[Solution] Before the Interview
Created at:
Author: Ryan Smith
If you do well in a screening interview, you will be invited to a face-to-face interview. After your interview is scheduled, it is time to prepare so that you will make a good impression.
How can you avoid appearing unprofessional when a potential employer calls to schedule an interview? Check all that apply.
- Apologize when you answer the phone
- Invest in a good answering machine or voice mail service
- If you have children, prevent them from answering the phone
- Do not answer your phone if you are in a noisy location
View Explanation
To manage your professional image when expecting a call from a potential employer, you can do the following: answer calls on your cell phone only when you are in a good location, prevent children or roommates from answering your phone, and develop an outgoing message that is concise and professional.
When a potential employer contacts you for an interview, be sure to .
View Explanation
Potential employers learn a good deal from their first conversation with you. Be sure to treat all conversations with potential employers as screening interviews. Job seekers who sound unprepared, flustered, or unprofessional may ruin their chances to be hired by that company. Before you end your conversation with the employer, be sure to reconfirm the date and time of your interview.
Read the scenario, and answer the question.
You want to learn more about a prospective employer as you prepare for a face-to-face interview.
Which online resource can you use when gathering information?
- Blogs
- Reference lists
- Job boards
View Explanation
Blogs are good sources of information when conducting company research. Many employees maintain formal and informal blogs that share anecdotes and information about their employers.
Read the scenario, and answer the question.
Bob has a face-to-face interview tomorrow morning. He has done his research and knows a lot about the prospective employer. He wants to dress to impress.
What guidelines should he follow when deciding what to wear for his interview? Check all that apply.
- Avoid wearing a lot of jewelry
- Strive for a coordinated, natural appearance
- Wear bright colors in the latest fashion
- Avoid wearing suits if the prospective employer has a casual dress code
- Avoid loud colors
View Explanation
What you wear to a job interview is important. You want to look qualified, competent, and successful. Avoid bright colors and a lot of jewelry. Instead, aim for clothes that are coordinated and natural. If your prospective employer has a casual dress code, dress on the higher end of the casual code.
Which of these will help you become less nervous and prepare for successful interviews?
- Remember that it is a two-way street
- Avoid direct engagement
- Understand that if offered, you must accept the position
View Explanation
Remember that an interview is a two-way street. You are there to learn about the company and the job and to make certain it is a place where you would like to work.
Interview Preparation Checklist
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1
Research the company
Visit their website, read recent news articles, check their social media presence, and review employee blogs
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2
Study the job description
Identify key requirements and prepare examples of how your experiences match them
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3
Prepare for common questions
Practice answers to typical interview questions, including behavioral and situational questions
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4
Plan your professional attire
Choose appropriate clothing that's clean, pressed, and professional for the industry
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5
Prepare your materials
Bring multiple copies of your résumé, a list of references, a notepad, and a pen
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6
Plan your route
Know exactly how to get to the interview location and how long it will take
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7
Prepare your own questions
Develop thoughtful questions about the company, role, and team
Company Research Sources
Official Sources
- Company website (About Us, Press, Careers pages)
- Annual reports and investor presentations
- Official social media accounts
- Press releases and news section
- Company YouTube channel
Third-Party Sources
- Employee blogs and social media
- Industry news sites and publications
- Glassdoor and company review sites
- LinkedIn profiles of current employees
- Business journals and news articles
