The Pennsylvania State University

Topics Purpose Internal Information External Information The Actual Interview Questions

Purpose For employer to determine match between you and organization. For you to sell yourself and qualifications. To determine if the job and organization are what you want. To get the job!

Internal Information Career Goals What do I want to do? What kind of organization do I want to join? What can this opportunity do for my future? Educational Experience Why did I choose my major? How have I changed since beginning college? What educational experiences have influenced my goals? Work Experience What relevant experience(s) have I had? What kind of work environment do I prefer? How might I improve as a professional in my field? Personal Skills & Abilities Where have I shown leadership? Do I prefer individual or group projects? Am I a good analyst, organizer, manager, communicator?

External Information Find out as much as possible about a company, organization, or district: Philosophy & objectives. Services & products. Annual reports. Organizational chart. Special accomplishments or projects. Geographic location/s. History.

A firm handshake, not too weak or strong. Be Yourself! Strike a balance between your personal and professional self! Try to be on employer’s level: Don’t be too passive, aggressive, or reactive. Pay attention to body language, yours and interviewer’s. Use good speech: clearly and slowly. The Actual Interview

Questions From the employer –Typical questions: What are your strengths/weaknesses? What accomplishments are you most proud of? Why do you want to work for us? What are your career goals? What type of work environments do you prefer? How would you define a good manager/customer service? –Behavioral-based questions: Tell us about a challenging situation and how you managed it. Give an example of a time when you participated in a team project.

Questions From you to the employer: –What are some of the organization’s strengths? –What sort of training can I expect? –How is supervision conducted? –What progression could I expect? –How did you ascend to your current position? –What areas are you looking to improve? –Could you describe the day to day environment of the office/organization.

Questions Inappropriate questions/ Civil Rights Act of 1964: –Those centered on the following: Age/Race/Nationality Marital status Sexual orientation Political/Religious/Social affiliations Financial status Citizenship What do you do? –Your choice: Respond, Decline, Ask how the question relates to the job, or State that you are able to perform the job.

Additional Questions? 413 Boucke