: : : Preparation : : :

Rapport building
This is the introductory point of your interview, a time to break the ice usually by discussing subjects which are unrelated to the position. The initial impression you make through your professional dress, firm handshake confident greeting, pleasant and natural facial expressions, direct eye contact and goods posture will set the stage for the rest of the interview. Do not underestimate the impact of this rapport-building phase.

Information exchange
This typically constitutes a major portion of the entire interview and entails two phases.

Phase 1
The interviewer probes to seek information about you. Here's your opportunity to sell yourself. Be prepared to respond to questions about the following areas:

Academic record –creative and intellectual capabilities, Extracurricular involvement - commitment to non-academic activities.

Experience – Internship or volunteer positions or class projects
Interpersonal skills - leadership and teamwork
Communication skills-ability to clearly express ideas
Career goals-sense of direction and knowledge of an interest in the chosen industry or organization.

In responding to questions, give specific examples of accomplishment that provide clear evidence of success. Whenever possible, quantify what you have done revealing the extent of your experience and accomplishments.

Phase II
The interviewer provides information about the organization. The information about organization structure, goals, products and services and specifics about the position vacancy. This is your opportunity to ask relevant questions and demonstrate your interest, alertness and seriousness.

Conclusion
At this stage you and the interviewer clarify important points. Your agenda is to summarize your qualifications, reiterate your interest in the position, close the interview on an upbeat note, and discuss the follow-up procedure. Be sure to obtain all relevant information in order to respond with a thank you letter, which extends your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and confirms your interest in the position and organization.

The interviewer relies primarily on a single approach or uses a combination of styles. These may include directive, non-directive, hypothetical and behavioural interview questions.

BEHAVIOURAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Behavioural–based question enable the employer to compare your skills, interested and future goals with the job requirements to determine if there is a match. The employer is seeking information about your past performance that can be compared to the specific skills needed to perform the job. Areas that could be covered decision-making, organization, commitment, creativity, communication, assertiveness and interaction with others.

Directive questions are very specific and clear such as “Why did you apply for this job?
Non- directive questions are less structured and open ended such as “Tell me about yourself”
Hypothetical questions present case scenarios and problem solving situations such as “One of the job duties of this position is supervision of two technicians.

A conflict between these two individuals has arisen. How would you handle this situation”?
Behaviour questions focus on demonstrated past behaviour as a predictor of future behaviour. These questions are directly related to the skills and attributes required in the position such as “Everyone makes mistakes. What was the most significant mistake you made on your most recent job? Explain why and how you resolved it?

Review the questions in the following pages of this website and decide which examples to use in formulating an answer to each question.

Practice your answers so that you will be able to respond to the interviewer in a concise and organized manner using specific examples from your background.

To ensure a successful interview take time before the interview date to:

Review the job description

Select specific examples of your past performance that will convince the employer that you skills, interests and future goals match the job requirement.

Questions to Ask Employers

1. How does this position fit in to the organizational structure?
2. Describe the supervision and training I would have during my fist year
3. What might I expected to be doing over the next three to five years.
4. How is performance evaluated and how often?
5. What types of opportunities exist for professional development?
6. How is this organization’s management style reflected in everyday activities?

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