BUS X410 Business Career Planning Assignment 8 Interview Questions and Thank You Note 50 points Instructions and Scoring Matrix First Things First The most important thing to remind yourself of as you begin the interviewing process is that it is a two way street That is you want to find the right employer just as much as the employer wants to find the right employee Really both of you are looking for the best fit In the end if an offer is not made to you or if you decide not to accept an offer yes that does happen it is probably the best decision for both parties because most likely the fit was not there So while there is pressure on you as the interviewee to do and say the right things remember the employer should also be putting his her best foot forward You are not the only one squirming under the microscope slide Check them out as well Six Steps to Interview Success You will want to work just as hard to be successful in an interview By being well prepared you increase your chances of doing well in the interview Employers look for people who seem comfortable with themselves and the interview process Here are six things you should do before you go to the interview 1 Get the Facts When the phone call comes do not be afraid to ask for specific details Make sure you have all the information you need Who will interview you make sure you have the correct pronunciation and spelling of their name how long the interview will last and what the interview format will be are all good questions to ask in advance Be clear on where you are to go on the day of the interview If you will be traveling make sure plans are clear Additionally be sure to get the name of a contact person and a phone number you can call in case you have additional questions This person is also a good resource if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment not a step to be taken lightly 2 Research the Organization This is an essential part of the pre interview process Knowledge of the organization its products or services structure locations and needs will be key to your interviewing success You will be using what you know about the organization to help you predict their questions and style of interviewing to formulate your responses to their questions and to ask good questions There are several ways to find out about an organization A Their Annual Report Brochures United Way Chamber of Commerce Annual reports can usually be found in the public library the Internet and certainly from the organization itself The report can give you important information regarding production profit trends or other issues facing the organization An organization s public relations office may be able to provide you with brochures Finally city and state organizations whose promote other organizations will be a fount of information B Internet Most organizations have their own web site In many cases considerable information about organizational programs staff structure clients etc can be found on an organization s web site C Connections in your Network If you know someone who works in the organization this is a great chance to get the inside scoop Regardless of how you conduct your research your knowledge of your prospective employer will greatly enhance your performance in a job interview Such knowledge is more than just an edge over people who do not do their homework it is imperative to getting a job 3 Know Yourself This is the time to think about your strengths and skills and how they fit with the needs of the organization By doing your research about the organization in step number two 2 you will not have to think about this in a vacuum What are your personal and job values e g job security working conditions flexibility advancement opportunities What is important to you in a job What are your transferable skills and abilities e g writing organizing information managing events leading a group Be able to explain how your skills can meet the employer s needs Go back to Assignment 2 and look over what you wrote What is your work style e g personal traits like being persevering responsible adaptable self reliant What may distinguish you from other job candidates is your ability to explain how your positive work traits influence the way you use your skills What are your weaknesses Often employers will ask you to identify your weaknesses It is true that everyone has room for improvement so take time to identify your areas of weakness Choose a weakness that is specific enough that you can explain the steps you have taken and will take in the future to overcome the weakness you mention Do not leave room for the employer to raise further questions about your abilities Try to anticipate what questions they may ask and how you would respond to them 4 Develop Questions Think ahead about questions you want to ask them No doubt at some juncture in the interview the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions for them Have some really good ones These are ones you could not have gotten the answer to by doing the research in step 2 Come up with interesting thought provoking questions which will make the interviewer feel you are sincerely interested in the organization s future and your work there This is not the time to ask questions about salary and benefits wait until the employer specifically mentions it 5 Practice Try out some of your responses to questions on friends and relatives Hear the words come out of your mouth and see if they sound o k Practice interviews can help you to feel more confident as you try different answers ask different questions of the interviewer and start to feel comfortable in an interview style that suits you 6 Handle The Last Minute Details What will you wear for the interview Plan ahead and make sure you have the appropriate attire clean and pressed No one has ever gotten a job because of their wonderful outfit however many people have gotten removed from a process because of inappropriate attire Dress in the style of the organization This is not the moment for self expression through dress Make sure clothes are neat and clean hair and fingernails are clean Know where you are going and plan for plenty of time Produce extra copies of your resume and if you have one make sure your job search portfolio is together and looking it s best If you have followed these six steps you will be more prepared for your interview than the average candidate Please keep in mind that you cannot anticipate every part of an