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Interviews and Offers

Ace the Interview

Interviews are critical to the hiring process. The impression you make in the first few minutes can determine if you will get an opportunity for a second interview or even an offer. Although there are no guarantees with interviewing, there are things you can do to increase your chances of success.

Preparing for the Interview

Preparation and practice are critical before each interview. You need to know yourself, your skills, accomplishments and career objectives. You also need to have a strong understanding of the company you are meeting and the position for which you are applying.

Research the company and position

Practice Questions

The "STAR" Format - Answering Behavioral-based Questions

When asked a behavioral-based question, you should answer it in the “STAR” format. In the
“STAR” format, “ST” stands for Situation or Task, “A” stands for Action, and “R” stands for Results. It is often tough to answer such questions on the spot in what can be a stressful interview situation. Therefore, it is highly important that you have thought about these types of questions prior to an interview.

Examples of Behavioral-based Questions

  • Can you think of a project or idea that was sold, implemented or carried out successfully primarily because of your efforts? Tell me about it, what did you do?
  • We’ve all had occasions when things have “slipped through the cracks.” Can you give an example of a time when this happened to you, and how did you handle it?
  • How do you determine what have constitutes top priorities in scheduling your time? Can you give an example?
  • Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision, but didn’t have all the information you needed.
  • Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your team was facing. What was the challenge? What role did you play? What role did others play?

During the Interview

Presentation of yourself and your comments are important. Be sure your responses are concise and organized without being too brief. Listen attentively and be aware of your body language. All interviews fit a general pattern. The typical first interview will last 30-45 minutes, although some may be longer. A typical structure is as follows:

  • Five minutes— handshake, introduction and small talk
  • Fifteen minutes—a mutual discussion of your background and credentials as they relate to the needs of the employer
  • Five minutes—you ask questions
  • Five minutes—conclusion of interview

The interview isn’t over until you walk out the door. During the last few minutes of the interview, it is important to remain enthusiastic and courteous. Shake the recruiter’s hand, thank him or her for considering you, and get a business card. You should also ask about the hiring process and for an approximate timeline for making a selection. Be sure to ask how you should follow-up with the employer.

The Interview Video
The Interview Cheat Sheet

Telephone Interviews

Telephone interviews may be part of the screening process before a face-to-face interview. In a face-to-face interview setting, you may be able to gauge your performance by noticing facial expressions and the body language of the interviewer. Those observations are non-existent in the telephone interview, except for perhaps the interviewer’s tone of voice. Therefore, phone interviews can be challenging.

Here are some tips to “ace” your phone interview:

  • Stand up and smile while you talk. Speak as if the person could see you.
  • Provide detailed answers and specific examples.
  • Ask appropriate questions about the job, the employer, and the interview process - just as you would in a face-to-face interview.

After the Interview

The end of the first interview does not indicate the end of your evaluation. The next steps you need to take can be the difference in getting the job or not. You should always write a thank-you note to the person who conducted the interview. If you were interviewed by more than one person, write your note
to the main contact. You may choose to send your thank-you via email.

Typically, employers will give you an approximate date when you should expect to hear from them regarding their hiring decision. If that date has come and gone, you should contact the employer to get an updated timeline. You should contact whoever interviewed you. This is a great way to once again express your enthusiasm or the job and your desire to obtain the position.

Follow Up With the Employer Video
Follow Up With the Employer Cheat Sheet

Saying "Thank You" Video
Saying "Thank You" Cheat Sheet

Office Visits and On-Site Interviews

After the initial interview, an invitation to a second interview will likely come directly from the company. The second interview is often an on-site visit. These interviews allow the employer to make a more in-depth assessment of your qualifications and personal characteristics and to ensure a good match between your goals and the opportunity available. This also allows you to meet additional people, learn more about the position, career opportunities, and the local community. It should help you decide whether you would like to work there if a job offer is extended.

Employers vary greatly in how they arrange these visits. Be sure you know the itinerary for your visit so that you know what to expect, what to pack if an overnight stay is involved, and how to prepare. Possible formats might include:

Many companies arrange for lunch or dinner during on-site interviews. Meals allow you to meet company representatives in a more casual setting and can also expose you to the culture of the company and the city. You are still being interviewed during the meal, so remember to be professional.

At the conclusion of your office visit, you should ask when you could expect to hear from the company regarding their hiring decision. It is possible to receive a job offer on the spot, the next day, or within 2-6 weeks. If you are offered a job on the spot, it is advised that you thank them for the offer and ask when they need to know your decision. Remember to send a thank you letter (or email) to everyone who interviewed you OR one letter to the main contact person. A thank you letter tells the employer you are enthusiastic about joining the organization and that you pay attention to detail and follow-through.

Handling Travel Expenses

The way in which site visits are funded varies from company to company. Companies may assist candidates by pre-paying all expenses and some will arrange to reimburse you. So keep all of your receipts. In most cases, the employer’s letter inviting you for a follow-up interview will advise you if and what expenses will be covered. If no reference is made to travel expenses, you should inquire about the policy on travel expenses. Be prudent in the expenses you submit for reimbursement. Do not put yourself in the position of being rejected as an applicant because your expenses were unreasonable.