SESSION #6: Interview Skills

Beyond your resume or cover letter, the most crucial step in the job search process is when you meet with a potential employer for a face-to-face interview. The main purposes of an employment interview are (1) for you to learn more about the company and position you have applied for, and (2) for the employer to learn more about your skills and qualifications for the job. In addition, the interview is an important opportunity for both you and the employer to see whether your personality is a good “fit” with the culture of the company or organization where you are seeking employment.

If an employer is interested in hiring you, you will usually be asked to interview with one person, but sometimes you will be asked to meet with several people at once. You should expect a formal interview to last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. If your initial interview goes well, you might be asked back for additional interviews with different people. In each case, you must be prepared to answer ANY questions that are asked of you in a professional and confident manner, while remaining relaxed and letting your personality shine through. This is not as easy as it sounds, so it is important to spend some time developing and practicing your interview skills!

In addition to a successful interview, two other factors that can affect your chances for getting a job and getting along with others in your workplace are: (1) writing a professional Thank-You letter following your interview, and (2) your ability to engage in casual conversation with co-workers in professional setting.

To help you develop your skills in each of these important areas, we have put together the following materials. Click on the links below to access these resources:

Materials	Description
Interview Tips	Helpful tips to prepare you for sucessful interviews
Sample Interview Questions	A list of questions that are likely to be part of your next interview, which you can use for practice interviews
Sample Questions to Ask Your Interviewer	A list of questions that you should consider asking at the end of your next interview
The Art of Conversation (S.L.A.P)	This document includes helpful tips to keep in mind when engaging in conversation with co-workers or others in a professional setting
About Writing Thank-You Letters	Everything you need to know about writing Thank-You letters following an interview
The iMentor Thank-You Letter Template	Use this template to help you write professional Thank-You letters
Sample Thank-You Letter	This sample illustrates what a well-written cover letter looks like