Assisting Transitioning Military and the
Family Members Who Support Them
WATCHEmployment
INTERVIEWING TIPS
Preparation is key to a successful interview.
Many find the interview is the hardest part of the hiring process. But it doesn’t have to be. The more you prepare and practice, the more comfortable you will feel. Increase your success by brushing up on interview skills.
Identify your skills and recognize their value.
Print out your Ideal Military Hire profile to help identify your skills and certifications.
Tell Me About Yourself
One of the first things that an employer will say in an interview. The question is used to determine what qualifies you for the position. Your response sets the tone for the rest of the interview, so prepare your answer in advance.
Think of your answer as a 60-second commercial in which you sell yourself. Know the job description for the position and tailor your comments to match. You may vary slightly depending on the position, but the foundation will always be based on your skills and experience.
Assess Yourself
The first step is self-assessment. To get started, review your resume. Look at past jobs and focus on skills and experience.
Secondly, make a list of at least ten of your strengths and skills. Use active words that reflect what you have done. Include both job specific skills, such as your ability to use a computer, and your "soft" skills, such as your ability to organize or your attention to detail.
Third, evaluate how your skills will be of benefit to the employer, which are most relevant, and then put in order of precedence.
Compose Your Message
It will help to write down exactly what you want to say, so you can practice and not to miss any major points. Begin with a brief introduction. Include your name and your usual line of work. Then, state what position you are seeking and why. This may vary depending on the interview. Next, sell your skills. Start with your job skills and work into your "soft" skills.
Sell Your Experience
Employers are interested in accomplishments. Use clear, concise and direct action words. Strong words can include: achieved, supervised, composed, interpreted, obtained, produced, administered, constructed, launched, operated, analyzed, coordinated, expanded, organized, assembled, created, generated, managed, originated, budgeted, implemented, motivated, researched, collaborated, developed, improved, negotiated, resolved, etc.
Know the Value of Your Skills
It helps to know the standard pay range for the position you are seeking. (Reference Salary Information tab.) Your value to an employer is based on your skills. Salary negotiation isn’t usually an issue until there is a job offer. When the time comes to discuss salary, say something like "With the education and experience I bring, I would expect to start at the higher end of that scale." Your skills and experience are the basis of your negotiations. An employer is not interested in your personal finances or the number of children you are trying to support. These personal issues should not even be discussed. It’s not about what you "need", but about what your skills are worth.
Prepare Before You Interview
Research the company before you go to the interview. Understand the products and/or the services they provide. Know who the customers are and who are the major competitors. Ask prepared questions about the company to show your interest level is high.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice helps you feel confident and relaxed. Practice answers to common questions. Almost all interviewers will ask if you have questions. This is a great opportunity for you to show that you have done your homework, researched the company and put thought into the interview.
Here are some example questions to ask the employer:
- What are the primary duties of this position?
- What do you consider the most important skills or traits for someone in this position?
- How would you describe a typical day in this position?
- What is the standard schedule for this position?
- Why are you looking to fill this position?
- How would you describe your management style? (Applicable only if the person interviewing you is the one that you would supervise you.)
- What are the short and long-term goals for this position?
- Do you expect significant organizational changes in the near future?
- What are the prospects for advancement in this position?
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Common Questions Asked in Interviews:
- What do you consider to be your major strengths?
- What do you consider to be your major weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What are your short-term goals?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What did you like most about your last job?
- What did you like least about your last job?
- How would your coworkers describe you?
- How do you manage multiple tasks/projects? Please give an example.
- How do you deal with stress and/or deadlines? Please give an example.
- Do you prefer to work independently or within a team?
- Why should I hire you? - This is often the last question you will be asked in an interview. Prepare for it. This is your chance to restate the your most relevant skills and summarize other qualities that make you the perfect person for the job. Outline your answers before you go in, so that you can answer clearly, concisely, and with confidence.
1. Company goals should come up during your research into the company and into the position. If possible, talk to others who work for the company. If you are unclear, include it in the questions you ask at the interview itself and be prepared to incorporate them into your answer.
2. Show you have the skills needed for the job. Based on the goals you have identified in step one, determine how your skills and experience support those goals. If necessary, refer back to your "60-second commercial" for a list of skills you possess.
3. Company values should also come up in your research. Look at the company’s mission statement and regular business practices. Explain why these are in line with your own values and goals.
4. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity to work for this company and/or within a certain team. Be sure that the interviewer is clear about the fact that you want this job.
Make a great impression
Your application or resume demonstrates you are qualified. The interview demonstrates you are the best person for the job. It is up to you to show how your skills and experience match the position and the company. The employer will be looking and listening to determine if you are a good fit. The interviewer looks for a number of different qualities, in addition to the skills that you possess. To make the best impression it is important to sell your strengths. Focus on arriving 10 minutes early; be enthusiastic; shake hands firmly; be an active listener; sit up straight and maintain eye contact. Be sure to ask questions.
Interview errors
- Inappropriate dress: Avoid trendy, out-dated or funky clothing. Project a businesslike image.
- Camaraderie: Be friendly, warm and pleasant but keep the dialog professional and avoid engaging in camaraderie.
- Nervous actions: Don’t engage in distracting or unprofessional mannerisms or behaviors such as, fiddling with your fingers in your lap, touching items on interviewer’s desk, pacing the room, gum chewing, etc.
- Offering too much information: Keep personal issues to yourself; relationships, politics, religion. Too much information is not always a good thing!
- Avoid puff and fluff: Present yourself as accomplished yet modest with an air of honest humility.
- Weak handshake: Handshakes tell a lot to an employer; the limp hand (or “dead fish”) gives an impression of disinterest or weakness, tips of fingers shows a lack of ability to engage, and the arm pump is much like an overly aggressive salesman.
- Showing up too early or late: Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 minutes early. Arriving more than 10 minutes early for an interview states that you have too much time on your hands. Arriving late shows an interviewer a lack of respect. It is better to arrive too early and wait outside rather than show up late for a scheduled appointment.
- Treating the receptionist rudely: Often the interviewer will ask the receptionist’s opinion of you after you leave.
- Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary: Let the interviewer bring up those topics, or wait until you’ve won over the interviewer usually during a second interview.
- Verbal ticks: Using verbal ticks such as “umm,” “like,” “you know” can be avoided by taking a few seconds to gather your thoughts before answering a question.
- Not enough/too much eye contact: Avoiding eye contact can make you seem shifty, untruthful or disinterested; too much eye contact will wear out the interviewer.