Provide job description Ask for application if one not submitted initially Introduction and outline format of interview(s) Overview of unit and campus What one or two things from your prior experience and/or education do you see as being the most relevant and valuable to succeed in this position What about his particular position and/or unit most interests you?
Practice Interview
Tell us about yourself.
Why do you want to leave your current employer?
What are your goals for the next five years?
What are you looking for in a company?
Why do you want to work for us?
When have you used a PowerPoint presentation?
Give an example of when you had a problem with a peer. How did you handle it?
Name an instance that you made a wrong decision.
Give an example of a time when you felt you were right and others were wrong.
Give an instance of when you were wrong and others were right. How did you handle it?
When have you been asked to do something that you knew was wrong?
How have you been a leader in the past?
What courses have you taken that have been most influential in your professional development?
What advice would you give to someone taking the same course?
What are your salary requirements?
Is there anything else that we should know about you that would impact our decision?
A. Regardless of the reason, do not bad mouth your current employer. Negativism will always hurt you. Good answers include: “There is no room for growth at my current employer. I am looking for a company with long term growth opportunities”. “Due to a company restructuring, my entire department is relocating to Florida. I was give the option of moving, but do not wish to relocate”. “My current company is not doing well, and has been laying off employees. There is no job security there, and more layoffs are expected”.
Q. What are your goals for the future?
A. “My long term goals are to find a company where I can grow, continue to learn, take on increasing responsibilities, and be a positive contributor”.
Q. How do you handle stress and pressure?
A. “I find that I work better under pressure, and I enjoy working in an environment that is challenging.” “I am the type of person that diffuses stress. I am used to working in a demanding environment with deadlines, and enjoy the challenges.”
Q. What do you know about our company?
A. This question is used to see if you have prepared for the interview. Candidates that have researched the company are more appealing. Companies like prepared, organized candidates.
Q. We have met several candidates. Why are you the one we should hire?
A. Give definite examples of your skills and accomplishments. Be positive, and emphasize how your background matches the job description.
Q. What are your greatest strengths?
A. Be positive and honest. “My greatest strength is maximizing the efficiency of my staff. I have successfully lead numerous teams on difficult projects. I have an excellent ability to identify and maximize each of my staffs strengths.” Give examples.
Q. Tell me about your greatest weakness?
A. It is very important to give a strength that compensates for your weakness. Make your weakness into a positive. “I consider myself a 'big picture' person. I sometimes skip the small details. For this reason, I always have someone on my team that is very detail oriented.” Another good answer: “Sometimes, I get so excited and caught up in my work that I forget that my family life should be my number one priority.”
Hopefully these interview questions and answers will help you. It is important to customize the answers for your specific background and experience.
