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Frequently Asked Questions for: Career Services - Interviews- Is there such thing as asking too many questions of the interviewer?
- Does wearing make-up make a difference?
- Which is a better way to dress: dark, plain clothes or cheery clothes?
- If your mind goes blank, how should you play it off?
- Does the length of the interview ensure a hire?
- Do interviewers look down on job candidates who are very nervous?
- Do interviewers try to get your to fall for trick questions?
- What type of questions are the most difficult to answer?
- Which type of interview – screening, panel, etc – is the toughest and why?
- How do you approach an interview that is very casual and relaxed?
- If there is more than one person hiring you, do you handle the situation any differently?
- What are some key questions you should always ask at the end of interviews?
- Is it best to keep both feet flat on the floor rather than to cross your legs?
- What if you think of a better answer to a previous question but the interview has moved on from there? What can you do?
- What if you are late to the interview by complete accident or due to an incident that is out of your control?
- What should you do while waiting for the interviewer?
Is there such thing as asking too many questions of the interviewer?Yes, keep your questions at the end of an interview to 3 or 5 at most.
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Does wearing make-up make a difference?Your presentation for an interview should be appropriate and professional. You also want to feel like yourself and be natural. The more polished you are, the better.
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Which is a better way to dress: dark, plain clothes or cheery clothes?Again, you want to be professional. Standard, neutral colors are best for suits – both for men and women. Options such as black, gray, blue, chocolate brown and pinstripes are standard. However, you can add a bit of color through your choice of shirt or tie for men and through tasteful accessories. I am channeling my “What Not to Wear” knowledge for this one…
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If your mind goes blank, how should you play it off?If you are not sure of how to respond to the question, you can ask for clarification as to what they are looking for. Most often you are provided with a copy of the questions so be sure to follow along when they are asked. If you do not have any experience that relates to a particular question then be honest and say so.
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Does the length of the interview ensure a hire?No, interviews are usually scheduled to be the same length for all candidates since it is determined on the number of questions asked. The questions are usually predetermined and asked to each candidate. Your responsibility is to answer the questions fully, communicate what you would bring the employer and to professionally sell yourself.
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Do interviewers look down on job candidates who are very nervous?No, most people understand that that is usually a factor for interviewees. Just do your best to relax and be confident. You don’t want to create a human distraction though so coming in for a Mock Interview with Career Services might benefit you since the more you practice, the less nervous you will be.
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Do interviewers try to get your to fall for trick questions?No, but each question is geared to provide the employer with important information regarding you as a candidate. The typical questions asked in an interview are usually a mix of behavioral questions as well as position-specific skill questions. In that way, the employer can rank their pool of candidates based on the required or preferred job qualifications, education and experience in order to make a decision as to whom to hire.
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What type of questions are the most difficult to answer?That varies for each individual. However, the behavioral questions where you are asked about how you responded or dealt with certain situations can be most challenging. Practicing your responses to some of these questions is most helpful. Craft your responses in such a way that you shed positive light on an incident in order to communicate what you learned or contributed to a particular situation.
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Which type of interview – screening, panel, etc – is the toughest and why?Again, this really depends on who you are and what your comfort level is in each setting. However, the best way to overcome your nerves and excel in a variety of interview settings is to practice by going through your responses to typical questions. In that way, no matter what the setting is, your responses will be well-thought out, natural and flow easily.
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How do you approach an interview that is very casual and relaxed?You prepare for the interview in the same way recognizing that despite the atmosphere or setting, whether or not you get the job is still on the line. You maintain your professionalism just the same because their eyes are on your potential.
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If there is more than one person hiring you, do you handle the situation any differently?No, you are still responsible for selling yourself and helping the hiring supervisors understand what you bring and what you offer to their company.
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What are some key questions you should always ask at the end of interviews?This depends on what you want to know about the particular company and the expectations surrounding the position that you are interviewing for. Your questions should be specific to that company based on research that you have done. You are interviewing them as well so you need to get answers to the main questions that you have in order to make a good decision regarding a job offer. You can always ask, “Where does the hiring process go from here as to timeline, etc?” OR “What does this search process entail from here and when might I expect to hear from you?”
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Is it best to keep both feet flat on the floor rather than to cross your legs?Women, if you are wearing a skirt, yes. But in general, you want to be sure that you are sitting up straight and presenting yourself confidently. You don’t want to come across as too casual or look slouchy. But you need to be comfortable so make sure that you look natural no matter how you sit.
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What if you think of a better answer to a previous question but the interview has moved on from there? What can you do?You need to stay focused on what is being asked of you now, in the moment. However, when the tables are turned to you to ask questions – you can ask to add something to a previous response. You need to keep it brief. Then you can transition back to the questions that you have for them. In addition, sometimes a final question will be – Is there anything else that you’d like to share with us? At that point you can add the new information
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What if you are late to the interview by complete accident or due to an incident that is out of your control? Always leave yourself plenty of time to get to the interview. It is best to arrive 10 minutes early so that you have a minute to collect yourself. But just in case, bring a contact phone number and name with you so that if something uncontrollable happens, you can call to let the HR know what is going on. They may ask you to reschedule but at least you’ve informed them.
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What should you do while waiting for the interviewer?Take a deep breathe and relax. Review your resume, cover letter and job application and/or your prep notes to get yourself in the mindset.
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