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IA: Preparing for a Job Interview

Last updated over 4 years ago
9 questions
In this assignment, we are going to observed and learn different behaviors for good and bad interviews. Then you will create your own answers to prepare for your future interview.
1

(PAUSE at 3:45) Based on the video, what kind of behavior do you think would make a BAD impression at an interview? Create a list below.

1

Based on the video, what kind of behavior do you think would make a GOOD impression at an interview? Create a list below.

Interview Do's
  1. Do your research – Know what type of interview (job fair/group/individual/virtual) you will have and practice.
  2. Know where your interview will be held – Find out if you need to take a drive, bus, subway, etc. to where the interview will be held so that you know how to get there and how long it takes to get there.
  3. Do dress in business attire – Even for the most casual job interview you should dress in business attire.
  4. Do arrive early – If you arrive late (even by a few minutes) you can forget about getting the job. It’s a good idea to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
  5. First impressions – Greet everyone from the receptionist through to the interviewer with respect. (ie. Hello, how are you?)
  6. Do bring extra resumes – And copies of your letters of recommendation.
  7. Greet the interviewer(s) by their appropriate title – Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms. If you are not sure ask someone, such as the receptionist.
  8. Do wait to be seated – Stand straight, pay attention to your body language, and wait to be offered a seat.
  9. Make good eye contact with the interviewer.
  10. Have a firm handshake.
  11. Look enthusiastic (excited for the opportunity to interview with them)
  12. Do show a high level of confidence and energy.
  13. Do mention your achievements, skills, and accomplishments A LOT.
  14. Do take a few minutes to evaluate the interviewer. – This can tell you a lot about the persons interviewing you.
  15. Do show what you can do for the company – Every opportunity you get show the interviewer how and what you can do for the company.
  16. Ask questions about the job.
  17. Take plenty of notes during the interview.
  18. Do tell the truth – It’s much better to be honest right away rather than stretching the truth and having it come back on you.
Interview DON'Ts
  1. Don’t say negative things about past supervisors, colleges, or employers.
  2. Never answer with a simple “yes” or “no” – Always explain your answer and give an example.
  3. Don’t smoke – Make sure to have fresh breath for your interview.
  4. Don’t speak quietly – Speak with confidence.
  5. Don’t chew gum.
  6. Don’t be too open – You should NOT talk about family or personal problems.
  7. Don’t leave your cell phone on – Turn off cell phones and pagers. Don’t answer texts or calls.
  8. Don’t tell jokes.
Optional Articles To Read: Interview Do's and Don'ts | Tips for a Successful Interview

Your Turn!

Read the article "The Worst Job Interview Answers" and create your own answers to the interview questions below. Try to write at least 5 sentences for each question.

Each response should be 5-6 sentences. Make sure you:
  1. Answer the question
  2. Explain your answer
  3. Give a personal example
5

Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself


Hint: Talk about how great of a person you are with qualities that make you a good worker. Then give specific examples of it. You can add a 1 or 2 fun facts about yourself at the end.

5

Interview Question: What Are Your Strengths?


Hint: Include the qualifications the job is looking for and how it relates to the job. Give another example of how it helped you in the past.

5

Interview Question: Can You Share a Weakness?


Hint: MAKE it POSITIVE. Talk about skills you have improved on.

5

Interview Question: Why Have You Decided to Apply for This Position?


Hint: Explain how this job will help you in your future career or goals. Give examples of how and what the company does will help you grow.

5

Interview Question: Where Do You See Yourself 5 Years From Now?


Hint: Talk about what you hope to learn and accomplish by then.

5

Interview Question: Do You Work Well With Others?


Hint: Give examples about how you get along with other people you work with, how you help them. Give another example about projects you worked on with your peers and how it was successful.

5

Interview Question: Do You Have Any Questions for Me? (create a list of at least 5 questions)


Hint: Use this article to help you. Here are a few questions I would recommend.

Questions about the company:
  1. What do you like the most about working for this company?
  2. What do you consider to be the company’s strengths?
  3. What is the management style of the organization?
Questions about the job:
  1. What are the current challenges for my position?
  2. With whom will I be working most closely?
Questions about career growth and performance:
  1. Do I get on-the-job training and external/professional training?
Questions about the hiring process:
  1. When should I expect to hear back from you?
  2. How soon can I start working in this position?