Interview Tips

These are the minimum things you should have completed in order to prepare for an initial interview:

• At least three copies of your resume
• The names of three professional references (preferably supervisors)
• Performance awards
• Questions to ask interviewers based on position
• Anticipated answers to questions that the interviewer will be asking you
• Reviewed the companies website

Interview Questions that you might be asked:

• Why do you want to work here?
• What is motivating you to seek a new opportunity?
• What are the reasons you have left previous positions?
  If you have changed jobs frequently or there are periods of unemployment, be prepared to explain those to the interviewer
• What type of environment do you feel would be most conducive to your success?
• What is an example of a difficult situation you have encountered at work and how did you overcome it?
  Describe the pressures in previous jobs using a recent example, e.g. how you coped with a changed deadline, completed a rush order or dealt with staff shortages.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  It is important to have examples of both your strengths and your weaknesses and examples of how you overcome weaknesses
• Where do you see your career in five years?
• What is your availability to start a new position should you get an offer?
• Are you open to travel?
  If you are unable or unwilling to travel, be honest in your answer to this question.

Questions to possibly ask your interviewer:
Remember the interview is a two-way conversation. It is equally important for you to ask the interviewer questions.

• Why is this position available?
• What is the history of this position?
  Examples of questions for this include:
  How long has the position been available?
  How many people have held this position in the last five years?
  Why did the last person leave?
• What are the responsibilities of this position?
• What challenges have you had with this position?
• What are you looking for in the person you hire?
• How will my performance be evaluated?
• How does your company stand apart from its competition?
• How soon do you expect to make a decision?