Questions about Interviews (Updated 2/28/07!)

[tholly]

Okay, I have an interview set up for Tuesday January 30th to interview for a HR / I-O Psychology internship position.  Interviews suck.  Does anyone have any advice or good prep. info. for me?

Also, is it okay to ask during an interview, if they don't bring it up, whether the internship will be paid or not?  I don't know how I could afford rent and stuff if it isn't paid (plus I'm putting money aside for my wedding).  The position would be in West Chester, PA, an area with a fairly good economy, so I would assume it's paid, but who knows......

Also, I know interviews usually end with the old question "Do you have any questions?"  I know it is bad form not to at least ask one question......any advice?

Also, an internship is required by my graduate school program, so I really need to get one........

[Ghost Soldier]

A firm but not crushing handshake and look in the eye of your interviewer.  That tells them that your assertive, willing and you have nothing to hide.  Also good posture and work related answers to questions help.  Usually they'll tell you the rate and hours etc. of the job your interviewing for. 

[The Metamorphosing Leon]

My only experience with a job interview was with the dumbest person on the face of this planet and probably many others, so my advice is not to be trusted. But it seems that if you need a question to ask at the end, ask about the money. It would be exceptionally silly not to ask about the money, especially if you can't take the job if there is no money.

Good luck though, I'm sure those psychology interviewers are pretty tricksy.

[Funk_Buddy]

I think that while this sounds bad, I'm still going to say it... don't be too honest with them. I'm not saying to lie about anything, just don't be overly honest. I've lost several potential jobs because I was too honest when answering questions.

I would bring up the pay issue since it's a concern, but not in the begining. Save that for later (if possible) because nothing is worse than the first question out of your mouth being, how much does this pay? Of course, you could save the question until the second interview (if they do that). That could be just extending your search and wasting time if it's no.

[Tynstar]

What Mr Funk_Buddy is saying is don't volunteer any information.

[Funk_Buddy]

That's a better way to put it, thanks. I'd say you can volunteer a little, but know when to stop.

[tholly]

well, i just got back from my advanced systems analysis class and we (classmates and I) were talking about the internship...a bunch of them that applied didn't get an email asking them to come in and only 1 person that i talked to also got an appointment for an interview set up....so, it looks like im already ahead of some people that didn't get asked to come in.....



thanks for all the advice so far....can ya tell im nervous

[cletus91]

Having been on many interviews and interviewed many people I think I might be able to help.  Here are a few things that might help but they are just my opinion.  You may get views 180 degrees from my thinking:)

-  Don't answer any questions you don't know the answer to.  Trying to "wing it" will be completely obvious to the person interviewing you.  Best practice is to be straight forward and honest; "Not familiar with that".

-  Know ahead of time what your strengths and weaknesses are and be able to give at least one example to support your answer.  These are very popular questions especially if you are interviewing for an HR position.  Those are questions straight out of any interviewer's manual.

-  Know what your duties and tasks were on previous jobs and what you were good at.  Memorize a few examples of something you do well.  For example, a time when you handled a stressful situation or some specific task you performed well.  (Something that went not so well will help as well )

-  Tynstar and Funk_Buddy are correct.  Never talk about anything more than what the interviewers ask you.  However, if appropriate, you can elaborate on your answer as long as it supports the answer to the question.  This is better than a "yes" or a "no" only answer:)

-  As far as salary goes, I wouldn't ask about it during the interview and here is are a couple of reasons why.  One reason is, depending on the size of the company, the interviewer might have no clue what the salary is.  For all you know, the interviewer might not be in the position to know what the salary is, thus, you put the interview on the spot and make them uncomfortable.  Not a good recipe for getting hired:) Also, the salary information will come out when you get offered the position.  If you don't like it you can respectfully decline the position.  You wouldn't be any worse off

-  Personally, I wouldn't ask any questions at the end.  A proper response might be to say none at this time and thank the interviewer for their time.  With that said, if you absolutely feel you should ask a question at the end, check around the web for a list of appropriate questions.  I am sure there is something out there to help you.

Hope this provides a little help.  Remember to relax as best you can

GOOD LUCK!!!

[tholly]

awesome....very good advice

also, i really dont wanna name the company (i dont know, i just feel weird about listing the name of a prospective employer on the net) but i will say that they employee 14,000 ppl and have revenues of $6 billion / year, so it is a pretty big company.....

the best part about it, if i get the internship, it is less than 1 mile from my apartment....

[shaggy]

Basically everything Cletus said.  Make sure you look the person in the eyes and give a firm handshake.  Don't ask about money.  Wait until they volunteer the information or wait until the second interview.  When you answer there question only answer what they ask for.  Don't add any useless information that is not needed to answer the qeustion.  This can hurt you in the long run and cause you not to get the internship.  Also, I'd take the job if you were offered it even if it doesn't pay.  The experience will help tremendously in getting a job.  We've hired two interns at the hospital that interned with us.  The experience is more important than the money right now.  Trust me on this.  It will help in the future.  I wish I had an internship.  It helped my brother tremendously.

[Tynstar]

Thank you my brother Cletus. I thought he might be able to help you Tony.

[cverz2]

Don't ask about the money. If it doesn't pay, Get a second job. It might suck for a year or so. BUT BELEIVE ME, It will all be worth it in the end.  What is one year of your life when your young. Sacrifice now, REAP the benefits of that decision later.

YOU NOW =    or

YOU a few years from now = 

[Funk_Buddy]

One thing you might want to think about is places that don't use one person to interview, but use a panel instead. The last place my Mom worked did that. Not sure if this would help you prepare or not.

Some of my favorite questions are:

Why do you want to work here?
What can you bring to our company?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What is your ideal job? (this one sunk me for being too honest)

[SFS]

Money might not be so tight if you didn't spent it on so many movies.

[tholly]

Money might not be so tight if you didn't spent it on so many movies.

that's like telling an alcoholic not to spend money at the bar....