PREPARING FOR A
JOB INTERVIEW
PROFESSOR AHLAM LAMJAHDI
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Do Your Research!
Take the time to learn about the job and specific
company you will be meeting with. You should
become familiar with the company’s philosophy
and values to find out what they are looking for
in an employee.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW CONT…
Interview Format
Find out some information about the interview itself. For example, who will be
interviewing you – the hiring manager, the CEO, an employee? Are you going to be
interviewed by more than one person?
If certain logistics about the interview are not clear, it is perfectly acceptable to contact
the employer to seek out the information you need.
OR, do a Google search to see if there is anything online about the company’s interview
protocol. You’d be surprised about what you can find online.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW CONT…
Practice!
Participate in a mock interview if possible or practice
responding to interview questions with a available family
and friends.
**We focus on this next week when we discuss possible
interview questions**
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW CONT…
Prep Application Materials
Go over your application materials – resume,
cover letter, essays – and be prepared to talk
about their content and your experiences.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW CONT…
Stay Up-To-Date
• Brush up on current events around the world.
• Although it is not possible to be up to date on every piece of
news related to your career, it is incredibly important for you
to stay aware of trends and newsworthy items for discussion
in interviews.
• Employers seek candidates who have an awareness of what is
happening in the world, and you should be prepared to share
your thoughts on what is happening today.
DRESS TO IMPRESS
• Make a great first impression with the clothes that you
wear.
• Some company’s allow a more relaxed form of interview
attire, while others are more formal.
• It is your responsibility to know the industry and dress
accordingly. If in doubt, do some online research, or
contact someone you know who works for this
organization.
PROFESSIONAL DRESS
Suits (men or women):
• A conservative well-pressed (black, navy, gray, brown) pant or
skirt suit is best.
• Make sure the suit is not too tight to sit down comfortably and
not too loose either. If you want to express yourself, simply add
a colored shirt under the jacket, but avoid bright colored suits.
• If you are wearing a tie, go for a solid color or a simple pattern.
Trendy doesn’t always equal appropriate for a traditional
interview.
PROFESSIONAL DRESS CONT…
Shirt:
• Select a top that is neat, pressed, and clean, such as traditional button-
down or a simple round neckline.
• Avoid shirts that can be interpreted as revealing.
• Remember, business professional dress tends to be more conservative.
Shoes:
• Stay away from overly flashy or casual shoes draw attention away from
your face
• Select solid colored, closed-toed shoes that are clean and shined…in
which you can comfortably walk!
PROFESSIONAL DRESS CONT…
Accessories/Grooming:
• Coordinate your socks/hosiery with your outfit and shoes.
• Always avoid socks that are white, have a bold pattern, or look athletic with
your suit. Belts should also match your suit or shoes.
• Keep your hair neat, including facial hair. Nails should also be clean and short.
• Avoid strong fragrances.
• Keep accessories and make-up simple and coordinated with your outfit.
• Bring a portfolio to contain your notes and any extra professional documents,
such as a resume, cover letter, or a list of your references.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE!
Calculate how long it takes you
to get to the job interview
location and practice your route
so that you can plan accordingly
for interview day. Plan to arrive
10-15 minutes early.
POSSIBLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
• 1. Tell me about yourself?
• 2. Why do you want to work for [insert company name]?
• 3. How did you hear about this job?
• 4. Tell me about something on your resume.
• 5. Why are you looking for a job? Or, why are you looking for a different job?
• 6. Why should we hire you?
• 7. Where do you see yourself in five years?
• 8. Tell me about a conflict you faced at work and how you dealt with it.
POSSIBLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
CONT…
• 9. What is your dream job?
• 10. What do you expect out of your team/co-workers?
• 11. What do you expect out of your manager?
• 12. How do you deal with stress?
• 13. What would the first 30 days in this position look like for you?
• 14. What are your salary requirements?
• 15. Do you have any questions?
• **What do you think are the most important questions out of this list?
H A R D S K ILS V S .S O FTS K ILS
TEAMWORK ACTIVITY
SOURCES
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