Job Interview Questions

What are some likely questions the interviewer will ask?

"Why are you a good fit for this job?" "What is unique/special about you?"

What is appropriate attire for women?

A pantsuit is suitable for most occasions. Also suitable to wear a skirt or dress that reaches your knees. Don't wear anything exceedingly colorful, tight, short, or sheer. Shoes should be conservative and not too high. Don't wear open toe/back shoes, or shoes that are scuffed and old. Make sure your clothes are neat and pressed; no wrinkles.

How early should you arrive to the interview?

Arrive 5 - 10 minutes early.

How many questions should ask at the end of the interview and what is an example?

Ask 1 -2 questions, at minimum, to ask. Prepare a couple of questions that reflect on you as a person before the interview. Make sure to ask about something that hasn't already been covered upon. An example question is "Can you walk me through the typical day of someone in this role?" or "How would describe the culture of the company?"

What should you do if you don't know how to pronounce their name?

Ask the secretary or receptionist. You can call the company directory and see if the names are verbally listed. You could even call the person outside of business hours and see if they speak their first name in the voicemail greeting. It's important to pronounce their name right!

What should you do when you're asked about yourself?

Be concise: don't ramble off entire employment/personal achievement history. Pitch yourself to interviewer. Start with 2 - 3 accomplishments relevant tot he job, and wrap up talking about prior experience which would be useful. Show genuine interest in the job, and provide them with skills and achievements relevant to the job. Be positive/honest!

What are appropriate hairstyles for both men and women?

Both men and women should have hair that is out of the face. For men, try getting a hair cut before the interview. Women should keep it out of the face: sleek pony tail, chignon, half-up half-down can also work it.

What should you bring with you to the interview?

Bring all necessary paperwork, a notepad, and a pen/pencil to take any notes with. Keep notes to a minimum though. Don't bring a cell phone (if you do, keep it off) and do not bring any food, drink, or gum.

Is it okay to arrive earlier or later than 5 - 10 minutes?

Don't arrive later because it may not leave you enough time to sign in with the receptionist/secretary and to get to the appropriate place in the building. Don't arrive earlier because the interviewer may feel rushed and annoyed if you come too early.

What shouldn't you do while waiting in the reception area?

Don't demonstrate unprofessional behavior such as humming, listening to music, going on your phone, applying makeup, etc. Don't be fidgety. Use this time to calm down.

What should be involved in the thank-you note(s)?

Don't send a standard thank you -- further on your strengths and go off of what what was talked about in the interview. If you didn't answer a question fully enough, you could even re-answer the question. Make an impression. Make sure you have proper grammar/spelling, too!

When should you sit down in an interview? Once your sitting, how should you conduct yourself?

Don't sit down until you have been told to! You don't want to sit down too early or sit in the wrong seat. When sitting, don't fidget. Sit straight (shoulders back, head eye-level with interviewer). Don't slump or fidget. Cross your legs, or keep your legs together. Lean toward interviewer and nod with interest when appropriate.

How should you answer questions?

Give details, well thought-out answers. Don't say "uh" or "um." Speak slowly, and remain positive. Don't lie when answering questions, especially about experience or abilities. Don't bad-mouth previous employers. Don't speak until they are done asking the question. Remain calm, and if you receive negative information, turn it into positivity.

What are some reasons why people don't get hired?

If you "over-stated your abilities in the application and it shows in the interview. If you're late or inappropriately dressed/unprepared. If you didn't get along with people in the office. If you displayed a negative attitude during the interview.

What should you do if you have a woman interviewer and you don't know whether she is married or not?

If you don't know whether to refer to her as "Mrs." or "Miss.", just use "Ms." as it can refer to either. For men interviewers, it obviously doesn't matter.

Why should you know the interviewer's phone number and email address?

If you have any questions about the position or interview location, it's a good idea to have ways to contact them.

Why should you know your interviewer's name?

It's important to know your interviewer's name so you call them the correct name when you meet them and so you can send them a thank-you letter after the interview, and address it to the correct person.

What is appropriate attire for men?

It's rarely appropriate to "dress down." Wear a suit: pants, dress shirt, tie, coordinating socks, and dress shoes. Depending on whether it's suitable or not, a suit jacket as well. Stick to darker colors, and try to avoid flashy prints if you're interviewing for a more formal organization. Make sure it fits properly.

How should you prepare for getting to the company on time?

Look up the direction, practice driving there so that you can get there early enough. Figure out where you're going to park, and plan traffic time.

How do you check in with the receptionist/secretary?

Make sure you leave yourself enough time to check in when planning your arrival time. Make sure to be polite to the receptionist, and make a good impression. Many times organizations seek the opinions of their receptionists when making decisions on who to hire. You'll be showing how you act in informal settings.

What sort of makeup/hygiene/jewelry is appropriate?

Makeup should be natural. Don't wear bright colored eyeshadows or unnatural colored lipsticks. Don't overdo it with the eyeliner and eyeshadow. Wear a light colored nail polish, keep nails generally short. (Especially for men.) Make sure you're showered and teeth brushed. Don't wear overbearing perfume/cologne or even a scented lotion. In fact, you can not wear any perfume or cologne in case of an allergic reaction.

Can you lie in your responses to the interviewer's questions?

No, do not lie. If they find out you're lying, the employer can fire you.

Should you aways dress formally when going to an interview?

No, you should ask/research what you should wear for the position before you go to the interview. if you can an email about the job interview, ask what the proper attire to wear is. Certain organizations may expect business casual instead of formal.

How should you prepare for the interviewer's questions?

Prepare a list of likely questions, and practice on how you will answer them. Don't just practice the content of your answers, but how you respond. (Eagerness, smoothness, etc.)

What sort of information should you research before the interview?

Research background information about the organization and even your interviewer. Research what makes the position and organization unique, and who/what effects their work. Research the people you could be potentially working with, and the community in which you'll be working within. "Mission and Vision" -- what does the organization strive for within their work, and what are their goals?

When should you start researching?

Research once you know you're going to be selected for an interview. Make sure you research about your specific position, and about the organization you're interviewing. Make sure to be plenty knowledgeable, but don't overdo it.

How should you greet your interviewer in the start of the interview?

Use the correct form of name: Miss, Mrs, Ms, or Mr. If you don't know if a woman interviewer is married or not, use 'Ms.' Pronounce name correctly, and be positive and polite. Don't speed too fast. Enter room with proper posture, and when shaking hand hold out your right hand and give a firm shake. Make introduce yourself as you shake their hand. Make eye contact.

How should you end the interview? How should you thank them?

When you notice the interviewer wrapping things up, start packing away your things. Stand up and extend your right hand for another firm shake. Thank the interviewer by saying something along the lines of "Thank you very much for meeting with me today! I am definitely interested in learning more!" Ask when a decision will be made, and if it will be made over the phone make sure they know your phone number and a suitable time to reach you.

Should you be prepared to answer personal questions about yourself?

Yes, interviewers want to get a feel for you as a person. So be prepared to answer questions about yourself. (Goals, strengths, weaknesses, hobbies, etc.)

Who should you send a thank you note to, and how soon after the interview should you send it?

You should send an interview with everyone you interviewed with, and even to the secretary/receptionist, and anyone who helped you along the way. It leaves a good impression. You should send the thank-you within a 24 hour time period from when you had the interview. It's recommended that you handwrite it instead of email, but you can do both if that is your preference.