The Interview
Congratulations, you have an interview! Use this section of the site to help you prepare. Remember the following information reviewed in class:
How to prepare for your interview:
- Preparation - It’s the Key to Success!
- Practice Interview – With Supporting Lives, a friend, family member, or by yourself.
- Don’t Wing It – Review commonly asked interview questions. Reduce nervousness & boost confidence.
- What to Wear – Employers make assumptions (fairly or unfairly) based on grooming and dress, so communicate professionalism.
- Common Questions - What to Expect
- Get an Edge – Other applicants often don’t prepare, so you’ll have an edge. Write out your answers to common questions.
Now your ready for your interview!
How to act at your interview:
- Be on Time – This means being 15 minutes early. Being late communicates that you are unreliable.
- Shake Hands – When you meet & before you leave, give a solid handshake.
- Communication - Not just words, but dress, attitude, and more
- Body Language & Facial Expression – Posture, eye contact, and smiles.
- Attitude – Be enthusiastic, positive, motivated, and confident.
- Tough Questions - Turn Them Into Positives
What to do post-interview:
- Follow-Up - Be Proactive / Land the Job
Common Questions
- Prepare Your Answers, Then Practice. Below you will find some common questions – prepare your answers to these, then practice.
- Remember Your Soft Skills.
- Ask Questions Too! – Show that you’re interested. You are evaluating them, too. Ask questions that demonstrate you’ve researched the company.
- What are the key responsibilities?
- What equipment, tools, uniforms, and/or certifications are needed?
See below for a list of 10 common interview questions:
1. “Tell me about yourself.”
- Not personal (age, family, hobbies); Talk about skills – including soft skills
2. “Your top 3 strengths and weaknesses?”
- Strengths: Soft & relevant hard skills.
- Weaknesses: Be honest, but don’t undercut your readiness for the job. Are there opportunities
for growth and how are you working on them?
3. “Why do you want this job/Why do you want to work here?”
- “I feel my skills would be well used at your company. For example…”
- Talk about interest in their business.
4. “What did you dislike about your last job?”
- Try to be positive.
- Dislikes shouldn’t be part of new job.
5. “How long have you been unemployed?”
- Working? Talk about your current job!
- Try to explain gaps – were you a housewife, caring for a family member, in school,
doing unofficial work, etc.
6. “What would your last boss say about you?”
- Think soft skills: hardworking, independent, reliable, etc.
- Be specific examples of accomplishments, projects, or assignments.
7. “Have you ever been fired?”
- Be honest, no details & no excuses.
- What have you learned from it?
8. “Do you work well with a team or do you work better alone? Why?”
- Think about what the position for which you are interviewing would require.
- Are you a little of both? Flexible?
9. “Tell me about a challenging situation at work and how you handled it.”
- Think about the job for which you are interviewing – use a relevant example.
10. “What do you know about this company?”
- Before the interview, research the company (use the Internet).
Tough Questions
Felonies – Be honest, but don’t share too much. Take responsibility and explain how you’ve changed. Focus on your goals for the future. Review the Ex-Offender Tips page.
Good: “I made a mistake.” “I paid my dues.” “I learned a lot.”
Avoid: “Inmate.” “Conviction.” “Crime.”
Substance Abuse – Again, be honest but don’t share too much. That time has passed, and you are ready to work. Maybe volunteer for a drug test any time.
Gaps – Cash jobs, part-time jobs, caring for a relative? Be specific.
Follow-Up
Next Steps – Ask the employer about next steps & let them know you’ll be in touch.
Thank Them! – At the end of the interview, thank
