Module 07: Sharpening Interview Skills

Question 1

This type of interview happens when the candidate is interviewed by one person.

Answer 1

The Traditional One on one Interview

Question 2

This type of interview happens when the candidate is interviewed by a panel or a group.

Answer 2

The Panel Interview

Question 3

This type of interview happens when the candidate is interviewed along with fellow candidates.

Answer 3

The Group Interview

Question 4

Determine the type of interview questions based on the following.

(1) Tell me about yourself.
(2) What was your course and major in college, and why did you choose it?
(3) If you could do it over again, would you stay in the same field? Why?
(4) What are your greatest strengths?
(5) What are some things you enjoy doing in your spare time?
(6) What are your hobbies, sports or interests?

Answer 4

Getting to know you Questions

Question 5

Determine the type of interview questions based on the following.

(1) What specific qualifications do you have for this job?
(2) Can you talk about your previous work experience, whether part time jobs or internships?
(3) What were your biggest achievements in college?
(4) Why should we hire you when there are other applicants with better credentials or more experience?

Answer 5

Questions About Your Qualifications

Question 6

Determine the type of interview questions based on the following.

(1) Where do you see yourself five years from now?
(2) If you were hired for this position, what would you do to ensure that you fit in?
(3) Do you plan to continue your education?

Answer 6

Forward looking Questions

Question 7

Determine the type of interview questions based on the following.

(1) What are your greatest weaknesses
(2) Is there anything you would like to change about your personality? What is this, and why?
(3) How did you prepare for this interview?
(4)Do you feel you achieved the best grade point average of which you were capable in college?
(5) Have you ever faced an ethical dilemma? What did you do and how do you feel about it?
(6) If a superior gave you specific instructions to do something in a particular way, and you knew that way was wrong, what actions would you take?

Answer 7

Tough Questions

Question 8

Determine the type of interview questions based on the following.

(1) What kind of salary do you expect?
(2) How much did you previously earn?
(3) How much are you presently earning?
(4) By age ___, how much money do you expect to earn?
(5) Can you take a pay cut from your current (or previous) job?

Answer 8

Questions About Money

Question 9

Successful job interviews rely heavily in your ability to effectively present your success stories. One approach to telling success stories is the

Answer 9

STAR method (Situation-Tasks-Actions-Results)

Question 10

What is the description for Situation under the STAR Method?

Answer 10

Describe a specific situation that you were in or the task you needed to accomplish.

Question 11

What is the description for Tasks under the STAR Method?

Answer 11

What was the goal that you were working on?

Question 12

What is the description for Actions under the STAR Method?

Answer 12

Describe the actions that you took that led to the outcome.

Question 13

What is the description for Results under the STAR Method?

Answer 13

Describe the outcome of your actions. Highlight your role in that outcome.

Question 14

Under the STAR method, determine which of the following was used based on the statement. I personally enjoy working in teams. Back in college, we had a number of tasks that required collaboration among us, students. One of which was our thesis, a final requirement for our graduation.

Answer 14

Situation

Question 15

Under the STAR method, determine which of the following was used based on the statement. I was identified as the leader of the group. At first, everything was going according to our work schedule until one of our groupmates started not to come to our work meetings. She told me that she was unavailable because she was a working student. My other groupmates were dissatisfied with her explanation that they were convincing me to drop her from the group.

Answer 15

Tasks

Question 16

Under the STAR method, determine which of the following was used based on the statement. Instead of telling the teacher about it, I decided to meet up with my “working student” classmate. I asked first the difficulties that she has in relation to our tasks. I also presented to her the problems that we have encountered and will still encounter if she continues not to do her assigned tasks.

Answer 16

Actions

Question 17

Under the STAR method, determine which of the following was used based on the statement. By the end of our meet up, we agreed on a common schedule that will allow her to meet us. I have also reassigned her certain tasks that require independent work so that she will not need take time out of her work. I learned from that experience the importance of dialogue to make a team work effectively. When I took the time to reach out to my classmate, I think I did not only help her but I also made our team work as a team and eventually win the Best Thesis award.

Answer 17

Results

Question 18

This type of interviewer is characterized to be warm, friendly, coaxing, encouraging, personal style. Will approach the interview with a degree of informality.

Answer 18

The relationship builder

Question 19

This type of interviewer is interested getting to know you as a 3D individual. Looking for stories with emotional and human consequences. Interested as much in how you do things as what you have achieved.

Answer 19

The relationship builder

Question 20

This type of interviewer is cold, clinical, forensic interest in hard facts and examples. Will approach the interview with a degree of formality.

Answer 20

The Analyst

Question 21

This type of interviewer will ask very precise, preformulated (sometimes staccato) questions and will allow little time for small talk or pleasantries. Will look mainly for hard evidence of achievement.

Answer 21

The Analyst

Question 22

This type of interviewer is controlling, edgy and often hostile or negative in their attitude and questioning.

Answer 22

The Dominator

Question 23

This type of interviewer will seek to put on the back foot, cause you to defend your own assumptions and test the reality of your achievements. May be deliberately blunt or rude to see how you react. Will not care much if they discomfort or upset you.

Answer 23

The Dominator

Question 24

This type of interviewer specializes in asking really tough questions designed to see how you respond under pressure. Will use lots of specific probing questions.

Answer 24

The Super Interrogator

Question 25

This type of interviewer is forensically interested in getting to the truth about you. Will ask lots of why, how and tell me precisely questions and will be relentless until satisfied.

Answer 25

The Super Interrogator

Question 26

This type of interviewer observes and listens a lot. asks few questions, looks bored with or indifferent to the whole process.

Answer 26

The Detached

Question 27

This type of interviewer is interest and may be designed to provoke if interview with others. It might be a deliberate plan to stand apart from the interview and flow and watch your responses and reactions.

Answer 27

The Detached

Question 28

This type of interviewer asks off the wall questions and makes strong statements designed to provoke a strong reaction from you.

Answer 28

The Non conformist

Question 29

This type of interviewer may be a test about how you deal with the unexpected and the unconventional and how you respond to controversial issues.

Answer 29

The Non conformist

Question 29

What should the applicant do before an interview?

Answer 29

(1) Have the right mindset
(2) Research
(3) Know the typical questions asked.

Question 30

In this, the applicant should remember that the primary goal of the interviewer is to learn whether you have the skills, training, experience, and interest necessary to fulfill the requirements of the position. Answer their questions honestly so that you may both find out if you can meet the company’s needs.

Answer 30

Have the right mindset

Question 31

In this, the applicant should gather information about the company you are applying to so you can adjust your responses to fit that company. Find out specifically about the company’s leaders, its mission and vision or business philosophy, its products, services, or customers, and its competition. Based on this, thin about your goals, strengths, and weaknesses. Think about why the company would be interested in you. Finally, think about what the job involves in terms of duties, hours, wages, and opportunities for advancement.

Answer 31

Research

Question 32

What should the applicant do during the interview?

Answer 32

(1) Arrive early and present yourself well.
(2) Smile, make frequent eye contact and control body movements
(3) Be clear
(4) Wait for the interviewer to officially signal the end of the interview.

Question 33

In this the applicant should be on time, even 5 minutes early, so that you have time to compose yourself before you step into the interview room. Introduce yourself to the office staff and say why you are there. Complete forms neatly and quietly. Greet the interviewer confidently with a handshake, look him or her in the eye, and try your best to seem at ease (via small talk, if necessary). Listen carefully to what he or she says.

Answer 33

Arrive early and present yourself well.

Question 34

In this the applicant should sit erect, leaning forward slightly. Keep your feet on the floor. Sound enthusiastic and interested but sincere.

Answer 34

Smile, make frequent eye contact, and control your body movements

Question 35

In this the applicant should answer questions clearly and briefly. Restate questions in your own words if you are unsure about what the interviewer means. State your strengths and how you use them.

Answer 35

Be Clear

Question 36

In this the applicant should ask at this point, what action will follow or when you will be contacted. Then, thank the interviewer for considering you for the position.

Answer 36

Wait for the interviewer to officially signal the end of the interview

Question 37

What are some things the applicant needs to do after an interview?

Answer 37

(1) Record some notes
(2) Send a brief but thoughtful follow up email
(3) Reflect
(4) Send a thank you note
(5) If you can, ask for feedback