An interview is where you can get to know an employer and they can get to know you. If you are invited to an interview, the employer already liked what they learned about you on paper! The interview is where you can demonstrate some of your skills and knowledge, but also where you can convey your personality, enthusiasm, confidence, and communication skills.
Interviews occur in different formats depending on the hiring organization, number of applicants, and where you are in the interview process.
Virtual interviews take place remotely using online communication platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Skype, and Google Meet. Virtual interviews have become the most common interview type as businesses adjust to the day habits of the current public health environment.
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL INTERVIEW
Phone interviews are often used as initial screening interviews and generally take 30 - 45 minutes. Employers use screening interviews to narrow the pool of candidates before the more intensive in-person interviews.
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PHONE INTERVIEW
On-site interviews offer an opportunity to see the physical location of a company and meet different people within the organization. These interviews can range from one hour to multiple interview rounds that make take several days. You may be evaluated during meals and travel, so treat every aspect of your experience as part of the interview.
Questions may be rapidly paced or framed as follow-ups to your response from an initial question. It can be more difficult to achieve rapport during a panel interview, so remember to maintain eye contact and involve each person on the panel, no matter which person asked the question. Make a list of everyone in attendance so you can follow up with a thank-you note. You can request business cards or contact information.
Group interviewing is much different from an individual interview because you are directly interacting with other candidates. It is important to find a balance between conveying your opinion and dominating the conversation. Be confident. Make sure to respectfully acknowledge others' opinions, express your views, and work collaboratively within the group. Social distancing may be expected, so be mindful of your surroundings and your proximity to others.
Just as interviews may occur in different formats, there are various types of interview questions you may be asked.
Behavioral interviews are based on the premise that past behavior predicts future behavior on the job. Employers evaluate a candidate's skills, abilities, and interests as well as reveal willingness to change and gain from experience - both success and failure. Situation-based questions are used. Employers are looking for a concrete example in your answer.
EXAMPLE Tell me about a time when you had to work with a team to accomplish a goal.
TIP Use the STAR - Situation, Task, Action, Result + Reflection technique to structure your answers. Briefly explain the Situation and the Task that was at hand. Go into detail about your Actions and describe the end Result, including a personal Reflection about what you learned, what went well or did not go well, and how this situation relates to the position you are interviewing for.
Case and technical interviews present the interviewee with problem, or case, to solve. Your answer is not as important as your analysis of the problem and how you communicate your analysis and approach. Case interviews are commonly used for consulting firms. Technical interviews are often used for engineering and software development roles.
EXAMPLE A major product your company produces has been reported as defective 10% of the time. You want to take it off the line, but there will be significant profit implications for doing so. Provide a cost-benefit analysis for your leadership team.
TIP Think out loud so the interviewer can see how you solve problems. It is okay to ask for more information and you can also ask for a pencil and paper, though it is better to come prepared with your own.
Resume-based interviews use the resume as the source for most questions. They focus on past performance of academics, employment, and activities. Be prepared to expand on each item on your resume and go into depth regarding any specific details.
EXAMPLE Tell me about your experience on the Auburn Off-Road team.
TIP Use the STAR technique described above to offer specific, concrete examples about your experiences.
Personal Background and Company Research
Behavioral and Situational
Professional Development
Thoroughly research the organization and industry to impress the interviewer and allow more time to discuss specifics of the position. Lack of research is consistently cited by employers as a reason candidates do not advance in interviews, so make time for it.
TIP Interview practice is essential in order to speak with confidence, provide specific examples, and be at ease with a wide variety of questions. You can prepare with
Your first task will be to build rapport with the person who greets you at the organization and later with your interviewer(s). Building rapport involves attitude, non-verbal behaviors, and verbal behaviors. When interviewing virtually, this occurs relatively immediately for everyone involved.
ATTITUDE
Maintain a positive outlook and have confidence in yourself! The fact you were selected for an interview shows a company is already interested in learning more about you.
VERBAL
How you communicate verbally involves your ability to:
NON-VERBAL
Eye Contact Should be open and direct when listening, asking, and responding to questions. Eye contact is usually broken when concentrating or reflecting on what you want to say or what has been said. During a virtual interview, keep your webcam eye-level and look at the camera as often as possible.
Facial Expression Conveys sincerity, can add to or detract from your words. Don’t be afraid to smile!
Voice Tone Should be confident, warm, and relaxed.
Timing It is alright to pause before and while you are answering a question.
Hands Should be used in a relaxed way for animation, communicating excitement, interest.
Handshake Normally, a firm handshake is a signature greeting at the start of an interview. During the current public health crisis, only offer a handshake if you feel comfortable doing so. Make efforts to gauge how the organization is handling such contact for interview settings. Don't be afraid to ask.
Posture Should be well-balanced, upright, relaxed, forward-facing, and open. Know your nervous habits and practice controlling them. Leaning forward slightly can help communicate interest.
DRESS
Standards of dress will vary between industries and companies. Always research prior to the interview to adhere to company culture. Career coaches are happy to provide guidance and support. See the AU Job Search Guide for specific guidelines on Business Casual and Business Professional attire. Expanding your professional wardrobe? Visit the Campus Career Closet.
Don't forget to prepare a list of questions to ask employers! Asking the right questions is important to help confirm if you are the right candidate for the position and to help you determine if this is an organization where you want to work. When you prepare questions, you want to achieve three things
If you stay focused on those three goals, it can help you focus on the questions you really want to ask. Be prepared with at least 3 - 5 questions and prioritize them based on the time available. You should always have questions for the employer at the end of an interview.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Do not ask questions that are clearly available on the employer's website or any literature provided by the employer in advance. This reveals you did not prepare.
You can demonstrate how you've done your homework by asking questions that emphasize the content you've learned about the organization. For example, "I've read that your organization is expanding product and service offerings. Would this be an opportunity I could assist with?"
TIPS
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Remember Never ask about salary and benefits topics until those topics are introduced by the employer.