CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Portfolio Entry 3: Job Interview Skills

Developing skills in interview is a must for all would-be young professionals, who, after
graduating from Senior High School or College will certainly apply for a job.
A job interview is an interview consisting of a conversation between a job applicant
and a representative of an employer which is conducted to assess whether the applicant should
be hired. How you answer questions during job interview can have a big impact on you being
hired or accepted as an employee.
The interview is frequently impromptu in character. There are two general types:
1. Private interview consists of talking between an employer and a job applicant or between
school official and student seeking admission into college. In this kind of talk, the person
interviewed is assessed and evaluated by means of his responses during the interview, by his
personal appearance and by his qualities as a candidate for acceptance or admission into the
organization.
2. The public interview is a formal or informal talk performed before a large group of
audience who may or may not be present within the premises where the interview takes place.

10 Interview Skills You Need to Get Hired (and How to Improve at Them)
by Suzanne Lucas

1. Do your background research.

This may not seem like an actual interview skill, but it is. If you walk into an interview
saying, "Now, what do you do again?" and "Do you guys have funding yet?" you're doomed
before you begin. No matter how sparkly your personality is, you have to do the background
research.
2. Be polite to everyone.
You may have heard stories of people who were rude to the receptionist, cut someone off
in the parking lot, or yelled at the barista at the coffee shop around the corner and then didn't
get the job. These things happen, and they can ruin your chances. I will never, ever, not in a
million years hire the person who is rude to the receptionist or barista. Many recruiters and
hiring managers feel the same.
3. Watch your body language.
This one is a bit harder. My Inc. colleague Minda Zetlin listed 21 body language mistakes
that people make. Some of them are especially important in an interview. For instance:

 Lean in or sit up straight to show you're interested.

 Keep eye contact so you look honest, but don't just lock in a stare, because then you look
aggressive.
 Don't nod too much. Yes, you want to show agreement, but too many nods and you start
to look like you don't truly care.
4. Watch your real language.
If you have a potty mouth, save it for your friends, and not for the interview. If the
interviewer is letting the f-bombs fly, you can feel more comfortable doing the same, but
otherwise, use words that express your actual feelings and ideas.
5. Review your own resume.
You know what you did, right? Are you sure? I once got caught off guard in an interview
when the hiring manager asked me a specific question about an accomplishment on my
resume. I had to stumble for a minute before my brain latched on to what she was talking
about. Don't make that mistake. Refresh your memory, especially old jobs.
6. Prepare for standard questions.
Lots of interviewers are going to ask you to "tell me about a time when ..." followed by
something appropriate for your field and this particular job. You should have great answers
prepared for this. Brainstorm a list of possible questions and work on your answers. Another
Inc. colleague, Jeff Haden, just listed the 27 Most Common Job Interview Questions and
Answers. Definitely, review these questions before arriving at a job interview.
7. Prepare your wardrobe.
Yes, people judge you by what you're wearing. Most interviewers aren't going to care the
brand of your jacket, or if the heel of your shoe is scuffed, but you should be dressed
appropriately. Generally, for most professional jobs that means a suit, or one step lower. If
you're concerned, go to their parking lot before the interview and watch people come out. If
their style is business casual, you should wear a suit. If they are wearing jean and flip flops,
you're probably fine in business casual, but better to be overdressed than underdressed, in
most industries.
8. Prepare your questions.
Don't ask questions that could be answered by looking at the company website. Do ask
questions about the challenges of the position, what success looks like, and how this position
fits in with the organization's goals. Remember, you want to look like you're really interested
in succeeding in this position, and you need this information to do so.
9. Don't badmouth your former employer.
You're most likely going to be asked why you're looking to leave your current job (or why
you left your last job if you're unemployed). Don't lie, but don't be super negative either. "My
boss is a huge jerk. She is nit-picky, plays favorites, and smells like tuna fish." These things
may all be true, but you don't come out looking good. Figure out how to explain why you're
leaving, why you got fired, what you learned from it, and how this all means this new job is a
great fit.
10. Don't forget the thank you card.
It doesn't have to be a card anymore; an email will do just fine. You can get hired without
one, but it's a nice gesture to send a quick follow up email to the hiring manager and
recruiter. It keeps you in their minds and shows your politeness, which brings this full circle.
You begin by being nice to everyone, and you end the interview by being nice to everyone,
and you increase your chances.

Top Interview Questions and Sample Answers

1. Tell me about yourself.

This common interview question often kicks off an interview. It also tends to trip up
interviewees because they say too much or not enough. Hiring managers don’t want to hear
your entire life story, so just present the highlight reel. Use the opportunity to show how
you’ll add value in the role by sharing career highlights and key accomplishments. At the
same time, try to personally connect with the interviewer and convey your enthusiasm for
the job at hand.
Example answer:
“I grew up in a small town in upstate New York most people have never heard of, but I
know you’ll recognize it because I saw it listed as your hometown on your employee bio!
What a small world. I graduated from ABC University one year ago, then moved here to be
an executive assistant at XYZ Organization. It fit well with my passion for analytics and
conceptualizing creative campaigns. Now, I’m looking for my next professional challenge,
and believe I’ve found it at your company.”
2. What are your strengths?
Don’t look at this common interview question as a trick, but rather a gift. This question
provides an excellent opportunity for you to demonstrate your personality, expertise, and
preparation for the interview.
Choose two or three strengths that reflect you and are directly related to the job. Then,
support at least one of them with evidence, such as awards, metrics, or specific anecdotes.
Stay away from clichés and focus on substantive answers. The interviewer is looking for
quality, not quantity.
Example answer:
“I believe one of my greatest strengths is time management. For example, last semester I
managed to earn a 3.8 GPA while working 20 hours a week at a local coffee shop, serving
as president of my fraternity, and acting as a teaching assistant for a freshman writing
course. I’m also very organized and detail-oriented.”
3. What is your greatest weakness?
The key to nailing this dreaded job interview question is to not let it psych you out. When
it comes to your greatest weakness, the hiring manager is not as concerned with what you
 say as how you say it. They’re looking for honesty and confidence, so watch your body
language and maintain eye contact.
Be sure to avoid clichés and cop-out answers like, “I’m a perfectionist.” Hiring managers
want something real. At the same time, don’t get overly candid; this is still a job interview,
not a therapy session. Additionally, stay away from true deficiencies or anything that could
impact your ability to do the job well. Practice your answer ahead of time and always give an
example of how you’re working to improve upon your weakness.
Example answer:
“I’m an organized person, so I have trouble with last-minute changes and ambiguity. In
school, I scheduled out all my work, but in an office environment, deadlines and priorities are
always shifting. So, I’m working to get more accustomed to those changes. I’m taking an
online class in project management, and it’s helped me make room for changing priorities.
Now, if a last-minute change crops up, I know how to reprioritize.”
4. Why do you want to work here?
Consider this question an invitation to share your research and knowledge about the
company. Show the hiring manager that you’ve done your homework and truly want to work
here and only here. As you share specifics that drew you to the company, highlight how your
own skills, goals, and beliefs align with the company.
Example answer:
“One of the main reasons I want to work here is your company’s commitment to the
community. It really sets you apart from your competitors. I love that you all volunteer at the
Special Olympics each spring. I’ve volunteered with the local animal shelter every week for the
past four years. Being a part of a company that also values giving back to others is really
important to me.”
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Interviewers ask this question because they want to get to know you—but they’re also
looking out for the best interests of their company. The truth is that recruiting and training
new employees costs a lot of time and money. So, the interviewer wants to ensure you’re
serious about them and in it for the long haul. They also want to know that you’re realistic in
your expectations. It’s okay to have high aspirations, but saying that you expect to be in a VP
role in five years is a warning sign.
A great response should put the employer’s fears at ease. Tell them you expect to be with
the company. Then, show that you’ve done your research and have ambition by discussing
your specific career goals and desire to grow with the company. Use sites like LinkedIn to
find more senior people at the company with titles that you’re interested in.
Example answer:
“In five years, I see myself here at XYZ Company, contributing to the team and adding
value for the branch. I love that you offer so many opportunities for professional
development, and I want to grow with the company. So, I plan to master my role as an
assistant in the next few years, and hopefully become an associate after that.”
6. Why should we hire you?
You’ll want to answer this open-ended interview question with a two-pronged approach:
First, you’ll want to highlight the attributes or experiences that make you unique. Second,
you’ll want to show how that uniqueness will add value for the company.
To show that you’re heads above the other candidates, be sure to highlight characteristics
that would make you a great fit for the company culture. This is another question where
doing your research and being genuinely enthusiastic can make a big difference.
Example answer:
“ABC Company is revered in the advertising world for its commitment to creativity.
Since before I can remember, I’ve prided myself on being a creative person myself. In
college, I was in charge of event planning for my sorority and coordinated over a dozen
distinct, themed events last year. In a typical year, the sorority does five events. I’m excited
to think how my creativity and ambition could enhance what’s already great here.”
7. Why did you apply for this position?
Here, hiring managers are really asking, “Have you done your research and do you know
what this specific job entails?” Whereas “Why do you want to work here?” is about the
company, this is about your role. And this is a question where you need to tailor your answer
carefully. The best way to stay on track is to keep the job description in mind.
Mention key tasks, goals, and requirements that resonate with you. Then, emphasize
how the role aligns with your career goals and is a perfect fit for your skill set. And one more
note: Don’t mention money. Even if paying the bills was your main motivator for applying to
this position, you never want to say that (or even joke about it
Example answer:
“I’m an experienced writer, who loves what she does. And I’m looking for an
opportunity to utilize my strong writing and editing skills to craft compelling messages. I
was especially drawn to the cross-industry clients you support, as it will allow me to flex
my writing muscles and work on a diversity of projects at once. I know it will be busy, but
I also know it will be exciting.”
8. Do you prefer to work on a team or independently?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, but you want to be diplomatic. Regardless of
whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, it’s crucial your answer clearly shows that you’re
versatile. Share your preference, but also keep the role itself in mind. If you’re an event
planner, hopefully you like working with others.
For a great answer, include two positive examples: one in which you worked well with a
group and another in which you worked well on a solo project.
Example answer:
“I love working on a team. When I interned with XYZ Company, there were issues with
a few fellow interns not getting along. I intervened, organized a social gathering for the
group, and it really helped them put their differences aside. We finished the summer on a
great note and came up with the best ideas by putting our heads together. At the same
time, I enjoy working independently when necessary. In school, I prided myself on never
missing an essay deadline. That was because I’m able to put my head down and focus.”

9. What type of work environment do you prefer?

No matter how you answer this question, you need to make sure it jives with the culture
and reputation of the company. So, be sure to do your research beforehand. For example,
you don’t want to say you like a fast-paced work environment if the company you’re
interviewing with is known for its laidback, chill atmosphere.
Based on the company website and Glassdoor reviews, share a preference you’re
confident the interviewer will appreciate. Stay away from anything that might reflect poorly
on you (everyone wants two-hour lunch breaks; keep it to yourself).
Example answer:
“My ideal work environment is one that really values communication and input from
its employees. I know that XYZ Company has Feedback Friday lunches with interested
employees once a month, and I really love that. Communication and transparency are
really important to me, too.”
10. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
Hiring managers love this interview question because they want to make sure: 1) You’ve
handled stressful situations in the past and 2) You’ll be able to handle stressful situations
with their company. The key to making a good impression is honesty and a strong example.
So, in advance of the interview, come up with a solid example of how you’ve managed
pressure or stressful situations in the past. Be honest, but stay positive. It’s okay if you
struggle under pressure, as long as you are working to improve. And don’t pretend you’re so
put together that you never buckle under stress.
Example answer:
“In stressful situations, I do my best to stay calm and focus on a solution. For example,
when I was the features editor at my college newspaper, I had writers fail to make
deadline a few times. Instead of panicking, I approached the problem calmly and wrote the
articles myself. Later, I sat down with each writer and we came up with a plan so that
wouldn’t happen again. In time, I didn’t have to deal with that type of stress again because
we’d addressed what caused it.”
11. What are your hobbies?
Try not to overthink this question. Hiring managers don’t ask it to trip you up. Rather,
they genuinely want to make sure you’re a good fit for their company personality-wise.
Again, honesty is the best policy here. You don’t want to lie and say something you think is
impressive—like that karate is one of your hobbies—only to find out the hiring manager is a
black belt.
 Avoid anything political, religious, or that could have a negative connotation (such as
gambling), unless you’re applying to a job where you know such answers are appropriate.
Simply share two or three hobbies that show commitment and illustrate you have a life
outside of work.

Example answer:
“One of my favorite hobbies is running. I try to run every day and run about ten 5Ks a
year. It helps me relax and get outside of my head. I especially love running to raise money
for causes I’m passionate about, like the Humane Society. I have two rescue dogs, who are
really fun, so I love spending time with them, too.”
12. Do you have prior experience?
Don’t let this question scare you. If you’re applying for your first job after college, it’s
unlikely you’ve had a job that’s identical to the one you’re interviewing for. However, you do
have experience! Share your relevant experience through school, volunteer work, part-time
jobs, internships, and extracurricular.
Whenever possible, try to quantify your previous accomplishments with specific
outcomes and metrics; it lends credibility to your response. At the same time, don’t fall back
on good grades. The hiring manager is more interested in your hands-on experience.
Example answer:
“Yes, I do have prior experience in the research field. In college, I spent eight semesters
interning in ABC Lab. While I was there, I co-authored two papers that ended up getting
published.”
13. Who was the most difficult person you ever worked with?
Approach this question with an abundance of caution. You’re going to be working with a
lot of people in your new role, and you won’t get along with everyone. But you’ll still need to
work together productively.
The “who” here isn’t important—and no matter what, do not give a specific name.
Rather, the interviewer wants to know how you managed to work with this person despite
the difficulty. After all, if you worked through a challenging work relationship in the past,
you can do it again. Don’t be petty and be sure to end on a positive note.
Example answer:
“I had a challenging lab partner last year. He was disorganized, and we kept missing
deadlines because he didn’t update me on his progress. Eventually, I insisted on weekly, in-
person check-ins to stay on track. He found it annoying at first, but we got the work done,
and in the end, we walked away on good terms.”
14. How would your professors/friends/co-workers describe you?
This can be a challenging question if you haven’t thought about it ahead of time.
Consider recent feedback you’ve received, both positive and negative. The interviewer’s main
goal is to ensure you have a clear understanding of how you’re perceived by others and
 understand how your actions impact them. To prove that you’re self-aware, consider
answering with two positive traits and one area for improvement
Example answer:
“The other members of student council might say that I’m an extremely effective leader
as president. They also nicknamed me “Mr. Congeniality” because I get along with
everyone. But they’d also say that I sometimes take on too many things at once. I’m trying
to delegate more.”

15. Do you have any questions for me?

Warning: This is pretty much a guaranteed question—and a potential dealmaker or
breaker. So be prepared.
This is your final opportunity to really stand out to the hiring manager. Come to the
interview with a list of prepared questions to ask. We suggest having at least 10 in mind
since many will get answered throughout the course of the interview. If you can come up
with questions on the spot, based on what you’ve learned during the interview, that’s even
better.
Finally, don’t ever say, “Nope, you covered everything.” Not asking questions shows a
lack of interest, a lack of preparation, and a failure to engage in the interview itself.
Example answer:
“You mentioned there are quite a few opportunities for ongoing professional
development at ABC Company. Can you tell me more about these?”
“What would you like to see me accomplish in the first 60 days? By the end of the
year?”
“Can you tell me what a typical day looks like in this role?”

PERFORMANCE TASK:
We will be having our MOCK JOB INTERVIEW scheduled this week. Please send a
message on our FB group chat on how you want to be reached out during the mock job interview
whether you want it to be on FB messenger via voice/video call or a phone call. If your choice is
through a phone call, please send me a private message and provide your phone number.

References:
https://www.inc.com/suzanne-lucas/10-interview-skills-you-need-to-get-hired-and-how-
to-improve-at-them.html
https://www.careermatch.com/job-prep/interviews/common-interview-questions-
answers/#strength