Resumes, networking, referrals, and phone calls get you the interview, but the interview gets you the job. Preparation and practice are critical to interviewing success.

The following are guidelines for preparation. Please remember that there is no "right" set of rules of interviewing. It is an interpersonal communication situation. You must develop a style that is comfortable for you. These guidelines should help you do just that.

Review and reflect on the information in your resume. This is essential for effective preparation. You must be able to answer any questions that your resume might raise.

Be able to give concise, yet complete and accurate responses. The interview is a discussion process. Be prepared to discuss, not just "answer."

Know your abilities and the skill areas you have developed through course work and experiences (paid or volunteer). Self-assessment that examines your skills and abilities, interests, values, career goals, strengths and weaknesses is essential. If done properly, your assessment will prepare you to discuss the aspects of your background that qualify you for a specific position. Speak with a counselor to determine the best career assessment(s) to take to clarify your interests and skills and how those may match certain positions.

Know your strengths and weaknesses. Rather than attempting to bluff or fake information concerning a weak subject, whenever possible, make a transition from a "weakness" to a strength or discuss how you are working on strengthening a particular weakness.

Be able to articulate your career goals—both long and short-term. It is most important to be able to project a sense of "career direction." You may not be able to outline the next ten years of your life or predict where you will be in five years, but you should be prepared to state what you want to do professionally and show that you know of some possible career paths that you can take. This requires doing your homework—self-assessment and career research—prior to the interview. If you have difficulty in articulating career goals, the Career Center suggests that you utilize one of our assessment options. Graduate school may be part of your life’s plan, but unless you have applied, been accepted and intend to go in the near future, it is not something that needs to be shared in a job interview.

Employers often ask questions regarding past performance and experience, so be familiar with your work experiences. Be prepared to describe your duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments, e.g., managing a $25,000 budget as a treasurer of an organization or planning a seminar that brought well-known speakers to campus. Discuss how your work has initiated results; e.g., chairing a fund-raising event that netted $5,000 or presenting a seminar that was attended by more than 300 students.

Mention the coursework and class projects you have had that are applicable to the job for which you are interviewing. You may wish to bring a copy of your transcripts or a listing of relevant courses to the interview if courses are not discussed in your resume.

The brief time you spend with the employer’s representative in the interview is your opportunity to stand out among other candidates who possess similar credentials. By being thoroughly prepared you will know what to expect...what kind of questions will be asked...how to respond...and how to act. Being prepared for the interview can make all the difference in the image you project and in your ability to use the interview to your best advantage.

Become familiar with the company/employer with who you are sseeking employment - their products, structure, services, financial status, competitors, reputation, and any recent major changes. By learning as much as possible about your employer, you will be able to ask more meaningful questions. The interviewer will be impressed with your diligence, and may well relate how you prepare for the interview with how you might prepare for future business meetings. Although an employer may seek a unique skill, many of the same qualities are sought by employers whether they are in business, government or education.

Look to the following sources for employer information:

• Career Center Library • Annual reports (Fondren & BIC)

• Job descriptions • Career counselors

• Internet sites • Current employees

Be prepared to show how your coursework, past experience and/or skills would be valuable to the organization or useful in the job for which you are applying. Present your qualifications in terms of having something of value to offer the organization. Use specific details and examples—experience, avocations, travel, extracurricular or community activities, courses, projects, etc. Do not leave it up to the interviewer to make the connection between the facts on your resume and the degree to which you are uniquely qualified for the position. Make reference to your past as illustrated on your resume while discussing your future and potential performance on the job. Learn as much as possible about the actual day-to-day functions of the job before or during the interview. This knowledge will enable you to effectively make the above-discussed "connection."

Did you know that it only takes 20 seconds to formulate an opinion? You never get a second chance to make a positive first impression! Therefore, you personal behavior and appearance are important considerations in an interview. The manner in which you carry yourself, dress, speak and act will all contribute to the image you are building for the interviewer.

Consider the following guidelines: Neatness and cleanliness in dress and appearance. No severe or outlandish dress. Dress for the position you aspire to have. Dress so that dress isn't an issue.

Males

• A dark colored (black, navy, gray, or olive green) two piece suit recommended.
• Wearing a nicely pressed dress shirt is recommended along with a white T-shirt under the dress shirt.
• Ties of medium width are considered classic and should be tied to hang at the tip of your belt buckle.
• Socks should match the shoes or slacks whichever is darker.
• Do not forget to polish your shoes, it says a lot about you and your attention to details.

• Women traditionally have been advised to wear a suit with a skirt that is neatly tailored. Conservative colors such as navy, black, olive green, plum, and camel are suggested.
• The length of the suit skirt should be either just above the knee or at mid calf level; mini or mid-thigh skirts are never appropriate for an interview.
• Solid colored blouses and hosiery are recommended. Hosiery should match your shoes or skirt which ever is darker.
• The classic two-inch pump works best for presenting a professional image. Shoes should be polished with the heels and soles in good repair.

• Hair should be trimmed or pulled away from face. It is suggested that you do not get a trim or experiment with a new look the day before our interview.
• Jewelry should not be distracting. Avoid wearing multiple rings and earrings that are dangling. Men who wish to present a conservative image should not wear earrings.
• Be sparing with fragrances. Some people are very sensitive to colognes and perfumes; especially small spaces such as interview rooms.
• Don't forget to give your hands a good washing and your nails a trim. Women should avoid bright, vibrant nail polish that could draw attention to your hands and away from you.
• Visible tattoos and body piercings are frowned upon in many industries. Cover them if possible.

Bring: Extra resumes, list references, transcript and portfolio (notepad and pen). You may also want to bring documents/items that illustrate your skills. Turn off all cell phones and pagers, or better yet do not bring them to the interview at all. You should be completely focused on the interview.

Names: Be sure you know how to pronounce the interviewer's name correctly, and get the names of all people you meet throughout the interview. Asking for business cards is a good method of collecting employer contact info including: names, phone numbers, and the correct spelling of names for future correspondence.

Handshake: A firm handshake is a must when beginning and ending your interview.

Manners: Be personable as well as professional, and above all be polite to everyone you meet. Many employers query the secretary or greeters on how the candidate behaved and what the candidate said before the interview. Any time you interact with a company's employees you should treat it like an interview.

Body Language: Be aware of your body language--use your instincts to keep things on course. Maintain eye contact. Watch your posture and be aware of mannerisms; avoid those that indicate tension or nervousness, but do not inhibit natural gesturing. Do not yawn or slouch.

Attitude: Your attitudes are vital. Be direct and confident, but not arrogant. Be mentally alert and emotionally in control (poised). Sincerity and honesty are a must. If you are honest about your feelings and about your qualifications, a "match" will be made if there is to be one. If not, dishonesty may result in a "mismatch," resulting in unhappiness for both you and your employer.

Speech/Language: Speak clearly, audibly and with enthusiasm. Be aware of your vocabulary and grammar: avoid slang, trite phrases, or jargon that is not specific to the industry for which you are applying. Varied word choice is desirable. Avoid over-use of common phrases. Be a good listener and an active participant. Remember that an interview is a communication/conversation process, not a question-and-answer time. Do not mention personal, domestic or financial problems. Be positive in your approach.

Questions: Assume all questions are asked for a good reason and answer accordingly. Feel free to ask for clarification before answering a question. If needed, take some time to formulate your answers before you speak. Answer all questions honestly, but in the best, most positive light. Be specific and give examples of your past behavior to illustrate skills. Review the "Types of Interviews" and "Interview Questions" to prepare.

Former Employers: Do not, under any circumstances, speak ill of former employers.

Interview Closure: Try to conclude the interview with some understanding as to where you stand, what is to happen next, who is to contact whom and when the contact will be made. Interviewers do judge candidates' interest in the job. Make it easy. Say you want the job, if you do. Show a confident, goal-directed attitude. Ask for a business card. Remember to shake hands and thank the interviewer(s) at the end of the interview.

A thank-you note to the interviewer will always make a positive impression. The thanks-you note can be simple, just stating your appreciation for his/her time and consideration, or more complex, stating appreciation, highlighting positive points discussed during the interview, reinforcing qualifications you possess, ect. Mail it within 24 hours of the interview. If the company has not responded to you by the time they indicated, call to emphasize you are still interested and inquire if a decision has been made. The thank-you note could distinguish you from other applicants. if an employer is "sitting on the fence" regarding you and another candidate, the thank-you note may make the difference in the decision.

Interview Formats                                                                                               to top

Interviews occur in a variety of locations from the company site to on-campus to over the telephone. Below are some of the more common interview formats you are likely to encounter. Familiarize yourself with the procedures from the different interview formats so you are comfortable no matter how or where the interview takes place.

On-Campus Interviews

Typically scheduled for either 30 or 45-minute intervals. On-campus interviews are usually a "first-round interview," a screening interview to determine if you have the skills and experience needed to perform the duties of the job. Check InterviewTrak for information on specific companies.

Telephone Interviews

Telephone interviews are becoming more common. This type of interview can offer unique challenges and benefits, both of which you should be aware of BEFORE you talk with your prospective employer.

One of the benefits of telephone interviewing is that the interview is conducted "in your space." You can be relaxed in your favorite T-shirt and shorts, while you sit on your comfortable couch (no annoying suits or awkward seating arrangements). Another benefit of telephone interviewing is that you can refer to notes.

One potential drawback of telephone interviews is that although most interviewers will call ahead to schedule a telephone interview, others may call you out of the blue and expect to interview you on the spot. As you begin to enter your job search, anticipate these calls, and keep your resume, interview notes and information on the companies to which you’ve applied within reach of the telephone.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of telephone interviewing is the lack of visual cues. We depend a great deal on facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbals when talking with others. In a telephone interview, most non-verbal cues are unavailable. It can be difficult to distinguish between interviewers, making it hard to address individuals. If the interview occurs on a speakerphone, it is almost impossible to receive feedback — only one side can speak at a time. Overall, it may be difficult to get a "feel" for how the interview went.

Do notify roommate(s) that you may receive calls from employers.

Do have a professional answering machine message to receive calls from employers

Do treat phone interviews with all the care and preparation you would a face-to-face interview.

Do prepare (research, self-awareness, have questions to ask the interviewers, know who is interviewing you).

Do practice (practice answering questions on the phone or speaker phone, set up a telephone mock interview with a Career Center staff person, or ask a friend to ask you "most asked interview questions" over the phone).

Do arrange a time and place that is convenient and conducive to a proper interview environment. (Don’t schedule it when your roommate likes to watch TV or at your job where interruptions are probable).

Do be ready for an "out-of-the-blue" telephone call.

Don’t read from your notes...you don’t want to sound like you’re reading a script.

Don’t allow any interruptions (deactivate or ignore call waiting, inform roommates or friends of your scheduled interview).

Second Round Interviews

Each round of interviews takes discussion of issues to a deeper level. Similar topics may be covered from one round to the next, but in greater detail. Individuals from various levels and functions within the organization will participate in the evaluation process. Don't be surprised to find yourself answering the same questions over and over.

Second round interviews are most often held at the employer's site, giving you the opportunity to meet co-workers and to assess the work setting. It is not unusual to be invited to talk with 6-12 people individually or in small groups. Your day may stretch from breakfast through dinner, so be well rested and prepared for a long day. Study the On-Site Interviews section for more information on preparing for the second round interview.

Some companies, usually consulting firms and investment banks, make their decisions about whom to offer second-round interviews quickly - within one to seven days. At the opposite extreme, firms will leave you hanging for 6 weeks or more before informing you whether you will be taken to the second round. Or they may never get back to you. Most employers let you know where you stand within 2 weeks.

On -Site Interviews

On-site interviews may occur in either the first or second round of interviewing. First round interviews conducted at the on-site will require more planning and initiative on your part than an on-campus interview, but otherwise the same procedures will apply. Always inquire about the interview process when making the arrangements. What type of interview should you expect, the timeframe, how many people will be involved, will the interview be with individuals or groups? Don’t forget to ask for specific directions to the location, who will meet you when you arrive, and where to meet. Always get the name and phone number of the contact person for further contact if necessary.

You will encounter various processes for "on-site" interviews (interviews held at the employer’s location.) The on-site interview may require you to drive to Plano or to fly to New York City. It may last all-day or just a few hours. Work with the employer to schedule the on-site visit at a mutually convenient time. Sometimes employers will try to arrange site visits for several candidates to take place at the same time, so there may not be much flexibility but you'll never know if the employer is flexible unless you ask.

1. An invitation to an on-site interview, often referred to as the "plant trip," is NOT a guarantee of a job offer. It is a chance to examine whether or not you will be a good match for the job and for the organization.

 

2. Notification of a plant trip may be by telephone or mail. Respond promptly if you are sincerely interested in this employer. Decline politely if you are not. Never go on a plant trip for the sake of the trip. Document the name and phone number of the person coordinating your trip. Verify who will be handling trip expenses. Most medium and large-size companies (as well as many smaller ones) will pay your expenses, but others will not. This is very important, because expenses are handled in various ways: 1) the employer may handle all expenses and travel arrangements; 2) you handle your expenses and arrangements (the employer may assist with this), and the employer will reimburse you later; 3) the employer may offer an on-site interview, but will not pay for your interview.

 

3. Know yourself and the type of job you are seeking with this employer. Don't say, "I am willing to consider anything you have."

 

4. Thoroughly research the potential employer. Read annual reports, newspaper articles, trade journals, etc. Many companies have their own homepage, where you can read its mission statement, find out about its long-term goals, read recent press releases, and view corporate photos. Don't limit your research only to company-controlled information. The World Wide Web can be a valuable investigative tool. You may uncover key information that may influence-positively or negatively your decision to pursue employment with a given organization.

 

5. Bring extra copies of your resume; copies of any paperwork you may have forwarded to the employer; your reference list; an updated college transcript; a copy of your best paper as a writing sample; a notebook; a black and/or blue pen for filling out forms and applications; and names and addresses of past employers.

 

6. Bring extra money and a change of clothes. Also, have the names and phone numbers of those who may be meeting you in case your plans change unexpectedly. Anything can happen and you need to be ready for emergencies.

 

7. Your role at the interview is to respond to questions, to ask your own questions and to observe. Be ready to meet people who are not part of your formal agenda. Be courteous to everyone regardless of his or her position; you never know who might be watching you and your actions once you arrive in town.

 

8. Don't forget your table manners. Plant trips may include several meals or attendance at a reception the night before your "big day." When ordering food at a restaurant, follow the lead of the employer host. For example, don't order the three-pound lobster if everyone else is having a more moderately priced entree. If you have the "dining jitters," some authorities suggest ordering food that is easy to handle, such as a boneless fish fillet or chicken breast.

 

9. Many employers have a set salary range for entry-level positions and others are more negotiable. Though salary should not be brought up until an offer is extended, it is wise to know your worth in advance. Contact the SMU Career Center to obtain more information on salaries. According to Jay Wheeler, Manager of University Relations and Staffing for Halliburton, "Students have been working on perfecting their product for a number of years and should know what kind of product they've created and what the company is willing to buy."

 

10. Soon after the site visit, record your impressions of your performance. Review the business cards of those you met or write the information in your notebook before leaving the facility. You should have the names, titles, addresses and phone numbers of everyone who was involved in your interview so you can determine which individuals you may want to contact with additional questions or follow-up information. A thank-you letter should be written to the person(s) who will be making the hiring decision. Stay in touch with the employer if you want to pursue a career with them.

A site visit is a two-way street. You are there to evaluate the employer and to determine if your expectations are met for job content, company culture and values, organizational structure, and lifestyles (both at work and leisure). Take note of how the employees interact, and also assess the physical work environment.

Just as any good salesperson would never leave a customer without attempting to close the sale, you should never leave an interview without some sort of closure. If you decide that the job is right for you, don't be afraid to tell the employer that you feel that there is a good fit and you are eager to join their team. The employer is interested in hiring people who want to be associated with them and they will never know of your interest if you don't voice your opinion. Keep in mind that although the employer has the final power to offer a job, your demeanor during the entire interviewing process-both on and off campus-also gives you a great deal of power.

Employers use a variety of types of interviews to determine if you are a good match for their company. Be aware that employers may ask questions from any of the interview types within your interview. Be prepared!

Employers expect you to relay specific, factual information about yourself. They take your answers at their face value regarding what you have accomplished and why. Most employers will start the interview with the traditional questions about your education, work experience, career interests, etc. In return, you ask about the firm, job and industry. The ideal interview flows like a conversation, with a dynamic exchange of information and ideas so parties get to know one another. The employer may stick with these traditional questions or move on to the types of interviewing to learn more about your skills, abilities and personal characteristics.

Employers are increasingly relying on a method of selecting employees called Behavioral-Based Interviewing. It is based on the assumption that past behavior can predict future performance. Interviewers determine their selection criteria (competencies for the job), and then conduct the interview by probing for examples that demonstrate those skills or characteristics. In particular, they are seeking information regarding a candidate’s knowledge, motivations and past behaviors.

Focusing on STAR’s guides the interviewer in collecting behavioral examples and in evaluating job-specific data. The examples you use to answer behavioral interview questions must contain:

• The Situation/Task you faced.

• The Action you took (what did you do?)

• The Result of your actions.

Typical questions that interviewers ask to help build complete STAR’s are:

• Describe a situation when...?

• Why did you...?

• What were the circumstances surrounding...?

• Exactly what did you do?

• What was your specific role in the project?

• What were the steps you took?

• What was the result?

• What problems/successes resulted from...?

So, what does this mean for you and how can you prepare for today’s interviewer? The skilled behavioral interviewer will get past "canned" or rehearsed answers.

Your job is to think of specific examples of situations (whether in school, at a part-time/summer job or in an extra-curricular activity), that help to illustrate your strengths, how you overcome obstacles, work with people on a team, etc.

Evaluate your past experiences and think of how you would specifically describe the Situation/Task, the Action you took and Result of your action.

Behavioral-Based Interviewing is a "common-sense" approach to interviewing that allows employers to treat all candidates fairly (everyone is asked the same questions), and that eliminates most of the guesswork regarding who is the best candidate for the job.

For more assistance with preparing for interviews consult with a career counselor, have a mock interview, attend an Interviewing Workshop, and read books or view videotapes in the Career Center Library.

Employers, typically from the Consulting and Investment Banking industries, use analytical interview questions or brainteasers to explore your ability to use logic. What really matters when answering an analytical question is your thought process in arriving at a solution, rather than knowing the one correct solution. The employer may even ask you to develop alternate solutions to the same question. (See the manhole cover example below.) The key to doing well is to make sure your thinking is clear and logical and to state your assumptions, if there are any. Remember, there is no one correct answer; it is how you approach the question that counts.

• Don’t get bogged down in exact numbers: It is better to select round numbers that you can easily multiply or divide. Remember that (1) the interviewer doesn’t care what numbers you use, and (2) more accurate numbers might be harder to manipulate, causing you to get your math wrong, which the interviewer will not like.

• Don’t be afraid to think out loud: Doing the work in your head and then presenting your answer to the interviewer isn’t very useful. They will not know how you arrived at your answer and will probably ask you to describe your thought process. Again, the interviewer is interested in your ability to use logical reasoning.

• Don’t be afraid to ask "stupid" questions: If there is some fact that you need to know to answer the question (such as the circumference of the earth) and you don’t know it, either make up a reasonable number or ask the interviewer. Don’t worry, it won’t be held against you.

A. How many blue cars are there in the U.S.?

This is a standard type of question. Because the most important thing is the process you use, rather than the actual numbers, let’s first devise an approach and then stick in some estimates afterwards, using reasonable assumptions along the way. Do the problem in a 2-step process:

Figure out the number of cars in the country, remembering that corporations as well as individuals can own cars.

Take a wild guess as to the subset of cars that are blue.

Now put in the numbers, referring to the 2-step process outlined above:

1a. (250 million people in the country)*(an average of 0.5 cars per person)=125 million cars owned by people. The justification for the 0.5 is that it is a balance between people who own their own cars and families in which the cars are shared.

1b. Add another 20 million cars on top of the 125 million to capture the number of cars owned by corporations (such as limousine/taxi companies, company cars, etc.)

1c. Total=125 million+20million=145 million cars in the country. Let’s round up to 150 million to make the math easier.

2. Because the color blue is fairly common, let’s assume that 30% of cars are blue. So, 30%* (150 million cars)=45 million. This means that about 50 million blue cars exist in the U.S.

 

B. Why is a manhole cover round?

First of all, a round manhole cover cannot fall through the hole, and therefore cannot slip into the sewer system or hurt someone working beneath it. In addition, the rounded shape makes the cover easier to roll and less dangerous to workers since it lacks sharp edges. Finally, a round cover does not have to be placed in a specific position to fit over the hole.

This is a very difficult question that few people get completely right. Basically, the interviewer is gauging your reaction to being stumped. Do you calmly admit ignorance, do you throw out as many ideas as you can think of, do you try to talk your way out of the predicament, or do you lose your composure?

SOURCE: The Insider’s Guide to Management Consulting: Opportunities for Undergraduates by Gautam Prakash

Commonly used by consulting firms, this type of interview is designed to determine your ability to logically analyze a business problem and to work through it methodically. The employer is interested in both the skills you demonstrate in solving the case along with the process that leads to your conclusion. The interviewer is not looking for the "one right answer", but rather observing your approach to the case study problem: how you identify, structure and think through the problem along with the skills you exhibit in reaching a conclusion. The key to doing will is to make sure you can support your assumptions with facts and reasoning as you lay out your analysis of the problem and guide the interviewer through your approach.

In a case interview, the employer will describe a business dilemma facing a particular company. You are asked to analyze the situation, identify key business issues, and discuss how you would address the problems involved. The interviewer begins by giving you some basic facts. You then ask you an open-ended or specific question to uncover key information and move toward resolution. The interview proceeds in an open dialogue between you and the interviewer, with the interviewer guiding the discussion.

You may experience a stress interview where the interviewer intentionally confronts or challenges you to create tension. You might be told your decision to pursue a degree at SMU was a waste of money, that your extracurricular activities sound shallow, or that your background has no relevance to the firm's work. The interviewer puts you on the defensive or makes you angry to see how you respond to uncomfortable or difficult interpersonal situations. Stress interviews are most often used by client-centered businesses, like consulting or investment banking firms, whose frustrated or aggressive clients will challenge you in similar ways. Firms want to see if you remain cool in the face of adversity and think well on your feet.

These team or group activities typically take place during an on-site interview. You and other applicants form a small group that has been assigned a business or technical problem. The employer gives you the information and tools you need to solve the task. The employer either has you answer specific questions or create a system to accomplish the specified task. Your team writes up a short report and decides which member of your group makes the presentation. There is a time limit to accomplish this task.

The employer then observes your team as you attempt to accomplish the assigned task. This activity tests your ability to work in a team. Can you lead the group in a direction you believe is important? Equally, can you take direction from your peers? During this exercise, avoid being domineering or a wallflower. If you can, display a sense of humor. Listen carefully to your teammates and build on what they say, rather than turn discussions to your own ideas. In these exercises, teams are judged as one, doing well or poorly together. There are no individual winners.

Technical interviews are based on Standard, Behavioral and Analytical interviewing techniques with a more technical emphasis. Primarily used by employers in engineering, technology, math and science-related industries, technical interviews identify your level of skill. Employers ask questions about where and how you have applied your technical expertise. Use the STAR system mentioned earlier to answer these types of behavioral interview questions. The analytical questions asked in a technical interview require greater math, computer or technical knowledge, but they are still designed to see the process you use to work through a problem.

Before you begin interviewing, think about these questions and possible responses and discuss them with a career counselor. Participate in mock interviews and be sure you are able to communicate clear, unrehearsed answers to the interviewer.

The Two-Minute Drill

"Tell me about yourself" is a frequently asked question. If the interviewer does not ask this question, you can effectively lift out portions of a prepared response to answer other questions. This question gives the interviewer a chance to sit back and observe not only what you say, but also how you say it.

It becomes your two-minute commercial to sell yourself, to make that first impression count. It gives the interviewer a strong feeling of who you are. The interviewer may interrupt and want to know more about any portion of what you have said. Answer the question and then continue your presentation.

(15 - 30 seconds)

1. A brief statement about yourself, family, hometown, etc.

(30 - 45 seconds)

2. Education, including choice of college, areas of study, extracurricular activities, etc.

(30 - 45 seconds)

3. Work experience and accomplishments. Or talk more about classes, projects, leadership experience, community service commitment, etc.

(15 - 30 seconds)

4. Why are you here? What’s next?

1. Personal life

2. Education, including extracurricular activities

3. Experience and accomplishments

4. Why are you here?

If your past experience can be illustrated, prepare a notebook of samples—a "portfolio"—of your work to take with you. A portfolio may contain writing samples, photography, flyers used to advertise events you were involved in, graphics, copies of projects, etc.

Before you begin interviewing, think about these questions and possible responses and discuss them with a career counselor. Review the "Types of Interviews" section on how to answer these questions. Participate in mock interviews and be sure you are able to communicate clear, unrehearsed answers to the interviewers.

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What are your hobbies?

3. Why did you choose to interview with our company?

4. Describe your ideal job.

5. What can you offer us?

16. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?

7. Can you name some weaknesses?

8. Define success. Define failure.

9. Have you ever had any failures? What did you learn from them?

10. Of which three accomplishments are you most proud?

11. Who are your role models?

12. How does your college education or work experience relate to this job?

13. What motivates you most in a job?

14. Have you had difficulty getting along with a former professor / supervisor / co-worker and how did you handle it?

15. Have you ever spoken before a group of people? How large?

16. Why should we hire you rather than another candidate?

17. What do you know about our organization (products or services)?

18. Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years?

19. Do you plan to return to school for further education?

20. Why did you choose your major?

21. Why did you choose to attend your college or university?

22. Do you think you received a good education? In what ways?

23. In which campus activities did you participate?

24. Which classes in your major did you like best? Least? Why?

25. Which elective classes did you like the best? Least? Why?

26. If you were to start over, what would you change about your education?

27. Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not?

28. Were you financially responsible for any portion of your college education?

29. What job-related skills have you developed?

30. Did you work while going to school?

31. What did you learn from these work experiences?

32. What did you enjoy most about your last employment? Least?

33. Have you ever quit a job? Why?

34. Give an example of a situation in which you provided a solution to an employer.

35. Give an example of a time in which you worked under deadline pressure.

36. Have you ever done any volunteer work? What kind?

37. How do you think a former supervisor would describe your work?

38. Do you prefer to work under supervision or on your own?

39. What kind of boss do you prefer?

40. Would you be successful working with a team?

41. Do you prefer large or small organizations?

42. What other types of positions are you considering?

43. How do you feel about working in a structured environment?

44. Are you able to work on several assignments at once?

45. How do you feel about working overtime?

46. How do you feel about travel?

47. How do you feel about the possibility of relocating?

48. Are you willing to work flex-time?

- There are approximately 250 million people living in the United States.

- The population of China is approximately one billion people.

- The circumference of the Earth is approximately 23,000 miles.

These questions provide a guideline for questions to ask employers. Remember that the most effective questions show that you have done your research and are sincerely interested in the company. Give some thought to the questions that you ask. Do NOT ask a question that you can find the answer to on the company’s website. Most importantly listen and respond to what the employer has to say when answering your question.

1. How often are performance reviews given?

2. Please describe the duties of the job for me.

3. What should I expect for the first six months on the job?

4. What products (or services) are in the development stage now?

5. Do you have plans for expansion?

6. What are your growth projections for next year?

7. Have you cut your staff in the last three years?

8. How do you feel about creativity and individuality?

9. Is your company environmentally conscious? In what ways?

10. In what ways is a career with your company better than one with your competitors?

12. What is the largest single problem facing your staff (department) now?

13. May I talk with the last person who held this position?

14. How much authority will I have over decisions?

15. Do you offer a training program? How long does it last?

16. Once the probation period is completed, how much authority will I have over decisions?

17. Has there been much turnover in this job area?

18. Do you fill positions from the outside or promote from within first?

19. What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position?

20. What skills are especially important for someone in this position?

21. What characteristics do the achievers in this company seem to share?

22. Is there a lot of team/project work?

23. Will I have the opportunity to work on special projects?

There are certain types of questions that an interviewer should not ask because of federal regulations. You may wish to formulate how you would answer, or if you would answer, the following questions regarding:

• marital status

• family plans or number of children, ages and child care

• physical data

• criminal records unless security clearance is necessary

• your religion and race

• rental or ownership of your home

• spouse’s occupation

• your maiden name

• your age; e.g., "When did you graduate from high school?"

One other type of question deserves attention. Once in a great while and fortunately with diminishing regularity, you may be asked a question that you consider illegal, unethical, or at least inappropriate. The question may have to do with marital or family status, race, gender, or some other taboo topic that has no bearing upon your capacity to do the job. The question might be something like, "Will your spouse object to you traveling alone or with members of the opposite sex?" Or, "How do you feel about working in a predominantly white environment?" could be asked of a job seeker from an underrepresented ethnic group. An older applicant might hear, "How would you feel about reporting to a younger supervisor?"

Marriage, race, and age aren’t supposed to be the subjects of job interviews. But it can happen. When it does, it customarily catches the students off-guard. Stunned, uncertain of how to answer, the student simply unravels until the thread of the interview has been lost altogether. For better or worse, so has the job.

A little forethought might have saved the day. Anticipate inappropriate questions just as you have anticipated the predictable ones listed above. How do you want to answer? Basically, you have three choices. You can refuse to answer or you can go along with the employer and respond. Those are two of your choices and in both cases the results are unpredictable. It may well be that there was no pernicious intent to the question and your response, whatever it is, will be inconsequential. Or the opposite could be true and you were being deliberately tested by an irascible employer and your response brought the curtain down on the job. Or labeled you an easy mark.

The third choice has more merit. Decipher the question and respond only to its appropriate content, ignoring the offensive issue. For example, the question regarding your spouse’s attitude about work-related travel contains a legitimate, though unspoken, question. "This job requires travel. How do you feel about that?" You can respond to that on your own terms. Forget your spouse. Simply tell the employer that travel is not a problem for you (assuming it isn’t, of course). "Working in a predominantly white environment" can be translated into a question about the type of environment within which you prefer to work. No racial overtones to that. Just describe in non-racial terms your preferred work environment. Don’t talk about the age of supervisors. Talk about the relationship that you’d like between you and your supervisor. Thinking this through in advance will keep you from falling apart during the interview. When it’s all over you can decide if you think the employer made an honest mistake or acted deviously. And whether or not you want the job. That has merit.