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A brief look into interviews.

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                                                         Interviewing

What are some typical interview questions and good responses?
Typical Interview questions vary depending on the type of job you are getting, but some of the most common questions are:
  • Why do you want to work for us? (Talk about it's mission, environment, and even why you like the company.)
  • Tell me about yourself. (DO NOT: Talk about personal things. DO: Talk about your skills and accomplishments.)
  • Why should we hire you? (Sell yourself by trying to impress them for example talk about your experience, accomplishments, and skills.)
  • How did you hear about us? ( Always do research beforehand about the company. If you have heard of the company it should be easy, but if its your first time hearing about the company just be honest and show that you've done your research.)
  • What do you like about our company?( Once again talk about the environment, working conditions, as well as good things you've heard.
  • What are you strengths/weaknesses? (Tell them your strengths, but a good hint is to make your weaknesses into strengths for example: "I'm very competitive"/ "I'm a perfectionist" if not you could tell them a weakness but always tell them how you are trying to overcome that weakness/

What are the different types of interviews? 

1) Traditional one on one job interview:

The traditional one on one interview is where you are interviewed by one representative of the company, most likely the manager of the position you are applying for. Because you will be working with this person directly if you get the job, he/she will want to get a feel for who you are and if your skills match those of the job requirements.
2) Panel interview:
In a panel interview, you will be interviewed by a panel of interviewers. The panel may consist of different representatives of the company such as human resources, management, and employees. The reason why some companies conduct panel interviews is to save time or to get the collective opinion of panel regarding the candidate. Each member of the panel may be responsible for asking you questions that represent relevancy from their position.

3) Behavioral interview:

In a behavioral interview, the interviewer will ask you questions based on common situations of the job you are applying for. The logic behind the behavioral interview is that your future performance will be based on a past performance of a similar situation. You should expect questions that inquire about what you did when you were in XXX situation and how did you dealt with it. In a behavioral interview, the interviewer wants to see how you deal with certain problems and what you do to solve them.

4) Group interview:

Many times companies will conduct a group interview to quickly prescreen candidates for the job opening as well as give the candidates the chance to quickly learn about the company to see if they want to work there. Many times, a group interview will begin with a short presentation about the company. After that, they may speak to each candidate individually and ask them a few questions.

5) Phone interview:

A phone interview may be for a position where the candidate is not local or for an initial prescreening call to see if they want to invite you in for an in-person interview. You may be asked typical questions or behavioral questions.

6) Lunch interview:

Many times lunch interviews are conducted as a second interview. The company will invite you to lunch with additional members of the team to further get to know you and see how you fit in. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the company or position as well, so make sure you prepare your questions in advance.

What are some interview "Dos" and "Don'ts"?
Do:
  • Be respectful
  • Groom yourself
  • Speak in a optimistic manner
  • Dress to Impress
  • Smile
  • Keep eye contact
Don't:
  • Wear strong perfume/cologne.
  • Chew gum
  • Speak out of turn
  • Come dressed inappropriately 

~Andy Yan-Bai
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