How to Prepare for a Job Interview
 
Few people get jobs without first having successfully completed a  job interview or interviews. Interviews may be stressful or relaxed, but in either case you are being evaluated, and how you respond will lead to either a job offer or rejection.
Remember that every other part of your job campaign (locating employers, sending resumes, etc.) is designed with one purpose: to obtain an interview for a job that interests you. With this in mind, be prepared to address the following questions and issues during your interview:
 
YOUR GOALS
What kind of job are you looking for? What do you see yourself doing at age 35, 50, and beyond? Why did you apply for this job?

 

YOUR BACKGROUND
Do you have any work experience (including part-time or volunteer) related to the job? How did your education help prepare you for this work? Are there areas in which you plan to take additional courses or training to help augment your qualifications?

 

YOUR SPECIAL SKILLS
What kinds of skills do you possess which might help in the job? Can you cite cases where your abilities led to special recognition or helped you to accomplish a difficult task? Do you have samples of your work to bring to the interview?

 

YOUR VALUES
What is important to you? How do you feel about your life to date? What motivates you to achieve? If asked, be prepared to describe yourself with a one- or two-minute summary.

 

YOUR INTERESTS
What do you like to do? What do you do well? How can these interests be used on this job? Do these interests indicate to you that you will like this job and do it well?

 

YOUR WEAKNESSES (should you be asked about them)
What are your weaknesses? Think of "weaknesses" which might actually prove to be assets in the job (such as being impatient and wanting to accomplish tasks quickly). Try to recast your "weaknesses" as assets.

 

YOUR QUESTIONS
Arrive at each interview with at least three good questions to ask the employer. But wait to ask them until they fit naturally into the conversation.

 

YOUR FRAME OF MIND
Come to the interview prepared to take part in a two-way exchange. Listen carefully to the interviewer and respond as precisely as possible-usually with a two- or three-sentence answer. Don't relax too much, keep alert and above all, be positive.

 

Minichart prepared by the Career Opportunities News, Ferguson Publishing Company,

May/June 2003