L4 Interviewing Skills 1

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L4: Interviewing Skills

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LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this workshop, you should be able to:

1. Plan for a job interview
2. Answer the most common interview questions
3. Identify the do’s and don’ts of job interviews
4. Develop the skills associated with interview
techniques.
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OUTLINE
1. Definition
2. Purpose of the job interview
3. Types of job interviews
4. Prepare for a job interview
5. Most common Interview questions
6. Do’s and don’ts
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WHAT IS A JOB INTERVIEW?
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JOB INTERVIEW DEFINITION
A job interview is a process in which a potential employee

is evaluated by an employer for prospective employment
in their company, organization, or firm. During this
process, the employer hopes to determine whether or not
the applicant is suitable for the role.
6 WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A
JOB INTERVIEW?
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PURPOSE OF JOB INTERVIEW
The interview is a conversation in which you and an employer

exchange information. Your objective is to get an offer of a job,
and the employer's objective is to find out the following:
• What you have to offer (your skills, abilities, basic

knowledge).
• Who you are (your personality, character, interests).
• Why they should hire YOU ( do you have what they are
looking for).
8 WHAT ARE THE MAIN TYPES
OF JOB INTERVIEWS?
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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Some common types of interview are the following:
1. One-on-one interview
2. Telephonic interview
3. Video-call interview
4. Panel interview
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ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW
A one-on-one interview is the most commonly used type of

interview. Under this approach, single interviewer
interviews single candidate and these interviews are held
in series.
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2. Telephonic interview
Generally, the telephonic interview is a pre-screening
interview in which the interviewer analyzes the candidate
through a phone call.
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3. Video-call interview
The video-call interview is the next level of the telephonic
interview which allows the interviewer to see who he/she
is interviewing. Applications specialized for video chats
and voice call such as Skype, Google Meet, etc, are used
to conduct such interview. Usually, such interview is
preferred when either of the party cannot be physically
accessed.
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PANEL INTERVIEW
A panel interview is a type of interview which is

conducted between the single candidate and a panel of
interviewers. A panel of interviewers may include 2 or
more experts from the specific field. In such interview,
questions are raised by every member of the panel in
order and the interviewee is asked to answer them.
14 PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS
Interviews come in all forms. However, they all have one

thing in common: preparation is the key to success.
An effective way to prepare is to use the STAR method:
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STAR METHOD
Situation you really want to “set the table; give them all the
important information.
Task is for what you’re looking to achieve or what you’re
looking to remedy, it is your responsibility or role in the
situation or challenge.
Action(s) that you take are the meat of the answer. You want to
specifically mention steps that you, yourself, took to deliver on
the task.
Result is the dessert, it’s where you leave the interviewer
nodding, smiling, and penciling in your start date. The key is to
provide tangible impacts of your work.
17 HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN
INTERVIEW?
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
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Know Yourself
To prepare for answering questions about yourself, think about the

following questions:
• Which personality characteristics and skills do I want to talk about?
• What past experiences are most relevant to this position?
• What did I gain from my college education?
19 RESEARCH THE POSITION
Analyze the job description and how your

background, skills, and experience apply to
the position.
Evaluate your interest in this career field and
be able to verbalize it.
20 RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER AND INDUSTRY
It is important to learn as much as you can about the employer before you
interview. By adequately researching the organization, you will have a
much better chance of creating a positive impression.
The following questions can help guide your research:

• What are the organization's philosophy and goals?
• What are the organization's products and services?
• What is the organization known for?
• How well is the organization doing? (growth patterns)
• Who are the organization's clientele or customers and major competitors?
• What type of training does the organization offer its employees?
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DURING THE INTERVIEW
First Impressions Count!
• Be on time. Find out when and where the interview will take place and how to
get there. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you can relax.
• Dress appropriately; that is, according to the standards of the organization. Your
appearance should project a conservative, businesslike image and should
communicate that you are ready for a professional career.
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• Greet the interviewer by name, with a smile and a firm

handshake. Treat secretaries and receptionists in a polite
and professional manner.
• Show your enthusiasm. Enthusiasm, energy, and a sense of
humor can help create a good impression. Do not be
passive or indifferent.
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FOLLOW-UP
Send a thank you email to the interviewer within 48 hours of the
interview. Tell the interviewer you appreciated him/her taking
time to see you and restate your interest in the position.
24 INTERVIEW ATTIRE
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DRESS FOR SUCCESS
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27 COMMON INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
Preparing talking points for common interview questions can
help you feel confident and prepared. While every
interviewer is different and their questions may vary
depending on the job and industry, there are a few
common questions you can expect and prepare answers
for.
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WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS YOU KNOW?
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30 TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
Tips:
Start by describing your background with a summary of your most

impressive responsibilities.
Next, briefly summarize your previous experience with key
achievements.
Lastly, express how you found the new job and why it's a good fit for
you and your goals.
31 WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?
Tips:
The best way to prepare for this question is to do

your homework and learn about the products,
services, mission, history and culture of the
company. In your answer, mention the aspects of
the company that appeal to you and align with
your values and career goals.
32 WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
Tips:
Employers ask this question to gauge your level of self-awareness
and ensure your sources of motivation align with the role and
company. To answer, be as specific as possible, provide real-life
examples and tie your answer back to the job role and/or the
company’s mission.
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Consider asking yourself these questions to prepare your

answer:
• What made me choose Engineering?

• What motivated me to apply for the position when I read
the job description?
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WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST STRENGTHS?
Tips:
To answer this question, share your most relevant technical and soft skills and
follow the formula below:
Share one to a few positive qualities and personal attributes
Back them up with examples
Relate them back to the role for which you’re interviewing
35 WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?
Tips:
While this question may seem like an intimidation tactic,

interviewers generally ask to offer another opportunity to
explain why you’re the best candidate. Your answer should
address the skills and experience you offer, why you’re a
good culture fit and what you believe you’d bring to the role.
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DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Tips:
This question allows you to explore any topics that haven’t
been addressed and shows the interviewer you’re serious
about the job. Take time to ask the interviewer questions
about their own experiences with the company, gain tips on
how you can succeed if hired and address any lingering
questions you have.
37 QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER
Some examples include:

What do you like about working for this company?
How do you encourage employees to further their education?
What are your expectations of the person in this position?
What would success look like in this role?
What are some of the challenges people typically face in this position?”
Do you have any hesitations about hiring me?
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VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG68Ymazo18
Watch the video and take notes on what to do and what to

avoid in a job interview.
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DOS AND DON’TS
DO’S
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• Dress appropriately for the industry.

• Arrive early; 10 minutes prior to the interview start time.
• Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a
friendly expression when you are greeted by your
interviewer.
• Maintain good eye contact during the interview.
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• Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and

slouching.
• Respond to questions and back up your
statements about yourself with specific
examples whenever possible.
• Ask for clarification if you don't
understand a question.
DON’TS
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• Don't make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and

your actions.
• Don't make negative comments about previous employers or
professors (or others).
• Don't give the impression you are only interested in salary; don't
ask about salary and benefits issues until the subject is brought up
by the employer.
.
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DON’TS
• Don't act as though you would take any

job or are desperate for employment.
• Don't allow your cell phone to sound

during the interview.
44 What are the reasons People Are
Not Hired?
• Inability to communicate clearly
• Lack of planning; no goals
• Lack of enthusiasm and confidence
• Talking poorly of previous employers
• Poor eye contact and body language
• Late to the interview
• Does not ask questions.
• Lack of knowledge about the business or the position
• No questions
• Impolite
45 WAYS TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION DURING
AN INTERVIEW
Here are a few ways you can make a great impression during an interview:
• Show how you are a good fit with the company.

• Demonstrate your skills.
• Show your confidence.
• Be mindful of nonverbal communication.
• Use your communication skills.
• Do plenty of research.
• Dress accordingly.
• Follow up afterward.
Let’s take a QUIZ
1. __________ is a good technique for answering interview questions well.
a) Seeking feedback
b) Using technical terminology
c) Embelishing your accomplishments
2. Which of the following defines the STAR method for answering questions?
a) Situation, Time, Action, Revise
b) Situation, Task, Action, Result
c) Start, Task, Advise, Result
3. It's okay to pause before answering a question to give yourself time to gather your
thoughts.
a) True
b) False
4. If someone asks you why you’re looking for work, what should you NOT
say?
a) ‘’I am looking for a new challenge’’

b) ‘’I think this job is right for me based on my experience’’
c) ‘’My old boss was a complete idiot.’’
5. The most important thing in an interview is:
a) Being yourself
b) Being able to discuss your relevant strengths accurately with enthusiasm
c) Friendliness and cooperation
6. How do you respond when asked about your weaknesses?
a) Honesty is the best policy- share your biggest weakness

b) Share a weakness that is actually a positive quality for the job
c) Discuss a true weakness as well as ways you’re working to improve
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L4: Interviewing Skills

By the end of this workshop, you should be able to:

A job interview is a process in which a potential employee

The interview is a conversation in which you and an employer

• What you have to offer (your skills, abilities, basic

Some common types of interview are the following:

A one-on-one interview is the most commonly used type of

A panel interview is a type of interview which is

Interviews come in all forms. However, they all have one

To prepare for answering questions about yourself, think about the

Analyze the job description and how your

The following questions can help guide your research:

• Greet the interviewer by name, with a smile and a firm

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON

Start by describing your background with a summary of your most

The best way to prepare for this question is to do

Consider asking yourself these questions to prepare your

• What made me choose Engineering?

While this question may seem like an intimidation tactic,

Some examples include:

Watch the video and take notes on what to do and what to

• Dress appropriately for the industry.

• Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and

• Don't make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and

• Don't act as though you would take any

• Don't allow your cell phone to sound

• Show how you are a good fit with the company.

a) Situation, Time, Action, Revise

b) Situation, Task, Action, Result

c) Start, Task, Advise, Result

a) ‘’I am looking for a new challenge’’

5. The most important thing in an interview is:

6. How do you respond when asked about your weaknesses?

a) Honesty is the best policy- share your biggest weakness

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