Conversation Questions Job Interview A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.

Can you tell me something about yourself? What do you know about our organization? Why do you want to work for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't? What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it? Why should we hire you? What do you look for in a job? Please give me your definition of the position for which you are being interviewed. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm? How long would you stay with us? Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's your opinion? What is your management style? Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential? What do you look for when you hire people? Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons? How did you handle the situation? What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive? What important trends do you see in our industry? Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job? How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job? In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least? What do you think of your boss? Why aren't you earning more at your age? What do you feel this position should pay? What are your long-range goals? How successful have you been so far? Why do you want to work for this company? What high school did you attend? Are you married? Can you tell me about your family? Why did you leave your last job? What are your long-range career objectives? What would you like to do in the future? What do you do in your free time? Are you qualified for this position? How well do you work with people? What is a good working environment for you? Why should I hire you? What was a movie you saw recently that impressed you? Do you enjoy traveling? Why do you think we should hire you for this job? Interviewer: Good afternoon, please have a seat. Interviewee: Thank you. Interviewer: How are you doing today? Did you have any trouble finding the office? Interviewee: I'm fine thank you, and I had no trouble at all getting here. Interviewer: Great. Well let's get started. Could you tell me a little about your educational background? Interviewee: Yes, I graduated from UCLA in 1995, with a Bachelors degree in journalism. After that I enrolled in NYU's master's program for journalism, graduating in 1998.

Interviewer: I see. Now, how about your work experience? Interviewee: After I left NYU, I worked for a year at the Daily Newspaper. Interviewer: And after that? Interviewee: From there I moved to San Francisco and was employed by the Bay Area Chronicle, covering local and state politics. Interviewer: What was the biggest story you covered while you were there. Interviewee: I covered several that I thought were important, but I would have to say the investigative piece I did on the cover-up of the governor's staff involvement in the embezzlement of education funds was the biggest. Interviewer: How did you like it at the Chronicle? Interviewee: Overall, I liked it a lot. The people were great and my boss was supportive and understanding. Interviewer: According to you resume, you left there three months ago. What have you been doing since then? Interviewee: Mainly taking care of our baby, she just turned three months old. But now I'm ready to go back to work. Interviewer: What brought you to Denver? Interviewee: My husbands company transferred him here last month. Interviewer: One final question. Why did you apply here? Denver has three daily newspapers to choose from. Interviewee: I felt that this paper is better suited for my conservative thinking, my unique writing style, and my diverse areas of interest when covering political news. Interviewer: Well, thank you for your time. We'll be making a selection in a couple of days and will call you one way or the other. Interviewee: Thank you for seeing me. Have a pleasant day. Questions: 1. Where did she graduate? 2. What was her course? 3. How about her master degree? 4. What was the biggest story that she covered? 5. What did she do for three months after quitting her job? 6. Where is she right now? 7. How do you call someone who's being interviewed? 8. How do you call someone who's asking questions during an interview? Introduction Tell me about your qualifications. What was (or is) your favorite area of study? Tell me about your previous work experience. The job needs a high level of written and spoken English. How would you describe your English ability? Tell me about how often you used English in your previous job and what you used it for. What have you done recently to keep yourself up to date in your chosen profession? Present job (If presently unemployed then ask about last job.) In your present position what would you describe as your biggest success? What gives you the most pleasure in your present job? What do you like least about your present job? What would you say is your biggest weakness in your present job? What do you think is your biggest weakness as an employee? If a new person were to join your present company what advice would you give them? Why are you thinking about leaving your present job? Tell me about one thing you would change in your present job. If I were to speak to your present boss, how do you think he would describe you? How would you describe the management style of your present boss? Do you work more hours a week than you are actually paid for? If so, why? Personality Do you feel that you deal better with people or with machines and systems? Do you prefer to work as a member of a team or do you prefer to work alone on projects? If you consider yourself to be a good "team player", can you give me any examples of team projects you have been involved in in the past? Do you prefer to give orders or to take them?

What is the main thing that gets you out of bed each morning? What would you do if you felt that your boss had made a big mistake but it was impossible to persuade him of his error? If you had a personality clash with one of your co-workers how would you handle that situation? Why do you want to work for us? We have seven people short-listed for this job. Why should we give it to you and not somebody else? What is your special ability or experience which makes you different? (Remember this question is about why they should employ you not why you want the job.) The future The company is going to have to spend time and money training you for this role. Is it your intention to stay with this company for some time or is your primary objective to gain work experience? Over one hundred people have applied for this job. Could you tell me why I should choose you? Would you prefer to work for a big company or a small one? What are the advantages and disadvantages in each case? What would you like to be doing in ten years time? Interviewer: Tell me about yourself? Interviewee: I am a software engineer with 4 years of experience in Sales Force domain with expertise in Customer Relationship Management process. Leaving aside that, I am a jovial person who loves to hitch-hike and indulge in white water rafting whenever time permits. All in all, a team person who loves to face challenges and deliver on deadlines! Note: The applicant has been able to communicate his strengths and expertise (Personal & Professional) in an informal and succinct yet informative line of communication. Further, he had prodded the interviewer to ask about his professional involvement. Interviewer: Can you briefly explain what role you played in Customer Relationship Management process for Sales Force? Interviewee: Yes, sure. I was a team lead while designing the Customer Relationship Management software for Sales Force. The project was regarding an international retail chain. With a team of 15 members I was able to successfully pin point and utilize the factors affecting the footfall at the store and thus, helped the client achieve a growth of 30% in sales. Note: The interviewee has successfully talked about his work deliverables, his management abilities and the results achieved. Interviewer: Great! So, how do you thing you fit in our organization? Interviewee: I wish to make a career in IT industry and keeping in mind my long term goals, I believe that associating with this organization will be the most prudent step. In here, I would surely be able to further utilize my skills in the most effective manner and also, obtain a chance of acquiring newer skills and honing the same. Note: The interviewee has put forward a logical reason for associating with the organization and has also touch-based on his future plans. Job interview conversation Mike: Good Morning, John. I am Mike. John: Good Morning. Mike: How are you doing? John: I am doing fine. Thank you. Mike: How was the traffic coming over here? John: I am so glad that the traffic was light this morning. No traffic jam and no accidents. Mike: That is good. John, lets start the interview. Are you ready? John: Yes, I am. Mike: First of all, let me properly introduce myself. I am the Finance Department Manager. As you know there is an open position in my department, and I need to fill this position as soon as possible. John: Please, tell me a little bit about the position. Mike: It is an entry-level position. The new employee will have to work closely with the Accounting department. He will also have to deal with the bank on a daily basis. John: What type of qualifications do you require? Mike: I require a four-year college degree in Finance. Some working experience would be helpful. John: What kind of experience are you looking for? Mike: Doing office work is good. However, since this is an entry-level position, I do not require a lot of experience. I am willing to train the new person. John: That is great! Mike: John, tell me a little bit about yourself. John: I was a student at West Coast University, and I just graduated with a Bachelor degree in Finance. I have been working part-time as a payroll clerk for the last two years.

Mike: What are you looking for in a job? John: The job should help me see what Finance is all about. I have learned a lot of Finance theories at school, and now it is time for me to put them into practice. Mike: Anything else? John: I also hope that it will help me grow in my field. Mike: What are your strengths? Why should I hire you? John: I am a hard-working person and a fast learner. I am very eager to learn, and I get along fine with people. Mike: OK. Now, let me ask you a few quick questions. You do not mind working long hours, do you? John: No, I do not. Mike: Can you handle pressure? John: Yes, I can. When I was going to school, I took quite a few courses each semester while working at least twenty hours every week. And, I handled that situation very well. Mike: Do you still have any questions for me? John: No, I think I have a pretty good understanding of the job. I believe that I can handle it with ease, and I hope to have the opportunity to work for you. Mike: John, nice meeting you. Thank you for coming. John: Nice meeting you too. Thank you for seeing me. Expressions used in the conversation I am so glad That is great! I do not mind Lets start the interview Work part-time Work long hours First of all: What are you looking for in a job? I can handle the situation As soon as possible Put into practice Have an opportunity Entry-level position Hard-working person Nice meeting you On a daily basis Fast learner I am willing to I get along fine with everybody 1. Tell me about yourself? I am down-to-earth, sweet, smart, creative, industrious, and thorough. 2. How has your experience prepared you for your career? Coursework: Aside from the discipline and engineering foundation learning that I have gained from my courses, I think the design projects, reports, and presentations have prepared me most for my career. Work Experience: Through internships, I have gained self-esteem, confidence, and problem-solving skills. I also refined my technical writing and learned to prepare professional documents for clients. Student Organizations: By working on multiple projects for different student organizations while keeping up my grades, Ive built time management and efficiency skills. Additionally, Ive developed leadership, communication, and teamwork abilities. Life Experience: In general, life has taught me determination and the importance of maintaining my ethical standards. 3. Describe the ideal job. Ideally, I would like to work in a fun, warm environment with individuals working independently towards team goals or individual goals. I am not concerned about minor elements, such as dress codes, cubicles, and the level of formality. Most important to me is an atmosphere that fosters attention to quality, honesty, and integrity. 4. What type of supervisor have you found to be the best? I have been fortunate enough to work under wonderful supervisors who have provided limited supervision, while answering thoughtful questions and guiding learning. In my experience, the best supervisors give positive feedback and tactful criticism. 5. What do you plan to be doing in five years time? Taking the PE exam and serving in supervisory/leadership roles both at work and in professional/community organization(s). 6. What contributions could you make in this organization that would help you to stand out from other applicants? In previous internships, my industriousness and ability to teach myself have been valuable assets to the company. My selfteaching abilities will minimize overhead costs, and my industriousness at targeting needs without prompting will set me apart from others. Additionally, one thing that has always set me apart from my scientific/engineering peers are my broad

interests and strong writing abilities. I am not your typical left-brained engineer, and with my broad talents, I am likely to provide diverse viewpoints. 7. What sort of criteria are you using to decide the organization you will work for? Most importantly, I am looking for a company that values quality, ethics, and teamwork. I would like to work for a company that hires overachievers. 8. What made you choose your major? My academic interests are broad, so I sought civil engineering to achieve a great balance of mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and writing. 9. Have your university and major met your expectations? The College of Engineering at MSU has exceeded my expectations by providing group activities, career resources, individual attention, and professors with genuine interest in teaching. My major has met my expectations by about 90%. I would have enjoyed more choices in environmental courses, and would have preferred more calculus-based learning. 10. What made you choose this college? I chose this college for the following reasons: my budget limited me to in-state schools, I was seeking an area with dogfriendly apartments, the MSU web site impressed me, I saw active student groups, and the people were very friendly. 11. List 2-3 of your greatest achievements since youve been in college and why? Receiving the SWE Outstanding Member Award and College of Engineering Student Service Award? I got involved with student activities to overcome my debilitating shyness. Receiving these awards signified that I had accomplished a transition from dragging myself to participate to feeling energized by it. Receiving the SWE Web Site Award? Without training in web design, I competed against not only the other student sections, but professional sections around the nation. Despite competing with more HTML-experienced people, I brought this award to my section. After getting so much from SWE, I was able to give something back. Earning the highest grade in an organic chemistry class of ~200 people I worked very hard for this grade and loved the subject, so it was a great feeling to see that the hard work paid off. 12. Which subjects have you enjoyed studying the most and why? I have enjoyed hydrology, fluids, solid & hazardous waste management, water and wastewater treatment, and oceanography because I love water and environmental topics. Calculus and linear algebra excite me because I love logic. I enjoyed the writing and analysis in economic history. Business law thrilled me because I have a strong interest in legal matters. 13. Which subjects did you dislike and why? Introductory soil elicited little interest in me, most likely because the professor was inexperienced, the book was ineffective, and I had little spare time that semester to look into other resources. 14. Do you have plans to continue your education? Yes, but not immediately. I plan to continue part time with either an MBA or an environmental engineering masters, depending on which will be more beneficial to my work. 15. How would a professor who knows you well describe you? One who does not know you well? A professor who knows me well would likely describe my personal qualities: sweet, down-to-earth, smart, hard-working, and conscientious. As specific examples of those who did not know me well, my soils professor and soils teaching assistant each considered me smart and respectful, and both thought that I must have enjoyed the class a lot, due to my performance. 16. Given the chance, how would you alter your education? Knowing now what I like the most, I would have used my electives for extra math and psychology classes, since I tend to be well-rounded enough that a variety of classes are unnecessary; my personal reading is diverse enough. I have found that mathematics and psychology are helpful to all career and life paths. 17. Which part-time job did you enjoy the most and why? Working for PM Environmental was most enjoyable to me, since I felt like I was significantly contributing to the company, and I enjoyed learning on my own. 18. Interests: Some of my interests include dogs, hiking, snow-shoeing, water sports, writing, reading (especially Charles Dickens novels), skiing, drawing, crafts, and computers. 19. What are your strengths? My strongest strength is the ability to teach myself difficult material, regardless of the subject (with the exception of theater

and drawing blood from dogs, which I have no talent for). Additionally, I have always excelled verbally and look forward to writing opportunities. 20. What are your weaknesses? I tend to try to do too many things, leaving little time for myself. I have worked on balancing myself for the last several months. I am also working on improving my public speaking skills. 21. What sort of serious problems have you experienced, and how have you handled them? My apartment building burned down at the end of January during one of my semesters at MSU. Before the fire got too bad, I was able to rescue my pets and the neighbors dog, as well as my textbooks and backpack, but I lost most of my mementos and possessions. While the firemen were preparing their hoses, I drove to school (with the animals in the car) to meet my lab partners, who were waiting for me. I explained the situation, emailed my professors, and rushed back to the apartment. Fortunately, I had renters insurance. I missed about a week of school to deal with the insurance matters and find a new place to live. In order to salvage my grades and sanity, I dropped a course and honored my existing student group and research commitments. Staying active socially and keeping myself well-rounded were the best healing tools for me. Within a few weeks, I was caught up and had recovered reasonably from the loss of sentimental items. 22. Do you or have you in the past experimented with illegal drugs? No. My only addictions are caffeine and sugar. 23. Would you be willing to take a drug test? Of course. 24. Do you drink alcohol socially? No, but I enjoy Shirley Temples quite a bit. 25. If you had your whole life to live over, what would you do differently and why? I was always good in math, but I wish that I would have focused on math more. I feel that mathematics can lead one anywhere, and is the basis of most disciplines. On a personal level, I would have ensured that, despite pre-teen angst and insecurity, I would have been nice to everyone, even on especially bad days. 26. Which is more important to you, your salary or your job? Salary is important, but I couldnt stay with a job that brought me misery when I could support myself doing something else; hence, my job is more important. 27. What have you found to be the biggest source of motivation in your life? Taking advantage of my strengths so that they are not wasted. Since nobody is lucky enough to be strong in every area, I think it is important to make good use of ones strengths. 28. What sorts of things cause you stress, and how do you deal with them? Lack of organization throws me off. To deal with this, I come up with some kind of system to organize things, even if it is only in my head, in the case when chaos is desirable. 29. What is your definition of success? Being a good person by improving the quality of the lives of others, whether it be through work, doing sweet things, improving the environment/community, taking care of ones family, etc. Superficially, I tend to measure success by level of education and abilities within ones career; however, I try to remind myself of the things that are more important. 30. What qualities should a successful supervisor possess in regard to job requirements and those who report to him/her? A successful supervisor should be able to tactfully give criticism, guide, motivate, encourage and foster a positive work environment. 31. How would you develop team spirit among the people that you supervise? My experience in student groups has taught me that people work best when their friends (teammates) are counting on them to do well; therefore, I believe that bonding motivates people. I would also foster team pride by promoting our teams assets. 32. Do you like to work independently or as a team? I like to work independently towards a team goal. 33. What kind of work environment do you like the best? I enjoy working with friendly co-workers who can share a laugh while working hard and overachieving. 34. How would you resolve conflicts with employees, coworkers, and supervisors? If possible, I would refresh my memory on what Ive learned about conflict communication, and then I would discuss things, honestly and tactfully. I am a big fan of kind sincerity and honesty, as well as humility (when appropriate). 35. In what ways have you learned from your mistakes? Upon getting myself overwhelmed with involvement in too many projects, I changed my approach. When possible, I now start with less than I can handle and add more only as time allows, and in small increments.

36. In what areas do you need to improve your skills? I would like to improve my public speaking skills.

TIPS
QUALITIES OF GOOD EMPLOYEES IN ENGLISH A good employee is self-motivated and always has their eyes fixed on the desired outcomes. He has well-thought-out goals and has a grasp of what is required of him at all times. He is an independent thinker, and does not come to work just to work, but to learn and grow. Effective employee communication drives organizational performance. Its a proven fact that the more employees know about the organization, the harder they work to make it a success. A good employee does not wait for his superior to filter information to him but, he takes a stand and asks the relevant questions. All he says is credible and has close relationships with his superiors, colleagues and subordinates. A great employee is a self-starter, someone who is easily inspired and inspires his colleagues to improve their current and future situation in the organization. He is reliable, punctual and is always willing to develop himself and the organization. Although external factor are seen as the most important, great employees, are those that look just as good on the outside as they do on the inside. These employees dress the part. They understand the differences between the different roles they are required to play and the different functions they have to attend and are always dressed appropriately. The best employees function as a part of a team, not just for personal gain and self-fulfillment, but to achieve the greater goals of the organization as a whole. They understand the purpose behind the organization and are able to align their own goals to this purpose. HOMEWORK YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE A JOB INTERVIEW It is very important to know as much as possible about the organization before you attend such an interview as this can indicate to the interviewer that you are interested in not only the job, but also in being a part of the organization as a whole. Knowing a little about the history of the company could be a start. Who started the company? Why did they start with that particular product or service? Were there any hurdles and short falls they encountered along the way? This will give you an idea of whether or not the organization is going in the same direction you intend on going once employed. Knowing the organizations core values and its stand and major social issues will also help you determine your compatibility within the organization. Knowing this before going to the interview may save you from some embarrassing pauses and it can also save you from being employed by an organization that opposes your most valued social concern. These are just two of the most important areas that one could focus on before an interview. It is also important to note that if there is any piece of information you come across while doing such research, one should not hesitate to ask the organizations representative. This displays your willingness to know more about the company and also starts off the relationship on a transparent note. HOW TO ACE YOUR INTERVIEW IN ENGLISH Can you make a good impression in an interview in English? Do you sometimes misunderstand what the interviewer is asking you? We've prepared a list of questions to help you ace your next interview, so read on to learn more! Tell us about yourself This is a very broad question about your character, background, studies, ambitions, work history, etc. Why should we hire you? The interviewer is asking about your qualities and strong points. Why did you leave your last job? The interviewer wants to know if you resigned, were fired, or were laid off, and for what reason. Are you willing to relocate? This means are you willing to move to another city or country. Tell me about your scholastic record. This refers to your grades and results at school and university. Tell me about your extra-curricular activities and interests. This means your interests outside class, for example sports, hobbies and clubs. How would your last boss describe you? This means: what did your last boss think of you? Where do you see yourself in 5 year time? What are your plans for the future and where do you think you will be 5 years from now? How do you work under pressure? This question asks about your ability to cope with a large amount of work, tight deadlines and extreme stress.

What salary are you expecting? The interviewer wants to know your minimum requirement. WHAT ARE SOME GOOD WAYS TO NEGOTIATE YOUR SALARY IN ENGLISH? The most important thing to do when you want to negotiate your salary is BE PREPARED! The first thing to do is make sure you have been offered the job: "Thanks is this a firm job offer?" Once it is clear, you can start the negotiation process. Remember to only start negotiating your salary once your potential boss has breached the subject. Then you can ask: "Is the salary negotiable?" Once you have started the negotiation process, you can ask: "Is this base only?" This lets the interviewer know youre interested in the details of bonuses and stock options, and it opens up other questions about bonus opportunities. In terms of wanting to know when in the future you can expect or ask for a raise, you can ask: "How and when will I be evaluated, and will there be an increase on the basis of that evaluation?" Some companies offer a sign-on bonus. You can simply ask: "Will there be a sign-on bonus?" "When would you like an answer?" implies that you have other possible offers to consider. Another important question to ask is "What kind of benefits will I receive?" Think about what kind of benefits you want, so you are prepared if you are asked what you expect. And above all, remember to demonstrate that you're professional, polished and always be polite. HOW TO GET A HIGHER SALARY WITH ENGLISH If you're offered a much-desired position at the company of your dreams, it may be tempting to agree to the offer right away. But don't! Many managers expect perspective employees to negotiate their package, and even negotiating a small amount per month can offer big returns in the long run. Here are some tips for negotiating your salary in English. Thank you for your offer. No matter what your decision and what the package, make sure you give your thanks. You may also want to offer phrases such as, "I appreciate your consideration" and "I am honored that you have selected me." Hmm... It's often difficult to negotiate an offer once you've shown extreme interest in the job and satisfaction in the salary, so it's best to start at the beginning. Instead of saying, "OK", when you hear the salary figure, say "Hmmm..." This lets the hiring manager know you aren't quite satisfied and can lead to immediate negotiations. Based on my current salary... Give a reason for your higher expectations. Maybe it's based on your current salary, other job offers or statistics you've recently read about your field. Finish up the sentence with, "I had something a little higher in mind" or "I was expecting something within the 5 to 7,000 range." Can I let you know my final decision on Monday? Hiring managers have been known to put the squeeze on, especially if they really want you, but don't rush into decisions. Request at least several days to think through the decision. You can add, "I'm very interested in your company, but this will give me some time to make a more informed decision." I'll take it! When it comes down to the final decision, this is a fun and friendly way to accept an offer. If you had something more formal in mind, say "I'd like to formally accept your offer." If, on the other hand, you don't want the job, say, "After much consideration, I'm afraid I won't be able to accept your offer." Be sure to always give an answer, and to always be polite! HOW TO SURVIVE AN INTERVIEW IN ENGLISH You've found the perfect job, but there's one thing standing in the way: the interview. "What if I say something wrong?" you think. Stop worrying! The good news is that many recruiters ask the same basic questions in their interviews. So with a little preparation, you can avoid putting your foot in your mouth and saying goodbye to your dream job. Tell me about yourself Interviewers often start with this question. Remember, they want to hear about your job skills, not your personal life. Don't say, "I was born in Taipei," "I like to play computer games," or "I have two brothers." Tell them about your career growth, what you've learned or how you've developed specific skills. What are your strengths?

Go ahead, sell yourself! The key to this question is to give specific examples. Avoid simply offering a list, like: "Im really organized, punctual and get along well with others." Follow up anything you mention with, "For example " and then explain how you demonstrated this quality in a previous job. Why are you interested in working for our company? Employers want to know why you want to work for them. So show them you understand what the company does and that you're enthusiastic about the work. Don't start with "Umm," "I don't know," "It seemed like a good career move," or "I haven't been able to find anything else interesting." Keep in mind that the interviewer wants to know what you can bring to their company, not what the company can bring to you! Why did you leave your last job? Maybe your last job was terrible, but an interview is not the place to talk about it. Even if it's true, never make negative or opinionated comments about your current or past employers or co-workers: "I didn't agree with the company's direction," "I got no recognition for my work," "My boss was totally unreasonable." Statements like these make you sound unreasonable! Do you have any questions for me? Interviewers usually finish an interview with this question. Ask specific questions that show you already know a lot about the company, but want to know more. Do not ask questions that you should already know the answers to, like, "What does your company do?" Or, "Could you tell me your name again?" Also, don't ask salary or vacation-related questions: "When do you give raises?" "How much vacation time can I expect?" Save those questions for after you hear, "We'd like to offer you the job." WHAT ENGLISH INTERVIEWERS ARE LOOKING FOR If you're like most people, the prospect of a job interview alone is enough to make you nervous. But a job interview in English? That can really give you the jitters especially if you don't know what to expect. It's vital to dress professionally, research the company and follow up with a personalized thank-you note, but it's even more important to know how to best answer common questions. Use these tips to get the edge in an English interview. Tell me about yourself. This will probably be the first question you hear. No need to recount your life history. Instead focus on your qualities that relate to the position, such as discussing work-experience, skills and accomplishments. What are your three greatest strengths? It's important to know who you are and what makes you a good fit for this job. Share your qualities that would make you an asset to the company, and back them up with examples from your past. For example, you could share how your excellent communication skills help you resolve customers' problems and frustrations. Your three greatest weaknesses? While you need to be honest here, it's not the time to reveal all your shortcomings especially those which will make you seem incompetent. Instead, choose weaknesses that can also be viewed as strengths, such as saying you sometimes spend more time than others completing projects because you pay careful attention to detail. Tell me about a time when... If your interviewer asks a question beginning this way, he or she is looking for a specific example from your past, not a generalization of what you would do in that situation. It's a good idea to be prepared with a list of previous accomplishments that you can use for examples for questions like these. Do prefer working individually or with a team? Employers are looking for team-players who are capable of doing their work on their own. It's important to state your preference, but also to mention that you can function easily in either situation. Why do you want to work here? Here, your interviewer isn't just looking for compliments about his company. Rather, detail how your previous experiences make you a good fit and can help you contribute to the company. The more research you have done about the position and company values, the more equipped you'll be to answer this. Interview DOs Dress appropriately for the industry; err on the side of being conservative to show you take the interview seriously. Your personal grooming and cleanliness should be impeccable. Know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long it takes to get there, park, find a rest room to freshen up, etc. Arrive early; 10 minutes prior to the interview start time [or earlier if the event or employer instructs you to do so]. Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you might be solicited during hiring decisions. Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer.

Listen to be sure you understand your interviewer's name and the correct pronunciation. Even when your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your interviewer by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name, until invited to do otherwise. Maintain good eye contact during the interview. Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching. Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific examples whenever possible. Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question. Be thorough in your responses, while being concise in your wording. Be honest and be yourself your best professional self. Dishonesty gets discovered and is grounds for withdrawing job offers and for firing. You want a good match between yourself and your employer. If you get hired by acting like someone other than yourself, you and your employer will both be unhappy. Treat the interview seriously and as though you are truly interested in the employer and the opportunity presented. Exhibit a positive attitude. The interviewer is evaluating you as a potential co-worker. Behave like someone you would want to work with. Have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Having done your research about the employer in advance, ask questions which you did not find answered in your research. Evaluate the interviewer and the organization s/he represents. An interview is a two-way street. Conduct yourself cordially and respectfully, while thinking critically about the way you are treated and the values and priorities of the organization. Do expect to be treated appropriately. If you believe you were treated inappropriately or asked questions that were inappropriate or made you uncomfortable, discuss this with a Career Services advisor or the director. Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next. Know what action you are expected to take next, if any. When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact. Depart gracefully. After the interview, make notes right away so you don't forget critical details. Write a thank-you letter to your interviewer promptly. Interview DON'Ts Don't make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions. Don't make negative comments about previous employers or professors (or others). Don't falsify application materials or answers to interview questions. Don't treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice. This is an insult to the interviewer and to the organization. Don't give the impression that you are only interested in an organization because of its geographic location. Don't give the impression you are only interested in salary; don't ask about salary and benefits issues until the subject is brought up by your interviewer. Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment. Don't make the interviewer guess what type of work you are interested in; it is not the interviewer's job to act as a career advisor to you. Don't be unprepared for typical interview questions. You may not be asked all of them in every interview, but being unprepared will not help you. A job search can be hard work and involve frustrations; don't exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude in an interview. Don't go to extremes with your posture; don't slouch, and don't sit rigidly on the edge of your chair. Don't assume that a female interviewer is "Mrs." or "Miss." Address her as "Ms." unless told otherwise. (If she has a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree or medical degree, use "Dr. [lastname]" just as you would with a male interviewer. Marital status of anyone, male or female, is irrelevant to the purpose of the interview. Don't chew gum or smell like smoke. Don't allow your cell phone to sound during the interview. (If it does, apologize quickly and ignore it.) Don't take a cell phone call. Don't look at a text message. Don't take your parents, your pet (an assistance animal is not a pet in this circumstance), spouse, fiance, friends or enemies to an interview. If you are not grown up and independent enough to attend an interview alone, you're insufficiently grown up and independent for a job. (They can certainly visit your new city, at their own expense, but cannot attend your interview.)