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TSR Wiki > Careers > Job Applications and Interviews > Job Interviews > Interview Tips
Here are a few tips on how to behave and what to do during an interview.
During the Interview
How to behave
- Shake the interviewer's hand firmly if he/she offers
- Take the lead from the interviewer - note whether their attitude is formal or relaxed
- Make eye contact (but don't stare!)
- Smile where appropriate
- Don't sit down until you are asked
- Look alert and sit upright
- Rest your hands on the table or on your lap to look calm and prevent fiddling
- Don't eat or smoke even if invited, but do accept a coffee, tea or water if you want to
Answering questions
- Listen carefully and concentrate, and don't interrupt
- Show interest
- Talk slowly and clearly
- Keep your answers clear and to the point and avoid talking for too long
- Take time if necessary before answering a question or ask for clarification if you are unsure of the meaning
- Don't be afraid to admit if you can't answer the question
- Don't criticise your current employer, or reveal confidential information
- Be honest
- Find opportunities to sell yourself, relating your skills to the job. An employer is looking for determination, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
- Concentrate on positive words, such as "enjoy" and "enthusiastic"
Asking questions
- Make questions relevant
- Show that you have researched the company
- Ask about training and who you will be working with
- Leave questions about salary and benefits until a later stage of interviewing
- Ask when you will be given a decision
When the interview ends, do say if you haven't had the opportunity to put a point across or to ask a question. Say if you are interested in the job and thank the interviewer for seeing you.
Potential Questions You Might Be Asked
Questions they will/may ask you, and some answers:
- What are your strengths? Easy!!
- What are your weaknesses? I usually say I have trouble delegating, as I prefer to complete work to my own high standard. But I have learnt that trusting someone to do a good job frees up my time and allows me to concentrate on my core job role.
- Why are you leaving your current employer? - Looking for a challenge, current role is restricting etc...
- Tell me about a time you used leadership/initiative/good judgement. What happened? What was the outcome?
- Tell me about a time when you made the wrong decision. What was the outcome? Show what you learned from this experience. Don't say that you were fired!
- Why do you think you'd be good at this role?
- What can you bring to this organisation?
- Do you feel you can work well unsupervised/in a team/both? Examples
- How are you under pressure?
What Questions Might You Ask?
One of my mentors really helped me out by changing my perspective. He said something to the effect of "Interview them as much as they interview you". Think about it, your choice of where to start your career and work for at least a few years is dependent on finding out as much as you can about the company. The interviews are the perfect time to ask the questions, and drill them as well.
Never walk out of the interview without asking questions and finding out if you think this company is really worth moving on regardless if they offer you another interview or offer. Here's some that I asked when I was in your shoes a year ago:
- What are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this position? (Do I truly fit this?)
- How many college graduates are you looking to hire this round? (What are my chances?)
- Describe the culture of your company in and around the office. (Would I want to be there for 8 hours, 5 days a week?)
- What kind of work would I be doing as an entry-level college graduate? (Will I be a coffee-runner or doing important work?)
- What do you offer to your clients and employees that other companies do not? (Why should I work here?)
- What does your company value? (Do your values align with mine?)
Find out if this really fits what you want to do after college. Don't settle for the first offer that comes your way. Just turning the tables in a respectful and inquisitive way will help to relax you and build up your confidence. I bombed so many interviews before I hit my stride and began to nail them. I hope this helps you with your interviews and I hope you find the job that truly fits what you want to do after college!
After the interview
If the interview does not create a job offer, do not be too disappointed. It is excellent experience for the future and it will help you to build on your interview technique.
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