Getting Started

Step 1
"The Job"
Step 2
"Potential Questions"
Step 3 
" Answers, Answers"
Step 4
"Inappropriate Questions"
Step 5
"Interview Day Preparation"
Step 6 
"Interview Game Plan"
Step 7 
"Interview Wrap"

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Interview Success Plan^SM

Step 2:  Potential Interview Questions

Identify potential interview questions in 7 easy steps:

1. Match the underlined words (KSA's) to the Question Bank Index categories in the Interview Question Bank^SM.

2. Review the list of questions under each KSA Question Bank category.  Many of the questions are similar.  We’ve tried to include as many variations as practical.  People often make the mistake of studying specific questions.  Study specific questions and you'll be thrown off when the question is worded differently or a different question is asked.

3. In addition to the KSA's you've identified, think about the knowledge and skills specific to the job that you are interviewing for.  For example, a heavy equipment operator will have knowledge about safety rules specific to heavy equipment.  List the specific knowledge, skills, and "hot topics" specific to your job.  Write possible questions for the specific requirements and "hot topics".  Check out our "General Questions" heading in the Interview Question Bank. You’ll find a list of common questions that can apply to just about any technical or field expertise.

4. Study the KSA questions and create mock or practice interviews. Choose questions from each of the KSA Question Bank categories that you've matched to the KSA's.  Each practice interview should consist of seven to fourteen questions.  Tailor the questions to fit the organization and specific job that you are interviewing for.  Include questions that you’ve written for specific requirements or "hot topics"

5. Ask your friend, roommate, significant other, spouse, or coworker to help you.  Have them create practice interviews by pulling questions from the headings we've identified and from the questions you've written for knowledge and "hot topics". You'll benefit from having somebody else help you because: 1) you'll have to think on your feet, because you won't know what the questions are; and 2) you can receive feedback on your body language (posture, the pitch of your voice, hand movements), content, and the clarity of your answers. Ask your "interviewer" to write down the questions and their comments.  Review the tips below from the Interview Game Plan so that everything you do becomes second nature.

• Make a positive and professional first impression by being assertive and giving a firm handshake to each interviewer and addressing each interviewer as they are introduced.

• Reinforce your professionalism and your ability to communicate effectively by speaking clearly and avoiding "uhs", "you knows", and slang.

• Use positive words.  Instead of "if", "I think", "I feel" and "I wish" use "when", "I am" and "I would" 

• Establish rapport by relating to each interviewer. Note the wording that is used by each interviewer and when appropriate use similar words. Maintain eye contact with each of the interviewers throughout the interview.

• Sit comfortably. Sit erectly, but don’t sit stiffly or sprawl over the chair.

• Don't expect the interviewers to have confidence in you, if you don't have confidence in yourself.  Project confidence and a positive attitude.  Maintain awareness of your voice, posture, energy level, and enthusiasm. Make hand gestures to emphasize important points, but avoid distracting gestures or making too many hand gestures.

• Smile confidently, but not to the point where you would appear to be too casual.  Smiling will also help you relax and establish a rapport with the interviewers.

• Manage weaknesses or barriers so that they appear to be indications of your strengths.

• Be attentive. Listen to each question carefully and don’t interrupt.  If you aren't sure of what is being asked, politely request that the question be repeated.

• Close the interview with a strong closing statement of your qualifications for the job.

• Thank the interviewers.  Shake their hands individually and thank each interviewer by name.

6. Practice, practice, practice. One practice interview is not enough. If you have somebody help you, have at least three practice interviews. You'll be able to use their feedback to correct mistakes, strengthen weaknesses, and build upon strengths.

7. Review your Interview Wraps from previous interviews.  Use your experience from previous interviews to help you on this interview.

Note: The underlined words in the Interview Question Bank are words that may be interchangeable. For example, instead of the word "job", the word "position" might be used.

     Step 3