Co-operative Education & Career Services: Interviews

Yes, preparing for an interview can be nerve-wracking. But solid preparation beforehand will help you minimize your nervousness, and maximize your chances of a successful outcome (i.e., landing the job).

• Start getting ready by reviewing what employers generally look for in their new hires.
• Take a personal inventory of yourself and come up with examples of how you’ve demonstrated these qualities and skills in the past. 
• A number of employers are now using Compentency Based Interview Questions.  With competency based or behavioural interviews, the employer’s goal is to get a clear picture of what your future performance might be like, based on your past performance in similar situations.
• Employers predetermine what skills and traits are necessary for a particular job and then ask very pointed questions to determine if you have what they’re looking for. The BC government is an example employer who utilizes this approach. Check out their website for example interview videos.

Next, research the company that is interviewing you. Do a thorough job here:

• Read annual reports, search for newspaper articles, and look through trade journals – and don’t limit your research only to company-controlled information.
• Then go through the company’s website and look for their mission statement, long-term goals, recent press releases, and corporate photos. 
• If you haven't already done so, seek out a person who is connected with the organization and do an information interview in advance of your interview. 
• Get to know the company as well as you can, so that the employer can see how invested you are in becoming a part of their team – not just anybody’s team.

All of these things can be helpful when you're thinking of questions to ask at the interview too.

What Am I Going To Wear?

Basically, it’s common sense. You can start by asking yourself “What kind of company will I be interviewing with?”

If it is a Fortune 500 company, obviously you should wear a traditional suit.

But maybe you will be seeing a funky, upbeat software company and you heard the recruiter showed up for interviews last year in a tie-dye shirt, sandals and beads. 

We suggest you dress the way you would if you were giving an important presentation at the company or attending a business meeting.

Most employers are impressed when they can see a candidate has put effort into getting ready for an interview.

Most Interviews Fit a General Pattern

The interview process can be scary if you don’t know what to expect. To make it easier on you, keep in mind that most interviews fit a general pattern. Most interviews will last 30-45 minutes, although some may be longer. A typical structure is as follows:

• 5 minutes: greeting and small talk
• 15 minutes: a mutual discussion of your background and credentials, as they relate to the needs of the employer
• 5 minutes: you have an opportunity to ask questions
• 5 minutes: wrap-up/discuss next steps in the process

As you can see, you don’t have a lot of time to state your case. When you do respond to questions or ask your own, your statements should be concise and organized, without being too brief. This could be your last chance to market yourself to the employer, and you want so be sure you send them a clear message of the skills you have to offer.