These are techniques I learned from a lifetime of Job Development, Interviewing Others, and Being Interviewed. I hope they help someone!

1. Interview Techniques
Interviewing for a job is not as easy
as you might think.
It takes research, preparation, and,
most of all, Dr. K’s sage advice to . . .

2. THREE PHASES OF AN INTERVIEW
BEFORE DURING AFTER
Phone Log When to arrive Freewriting
Application How to sit Making Notes
Research How to manage Thank You Note
Questions How to answer
Recon How to conclude
Supplies & Copies

3. Don’t forget: Your application and resume
are to EXCLUDE you from a job, NOT
include you.
Don’t put include anything that could keep
you from the interview!!

4. Before the Interview
 Make a phone log!
Phone Name Company Date/Time Resolution
(404)555-5555 Ms. Jones XYZ Corp. 1:20 p.m. 4/14 Call Ms. Smith @
3 p.m. Friday.
Fill out Before Fill out Before Fill out Before
you call. you call. you call. Set calendar to
remind you!
 Research the Company
 THEM!!
 Fill out the application
 Print out the application (BEFORE you hit send!)
 Print out your resume

5. Before the Interview
Interview Appointment
 10 a.m or 1 p.m. is best!
 Ask who will be interviewing and
their titles!
 THEM!

6. Before the Interview
Make some questions!
 Have at least 5 questions ready!
 Use 3X5 or 5X7 Cards (looks more professional)
 Don’t ask about benefits!
 Try to ask questions like: “You asked me where I
would be in five years, where do think this
company will be in five years? – or- “I am a college
student. Will there be opportunities for
advancement when I get my degree?”

7. Before the Interview
Reconnaissance: Check it out!
 Go to the interview location the day before.
 Introduce yourself.
 Ask if there are any forms you can fill out before
the interview.
 Ask if there is any literature on the company you
can study before your interview.
 Check out what they are wearing and wear
something 1 step better (not too much!)

8. Before the Interview
 Shopping!
 Purchase 3x5/5x7 cards.
 Purchase simple pocket portfolio folder.
 Purchase Thank You Note and Stamp.
 Purchase or find 2 pieces blank paper and pen.
 Copies
 Make 5 copies of all application materials:
Application, Resume, etc.
PLACE ALL THESE THINGS IN FOLDER.

9. During the Interview
 Bring Social Sec. Card and ID.
 Arrive 15 minutes early.
 Bring only your folder and your keys (Leave
you phone in your car!!)
 Introduce yourself to receptionist.
 Look around! The environment should help
you decide which questions to ask!

10. During the Interview
 When you get into the room, ask where to sit.
 Introduce yourself while standing.
 After you sit, pull out paper and pen.
 Ask if anyone needs a copy of your materials.
 Ask for names and titles or business cards of
those interviewing you. Write names or
arrange business cards to show where they
are sitting.

11. During the Interview
 Begin sitting in neutral position (back against
chair, feet in front, hands on lap or folded on
table).
 Wait 10 count before answering any question.
 When you are finished answering, DO NOT
ADD MORE. Return to neutral position and
wait politely. It will seem like forever. KEEP
WAITING! Don’t take the “one more thing”
bait.

12. During the Interview
 Don’t be afraid to move in your chair, but
always return to neutral position.
 If they ask illegal question, say, “Why don’t we
discuss that if I am hired?” or “Why do you
want to know?” Keep your tone light.
 When they ask if you have any questions, pull
out your cards and flip through until you find
an appropriate question.

13. During the Interview
 When you are done, ask them when and how
it would be convenient to contact them if you
have any further questions.
 Ask how and when they will inform you of
their decision.
 Thank them for their time.

14. After the Interview
 Sit somewhere quiet and write about the
interview five minutes. What was good, what
are you worried about. [You need this for
later when you can’t remember what
happened because you are so nervous!]
 Address, stamp, and write Thank You Note
• Keep it simple: “Thank you for the time you took
to interview me. Sincerely, . . . “