Interview Tips: How can I prepare for the interview?
- Review your resume. Be prepared to answer specific questions about your background, skills, strengths, weaknesses and current position.
- Plan your interview attire. Wear professional business attire. Indeed’s recommendations include: check for stains, snags, pet hair and holes, lay out clothes and all planned items (e.g., copies of resumes) the night before.
- Prepare a list of references.
- Prepare your questions. Ask questions that demonstrate you are interested in the position. Ex: What are the traits someone would need to succeed in this role?
- Pack pens, copies of your resume and a pad of paper. Write down the name and telephone number of the contact person for the interview. Practice answering typical interview questions. (Find a friend to help you)
Examples: What are your current duties? Why do you want to leave your current position? Can you describe a time you had to work with a group? What are your strengths? - Behavioral Questions – Interviewers are trying to elicit an example of your past behavior in a similar situation.
- Situational Questions – Interviewers are trying to determine how you would handle job-related situations that may come up in the future.
- Tips for answering interview questions: be open and honest with your answers, practice your interview responses aloud, keep your answers under two minutes.
- Use behavioral examples: Think about what is required for the job, make a list of the skills and experience required, then match your qualifications to the position. Think about concrete examples.
- Do not answer questions with a yes or no. Provide specific examples from your previous job or experience and how it relates to the current position.
- Plan your travel to the interview. Leave early.
- Bring the interviewer contact information in case something goes wrong.
- Take a few deep breathes to prepare yourself prior to the interview.
- Greet everyone. Write down the names of the interviewers.
Ensure you are making eye contact and demonstrate good posture. - Listen carefully – make sure you understand the questions.
- Make eye contact.
- Sell yourself - Most interviews start with a question such as: Tell me about yourself or tell me about your career. This is the time to “sell” yourself.
- Ask follow-up questions to demonstrate interest.
- Send thank you emails.
What questions will I be asked during the interview?
During the interview, panel members use job-related behavioral and situational-based structured interview questions. The same interview questions are asked of all interviewees.
Typical interview questions:
1. Resume/Job Experience: Interviewees are asked to review their education and job experience as it relates to the position.
2. Behavioral Interview Questions: Behavioral interview questions require interviewees to discuss past experiences and how they behaved and reacted to those experiences.
Example: Describe a time you had to make a critical decision at work. What was the issue? How did you arrive at your decision?
Example: Describe a time when you disagreed with your supervisors' decision? Why? How did you react?
3. Situational Interview Questions: Situational interview questions require interviewees to explain and provide examples of how they would handle or react to job-related situations or issues.
Example: A court user complained about the quality of service provided by your team. What would you tell the court user? How would you resolve the situation?
Example: You have competing deadlines to complete two important projects for work. You are not able to meet the two deadlines. How would you handle the situation?
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