Practicing The Interviewing Process

Interviewing Appearances:

"You Only Have a Few Seconds to Make a Good First Impression"

Your appearance during the interview is critical . The first impression in the first three seconds remains with the interviewer throughout the interview!

Make certain your image is sharp! Dress and look the part you want. Well-made classic clothing of neutral or dark hues will give the impression you have authority.

For men : a non-synthetic or light wool suit, or a blazer and slacks if the environment you want to work in is more casual. Be certain your shirt is crisply ironed and white or light earth-tone color. Be careful in selection of a tie. Buy a coordinating tie to your suit in a width similar to the width of the lapels of the jacket. Make certain your socks compliment your suit and wear length. Always wear polished shoes.

For women : suits are preferable for a woman or a plain sweater, blouse and skirt. Make certain your clothes are tailored and not frilly with ruffles and patterns or gathers. Wear a conservative gray, black or navy suit with a very tailored silk or cotton blouse of light blue, light gray or white. To soften your outfit or add color wear a silk scarf to compliment your outfit . Select pumps or shoes which are conservatively stylish with closed-toes and a low heel. Wear a neutral color of hosiery. Be careful with jewelry. A simple necklace or bracelet, or a lapel pin is fine. Wear small earrings that don't dangle and only wedding or engagement rings.

Arriving at the Reception Room:

Be certain to arrive at least fifteen minutes early so you can use the rest room and collect your thoughts. It will also allow you to observe the activities of the area and maybe even prospective co-workers. Tell the receptionist you've arrived and be friendly. A receptionist can be an ally. Look around for company information, annual reports, trade magazines, brochures, anything you can find. If you can't find these , ask the receptionist. Find a comfortable seat and try and visualize yourself relaxing to remove the tenseness from your muscles. When you are greeted by the interviewer, stand tall, look them in the eyes, smile and give a firm handshake! Tell them it's nice to meet them and you are ready to begin.

Interviewing Body Language and Listening:

Be careful of nervous body language such as swinging your legs, biting your lips, lengthy avoidance of eye contact, wringing your hands or covering your mouth. Instead, speak with honest open hands, tilt your head to show interest, or lean forward. Listen intently and know when to lead or fill pauses with words. Keep the interviewer's needs in mind and pay attention to strong feelings, signs of boredom, frustration, confusion or loss of interest. Just remember that the interview is simply a conversation where there is a productive give and take of information.

How to Handle Those Difficult Interviewing Questions:

Below are a few examples of complex questions and some accompanying suggestions for handling them:

These are just a sampling of difficult questions you may be asked. If you are asked an illegal question about age, gender orientation, family status, etc, decide if you want to answer. Consider why they might be asking the question. If you think the question is improper and you don't wish to answer, you might ask about the question's relevancy.For more examples of how to answer questions refer to the reference books in Career and Employment Services, or concentrate on a virtual interview in your area of expertise with: Monster Career Center or The Virtual Interview.

1. Can you describe some projects you have in mind for me?

2. What would be my duties?

3. What do you see as my greatest challenges?

4. How long have the other employees been working in your department?

5. What is your vision for this department?

6. How much freedom will I have to set policy and decide courses of action?

7. What values are imperative in the operation of your department ?

8. How might this position change in the future?