Job Search Tools and Skills

The Job Interview

Securing a job in today's job market is highly competitive. Employers are seeking the best qualified candidates for their limited number of openings. But being the best qualified is not enough. You must also have the skills and ability to communicate effectively with the employer.

The job interview is the means by which you, the job applicant, and the employer come together to determine common interests. Outside of special events and employer presentations it is also (usually) the first time you come into direct contact with each other. An employer has two basic aims in the interview: to get the right person for the job and to get a person who can contribute something to the organization's goals. Consequently, there is no "tomorrow." Either you convince the employer that you not only have the potential and abilities required of the job and are personally the best selection - or you do not.

The information presented herein is designed to help you prepare for the Job Interview process.

The Importance of the Interview Generating Interviews What Happens in an Interview Stages of an Interview Interview Formats and Modes Types of Questions The "Killer" Question Most Frequently Asked Questions in Campus Interviews Situational/Behavioral Questions Sample Questions for 2nd Year MBAs Questions for the Applicant to Ask Successful Interview Behaviors Self-Marketing Advice from College Recruiters Do's and Don'ts Miscellaneous Tips Ending the Interview

Illegal Questions How to Prepare After the Initial Interview Follow-Up Interviews The Office Visit Deciding on an Offer Travel Tips Dress If You Don't "Have" It, "Get" It First Impressions: Some of the Most Commonly Faux Pas What To Do Now Sample Letters Your Rights as a Candidate Reference Books/Resources Index of Research Sources Resources for Commonly Asked Questions