Interviewing for Success: A College Woman’s Guide to Interview Preparation

Do Your Homework

What is the hardest part about studying for an exam? Anticipating the questions. The same goes for preparing for an interview. How can you think about your answers if you don’t know what the questions might be?

But you can know. There are a handful of questions almost every interviewer will ask in some way. These questions are widely available at different interview sites online, and it’s a wise interviewee that becomes familiar with them prior to a meeting. The following are five of the most frequently-asked questions, and if you’re ready for these, you’re ready for anything.

Tell Us About Yourself.

Translation: Summarize your professional and personal background as it relates to our company and what we’re looking for. Don’t recite your resume, I already read that.

Stay away from: Hobbies (unless there is a direct connection), overly-personal stories, your astrological sign, glib or joke responses.

Think of it as: Imagine you’re winning an award at the height of your career in front of a professional organization related to your field. How would the person introducing you start his or her speech?

Why Are You Interested in Our Organization?

Translation: What do you know about us, other than that we are hiring? I want to know why you think you’ll fit here.

Stay away from: "Nothing," or anything that makes you look like you are simply looking for a job (any job, oh please, please hire me!)

Think of it as: If you were at a bar or party and saw a guy hitting on every woman in the room, you wouldn’t be interested in whatever cheesy line he drops on you. But if he walked straight to you and told you three reasons why he wanted to talk to you more than any other woman, you’d probably at least give him a chance. Your interviewer feels the same way.

Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

Translation: I want to know what makes you unhappy. And I’m a little curious how you handled your former job and boss.

Stay away from: Unfocused answers ("I just wasn’t happy there anymore") or attacks on your previous employer. It may be very tempting to lay into your old boss and talk about how no one appreciated your many fine qualities, but your interviewer knows that there are two sides to every story.

Think of it as: Rephrase the question in your mind as “How is a job change a positive move for my career?” That helps you focus forward on the good opportunities rather than backward on that really rotten supervisor you once had.

What Are Your Weaknesses?

Translation: You've spent the last 30 minutes selling me on your strengths. No one’s perfect. So ‘fess up to your human side.

Stay away from: "I have none" (yeah, right) or "I have lots – if you have to use the restroom, better go now, because this is going to take awhile." Personal weaknesses should be off the table too – no need to discuss your fingernail chewing or shoe addiction.

Think of it as: Imagine you’re writing a New Year’s list of professional resolutions. You identify a problem, but also what you’re doing to correct it. So no “weakness” or “failure” should be discussed without talking about what you do, or are doing, to overcome it.

Do You Have Any Questions?

Translation: You've just learned a lot about us. Have you been paying attention? Can you think on the fly? Show me you’re already thinking like an employee here.

Stay away from: "Nope, no questions." But also avoid questions relating to pay, benefits, vacation, that sort of thing. If you have questions regarding those, you can ask them during a second interview, or at the time of an offer.

Think of it as: Frosting. Up until now, you've probably been pretty much like the other candidates. Here you can show initiative and imagination. Show that you've done your research by asking about an upcoming project, or a new direction on a current product. And, of course, if something pops in your head during the interview, by all means write it down.

If you’re ready for these five, you probably have about half of your interview ready to roll – and even better, you’ll feel confident and sure for the other half.

Happy job hunting!

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Erica’s 10-second tip for the month: Sweaty palms? If you ever get them, you can count on them during interviews. Keep a tissue or handkerchief in each pocket. When you feel a little clammy, slip you hand in your pocket and squeeze the tissue to get rid of the sweats and have a confident handshake.

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