Career Center

Interviewing Situations

Campus Recruiting Interviews

Some organizations send interviewers to college campuses to recruit seniors getting ready to graduate or students interested in internships. In order to stand out against your competition, you must know the industry and how to sell your skills and competencies. You may only have 30 minutes, so focusing on problems that you solved or challenges you overcame during a past work experience or an internship is imperative.

Second Interviews/Office Visits

After the initial on-campus interview, you may be invited for a second interview/office visit. This interview may be held at one of the organization’s offices or a plant in another city.

The purpose of the second interview is to allow you to get a more detailed assessment of the employment opportunity, and for the employer to make a more in-depth evaluation of your personal qualities.

The second interview visit may include any of the following activities:
  • The company will have an individual greet you on arrival and act as your host for the visit. This person may be a graduate of your school, or someone working in the area for which you are being considered.
  • The company will plan the day to keep you engaged in meaningful activities.You will most likely meet with several key managers, including those responsible for making hiring decisions.
  • An interview luncheon or dinner may be arranged. This is considered a prime opportunity for you and the employer to get to know more about each other outside the formal interview process. Be aware that topics of conversation may vary from subject to subject during the meal. Regardless of the attitude of the participants, you are still under scrutiny.Avoid politics. Try not to bring up controversial issues, and do not engage in intense ideological or philosophical debates.
If a firm job offer is going to be made during the visit, it will probably be made at the conclusion of your final interview. If a final decision regarding a job offer will not be made until a later date, then you will be told approximately when you can expect to hear from the company regarding your employment status. This is normally done in the following ways:
  • A letter will be mailed to you confirming a job offer.
  • A letter will be mailed to you advising that, at this time, the company has no further interest in your candidacy for employment.
  • Sometimes, if that division cannot use you but believes you are otherwise a desirable prospect, you may be referred to another division of the organization.You will be informed of such referrals.
Be sure to use the second interview/office visit as your opportunity to learn in detail what it would be like to work for the company. Ask any questions left unanswered after the first interview that you would need to know before making an informed decision to accept or reject a job offer.

Reprinted with permission from Arizona State University Career Services, Tempe, AZ (480)-965-2350.

Telephone Interviews

This is a screening process used before bringing you into the office. It is usually used to verify your basic qualifications and to find out whether you can communicate in a professional, friendly manner.Without having visual cues from the interviewer, it is hard to assess how your answers are being received. Listen for changes in tone and inflection. Smile as you speak so that your voice projects enthusiasm and interest.Your goal during the interview is to convince the interviewer that you’re worth bringing into the office for a face-to-face interview.
  • If your phone interview is arranged in advance, be where you say you will be at the appointed hour, and be ready to answer your phone.
  • If you’re using a cell phone, make sure the battery is charged. (Don’t drive during the interview!)
  • Pick a quiet location where you can speak openly and without interruption. Don’t take other calls during the interview. If you have call waiting, ignore it.
  • Prepare a “loose” written script or jot down on index cards key points to make. Practice so your delivery sounds natural and conversational.You do not want to write something that is a word by word speech. If you have ever been contacted by a telemarketer, you know the phony “original” pitch they have. With the “loose” script you do not write every word you intend to say.You just write some trigger words on Post-It Notes, or an outline.Write some trigger words to remind yourself of items you must cover as you talk about the position.
  • Keep your resume and cover letter (and job ad if you responded to a particular opening) nearby for reference.

The Non-interviewer

Because not all interviewers are good at interviewing, some approach this meeting without any structure. If the interviewer doesn’t ask you about your qualifications, you must find a way to keep the focus on the job and what you have to offer the organization. Some simple statements such as “If you don’t mind, I’d like to share with you some of my experiences that are related to this job…” or “I have a few questions about…” Be careful not to take complete control of the interview.

Questions to Ask The Interviewer

  1. What are the three top goals you’ve set for this position for the coming year?
  2. What are the biggest challenges I’ll face in this position?
  3. To whom will I be reporting?
  4. Can you describe the training program in greater detail?
  5. How does this position fit in with the company’s long-term plans?
  6. What is the typical career path for someone in this job?
  7. What is the company’s policy about advancing people from within?
  8. What is your management philosophy?
  9. What particular projects/initiatives is your department focusing on this year?
  10. How would you describe your ideal employees?