The Interview Process:

Over the next 3 weeks, the Shelton State Career Services Center will be providing you information regarding the 3 stages of an interview:


Stage 1: Before the Interview

Stage 2: During the Interview

Stage 3: After the Interview

The information we will be sharing is from www.Employopedia.com. This website not only helps to prepare you for a job interview, it also provides tools for all of your career needs.

STAGE 1 – Before the Interview


Before the Interview:

• Know Yourself

• Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and know exactly what you want to say

• Identify several key strengths with examples from your past experience

• Evaluate problem areas in your record and be prepared to offer a strong case for these during the interview

• Do not volunteer negative information about yourself or a former employment situation

Prepare Yourself:

• Keep your objective concise and realistic. Research the types of positions that are appropriate for someone with your background and accomplishments

• Consider what you want to communicate and how you are going to communicate – your personal qualities, functional skills, and special areas of knowledge that relate to the particular organization

• Write out practice answers to possible questions from the interviewer

• Prepare a list of well-researched questions for the interviewer

• Be aware of cultural differences in communicating, especially if you are looking for international jobs

Write your résumé:

• Make it individualized and accurate.

• It is your best advertisement.

• Be able to support everything with specific examples as you will probably be asked to elaborate on some of them during the interview.

Research the organization:

Learn as much as you can about the company. Read the company literature, review their website, request information directly from the company, and speak with employees and people in the field. Read the business section in local newspapers, trade journals, newsletters, business magazines and directories. If the company is public look for information on SEC’s Website at www.sec.gov, and Reference USA, www.referenceusa.com, Listed below are some of the things you may wish to find out:

• The size of the firm, including the number of employees

• The location of the organization’s headquarters

• The potential growth of the company and the industry it represents

• The annual sales growth or expansion of services for the last several years

• The product lines or services

• Types of clients

• Identify the competition and their strengths

• Name of recruiter or others with hiring responsibility

• Is there a training program? Is it structured or unstructured?

• What is the typical career path within the organization

• The CEO and President

• What are the philosophies of the organization? Read their mission and vision statements

• Does the organization and position fit in with your employment objectives?

Company research is the key to heading in the right direction. Remember that research will help you narrow your field of potential employers and avoid employers who do not match your career aspirations. Some of your questions may not be answered but the effort you put into research will help you take charge of your future.

Know how your experience, education, and interests relate to the position and anticipate possible questions.

This knowledge will allow you to answer why, when, and where questions, and reflect your self-confidence and your ability to communicate and relate to others effectively. This will help tremendously when you are asked open-ended questions such as, ‘Tell me about yourself,” or “What do you think makes you a strong candidate for our position?”

Practice interviewing:

• Talk to people in the field, your family and your friends.

• Discuss techniques and arrange mock interviews, if possible.

• Practice in front of a mirror or videotape yourself.

Consider creating a portfolio:


Portfolios are not just for artists and teachers anymore. Provide documents and materials that demonstrate your knowledge and accomplishments. These might include samples of your writing, portions of a successful project, letters of merit and appreciation – anything you believe will contribute to your attractiveness as a candidate.


Acknowledge all preliminary correspondence promptly:


This includes verifying the specifics of your interview including date, time, place, individuals conducting the interview, and an itinerary. Determine who will bear the costs of necessary transportation, meals and overnight lodging.

Reference:  http://www.employopedia.com/index.php/Job-Interviewing/interviewing-the-basics.html




What is your biggest concern about job interviews?



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