Interviewing

Every interview is different, depending on the job, the company and the interviewer. You will be greeted by the interviewer and walked to the appointed interview room. Don't forget to shake the interviewer's hand and greet him/her. The interviewer may or may not engage in small talk during your walk to the room. In the interview room, be prepared to greet additional interviewers (if group interview) and to remember the names and titles of the interviewers. Most interviews will be one-on-one, but some companies conduct interviews in teams of two.

Most interviews are in the behavioral format, others are case-based, while others may be less formal.

Behavioral Based Interviewing

Behavioral based interviews focus on your experiences and how you acted in these experiences. They look for problem solving, decision making, leadership, communication, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, planning and organization, and the ability to motivate.

Case Based Interviewing

Case based interviews focus on your analytical and critical thinking abilities. In this type of interview, you are typically given a specific situation to process and develop. For more information about case interviews, visit the Bain & Company Ace the Case information site.

Prepare In Advance

You cannot over-prepare. Preparation speaks volumes about your interest level.
Preparation will make you more confident.
Consider doing a mock interview at KHE Career Services (BEL 1007).
Research! Review web sites and materials.
Know yourself (hobbies, interests, talents, abilities, goals, past experiences).
Practice again and again. Develop upbeat and positive responses. Handle negatives wisely.
Wear appropriate clothing. Play it safe and conservative.

You should begin preparing for your interview well before the interview date by making sure your attire is neat, clean and ready to go. You should also prepare copies of your résumé for the interviewer(s).

Make sure you know where you're going. Consider a practice run to the site so you'll know how long it takes to get there.

On the morning of the interview, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to relax and eat a good breakfast. You can also use the morning for time to review the company website and job postion.

Arrive at the interview at least 15 minutes early to give you time to relax and review your résumé and any company literature which the recruiter may make available. You should also review the key points you want to convey about yourself. Turn off your cell phone, PDA alarms, watch alarms, etc. Remember to smile!

Interview Tips

Make a First Impression

Use a firm handshake and a pleasant smile.
Make good eye contact.
If you're a coffee drinker, use a breath mint a few minutes before your interview.

What They're Looking For

Communication skills.
Problem solving - a logical path to an answer, key variables, reasonable assumptions, conclusions.
Quantitative ability - try to quantify our responses at every opportunity.
Business sense - knowledge of basic volcabulary needed for the job.
Common sense.
Good work ethic.
Ability to fit in.

During The Interview

Sell yourself.
Speak clearly and have a strong handshake.
What do you want them to know about you when you leave? What do you want them to remember?
Have three or four points you want to get across.
Link yourself and your background to the position.
Develop several short stories that emphasize your skills.
Pick up cues from your interviewer.
Be positive - enthusiasm counts. End "negative" stories on a positive note.
Be your best self - don't be something you're not, but be the best of what you are.
Don't be negative about previous experiences or boring tasks that you were assigned.
Be sure you commuicate well. It's not the interviewer's job to drag information out of you.
Develop two-three questions to ask the interviewer.
Ask about current issues, current events, etc., as they apply to the industry or position.
Ask questions you may have about the position.
Ask who succeeds in this position.
Ask about potential career paths.