TIPS ON INTERVIEWING

Before
During
After
Typical Interview Questions
Dressing Tips for Men
Dressing Tips for Women

The interview is one of the most integral components of the job/professional school search process. The skills necessary to ace the interview can be learned and practiced through a variety of services provided by the Career Planning and Placement Office. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare for and conduct yourself during an interview.

• Know your interests, accomplishments, skills and goals
• Pick up a copy of the Job Search Guidebook, published by the Career Planning and Placement Office and read the section on interviewing
• Prepare answers to possible questions of interviewer. A listing of typical interview questions is available in the Career Planning and Placement Office. Schedule an appointment with a career counselor for information on questions for specific career fields.
• Know as much as you can about the job and the employer or the school to which you are applying. Check the Career Resource Library for literature and information on employers or academic institutions and career fields.
• Attend a Career Workshop on interview skills
• Schedule a videotaped Mock Interview in the Career Planning and Placement Office to develop and practice interview skills
• Know name of interviewer and arrive on time ... 10 minutes early
• Dress appropriately ... as if you already work there
• Bring the right materials ... extra resume, pen
• Be friendly to everyone including receptionists, secretaries, etc.
• Prepare questions to ask interviewer

DURING: Be Focused and Confident

• Show enthusiasm and motivation for the job
• Smile, maintain eye contact and poise
• Be yourself, act naturally
• Listen carefully and answer questions briefly and honestly
• Ask questions that are meaningful to you
• Emphasize the positive and be ready to explain the negative
• Sell yourself

AFTER: Learn from the Experience

• Evaluate your strong and weak points during the interview
• Learn from this experience and use this knowledge to improve your interviewing skills
• Follow-up with a thank-you note. Samples available in the Career Planning and Placement Office
• Make inquiries if you don't hear in the allotted time
• Don't become discouraged if you didn't get this job
• Keep looking

TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Education and Training

1. Why did you choose King's College?
2. What were your favorite courses? Least favorite courses?
3. If you had your education to do over, what would you do differently?
4. Why did you choose ______ as your major?
5. Do you have any plans for continuing your education?
6. In what school activities have you participated? Which did you enjoy most?
7. What qualifications do you have that make you feel that you will be successful in your field?
8. Does your current grade point average reflect your true abilities?

Personal Traits/Characteristics

1. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
2. What has been your greatest challenge thus far?
3. How would your best friend describe you?
4. How do you go about making an important decision?
5. What motivates you to put forth your best efforts?
6. Why should we hire you over any other candidate?
7. Of all your accomplishments, which are you most proud of?
8. Tell me about a situation where you made a wrong decision and how you corrected it.
9. How do you respond under pressure?
10. How do you relieve stress?

1. How have your previous work experiences prepared you for this position?
2. What kinds of experiences have given you satisfaction in jobs previously held?
3. How do you deal with a difficult co-worker or customer?
4. Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?
5. What kind of boss do you prefer?
6. What were the greatest pressures in your part-time jobs?
7. What's the salary range you're expecting for your first job?

Interest in the Organization

1. Why would you like to work for us?
2. What materials have you read about our organization?
3. In what type of position are you most interested?
4. Do you have a geographic preference? Are you willing to relocate?
5. What's the most attractive aspect of working with us?

Career Plans and Goals

1. What are your short range goals?
2. What are your long range goals?
3. Who influenced you most in your career choice?
4. What personal characteristics are necessary for success in a good company?
5. How long will you stay with the job if we offer it to you?

Your primary goal in dressing for an interview is to feel great about the way you look while projecting an image that matches the requirements of the job and company. Your total image should reflect confidence and professionalism. The time and effort you devote to being well-groomed and appropriately dressed will most definitely help you make a positive first impression.

Dressing Tips for Men

BASIC IS BEST
Classic styles work best in the business world. The basic business suit is still a solid pinstripe or muted plaid in navy or grey, of the straight-leg variety. Tweeds in navy and touches of brown, as well as double-breasted styles are also appropriate. Good fabric is the most important quality in a suit. While a business suit is the preferred attire for interviews, a navy blazer and gray trousers are sometimes acceptable, depending upon the position.

MEN'S SHIRTS AND TIES
Shirts - Should be long sleeved and fit well. Correct business shirts are generally solids, i.e. light blue or white. The fabric should be 100% cotton or cotton-polyester blend. Shirts should always be clean and well-pressed. Slightly starched shirts look best in interviews.
Ties - A tie should pull your look together, add color, and enhance your total appearance. The preferred tie is 100% silk and is tied neatly at the collar. Solids, stripes or small patterns work best.

SHOES AND SOCKS
Shoes - Leather, lace-up or slip-on style shoes in either black or brown work best for business wear. Shoes should be in good condition and polished.
Socks - Calf-length hose in dark colors to match suits.

YOUR TOTAL APPEARANCE
Hair - Most men should not wear facial hair of any kind and should wear a neat, short hairstyle. Men's hair should not be longer than their shirt collar.
Grooming - Nails should be clean and neat in appearance. Shave closely (and carefully!) before the interview. Use a deodorant/antiperspirant and use a light touch with colognes and aftershaves.

BE BUSINESS LIKE
Suits are best if you can afford them. You should buy the best quality suit you can afford -- buying classic styles will serve you well over several years and can be easily accessorized to add variety to your wardrobe. A dress can be worn to an interview, but a jacket should be worn over it. Never wear slacks or shorts.

NEUTRAL COLORS
It's generally best to wear neutral colors, such as beige, navy, brown, camel, grey or black. Understated plaids are also acceptable.

BLOUSES AND SCARVES

• Solid blouses work best for women's suits in business. The blouse should have a "classic look," i.e. no frills or lace. Plunging necklines are not appropriate.
• A good silk scarf can add versatility to your wardrobe by pulling together an outfit. Usually, a scarf worn around the neck will replace any neckline jewelry.

SHOES AND HOSIERY
Shoes - A basic pump with medium heels usually works best. Shoes should be in good condition and polished. Generally black, navy, dark brown, taupe, and burgundy are good choices. Coordinate with your outfit.
Hosiery - Neutral colored hosiery is generally best. (Tip: Keep an extra pair of pantyhose in your locker or bag, just in case of snags or runs!)

YOUR TOTAL APPEARANCE
Hair - Should be neat, clean, flattering, easy to maintain, and yours (no wigs or hairpieces!)

Make-up - All women generally look better with some make-up and it should be appropriately applied. "Day-time" makeup should enhance your appearance, not completely cover it.

Fragrance - A fresh scent is usually the most appealing. Use a light touch with colognes and perfumes. Use a deodorant/anti-perspirant combination.

Jewelry - Gold, silver, pearls. Watches should be worn. Don't wear jewelry that draws too much attention to itself or that dangles, clangs or jingles.