Troy University - Atlantic Region

Career Services
Interviewing Tips

Before the Interview

The purpose of an interview is for you and an employer to exchange information about each other. The employer gathers information on your skills, education and experience to determine how you will benefit the organization. You gather information to determine if the organization and opportunity matches your interests and career goals. Superior performance during the interview will determine your level of success with obtaining a position. Preparation is key to a superior performance and includes: researching the organization, assessing your skills relative to position requirements, creating a list of questions to ask the employer, selecting professional attire, and practicing your interviewing skills.

Research the Organization

Learn as much as you can about the position, the organization, and the industry to provide intelligent, specific answers to why the company should hire you. Find out: products or types of services, philosophy and mission statement, organizational history, location of headquarters and other sites, profits and stock performance, news about the company, names and profiles of top management, key competitors, etc. Good resources include the company web page, documents on file with the SEC, and various business journals. If possible, talk with alums or others who work or have worked for the organization to gain an insider's perspective.

Assess Your Skills

You will need to show that you will be an asset to the organization. Review the position description and your re'sume'; identify the skills you match. Next, write down specific examples of how you have demonstrated those skills. Use job experiences, internships, research, volunteer and site activities and coursework. Remember, include specifics.

Prepare Your List of Questions

You will be given an opportunity to ask the employer questions. This is your opportunity to find out if this is the best position and company for you. Form questions around aspects you want to know more about: management style, training opportunities, what a typical working day is like, how the hiring process will proceed after the interview. Don't ask questions about salary or benefits; the employer will provide this information to you at the appropriate time.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice interviewing with other individuals who will provide you with honest feedback on what you do well and what you need to improve. Have someone critique your facial expressions, eye contact, handshake, body language, and responses to interview questions. Sample interview questions are available below.

Dress Appropriately

For both women and men, choose a business suit and polished coordinated dress shoes. Select a briefcase or portfolio in place of a handbag, purse, or backpack. If you have not interviewed in a while, this may be a good opportunity to purchase a new suit. A few extra dollars invested in yourself at this time may provide significant returns. Additional advice can be found at www.amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti.

Prepare for Anything!

Employers use a variety of interview techniques and styles to evaluate candidates. You may meet one-on-one or with a panel. You may be taken to lunch or on a tour of the facility. The interview may last from thirty minutes to an entire day depending upon the level of position applied for. Always inquire in advance about the interview agenda and with whom you will be meeting.

Interview Questions to Expect

The following are common interview questions. Develop short, but specific, responses and practice their delivery in advance.

Tell me about yourself.

Prepare a one-minute "commercial" to answer this question. Describe the most significant aspects of your experience and identify your major strengths. Relate your background to the needs of the organization. Don't talk about personal aspects of your life.

Why did you apply for this job?

Point out specific reasons which indicate that you have reflected on why you want this job.

What can you do for our organization?

This is where your research on the organization pays off. Relate your abilities to specific needs of the organization. Again, stress your strengths and their potential value to the organization.

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Identify a strength you possess that is related to the job. Be prepared to provide an example of how you have demonstrated this strength. On the flip side, employers want to know if you have reflected on your skills, identified an area of weakness and have taken steps toward improvement. Identify a weakness that you have made sincere efforts to improve and provide a specific example.

Why did you pursue a graduate degree in ______________?

Discuss how specific interests, abilities, and career goals led you to pursue your graduate degree from TROY. Be positive and point out what you have gained from your education and how it is relevant to the position for which you are applying.

What have been your favorite and least favorite jobs? Why?

Point out aspects of your favorite job that motivated you and why. As for your least favorite job, put a positive spin on it and discuss what you learned from the situation. Do not blame co-workers or supervisors for a less than favorable experience.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Keep the response job related. Inquire about advancement opportunities and discuss how your skills and abilities will contribute to a strong career path within the organization.

Why should I hire you?

Be confident and describe your skills, strengths and experiences as they relate to the job.

What salary are you seeking?

Conduct salary research prior to your interview to provide an intelligent response to this question. Find out the salary range for the job while taking into consideration your education and experience level, geographic area, and job market. Always provide a range so as to not lock yourself into a position you may later regret. If you are not sure of what level of pay is appropriate, state that the salary is “negotiable.”

Do you have any questions for me?

Prepare several questions to ask the interviewer about the job and organization. You may wish to inquire about training, career paths, and management styles. Do not ask about salary and benefits; you will receive this information at the appropriate time from the employer. This is an opportunity to show your interest in the organization and to find out if this is the appropriate organization for you.

Some questions you may want to ask during the interview process include:

What can you tell me about the position?What type of person you are seeking?
Who would I be working for?
May I have a copy of the job description?
What would a typical work day be like in this position?
What are the major challenges your company/agency is currently facing?
How would you describe the company/agency culture and work environment?
Is this job opening due to growth or replacement? (if replacement)
What happened to the previous person in the position?What is the compensation range for this position?
What benefits are provided to your employees?
What is the typical career path for someone in this position?
What do you enjoy about working for this company/agency?
What type of internal and external training does the company/agency provide?
How will my performance be evaluated?
What is the next step in the hiring process?
When will you be making a decision on this position?
Is there anything else you would like to know about me?

Other interview questions you may be asked:

Why did you select your college or university?
How has your college experience prepared you for this particular career?
If you could do so, how would you plan your academic study differently? Why?
What college subjects did you like the best? Why?
What college subjects did you like the least? Why?
How would your professors describe you?
Describe you most rewarding work experience.
Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
If you could pick your own boss, what characteristics would you be looking for?
How did you learn of this position?
What type of work environment do you prefer?
Are you willing to travel or relocate?
Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?
Tell me about your experiences working as part of a team.
In what ways have you been a leader?
What would you say is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
How do you organize and manage your time?
What motivates you to put forth your best effort?
How do you work under pressure? Give me an example of when you dealt with pressure.
What are your long range and short range goals?
What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization?
What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful in this career?
What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?
Describe a mistake you have made in the past. What have you learned from it?
Is there anything else you would like to tell me about yourself?