Quick Facts...
- To make a good impression at an interview: Do your research, rehearse, then relax.
- Practice ahead of time with sample questions and different interview styles.
- During the interview, be tactful, courteous, sincere, polite and
knowledgeable about the organization and what you have to offer it.
- Always send a follow-up thank you letter to the interviewer.
You've just applied for college admission, a major award or a new
job. You have been invited to come in for an interview next week. Your
resume, cover letter and good use of networking contacts have brought
you this far. Now do your research, rehearse and relax. If you've had
interview experience through 4-H youth development or school, you're
ahead of the game. Here are some tips to help you make a good
impression.
Interview Preparation
Do Your Homework
Learn as much as you can about the opportunity and the interviewing
organization. Evaluate your own knowledge, skills and abilities and
think about how you qualify for the opportunity. Find out information
about the organization ahead of time.
General Questions
- What is the name of the interviewer(s)?
- Where will your interview be conducted? When and for how long?
College or University
- Is it public or private? State or municipal? Land grant? What
majors are the most popular? How many students attend? Can you study
online?
- Do you know any students who attend? If so, ask them how they like going there.
- What is the rate of admission? Of graduation? What scores do
students usually need for acceptance? What is the rate of employment
upon graduation in your field or area of interest?
- What are the expectations? Do you need to have a laptop when you arrive? Will you be traveling during breaks?
Award
- Is this award given every year? How is it funded? How many winners will be selected?
- Do you know any previous winners? If so, talk to them about their experience as an award winner.
- What are the criteria and qualifications for selection? Do they
offer other awards similar to this one for which you might apply?
- What are the expectations? Will you be writing a report or making a presentation about your experience as the winner?
Employment
- How long have they been in business? What goods or services do they provide? How many employees do they have?
- Do you know any people who currently work there? If so, ask them how they like working there.
- What will the responsibilities be? What skills and knowledge will
you need to do this job? Are there opportunities for increased
responsibility or advancement?
- What are the expectations? Is this a full-time or a part-time job?
Is the schedule flexible and will it fit your other responsibilities?
Interview styles
Be prepared for a variety of interview styles. Some interviewers
simply ask questions from a list, some use a conversational style, and
others may just say something like, "Tell me about yourself and why you
want this opportunity." You may be asked to give a graphic
representation of yourself in words or symbols on a chalkboard or flip
chart. You could use one or more of the following types of visual aids:
bar graph, freehand drawing, pyramid steps or resume outline.
Appearance
Plan how you will look. Don't try a new haircut or style, but do get a
haircut about a week before your interview. Makeup and jewelry, if
worn, should be moderate. Dress conservatively and comfortably, about
one level above what you would wear to work. Being clean and neat is
most important. Plan ahead so that you don't have to scramble at the
last minute about what to wear. Have a backup outfit ready just in case.
No denim and no backpack.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice answering questions. List your skills, talents and
experiences that directly apply to this opportunity, as well as any
hobbies that relate to it, so you can tell the interviewer(s) about what
you can do.
Plan and practice some answers to typical questions. Practice in
front of a mirror, or record your practice interviews on an audio- or
videotape. Watch for nervous gestures and eliminate any slang or other
inappropriate language. You will be expected to speak in the language of
work and school. Enlist the help of others to ask you questions and
evaluate your answers and presentation. Look on the Internet for sites
with practice interview sessions.
Typical Questions
Tell us something about yourself.
Sample answers:
- I am a team player with experience in solving problems.
- I try to make healthy lifestyle choices and to be a responsible citizen.
- I am an excellent communicator and enjoy working with others.
My answer:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
What skills have you gained in your 4-H youth development experience that you would like me to know about?
Sample answers:
- My projects required keeping records. I learned the importance of setting goals and using resources wisely.
- People depended on me to be prepared. I know the value of responsibility.
My answer:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Sample answers:
- Managing my time is a strength because it helps me do many things I
like to do. It can be a weakness because I tend to be overorganized and
I might appear less friendly or fun-loving than I really am.
My answer:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Where would you like to be in five years?
Sample answers:
- I hope to be the most I can be wherever I am. I want to continue learning.
- I want to use the skills I've learned, including critical thinking, communication, teamwork and self-discipline.
My answer:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Why are you qualified for this opportunity? Why should we select you for this opportunity?
Sample answers:
- I know how to work. I have demonstrated I am a responsible and dependable person.
- I know you emphasize team work. I cooperate and share well with others.
- I have leadership skills and experience. You can count on me to follow through.
My answer:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Do you have any questions for us?
Sample answers:
- When do you plan to make your decision?
- What do you like the most about this organization?
- Describe the environment here.
- What are the characteristics of the successful applicant here?
My answer:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
The Interview Itself
Arrive early, about 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Make
sure you know how to get to the interview. If you are unsure of the
location, make a trial run. Know where to park and if you need change
for a meter.
Calm your nerves by taking deep breaths. Maintain a positive attitude
no matter how you think the interview is going. Smile. Bring an extra
copy of your resume, a fresh notepad and a pen.
Greet the interviewer. Offer a firm handshake. Listen carefully for
the interviewer's name and title, if you don't already know them. Make
and maintain eye contact. Be friendly but not too casual. Speak in
complete sentences, and use a formal vocabulary. Don't fidget, chew gum,
smoke or use slang during your interview.
Answer questions. Above all, be honest. You do not have to offer
negative information, but be sure you don't lie if asked directly. Answer
clearly and completely with enough information. Take a moment to think
before you respond to difficult questions. Organize your thoughts so you
don't ramble. Remain calm no matter what question is asked. Be tactful,
courteous, sincere, polite and knowledgeable about the organization and
what you have to offer.
Conclude the interview. Thank the interviewer for the time spent with
you. Ask when a decision will be made, if that hasn't already been
indicated.
Interview Follow-Up
Make notes as soon as you leave. Jot down the name of the
interviewer, questions you answered well, questions you might have
answered more effectively, and questions you would like to have asked.
Keep a file of notes from your interviews that you can use to prepare
next time.
Send a follow-up or thank you letter. Type it on good quality paper,
or write it by hand. Don't think you can skip it — interviewers expect
it. Express your thanks for the interview and restate your interest in
the opportunity. You can even answer a question you may have missed
during the interview.
Take advantage of opportunities to interview through 4-H youth
development and at school. Every interview can be a learning laboratory
for you, and you will be ready for your next important interview.
Sample Follow-Up or Thank You Letter
|
123 West First Street
Anytown, State 01234
Today's Date |
Dr. M. I. Interviewer
9876 East First Street
Anytown, State 43210
Dear Dr. Interviewer, |
| Thank you for the interview today. I am more
interested than ever in your [college or university, award, job] and
appreciate the time you spent with me talking about it. It was
especially exciting for me to hear about your goals for the next few
years. |
| I think your [college or university, award,
job] offers just the right match for my skills and interests. During the
interview, I didn't mention my community service work through 4-H Youth
Development, but wanted you to know that I respect your organization's
efforts to be a good corporate citizen. I would be proud to participate
with you in helping others. |
| If you would like any additional information or
references, please contact me at (123) 456-7890 or
kstudent@myaddress.net. I am very interested in this
[admission/award/job] and look forward to hearing your decision. |
Sincerely,
(Use blue or black ink for your signature.)
Kirby A. Student |
Resources
- Hendricks, P.A. (1998). Targeting Life Skills Model. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Extension.
1K. Wolfe, Colorado State University Extension
4-H youth development agent, Larimer County; J. Carroll, Extension
specialist, 4-H/Youth Development; and T. Blush, (former) Extension
4-H youth development agent, Boulder County. 1/2000. Reviewed 6/2010.
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado
counties cooperating. Extension programs are available to
all without discrimination. No endorsement of products mentioned is intended
nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.
First
day is Mehandi. This day has special charm and excitement. Bride’s best
friends and sisters put henna on bride’s hands. Dholak and singing
activities add to charm of this day. To make decorations for this event,
collect some yellow flowers and green and yellow tulles. Decorate
stairs railing and entrance with best combinations of flowers and
tulles. Decorate stage with yellow color theme. Hang yellow flowers
stripes and yellow and green tulles.
On
barrat day, color selection can vary as per choice of people. All
general decoration aspects are needed to be covered like reception area
decoration, sitting arrangement and stage decoration. Consult different
newly got married couples and family friends to make special
arrangements. Visit different florists to know about availability and
types of flowers. Do all decorations in same color theme.
