Students

An interview is an opportunity for an employer and a candidate to meet and assess one another. Your objective is to elaborate on your resume and to obtain first-hand information about the organization and the job. The employer's objective is to evaluate your personality, attitudes, and aptitudes in relation to the demands of the position and the culture of the organization. The interview is your opportunity to evaluate a prospective employer as well as the prospective employer's opportunity to evaluate you.

Please choose a topic from the pulldown menu to learn much more about interviewing.

Interviewing Styles

Following are brief descriptions of interview styles that you may encounter during your job search.

Question-and-Answer

Each candidate is asked the same battery of questions, and the interviewer comparatively ranks the responses.

Behavioral Interviewing

Behavioral, or behavior-based, interviewing is a technique that focuses on demonstrated behaviors as the best predictors of future performance. Behavioral interviewing is effective because it isolates those personal and performance attributes needed to succeed in a job, keeps the interviewer focused on job-related information, and lessens the chance for interviewer bias.

Behavioral interviews are effective in assessing competencies such as organizational and communication skills, risk taking, problem-solving, creativity, team-building, decision-making ability, leadership potential, attention to detail, ability to tolerate ambiguity, analytical skills, multi-tasking, and ability to work under stress. Questions asked in behavioral interviews are open-ended and designed to probe who, what, where, when, why and how. Questions will start with lead-ins including: "Describe a situation...; Tell me about...; Think of a time when...; Give me an example of... Typical questions in behavioral style interviews might include:

• Tell me about a goal you set and how successful you were in accomplishing it.
• What was an obstacle you overcame in your last job and how did you do it?
• Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. Why did it happen? What were the repercussions? What did you learn?
• Describe an obstacle that you were not able to overcome.
• Tell me about a time when an upper level decision or policy change held up your work.

Follow-up questions might include:

• Can you provide an example?
• What did you do?
• How did you feel?
• What was the outcome?

To prepare for a behavioral interview, you should review your strengths and weaknesses, your likes and dislikes, your successes and your failures. Think about challenges you have faced in both work and non-work situations and how you overcame them. Think of examples that highlight your skill sets. Pay attention to detail.

See additional information on behavioral interviewing.

Case Interviewing

During case interviews, interviewees are presented with a business problem to resolve. Case interviews are typically used in consulting. To respond successfully to case questions takes practice. Case questions fall into a number of categories: market questions (“what is the market for HMOs?”); brain teasers (“what is the weight of the Statue of Liberty?”, “why are manhole covers round?”); business strategy (e.g. you are asked to evaluate opportunities to introduce a new product or how to respond to a competitive move by another organization), business operations (“why have Oxford's profits declined?”) and resume (the interviewer might say in French ,"I see you speak French fluently"). Through your responses, the interviewer assesses you on the following dimensions: analytical ability, intelligence, ability to respond under pressure, ability to think on your feet, interest in problem solving, business intuition, presentation and communication skills, ability to sort through information and focus on key points, creativity, enthusiasm, and the ability to analyze and make recommendations.

See a McKinsey & Company sample case interview, visit the Vault Career Insider and Wetfeet resources on interviewing, view video clips of an alumni panel on consulting, or reference Case in Point (Mark Cosentino) in the OCS Reference Library. 

Telephone Interviewing

Telephone interviewing is becoming increasingly popular for the hiring process; employers save time and money and widen their geographical reach. As with traditional interviews, preparation is key to a successful phone interview. Helpful articles are available on phone interviews, interview etiquette, and dos and don'ts.

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Skype Interviewing

For tips on Skype interviewing, visit  Ace Your Skype Job Interview: 14 Smart Tips.

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Keys to a Successful Interview

Research

Find out all you can about the employer: read the employer's literature (job description, recruiting and other general literature); review the website; conduct informational interviews with alumni working at the organization; talk with peer students who have worked in the organization.

Think about strengths and weaknesses, accomplishments and achievements in previous positions, academic preparation, key decisions you have made, interests, disappointments, values, short and long-term goals, likes/dislikes, types of people you like/dislike, lifestyle (location, travel, commitment to family), needs and restrictions (geographical, financial, health, social), the competencies and skill sets you possess that make you a good match for the position. Know your resume well. If asked to talk about weaknesses, focus on how you compensated for or corrected them.

Determine why you are uniquely qualified to work for this organization and why this organization/position is right for you by asking yourself these two questions: Why should this employer hire me? Why do I want to work for this employer?

Practice

Practice in front of a mirror or practice with someone who knows you well and can play devil's advocate.

Your verbal and non-verbal communication skills will be on display. Pay attention to your language, grammar, diction and tone of voice. Maintain eye contact and shake hands firmly. Rein in nervous habits: no fiddling with a pen or paper clip. Maintain good posture: control your seat, don't let it control you. Be aware of your gestures and your facial expressions. Dress appropriately. Review sample questions and formulate responses. Remember, it is appropriate to pause, to think, to gather your thoughts before you answer a question.

First Interview

The interview will include an introduction and icebreakers, questions focusing on you, information on the employer and the job, your questions, and the interview's responses.

Your goal during the interview is to convince the employer that you can and will do the job, and that you are a good fit for the organization. Focus on your achievements and accomplishments. Demonstrate how you obtained the skills to do the job, the depth of your knowledge, and the application of your skills. Don't hesitate to sell yourself. Be enthusiastic and project confidence. The criteria that your interviewer will use to make decisions include: confidence/assertiveness, communication/interpersonal skills, clarity of career goals, preparation/organization, motivation/drive, energy/enthusiasm, anxiety, grades, work experience, collegiate activities, and geographic preferences.

During the first or screening interview, the interviewer looks for evidence of clear career goals, confidence, assertiveness, poise, strong communication skills, a pattern of success, consistency and enthusiasm. How you present yourself can be as important as what you have accomplished. First impressions are of paramount importance.

Interview Suggestions

The second interview differs from the screening interview in both length and context. You will probably have a series of interviews. The questions you will be asked will be specific and job or skills-related. You may be presented with hypothetical situations based on projects on which your interviewer is currently working. In addition to job specific skill sets, your interviewer also hopes to find evidence of your leadership, analytical, problem isolation and problem solving abilities and evidence of your "fit" with the organization’s culture.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the interviewer. Do not ask questions to which you can find the answers in the employer's literature. Rather, ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate that you are well-informed.

• What are the organization’s priorities, both short and long term.
• What are the major challenges facing the department/company/agency?
• How much autonomy will I have in this position?
• Has there been much turnover in this position?
• Why is this position available? Is the individual who last held the position still with the organization? Can you put me in contact with him/her?
• What characteristics do those who succeed in this organization possess?
• How is performance reviewed and measured?
• Why has your interviewer stayed with the organization/agency/company?
• Why do employees leave?
• How many employees will you be hiring?

Never leave any interview without knowing the next steps: time frame and the process to be followed for filling the position.

Finally, evaluate your performance after each interview. Ask yourself if you were prepared properly, if you learned enough about the position and if the interviewer learned enough about you.

Follow-Up

Follow-up each interview with a thank you note.

The letter should be brief: no more than 3 paragraphs, on one page. The thank you letter should be in business format and word processed on professional quality paper, ideally the same stationery used for your resume and cover letter.

In the first paragraph, mention the title of the position for which you interviewed, the name of the organization and the date of the interview. Thank the employer for the opportunity to interview and indicate that you remain interested in the position.

In the second paragraph, mention additional information you've discovered about the organization and/or make an important point about your background and/or skills that were not mentioned during the interviews. In addition reiterate the highlights of your interview that appear to be directly related to the employer's needs.

In the third and final paragraph, thank the employer again for interviewing you and express interest in the position and enthusiasm for the potential opportunity to work with this employer. Mention that you are interested in meeting again and/or hearing from the employer soon.

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Interview Tips

To succeed in an interview, you must know yourself and your prospective employer. Use the suggestions and tips below to prepare for the interview.

Assess Yourself

• Strengths and weaknesses
• Accomplishments and achievements in previous positions
• Academic preparation
• Key decisions you have made
• Interests
• Disappointments encountered
• Values
• Short and long-term goals
• Likes/dislikes
• Types of people you like/dislike
• Lifestyle (location, travel, commitment to family)
• Needs and restrictions (geographical, financial, health, social)

Interview Pitfalls

• Lack of enthusiasm about the position/organization
• Superficial questions about the position/organization
• Poor preparation/inadequate research on the position/organization
• Lack of focus/vague career goals
• Inappropriate attire
• Tardiness
• Exaggeration, pompousness, over-confidence
• Complaints about past employers
• Failing to substantiate statements with examples
• Poor presentation skills.

 Interview Tips

• Be yourself. Relax.
• Request a business card from each interviewer. At the end of the day, jot down brief notes to capture each interview session. These cards and notes will come in handy when composing your thank you letter.
• Take extra copies of your resume to the interview. Have the names, titles and contact information for references with you in the event you are asked for it.
• Dress conservatively. A business suit, for men and women, is always appropriate. Make sure your shoes are shined. Don’t wear too much make-up, perfume/aftershave or jewelry. Your personal hygiene should be impeccable.
• Report for the interview 10 minutes prior to the interview time.

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Sample Interview Questions

For additional questions refer to the Career Development Guide and Planning Job Choices. Both publications are available in the Office of Career Services.

• Describe a time when you balanced competing priorities/demands.
• Have you ever failed? What did you learn from the experience?
• Tell me about the biggest mistake you ever made?
• What was the toughest decision you had to make in the last year? Why was it difficult?
• What frustrates you the most, either personally or professionally?
• How has your current position evolved since you were hired?
• You have been in your current position for (number of) years, yet I note no changes in title or obvious promotions? Why?
• Have you ever been asked to work with an individual that you dislike? How did you handle the situation?
• In what ways was your practicum/internship/part-time position beneficial?
• What decisions have you regretted? Why?
• Describe your strengths and your weaknesses. How do you compensate for your weaknesses?
• Tell me about yourself? (Target your answer to the specifics of the position. Highlight achievements, accomplishments, skills, competencies pertinent to the position for which you are interviewing.)
• Tell me about a time you had to make a quick decision that you were proud of?
• Describe a goal you set and how successful you were in accomplishing it?
• What is the best job you ever had and why? What did you learn in your last job?
• What qualities do you seek in a manager?
• What characteristics do you seek in a prospective employer?
• What are your salary requirements?
• Why do you want to be a (position applied for)? Why would you be good at it?
• Why should I hire you?
• What do you know about our organization?
• Has (name of school) met your expectations?
• Have your career goals changed since you started school at (name of school)?
• What courses did you like best or least and why?
• Given you background in (your current field), why do you want to be a (another field)?
• Are you a leader?
• Tell me about your experiences leading or being part of a team.
• Discuss a situation in which you influenced someone.
• How do you spend your spare time?
• How do you reduce stress and try to achieve balance in your life?
• What were the three most important decisions in your life?
• Is there something I forgot to ask?

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Illegal Questioning

By law, pre-employment inquiries should be limited to questions that are clearly job-related and designed to identify the knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary to perform the job. The fundamental point of reference for all inquiries should be the job description. The federal, state and local laws governing pre-employment inquiries were designed to protect prospective employees from discrimination based on national origin/citizenship, age, marital/family status, disabilities, and other factors.

For a comprehensive list of illegal questions and their legal counterparts, refer to the "Legal Q & A" which is available at the Office of Career Services.   Additionally, schedule an appointment with a career services staff member to discuss strategies for responding to illegal lines of questioning.