviewer before you begin to answer what you will outline. You may want to go back to high school if you feel it is relevant, or start with college. Briefly comment on items highlighted on your resume.
  
• Why did you choose UW-La Crosse? or Why did you major in _____? These questions give you the opportunity to demonstrate your career commitment and your planning ability. Describe how the decision was made.
  
• What are your career goals? This question tests whether you've determined your career goals, and whether your goals match what the organization has to offer. Be clear and definite about your goals and demonstrate your knowledge of the organization. Employers are concerned about loyalty and staff turnover. Emphasize the fact that you are being very thorough with your job search to assure that you find the right match. If you are interviewing for an internship, you may want to indicate that you are carefully exploring career options and an internship will give both you and the employer a trial period of employment.
  
• Why do you want to work for our organization? This is your opportunity to demonstrate what you know about the organization from your research. Reasons might include the reputation of the organization or department in terms of products or service; the company's rapid growth, or positive information you have received from employees or previous interns of the organization.
  
• Why are you specifically interested in this position? Comment on the skills and experiences you possess that relate to the position.
  
• Describe your academic performance. Accent the positive. Do not offer excuses! Discuss the fact that you've done very well in the courses related to your major and career choice. If you have strong academic references, suggest the employer talk with them. If you have not indicated your grade point average on your resume, there is a very good chance you will be questioned about it. If you think your grade point may create a problem in an interview situation, consult a Career Services staff member.
  
• What are your strengths? Your strengths may be your leadership experience, your academic achievement, your career commitment, your relevant experience, or personal traits such as motivation and dependability. Don't be afraid to repeat or emphasize items on your resume or items that may have already been discussed in the interview.
  
• What are some areas in which you feel you need are still developing as a professional? Comment on areas that you continue to improve upon such as your computer knowledge, and your time management. If you obviously don't meet one of the qualifications for the position, address that issue and discuss how you will acquire that knowledge or skill.
  
• Tell me what you learned from your previous work/internship experiences. Be prepared to spend the majority of the interview on this topic. Be ready to give more detail on your responsibilities. Discuss what you learned and observed, and how you grew professionally. Give examples of what you accomplished. Relay positive feedback given to you by co-workers and supervisors.
  
• Please discuss your personality strengths as they relate to this position. Make a list of 6-8 of your personality traits that you believe are assets. Write down experiences and examples that demonstrate these traits and be prepared to relay them in the interview.
  
• What additional comments do you wish to make regarding your application? This question usually comes at the end of the interview. If there are important experiences or skills and abilities that you have not had the opportunity to discuss, mention them now. Encourage them to contact your references. Tell them how interested you are in the position.

BEHAVIOR-BASED/TARGETED INTERVIEWS

Here is a list of sample behavior-based interview questions that may help you practice:

• Please give me your best example of working cooperatively as a team member to accomplish an important goal. What was the goal or objective? What was your role in achieving this objective? To what extent did you interact with others on this project?
• Describe a project you were responsible for that required interaction with people over a long period of time.
• Describe a time when you contributed to a team's achievements.
• Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.

• Give me a specific example of a time when you had to address an angry customer. What was the problem and what was the outcome? How would you assess your role in defusing the situation?
• Describe a service that you have provided or experienced that you believe represents a concern for the customer.

• Describe the most significant or creative presentation/idea that you developed/implemented.
• Can you give me an example of how you have been creative in completing your responsibilities?
• Tell me about a project/suggestion that you initiated. Explain how you communicated the project/suggestion.

• Tell me about a decision you made while under of pressure.
• Give me an example of how you reacted in a pressure situation. How did the situation come about? How did you react? What made you decide to handle it that way? What effect, if any, did this have on your other responsibilities?
• Describe a decision you made or a situation that you would have handled differently if you had to do it over again.
• Tell me about a time when your supervisor/co-workers gave you feedback about your work. What did you learn about yourself?
• Give me an example of something you have done, which furthered your own professional development in college.
• Tell me about a time when you were asked to complete a difficult assignment even though the odds were against you. What did you learn from that experience?

• Give me an example of a time when you went beyond the call of duty in order to get the job done.
• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to approach things your way.
• Describe a leadership situation that you would handle differently if you had to do it over again.
• Tell me about a time when you reached out for additional responsibility.
• Give me an example of what you have done in your present/previous job that goes beyond what was required?
• Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
• Give me an example of something you've done in previous jobs that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.

• Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a wide variety of people by accepting/understanding their perspective.
• Give me an example of something you have done to further your knowledge/understanding about diversity?
• Tell me about a time that you successfully adapted to a culturally different environment.
• Tell me about a time that you evaluated your own beliefs or opinions around issues or difference.

• Tell me about a specific time when you had to handle a tough problem which challenged fairness or ethical issues.
• Give me examples of how you have acted with integrity (walked your talk) in your job/work relationship.
• Tell me about a time when you were required to trust someone unfamiliar to you when completing a project or task.
• Describe a time when maintaining confidentiality was required of you.

• Describe a time when you set high standards for the quality of your work.
• Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
• Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.
• Are you better at working on many things at a time, or are you better at working on and getting results from a few specific things? Please give me two examples that illustrate this.
• Describe one of you best accomplishments, including where the assignment came from, your plans in carrying it out, and any obstacles you overcame.

• Describe an instance when you had to think quickly in a difficult situation.
• Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
• Give an example of a challenging problem that you are proud you solved.
• Give me an example of your typical way of dealing with conflict?
• Describe a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
• Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.

• Tell me about an experience in which you had a limited amount of time to make a difficult decision.
• Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.
• Tell me about a decision that you've made in the past that if you had it to do over, you would do differently.
• Describe your involvement in a decision that involved several individuals.

• Tell me about a time in which you had to use your written communication skills in order to get an important point across.
• Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.
• Describe an important report that required effective communication skills.

The Teacher Perceiver Themes are:

• MISSION - Deep underlying belief that students can grow and attain self-actualization. Goal to make a significant contribution to other people.
• EMPATHY - Understanding of the state of mind of another person. Put ourselves into the other person's place.
• RAPPORT DRIVE - Mutually favorable relationship with each student. Likes students and sees it as a necessary condition of learning.
• INDIVIDUALIZED PERCEPTION - Thinks about the interests and needs of each student.
• LISTENING - Spontaneously listens to others with responsiveness and acceptance.
• INVESTMENT - Capacity to receive satisfaction from the growth of students.
• INPUT DRIVE - Continually searching for ideas, materials, and experiences to use in helping students.
• ACTIVATION - Capable of stimulating students to think, to respond, to feel--to learn.
• INNOVATION - Willing to try new ideas and techniques.
• GESTALT - Drive towards completeness - is uneasy until work is finished - tends toward personal perfectionism. Even though form and structure are important, the individual student is considered first.
• OBJECTIVITY - Gets facts and understanding first - responds to the total situation.
• FOCUS - Has models and goals - moving in a planned direction. Selects activities in terms of goals.

Sample teacher perceiver questions:

• What do you want to accomplish as a teacher?
• How will (do) you go about finding out about students' attitudes and feelings about your class?
• An experienced teacher offers you the following advice: "When you are teaching be sure to command the respect of your students immediately and all will go well." How do you feel about this?
• How do you go about deciding what it is that should be taught in your class?
• A parent comes to you and complains that what you are teaching his child is irrelevant to the child's needs. How would you respond?
• What do you think will (does) provide you the greatest pleasure in teaching?
• How do you go about finding what students are good at?
• Would you rather try a lot of way-out teaching strategies or would you rather try to perfect the approaches that work best for you? Explain your position.
• Do you like to teach with an overall plan in mind for the year, or would you rather just teach some interesting things and let the process determine the results? Explain your position.
• A student is doing poorly in class. The students tell you that you are the poorest teacher the student has ever met. What would you do?
• If there were absolutely no restrictions placed upon you, what would you most want to do in life?

• What would be the scope of my job responsibilities?
• What major challenges and opportunities are facing this organization?
• What do you believe are the major challenges of this job?
• How are employees evaluated?
• What forms of communication exist within the organization?
• How would you describe the organizational structure?
• Could you give me some additional information about your training programs/support of continuing education?
• What skills do you think are important for your employees?
• If I do my job well, where should I be after years with this organization?
• How do you feel about community involvement?
• Why have you chosen to pursue a career with this organization?
• When do you expect to make a hiring decision?

Do not ask about salary in an initial interview. Wait for an employment offer to ask about salary and benefits.

It is possible that the interviewer will answer all of your questions through the course of the interview. If that happens, inform the interviewer that you had questions coming into the interview; however, he or she has done a wonderful job of providing information and at this time your questions have been answered.

At the conclusion of the interview, thank the interviewer and, if you still wish to be considered, sincerely reaffirm your interest in the position.

Telephone Interview
Sometimes your initial contact will be a telephone interview. Often the employer uses a phone interview to narrow the selection of candidates. The employer usually schedules these phone interviews in advance. When receiving a phone call, if you are busy or need time to collect your thoughts, it is acceptable to tell the potential employer that you will return the call at a more convenient time. Then set up a time when you will return the call or they can call you. This gives you time to reread your letter of application, formulate questions to ask, and review material on the organization.

A telephone interview is difficult because you cannot see the interviewer's nonverbal responses. Remember that it is equally difficult for the interviewer. Use your voice to indicate enthusiasm. If you are still interested in the position, reaffirm this point with the interviewer and indicate you would welcome the opportunity for an on-site interview.

Second Interview/On-site
You may be invited to visit the organization for your initial interview or as a follow-up after a phone or on-campus interview if they are considering your candidacy. This visit is the pivotal point in the hiring process. One reason for inviting you is to introduce you to the supervisors and other employees in the department. A number of individuals, most of who will be working in your field of specialization, will probably be involved in the interview. (See Panel Interviews). They will evaluate your abilities, professional competence, and personality. Keep in mind that this type of interview will vary from organization to organization.

Prior to going to an on-site interview, ask for a copy of your itinerary. Double-check correspondence, travel and lodging arrangements and directions before leaving for your interview. Write down the name of the person(s) with whom you spoke. If the employer does not mention reimbursement for travel expenses, inquire beforehand to eliminate any misunderstanding. Most school districts and nonprofit organizations do not pay for travel expenses.

Many of the questions asked in the initial interview will be repeated during the second interview. Several different interviewers may ask you to review your background and explain your interest in their organization. You will probably meet with your liaison at the end of your interview schedule. Give your impressions of the day and expect some feedback on your progress. Quite often you will tour the facilities. If a tour is not included and you would like one, ask. Sometimes you will be given a tour of the community and housing possibilities. Some employers will administer tests- psychological, aptitude, etc., during your visit. If you are still interested in the job at the end of the interview, let the interviewer know. Explain what impressed you and why, and state that you are hoping for a favorable reply.

Panel or Committee Interview
Panel interviews are used in many organizations in order to make more effective hiring decisions and save supervisors' time. Panels may consist of three or more interviewers from throughout the organization with which you are interviewing. Panel interviews are an opportunity to get to know and impress several people at one time, avoiding the stress of several separate interviews. Not all members of these panels are evaluating your qualifications to perform the job; some are evaluating your interest in the organization. In a panel interview, it is important that you involve all of the interviewers in each answer. Try to avoid addressing your answer only to the individual that asked the question.