Interview Techniques
PREPARE THE INTERVIEW
Research the organization and industry. This shows you are interested, thorough and prepared. Know the location and time of your interview, as well as the name of the interviewer(s). Always write down and bring the information with you. If you are unsure where the office is located, find out beforehand. Review the job specifications thoroughly and think how your skills, experiences, and interests fit. Anticipate possible questions and practice your answers either verbally or in writing. Think of a few concrete situations and accomplishments that you can use as examples to demonstrate your abilities. Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer(s). Base these on your research of the organization, the industry, and the job posting. Get enough sleep the night before. Dress in business attire and look well-groomed. Arrive 5-15 minutes before the interview. Always factor in heavy traffic, parking, or a missed bus. Bring a list of 3-4 typed references. Bring extra copies of your resume, in case the interviewer requires them.

DURING THE INTERVIEW
The first 30 seconds are the most important, because you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Be pleasant to the receptionist and/or secretary. Shake hands and make small talk with the interviewer(s). Try to avoid discussing controversial subjects (i.e. politics). Listen attentively to what the interviewer is saying. Maintain lots of eye contact in the interview. Be aware of your posture and body language. Speak at an appropriate pace and volume. Ensure your mobile phone is switched off. Refrain from speaking ill of your former employer. Refrain from smoking. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. Indicate your interest and willingness to learn. Always find a way to ask questions at the end of the interview. Thank the interviewer(s) for their time.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW
We encourage you to send a thank you note or letter immediately after the interview. Reiterate your desire to work for the employer, highlight your qualifications, and thank them for granting you an interview. Keep a notebook for reflecting on the interview and writing down your thoughts. Rate your performance. Make a note of the questions that you found challenging or easy. Answer the question: "What would I do differently if I could re-do the interview?"

POTENTIAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
BEHAVIOURAL STYLE QUESTIONS:
Adaptability: Describe a time when you modified your actions in order to respond to the needs of another person (or the needs of a situation) Communication: How do you ensure that someone understands what you are saying?Communication (written): Describe the steps you took to prepare a major written assignment.
Decisiveness: What kinds of decisions do you make quickly. What decisions take more time?
Flexibility: Give an example of when you had to work with someone who had a totally different way of doing things. How did you manage?
Initiative: Give an example of when you found a way to make your job easier or more rewarding.
Listening: What do you think are the characteristics of a good listener? Do you consider yourself to be a good listener? Why?
Sales or Service Ability: Describe your most satisfying sales or customer service experience.
Stress: Describe a time when you had to deal with several conflicting priorities.

TRADITIONAL-STYLE QUESTIONS:
Tell me about yourself. How does this position fit with your career goals?
Why are you interested in working for our organization? What do you know about our organization?
What trends do you see in our industry?
What do you think makes this position different than your current or last position?
Why did you leave your last job?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Be prepared with about three of each, with thoughts on how you are working on areas for improvement.

What are your career goals?
What would you like to be doing in five years?
What work have you done as a member of a team?
What kind of people or environment do you work best with/in?
What is an accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
How has your previous experience prepared you for this position?
How would your friends or co-workers describe you?
Why did you choose to study .....?