Good Interviews: 77 Questions College Students Ask

September 17, 2015 at 8:33 am, by Carl

The following question and answer comes from my book Success for Life: Answers to the 77 Questions College Students Ask. I received over 1000 questions from students looking for answers, wondering about the best path in life. If you like what you read here, you can pick up your copy AT AN ALL-NEW LOW PRICE to read all of this helpful advice.

Are there any secrets about a good interview?

We all know, or should know, that giving a good interview is critical to getting the job. Your resume and reference letters could be stellar, but if you have a bad interview, you are in trouble.

Be prepared. Know the company you are going to interview with, including key personnel.
Arrive on time. On time means you should be comfortably seated in the lobby or office at least 5 minutes ahead of time. Better still, you should be at the building at least 15 minutes beforehand. You can then use the bathroom, walk around outside to meditate and focus, and generally relax.
Dress appropriately for the industry.
Be confident. I always think that I am interviewing them; they may want me more than I want them. Not getting this one job is not the end of the world, but rather more experience for my future.
Give a firm handshake and always look everyone in the eyes.
Smile and stay engaged in the conversation. Never look off or look as if you are not interested. Don’t cross your arms. Lean forward at various times to indicate interest.
When asked questions, take a silent 2-second pause before answering. Never rush into an answer, even if it’s an easy question for you. You want to look (and BE) a reflective person who thinks deeply about things.
Don’t talk too long. Give your answer, but don’t ramble on. Similarly, never give simple 1 or 2 word answers.
Prepare for the obvious questions. Know that “your strongest trait” and “your weakest trait” will probably come up. Don’t oversell what you think is a strength (a little humility goes a long way) and don’t kill yourself on a negative. Look for a way to state something true about a weakness that is really a positive. “I can get frustrated easily with people who don’t care as deeply about the quality of their work as I do.”
Have your own questions ready—“What is your favorite part about working here” or “what is a typical day like here.”
Always follow up with a written thank you letter. Do not send an email. If at all possible, get this letter in the mail on the same day as your interview.