What are the different experiences from job interviews?

Hi Paola,

The job interview experience can differ hugely depending on the industry, company and person you are interviewing with. As a general rule, the interviewer is trying to figure out three things:

1. Can you do the job?
2. Will you do the job?
3. Will you be a good fit?

Knowing which of these the interviewer is trying to assess can help you frame your responses, especially when the question is slightly unusual or something you hadn't expected.

Interview questions can be technical challenges (eg in engineering interviews they have you solve problems on the spot), hypothetical exercises (presenting you with a made-up situation and asking how you would respond) or questions about your own experience ("tell me about a time when you...").

<advice> As Kim mentioned, it is important to have a strong grasp of your key skills that are relevant to the job (3-4) as well as anecdotes that demonstrate those skills. In general, you should try to get to know yourself and your strengths -- identify 4-5, you will be able to pick from these or use them as jumping off points when you are applying for specific roles. For each skill, prepare one or two stories that show how you used that ability to produce results. It always helps to show ("I did XYZ") rather than just tell ("I am a hard worker").

Good interviewers will always leave time for you to ask questions. Do so! As long as you are expressing curiosity and being positive, people are usually happy to answer/share their experiences, and can give you valuable information.

<advice> Always remember that the the interview is an opportunity for both you and the employer to find out if you are a match for each other! Use this chance to get real insights about the company, team or role that you are interested in. Even if you have done research about the job or company, there will be things you will not be able to know unless you have been there, and the interview gives you the chance to find out from someone with relevant personal experience. Examples: what does a typical day look like? What would you change/how would you improve your job? What other teams do you work with most often?

Finally, always, always practice out loud - even if you do it alone (but ideally with another person). Pretend you were asked a question, and answer in full. You don't have to get perfect, but it will really help you get comfortable with similar questions, and in answering questions in general.

Paola,

Following up on Jeff's excellent advice: in addition to "being" yourself, it is important to "know" yourself. Review the job description, and review your work history and extra activities. Have this information fresh in your mind, so you can easily reference it during the interview. Understand the concept of "Transferable job skills," so you can easily say, "no, I've never done public speaking as part of my job, but I was the Master of Ceremonies for my school's awards banquet." Also learn about STAR: these are situational questions: "Tell me about a time you had an irate customer...." The preferred answer format is : Situation (what was going on) , Task (what did you need to accomplish), Action (what you did) Results. Tell a story! Get them hooked into it!

Please understand, each interview will be different. Some will be great. Some might be horrible. Sometimes the bad ones are the fault of the person conducting the interview. I've known of people being assigned, literally at the last minute, to go interview the applicants! When the interview is over, while it is fresh in your head, review the good and bad. Then move on. Don't dwell on it!

Also, if it will ease your stress level, remember, you are also interviewing the company to see if you want to work there! So, you can imagine that you are conducting the interview. Just don't try to totally take over and control it. :-)

Just do your best, smile occasionally, listen before speaking, and try to learn from the experiences. When it's the right job, with the right people, it will all connect!

Kim