1. Job
Intervie
w
Skills
An interview is usually your first meeting with the prospective
employer and is your opportunity to convince him/her that you are the
right person for the job. This handout talks about the job interview,
questions your prospective employer may ask, what to do when you
are called for an interview, three stages of interview, and interviewing
skills.
Facilitator:
Muhammad Iqbal

2. Job interview skills
Job Interview
An interview is usually your first meeting with the prospective employer and is your
opportunity to convince him/her that you are the right person for the job. For a successful
interview, you must make a positive first impression. Answer the interviewer’s questions in
ways that demonstrate that your experience and qualifications meet the requirements of the job.
Kinds of Interview
There are various kinds of interview other than job interviews. Job interviews include following:
1. Telephonic Interview
2. Panel or Board Interview
3. One-on-One Interview
4. Group Interview
5. Teleconference
What to ask when the employer calls you for an interview?
1. What is the time and date of the interview?
2. Who am I meeting with? What is this person’s position?
3. What is the exact address?
4. Can I please have your phone number in case I need to reach you?
Telephone interview
Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for
employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool
of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to
minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.
While you are actively job searching, it’s important to be prepared for a phone interview on a
moment’s notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask
if you have a few minutes to talk.
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3. Job interview skills
Be prepared for telephonic interview
1. Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone,
so it’s at your fingertips when you need to answer questions
2. Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review
3. Have a pen and paper handy for note taking
4. Turn call-waiting off so your call isn’t interrupted
5. If the time isn’t convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternative
6. Clear the room – evict the kids and the pets; turn off the stereo and the TV, close the door
During the Phone Interview
1. Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink
2. Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth
3. Smile! Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your
voice.
4. Speak slowly and enunciate clearly
5. Don’t interrupt the interviewer
6. Take your time-it’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts
7. Give short answers
8. Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview; after you thank the interviewer ask
if it would be possible to meet in person
After the Interview:
1. Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered
Follow up and adjust yourself accordingly
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4. Job interview skills
Interviews in Person
One-on-one, Group or Board Interview
After you have been called for an interview:
a) Visit - If you do not know it already, visit the place of employment once before the interview
so you can find out about the customers and services. This will also give you an idea of the
route and the time it will take to get there on the day of the interview
b) Practice - Read the question sheet and practice answers with someone you feel comfortable
with before the day of the interview. Make sure you have an answer and/or explanation for
everything written on your resume, cover letter and application form. The better prepared you
are, the better your answers will be
c) Review - Your resume data (skills, relevant experience etc.). Also review the description of
the position applied for, the company’s history, pamphlet, website etc; and anticipate problem
areas (e.g. starting salary and number of years experience required for the job).
d) Bring the following - The address, phone number and the name of the person who will be
interviewing. Two to three copies of your most recent resume (one for you and one for the
employer) and references on a separate sheet of paper; and a pen
Three stages of interview
1. Opening: Establishing a rapport
2. Main body: Exchanging information
3. Closing: Question the interviewer and arranging to call back
Opening
(a) Shake hands warmly
(b) Introduce yourself – name
(c) Be prepared to make small talk to put both of you at ease
(d) Sit down after you are asked to
Main body
(a) Know your resume
(b) Refer to your resume and written notes, but don’t appear to be reading a script
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5. Job interview skills
(c) Desirable personality factors
(d) Work experience
(e) Previous positions; emphasize problem solving areas most related to the current needs of
the prospective employer
Closing the interview
(a) Express a desire to hear from the interviewer soon and arrange to call back
(b) Ask interviewer questions about the job
(c) Thank the interviewer, tell him/her of your interest in the job; and shake hands
(d) Ask about job leads at other places and mention to him/her if you are interested in part-
time jobs as well
On the day of interview
DO’S…
1. Always get to the interview a bit early (5 to 10 minutes), and do not bring any friends
2. Make sure you are clean and well-groomed
3. Do answer questions honestly and straight-forwardly (give examples if necessary)
4. Do stress your qualifications
5. Do approach employer with respectful
6. Do try to be optimistic in your attitude
7. Do hold yourself erect (avoid leaning)
8. Do have at least three questions to ask
9. Do have a list of references and credentials (be sure to contact references ahead of time)
10. Do be a good listener; employer to express
11. Do learn in advance of the interview about the company and its products
12. “Check in” and confirm the interview time and pronunciation of interviewer’s name.
DON’TS…
1. Do not chew or smoke during interview
2. Do not discuss past irrelevant experiences
3. Do not display overconfidence
4. Do not beg for consideration
5. Do not hesitate to fill out an application, give references
6. Do not make claims that you cannot deliver
7. Do not try to be funny
8. Do not criticize previous employer (s)
9. Do not be a “know-it-all” person
10. Do not talk too little or too much
11. Do not be late, unprepared, or untidy
12. Do not oversell your case
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6. Job interview skills
Practice Questions and Answers
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want this job?
Why did you leave your last job?
What do you know about this company?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
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7. Job interview skills
Why should we hire you?
What is your greatest strength and weakness?
Can you work under pressure?
What kinds of decisions do you find hard to make?
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8. Job interview skills
Questions to ask in the interview
When you think interview is going to its natural end, you, as a candidate, can ask some
questions to the interviewer or interviewing board. Some of questions may include:
1. What would my expected duties be? What will I be expected to do?
2. Will I need training for this job? If yes, is it paid?
3. What are the organization’s (or department) principal challenges?
4. What kind of people tend to be successful within your establishment?
5. What are the greatest challenges of this job?
6. How would you describe your company’s personality and management style?
7. What are your expectations for new hires?
8. When will I hear from you about your decision?
9. Will there be a second interview?
10. When would the position start?
11. If I am hired, who will be my immediate supervisor?
12. Why is the position currently open?
13. Does this position have a detailed job description?
14. What are the opportunities for personal growth in your company?
15. Is there a probationary period? How long is it?
16. How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
17. How much travel is normally expected in this position?
18. Is it company policy to promote from within?
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9. Job interview skills
Some guidelines for Interviewing
The interviewing stage of your job search is the most critical. Your success or failure in
obtaining a position is often determined at the interview. However, anyone can learn to
interview well, since most mistakes can be anticipated and corrected. Learn the following top
interviewing techniques to give you a winning edge.
1. Bring extra copies of your resume to the interview
2. Dress conservatively and professionally
3. Be aware of your body language
4. Consider first and last impressions
5. Fill out company applications completely
6. Remember that the purpose of every interview is to get an offer
7. Understand employers’ needs
8. Be likeable - Be enthusiastic.
9. Make sure you have the right skills - Know your competition.
10. Display an ability to work hard to pursue an organization’s goals
11. Market all of your strengths
12. Give definite answers and specific results
13. Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes
14. Relate stories or examples that heighten your past experience
15. Know everything about your potential employer before the interview
16. Rehearse and practice interview questions before the interview
17. Know how to respond to tough questions
18. Address the relevant needs of the employer
19. Identify your strengths and what you enjoy doing
20. Know how you communicate verbally to others
21. Don’t plan to arrive on time, plan to arrive early
22. Treat everyone you meet as important to the interview
23. Answer questions with complete sentences and with substance
24. Reduce your nervousness by practicing stress-reduction techniques
25. Be sure to ask questions
Good luck - happy interview
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