The Interview
The Interview Format
Most interviews have three parts: rapport-building, information-exchange,
and conclusion.
Rapport-building
The rapport-building stage is your opportunity to "break the ice" by discussing
subjects often unrelated to the position such as the weather, traffic,
or a hobby listed on your resume. Be aware that first impressions are
formulated at this point. Make a good impression with your:
- professional dress and demeanor,
- positive body language,
- communication style,
- self-confidence,
- and positive attitude—if traffic was bad, don't discuss it—focus on positive things.
The information-exchange stage encompasses two segments.
- First, employers probe to obtain information about you. This is your opportunity to market your strengths and background as they relate to the position.
- Second, the employer provides information about the organization and position. This is the most important segment of your interview—focus your attention on being the "most appropriate candidate." Listen well, ask relevant questions, and respond appropriately.
The conclusion stage of the interview allows you to clarify important points, summarize your qualifications, reiterate your interest in the position, and articulate the major reasons why you are the best applicant. It's also your opportunity to obtain a business card (for following up and developing thank you letters).
Types of Interview Questions
Interviewing styles vary from interviewer to interviewer. Some employers may use a very structured format in which all applicants are asked a standard list of questions, and others are more comfortable with a more free-flowing conversational style or a combination of styles. Be prepared for variations.Types of Questions:
- Directive: Normally clear and specific.
- Non-Directive: Open-ended and less structured.
Question:
Tell me about yourself.
Answer suggestions:
This might be a good time to launch into your one-minute commercial.
- Hypothetical: Case scenario-, problem solving-,
or issue-centered.
Question:
Describe how you would handle _________.
Answer suggestions:
Don't panic.
With these questions you have to think on your toes.
Just remember to use your best problem-solving skills.
- Behavioral: Skill-, ability-, and experience-centered.
Question:
Describe a time when you had to handle a tough conflict.
Answer suggestions:
Be aware that employers will use the way you've dealt with situations in school or other settings to evaluate skills needed to perform the job.
Question:
What was your most challenging college course?
Answer suggestions:
Be honest and back up your answer with reasons.
Don't wait for the employer to ask "why?"
Stay positive and do not criticize former employers and co-workers when describing how you worked through conflicts.
See our Interview Questions PDF handout for more sample questions.
Attend one of our interview
workshops and learn interview strategies to help you answer such questions.
Part of presenting yourself as the perfect candidate for a position is being
self-confident. And knowing what to expect on an interview can increase
your confidence level.
Knowing the typical interview format and preparing answers for standard
questions beforehand will relieve you from some stress during the interview
and allow you to be yourself.
Practice Interviewing
Welcome to the Perfect Interview online. Mock interviews with a replay button.
Sponsored by: Sun Microsystems Spartan Program Partner
Check out our new interviewing tool which gives you the opportunity to practice and perfect your interviewing skills.
Ready to get started?
NEW on-line videos all about Interviewing
The SJSU Career Center is pleased to introduce you to an excellent series of on-line videos on the topic of Interviewing. Created by the York University Career Center Team in Ontario, Canada, they have generously given the SJSU Career Center permission to share these award-winning videos with our campus community. The information about interviewing in the series is very current, relevant, and extensive. The Staff of the Career Center hopes this series will be beneficial to you as you prepare for an interview, sharpen your interviewing skills, or practice interview questions.
The Interviewing videos are broken down into three main categories:
- Understanding the Interview - Click Launch to view video
Learn about what to do before, during and after the interview.
- Mastering the Interview - Click Launch to view video
Learn how to answer interview questions strategically and effectively.
- Strategic Interview Responses - Click Launch to view video
Watch a mock interview session which includes commonly asked questions with suggestions for responding strategically.
All three of the videos provide great information and examples of how to become an effective interviewee. Keep in mind that these videos were developed for a Canadian-based population and will contain examples of Canadian-based employers, yet the information is 100% transferable to the SJSU population. Go to the York CareerCyberGuide interviewing page.
Under the Mastering the Interview section of York’s CareerCyberGuide you will find some good handouts, Sample Interview Questions and Asking Good Questions, that complement the video series. On the SJSU Career Center site you will also find additional information about interviewing as well as an extensive list of interview questions.
