What’s There in Interview Content

You might have already discussed how it can help to think of the interview as an important conversation-one that, as with any conversation, you want to find pleasant and interesting and to leave you with a good feeling. But because this conversation is especially important, the information that's exchanged is critical to its success. What do you want them to know about you? What do you need to know about them? What interview technique do you need to particularly pay attention to? How do you want to manage the close of the interview? What steps will follow in the hiring process?

Except for the professional interviewer, most of us find interviewing stressful and anxiety-provoking. Developing a strategy before you begin interviewing will help you relieve some stress and anxiety. One particular strategy that has worked for many and may work for you is interviewing by objective. Before you interview, write down three to five goals you would like to achieve for that interview. They may be technique goals: smile a little more, have a firmer handshake, be sure to ask about the next stage in the interview process before leaving. They may be content-oriented goals: find out about the company's current challenges and opportunities; be sure to speak of your recent research, writing experiences, or foreign travel. Whatever your goals, jot down a few of them as goals for each interview.

Most people find that in trying to achieve these few goals, their interviewing technique becomes more organized and focused. After the interview, the most common question friends and family ask is "How did it go?" With this technique, you have an indication of whether you met your goals for the meeting, not just some vague idea of how it went. Chances are, if you accomplished what you wanted to, it improved the quality of the entire interview. As you continue to interview, you will want to revise your goals to continue improving your interview skills.



Now, add to the concept of the significant conversation the idea of a beginning, a middle, and a closing and you will have two thoughts that will give your interview a distinctive character. Be sure to make your introduction warm and cordial. Say your full name (and if its a difficult-to-pronounce name, help the interviewer to pronounce it) and make certain you know your interviewer's name and how to pronounce it. Most interviews begin with some "soft talk" about the weather, chat about the candidates trip to the interview site, or national events. This is done as a courtesy to relax both you and the interviewer, to get you talking, and to generally try to defuse the atmosphere of excessive tension. Try to be yourself, engage in the conversation, and don't try to second-guess the interviewer. This is simply what it appears to be- casual conversation.

Once you and the interviewer move on to exchange more serious information in the middle part of the interview, the two most important concerns become your ability to handle challenging questions and your success at asking meaningful ones. Interviewer questions will probably fall into one of three categories: personal assessment and career direction, academic assessment, and knowledge of the employer. The following are some examples of questions in each category:

Personal Assessment and Career Direction

• How would you describe yourself?
  
  
• What motivates you to put forth your best effort?
  
  
• In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
  
  
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  
  
• How well do you work under pressure?
  
  
• What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful in this career?
  
  
• Will you relocate? What do you feel would be the most difficult aspect of relocating?
  
  
• Are you willing to travel?
  
  
• Why should I hire you?

Academic Assessment

1. Why did you select your college or university?
   
   
2. What changes would you make at your alma mater?
   
   
3. What led you to choose your major?
   
   
4. What subjects did you like best and least? Why?
   
   
5. If you could, how would you plan your academic study differendy? Why?
   
   
6. Describe your most rewarding college experience.
   
   
7. How has your college experience prepared you for this career?
   
   
8. Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your ability to succeed with this organization?
   
   
9. Do you have plans for continued study?

Knowledge of the Employer

1. If you were hiring a graduate of your school for this position, what qualities would you look for?
   
   
2. What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like ours?
   
   
3. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?
   
   
4. Why did you choose to seek a position with this organization?

The interviewer wants a response to each question but is also gauging your enthusiasm, preparedness, and willingness to communicate. In each response you should provide some information about yourself that can be related to the employers needs. A common mistake is to give too much information. Answer each question completely, but be careful not to run on too long with extensive details or examples.