Interviews

Post

Writing a Thank You Letter

After you have finished an interview, you cannot just relax and wait for a job offer. You need to start thinking about a thank you letter the minute the interview is finished. Do not make the mistake of thinking the thank you letter’s only purpose is that it is the “nice thing to do”. It’s not! It serves the purpose of promoting yourself one final time as a potential contributor to the company. Write a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview!

Post

Handling Illegal Questions

All questions should be job-related. Questions based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, birthplace, age, or physical disability may not be asked. If you are asked an illegal question, evaluate the interviewer’s intent; trust your instincts and respond in a calm tone by saying:  

“My qualifications for this job seem to meet your needs. How does this question relate to my ability to do the job?”

Post

Questions to Ask the Employer


Be prepared to ask questions about the job and the organization. Let the employer know you have researched the company, but do not flaunt your preparation. Avoid questions about salary, benefits and any perks until an offer is made or the interviewer asks.

Post

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

What are your qualifications and experience?

This question provides the best opportunity to discuss your work history and point out the strengths you will bring to the job. Emphasize those experiences, skills, abilities, etc. that are clearly related to the job you are seeking. This question, or one that is similar to it, will always be asked, so be sure to practice and prepare your answer ahead of time. Know what experiences and skills you want to share, and discuss them in an organized way.

Post

Interviewing with the State

Introduction

The interview gives you the chance to prove to the employer that you are the best candidate for the job. The interview also gives you insight to determine whether you want to work for this department.  It is only through planning and preparation that you will develop the image of a confident and self-assured candidate who knows his/her career goals and is ready to set them in motion.

This image can be enhanced through self-assessment, research, and preparation.

Post

12 Steps to a Winning Interview

  1. Understand the employer’s point of view
  2. Develop your own information goals
  3. Get all the interview appointment information you need
  4. Assess your own strengths and weaknesses
  5. Learn all you can about the job requirements
  6. Match your skills to the job requirements
  7. Plan how you will look as carefully as you plan what to say
  8. Turn nervous energy into positive energy through relaxation, visualization, and rational thinking
  9. Know the types of interviews and their general format
  10. Know the kinds of qu
Post

Qualifications Appraisal Panel (QAP) Interviews
(From "You and Your QAP Interview," Department of Rehabilitation, October 2002)

One of the most common types of exam plans is the QAP interview. A panel consisting of two or three people will ask you some pre-determined job-related questions. All questions used in the exam have been developed by subject matter experts familiar with the classification.

Questions for the QAP interview are patterned so that every applicant hears exactly the same question. The panel cannot rephrase or clarify any of its inquiries; however, it can repeat the question.