Interview Tips

General Comments

Hiring employees to fill specific positions involves two basic decisions:

1. The supervisor’s decision whether the individual is right for the job; and
2. The applicant’s decision whether the job is right for him/her.

Research the Job

For most Federal jobs, basic qualifications are determined prior to

the interview, so if you made it this far, congratulations! Now, the spotlight is on
you and you must show that you are the right person for the job. Here are some hints:

1. Get to know the organization, their mission, and the job. Do some homework
and learn about the organization (other than their name) and what they do.
Most organization’s have websites with mission statements, goals/objectives,
and other helpful information.
2. Learn about the job. If you are applying as an apprentice, intern, or entry
level positions, knowing what the journey or target level position is important
in deciding whether this career field is right for you. Go to the library or
“goggle” the career field --- learn about tools used, methods, work processes,
products, etc.
3. Information about Federal positions can also be found in:
a. Vacancy Announcements. There is a brief description of duties and
responsibilities in all vacancy announcements. It also describes
education and experience requirements, as well as highly desirable
skills.
b. Qualification Standards. They can be found at the Office of
Personnel Management website: [Link]
c. Classification Standards. This provides information about the job
and the career field. They can be found at the Office of Personnel
Management website: [Link]

Position Description. This is a written outline of the duties and responsibilities. Ask the
interviewer if you can review the job description ahead of time.

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Preparing for the Interview

Based on your knowledge about the job and your qualifications, you can better
assess your strong and weak points… what you need to emphasize in the interview.
Prepare some notes and study them ahead of time. The best way to prepare for
interviews is to role play. Have someone run through questions and rehearse your
responses. There are common questions that most interviewers ask such as, “Why do
you want this job?” or “What do you bring to the job; i.e., why should we hire you?” or
“Why did you leave your last position?”

There are three basic types of questions:

• Closed-Ended Questions. These are yes/no, true/false, or multiple

choice questions that solicit a single response. You can take
advantage of these questions by not stopping at “yes/no”, but expanding on
your strong points.
• Open-Ended Questions. This is the most common type of
questions used by interviewers. They begin with, “Tell me about…,
or Describe your experience in…”.
- You need to tell them as much as possible in answering
these questions, but avoid rambling. Concentrate on what
is being asked and highlight your experience, education, or
your willingness to learn, but answer the question.
- Don’t sell yourself short --- if you don’t have experience in
that area, draw upon your education or school work such
as courses taken, projects in school, extra curricula
activities that demonstrated leadership, teamwork, etc.
- If you don’t have any experience, then be honest and tell
the interviewer that you don’t have any experience in that
area, but are willing to learn.
• Problem Solving. This type of question may be used to measure
analytical ability. The question involves a hypothetical situation
which will allow you to verbally describe what you would do.
Remember, there is no right or wrong answer, what is being
judged is your ability to take a position, the logic used to come to
that conclusion and the thoroughness of your analysis; ie., what
things did you consider.

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During the Interview

1. Time and Place. If you are given a choice, schedule interviews in the morning,
both you and the interviewer will be fresher earlier in the day. Allow yourself
plenty of time and get there early (it will give you time to relax).
2. Appearance. First impressions are key! The general rule is “dress as
they do”, but one step up. Collared shirts and long pants (preferably
no jeans) for boys, and dress or blouse/long pants (no low cuts,
spaghetti straps, or short skirts) for girls.
3. Body Language. This accounts for 50% of the interview. The way
you sit, stand and walk reveal your emotions. Learn to relax (take deep breaths).
a. Introduce yourself and make eye contact.
b. Sitting. Make yourself comfortable. Sit a little forward in your chair, feet
on the ground, hands in your lap or on the armrest of the chair. Don’t
cross your arms over your chest --- this nonverbal action communicates
that your are closed minded and not open to change or new ideas.
c. Control your hands and feet. Don’t drum your fingers, fidgit, fuss with
your hair, etc. Don’t tap your feet, swing your legs, etc.
d. Facial Expressions. Smile!
e. Eye Contact. As you talk, make and maintain eye contact as much as
possible --- it indicates honesty and sincerety.
4. Talk. Use complete sentences. Stick to the facts, but emphasize your
accomplishments. Avoid use of acronyms. Be assertive and enthusiastic.
5. Essential Equality. Remember that despite differences, achievements, and
backgrounds, each individual is equally valuable and important. You may not
have the necessary experience, but you may have other qualities that make you
a better candidate. Take the opportunity to emphasize those qualities.
6. Ask Questions. At the end of the interview, there is normally a time for you to
ask questions. Make a list ahead of time. Some questions include: hours of
work, requirements for shift work or overtime, specific duties, etc. These
questions are important in deciding whether this is the right job for you.

Before you leave, ask: What happens next? When can I anticipate the results of the
interview?

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 After the Interview

1. Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and shake their hands
(making eye contact).
2. Depending on the circumstances, you may want to follow up with
the interviewer via phone or by sending a note thanking them for the interview.

Common Questions

1. Tell me a little about yourself. This is normally an introductory question to get

you to relax. Summarize your work experience, education, and
accomplishments but don’t go into too much detail (that will come later).
2. Why do you want this job? Talk about how your education and experience has
prepared you for the job and the challenges (this is where your research about
the job and the organization will pay off).
3. Describe your experience in… This is where you will be able to give specific work
examples, highlight duties and responsibilities directly related to the position
you are applying for, and list your accomplishments. Spend time on your
answer.
4. Where do you see yourself five years from now? Anticipate that you will get
promoted and that you will remain with the organization/company. They want
to measure your loyalty and work ethics.
5. What was your greatest accomplishment? Here’s where you have an
opportunity to be creative. Take the opportunity to also highlight your work
ethic, integrity, etc.
6. What was your greatest failure/weakness? Try to turn this into a positive by
talking about what you learned from the failure.

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