Interviewing Skills

Western's Student Employment Services has purchased an innovative software program called "Perfect Interview" that allows users to practice and develop their interviewing skills. You may select the length of interview you want short, medium or long. You then select specific question categories or let "Perfect Interview" make the selections for you. You then decide if you want to experience the interview in "Step by Step Mode" or "Full Mode". Step by Step Mode lets you repeat the questions and answers, so you can work at your own pace. Full Mode takes you through without any breaks - just like in a real interview.

Western students/graduates may reserve a time during regular office hours in Student Employment Services (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Coleman Building Room 133) to sit down at this computer and practice interviewing with a video camera. Stop by the office to reserve a time and/or call 608-785-9440.

Basic Skills

Be Confident

You have every reason to be feeling confident before you go to your interview. Why? Because the employer has already decided that you are qualified to perform in the position you have applied for on the basis of your resume, application, or previous discussions with you.

So, why are you being interviewed? The answer is that the employer wants to learn three basic things about you:

  • 1. Will you fit in?
  • 2. Are you dependable?
  • 3. Evidence that you really can perform the essential tasks of the job.

The Three Ps

Prepare before you go, Polish your presentation, and Post-interview strategies

1. Prepare and Plan

Research the company and the position by calling ahead and asking for a copy of the job description and company literature if it is available. You may research company and employment information in the library, the Internet or Western's Student Employment Services Website (Hot Picks). Your research will be evident during your interview and will make you stand out among other candidates.

Transportation Arrangements

Know the location of the interview. Even though you may have a general idea of the address, you may be surprised about how much time it takes to get there, find parking, as well as arriving at the designated office. Call ahead of time for proper directions, then make a trail run, as this will help you plan for any delays due to traffic or construction.

Prepare Your Paperwork

Once again, calling the employer ahead of time will help you prepare for any required paperwork. Ask: "Will I be completing an application form?" "How many people will I be interviewing with?" and "Will I be participating in any examinations?" With these questions answered ahead of time, you will know how many resumes to bring and what other facts about yourself you may need to complete other required paperwork. Example: list of references, social security number, etc.

Appearances Counts

What should you wear? Dress as if you are ready to begin working that very day. Research indicates you should dress one step above what you would wear on the job. In other words, cater your appearance to the position and industry you are seeking employment in. Finishing touches include polished shoes, well-groomed hair, nails, etc. Generally speaking, in a business setting women should avoid too much make-up or jewelry and wear a skirt knee length or longer.

  • The word in today's job market is "conservative". Be conservative in your dress, hairstyle, and paperwork presentations.
  • Once inside the building where your interview is to take place, treat all you meet as if they are the interviewers because they may be!

2. Polish Your Presentation

Initial Greeting

Your initial greeting says a lot about you. Stand tall, smile, introduce yourself and do not hesitate to be the first to extend a handshake. No limp or vice grips here. A simple firm handshake will do. In addition, small talk is OK and probably desirable versus getting right into the task at hand. Statistics reveal that we have about 3-5 second to provide an initial impression, so make this time count in your favor.

Body Language

95% of what we "say" is communicated through our body language. Posture and eye contact are the priorities in this area. Maintaining appropriate eye contact and good posture, even learning slightly forward, indicates interest in the interviewer and the topic being discussed, and establishes a level of trust. Be aware of any nervous habits you may have such as pen clicking, hair twisting, toe tapping, and do your best to avoid these mannerisms during your interview.

Answering Questions

Two basic suggestions for your answers during your interview: 1. Use examples whenever possible. In this way, you will avoid "yes" or "no" replies and demonstrate skills based on experience. 2. Stay positive even when asked to discuss your weaknesses or "problem" situations with past employers. Choose to emphasize what you learned from past challenges or how your "weakness" has become an area of strength.

Asking Questions

When offered the opportunity to ask the interviewer some questions, be prepared. You now have a chance to reinforce that you are an interested and qualified candidate. The following questions may be appropriate for you to ask:

  • Is there anything I can do or study to get a head start on the job?
  • What are the future goals or new directions of this position or company?
  • What strengths or abilities would the ideal candidate possess?
  • Do you have any company literature I could take with me?
  • How many co-workers and supervisors would I have?
  • When are you planning to make a final hiring decision?

Finally, express interest in the position. If you decide that you want the job, tell them so. If you know the interviewer is under time constrains, do not prolong the interview with too many questions. End the interview in a polite and positive manner.

3. Post-Interview Strategies

Continue your positive impression with the following activities:

Mail a thank you note

to the interviewer as soon as possible after your interview. These are usually short letters that show appreciation and allow you one more opportunity to restate your interest and qualifications. Thank you notes may be typed or handwritten if you have neat, legible handwriting.

Call Back

If you arranged a time to call back the interviewer, make sure you follow through. Even if you did not arrange to call back, you may wish to do so anyway, just in case they have been unable to reach you. Calling back reinforces that you are interested in the job. Continue your relationship with the employer

If you were not selected for the position, do not stop your contact here! Make arrangements to keep your application updated with them so that you can be considered for future job openings. You may do this by simply asking: "Would it be OK if I contact you every few weeks to check on future position openings?" Every new employee usually goes through a probationary period and the first candidate selected may not always be the one who maintains the position. Continuing regular contact with an employer you really want to work for may ensure that you are the first to be called when future openings arise.