Interviewing – Part III – The Interview

The Interview

Finally!  We’ve covered the preparation, dressing and grooming for the interview.  Now comes the big day.  The most difficult task in the world at this point is to try to relax.  Some career experts will advise you to ‘relax and be yourself’.  Actually, you do not want to relax. You want to be focused.  It is the same feeling you have when facing a difficult technical problem.  You are not relaxed … you are not excited … you are focused.  This is being you.  Focusing on a problem is what you do every day.

Predictable Questions:

There is no reason not to prepare with a script in your mind for predictable questions.

1.  Tell me a little about yourself
This is a VERY predictable ice-breaker.  Have a 1 minute answer prepared that ‘breaks the ice’.  Talk about where you were born, your positive personality, and perhaps an interesting activity or hobby that you enjoy. 

2. Why are you interested in this job?
Are you really interested or are you a ‘window shopper’?  Employers do not like window shoppers.  They want to know that you have given much thought to applying for the position, that you have researched the Company and have a reason to be here.

3. What are your strengths?
This is an opportunity to speak to your technical, personal work ethic, ability to work with others, and other strengths. 

4. What are your weaknesses?
This is an opportunity to discuss how you may come in early, work late, and turn any perceived weaknesses into strengths. This is not the time to discuss trying to lose weight or get into better shape.

5.  The meat of the interview having to do with your technical, management, or sales/marketing expertise.  Now, it is finally time to ‘be yourself’.  This part should, at its best, turn into a discussion about technical issues, projects, the future of the technology, business, and other topics that are important to both the interviewer and the prospective employee.  You are both also trying to gauge the ‘fit’ of the job and organization to your respective needs.