Office of Career Development

44 West 4th Street, Suite 10-66

New York, NY 10012
212-998-0623
http://www.stern.nyu.edu/ocd
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction: The Interview Process 1

The Four Stages of an Interview

Introductions 5
Validating Your Candidacy 5
Testing Your Knowledge 6
The Close 7

Interview Questions 9
Behavioral, Problem-Solving, Stress, and Case Questions

Thoughts Behind the Questions 10

Second-Round Interviews 11

Sample Follow up Letter 12

Revised 11/00
The Office of Career Development
I NTRODUCTION :
T HE I NTERVIEW P ROCESS
The interview is one of the most important activities in your job search. It is our
experience that the well prepared and focused candidate has the most success in
interviewing.

It is crucial to understand the nature and purpose of the interview and how you’re
being evaluated. The following pages offer basic information and strategic advice
proven to be useful in the interviewing process. Please use this handout, OCD
workshops and CRC materials to develop your skills in interviewing. Good luck!

In general, interviewers evaluate you based on the following criteria: preparation,

presentation, skills, focus, poise and energy.

Preparation: Your level of preparedness is used as a measure to gauge your

interest in a firm. You should be able to speak both thoughtfully and convincingly
about your story and knowledge about the company and industry.

Story: Demonstrates how well you understand your past experiences,

accomplishments, skills, as they relate to the position being offered.

Resources that can help you to identify these skills include:

• Skills and values assessment evaluation handout-available in OCD
• Self assessment tools, e.g. CareerLeader. Contact an OCD career
counselor for more information.

Company knowledge: Demonstrates your understanding of the firm and

your knowledge of the functional area for which you are interviewing. This
includes familiarity with the company’s products, services, competition and
culture. It also includes awareness of the responsibilities of the job and
knowledge of the skills and personal qualities important to the position.

Activities and resources which may be helpful in procuring such information

are:
• Networking with other students and alumni
• Informational interviews
• Videos of corporate presentations (available in the CRC)
• Participation in student clubs
• Company Web sites
• Trade publications and magazines

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I NTRODUCTION :
T HE I NTERVIEW P ROCESS ( CONT ’ D )
Presentation: How you articulate, both verbally and non-verbally, in an interview
is indicative of how you will communicate in the job; as such it is essential to be
confident and comfortable about what you know and what you want. The more
you know about the position being offered and the degree of personal and
professional fit, the more you can confidently convey your desires.

Focus: Commitment to your career direction is demonstrated by the extent to

which you can articulate how your goals, education, and work experience point to
the position under consideration as well as your knowledge about the position
and firm. Knowing your story, practicing your story, in advance of the interview,
will help you to respond with greater logic and confidence. It will help you convey
a sense of continuity between your past choices and your future goals. Your
focus is also evaluated by how well you listen and respond to the questions being
asked by the interviewer.

Skills: It is important for you to articulate specific, transferable skills that you
have developed through prior work and educational experience, skills that you
can apply to the position you are currently seeking. In order to speak
convincingly about your transferable skills you must use concrete examples that
highlight the skills relevant to the job for which you’re interviewing.

Poise: The manner in which you carry yourself, your level of confidence and your
personal appearance will be evaluated by the recruiter. Your skill and grace in
dealing with others in the interview, as well as with tough interview questions,
points to how you will interact in the work environment. Knowing the culture of a
company and what is expected, before the interview, is essential to making the
right impression.

Energy: Your level of energy in the interview demonstrates interest, enthusiasm

and motivation and is essential in making a positive, lasting impression.
Identifying what attracts you to a position, in advance of the interview, will enable
you to more naturally, and convincingly, express your interest to the interviewer.

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While there are a variety of interview styles, most interviews proceed in a fairly standard
manner. An initial interview usually lasts 30 minutes and may be conducted by one to three
recruiters.

S TAGE ONE : INTRODUCTIONS

The first stage, introductions, begins the moment the interviewer sees you. It is important that
you greet recruiters in a warm and friendly manner, offer a firm hand shake, and begin a
conversation with them.

From the moment recruiters meet you, they begin to evaluate you and often they are already
considering if they want to work with you.

In addition, the interviewers are already projecting into the future about how well you will do at
“selling” yourself and your ideas to senior management and corporate clients. Interviewers
assume that how you present yourself in the interview is a strong predictor of how you will act
on the job itself. Are your non-verbal behaviors relaxed and confident? Are you articulate,
organized in your thoughts and focused on what really matters?

S TAGE T WO: VALIDATING YOUR CANDIDACY

During this period, the interviewer is usually confirming their initial impressions of you. You
are often asked to elaborate on your career objectives, to go over your resume and to give
more information about the accomplishments you have cited.

You should be prepared to:

• Give reasons for your current career objectives and your past career transitions.
• Speak confidently and positively about every point of your resume.
• Speak in-depth about your accomplishments, i.e., how you planned and executed, what
skills and experience you acquired and how others benefited from your work.
• Communicate the importance of your experience by focusing on transferable skills and their
relevancy to the desired position.

Questions you may be asked at this stage include:

• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Why x industry? Why should we hire you?
• Describe one of the most challenging projects you faced in your career and explain the
issues involved and your role in the resolution of any problems.
TIP: You should convince the interviewer you are someone who gets things done, that
you have achieved in the past and will succeed in the future. This point should be
confirmed through concrete examples that highlight your transferable skills.

Maintain your assertiveness, high energy and positive thinking because the interviewer is
about to make a final decision and can confirm or reverse initial thinking.

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STAGE THREE : TESTING YOUR KNOWLEDGE

By the depth and confidence of your answers at this stage, a skilled interviewer can tell how
much you really know about doing the type of work the position requires. The way to excel in
the initial stages of the interview is to RESEARCH YOUR TARGET COMPANY AND
POSITION.

While researching, keep in mind the questions below. You should rehearse the answers
before your interview and consider writing them out. Even if you think you know the answers
“in your head” be sure to articulate them, out loud, preferably to a friend or fellow student.

• What are the actual, daily activities of a person in my target position at this specific firm?
TIP: Informational interview and speak with fellow students.

• Which of these activities are the most important and why?

TIP: Review OCD Industry Guides; WetFeet Guides

• What about my background has prepared me for this position? What is the job-person fit?
TIP: Skills and values assessment handout or Career Leader assessment tool
TIP: Story and company knowledge
TIP: Informational interviews

• What are the most difficult responsibilities I will have at this job and how will I handle them?
TIP: Informational interview with students and recent graduates.

• What examples will I provide to demonstrate that I’ve used my skills successfully and
effectively?
TIP: Review skills used in the past and identify those that are transferable, i.e., those
needed to excel in the desired position.

You should conduct both a fundamental and a technical analysis of your target
company and position.

A fundamental analysis should provide the answers to the following questions:

• What is the overall strategy of the firm?

TIP: The most recent annual report
TIP: Company Web site
TIP: Recent news articles
TIP: Graduating students and alumni

• Who are the firm’s competitors? What is the firm’s competitive position in the industry?
TIP: WetFeet Guides, trade publications, newspapers, Hoovers, Bloomberg

• How is the firm structured: by industry, issues, functions, geography, etc.?

TIP: Corporate Web sites and corporate files in the CRC, Hoovers

• What is the corporate culture of the firm and why does that culture attract you?
TIP: Skills and value assessment handout
TIP: View past corporate presentations on video in the CRC
TIP: Informational interviewing

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A technical analysis does not have to be too extensive - you are simply demonstrating you
can do some solid due diligence. Things to think about when conducting a technical analysis
may include:

• What areas of the firm are most profitable?

• Where are the key growth areas in the firm?
• What are the key products/services of the firm which are the most successful and why?
• How profitable have the firm’s key divisions performed during the last two or three quarters?
TIP: The annual report and the company Web site will list all products and services,
recent acquisitions, mergers, and future business plans
• If you wanted to buy stock in that firm, what are the “numbers” that prove such a
purchase would be a wise investment?

STEP FOUR : THE CLOSE

The fourth stage is generally your time to use as you see fit - this does not mean you can
relax. Rather, it is time to use constructively to cover anything left on your agenda, or to ask
questions.

Let the interviewer know that you believe your objectives are compatible with the company’s.
Ask questions about the position or company that are insightful and will lead to conversation.
Use personal pronouns when speaking to the recruiter about their company, e.g. Your
company has a recent history of growth through acquisitions. Do not ask questions about
basic information that can easily be obtained through research.

Sample questions for the recruiter:

• Could you give me an example of an assignment I would be given after a few months on
the job?
• Can you tell me about the courses offered as part of your company’s rotational program?
• Is there anything concerning my qualifications for this position that needs clarification?
TIP: This provides you with the opportunity to clear up any misconceptions or biases
the interviewer may have, so they won’t work against you after the interview. It also
demonstrates a great deal of confidence.
TIP: At this point, you may also choose to bring up qualifications that may have been
overlooked and ask if there is anything more the interviewer would like to know about
you or your background.
TIP: Do not ask the interviewer how you “did” on the interview or if the interviewer
thinks you could make a good “whatever”.
TIP: Also at this point, if the interviewer has not asked you why “their” company, this is
the time to highlight a couple of reasons why are are interested in “their” company.

As you leave, thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration. Relax for a few minutes
after you have shaken hands and departed. Always follow-up immediately with a letter
thanking the people with whom you met. Each key person you met should receive his or her
own thank-you letter. It is important to get this letter in the mail on the day of the interview or
no later than the following day.

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TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
There are a variety of types of questions that you will encounter in an interview. These
questions are discussed below and are followed by strategies that you might employ to
effectively respond to them. Keep in mind that interviewers use a combination of questions
throughout the course of one interview.

1. THE BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS

These questions are used by recruiters to assess your personality, communication style,
presence and overall career goals. These questions may center around your achievements
and aim to uncover your pertinent skills. The interviewer may ask you about risks you have
taken and what you learned from your successes and failures and about your strengths and
weaknesses.

2. THE PROBLEM-SOLVING QUESTIONS

These questions tests your creativity, analytical skills and your ability to think on your feet.
Typically, you are asked to explain what you would do in different situations. Take a few
moments to formulate your answers and do the best you can to support them. You are free to
ask the interviewer for a minute or two to formulate your response and to ask them for
clarification if necessary.

3. THE STRESS QUESTIONS

This interview approach tests your ability to handle stress, specifically the type of stress the
interviewer has witnessed at the actual workplace. Whatever you say will be challenged, i.e.
your accomplishments could be termed “insignificant”. Maintain your composure, be flexible,
and answer the questions to the best of your ability. Do not take these questions personally.

4. THE CASE QUESTIONS

The case approach is very popular with interviewers from both consulting, product
management and new media firms. Although challenging, case interviews need not be
viewed as frightening; in fact, the recruiter often simply recreates complex problems that you
would encounter if hired! In effect, it is a role play that allows the recruiter to see you in action.

Firms use cases to evaluate your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills. Keep in mind
that they are not necessarily looking for a correct answer but are trying to understand
how you think and how you approach problems. Keep the following points in mind:

1. Listen carefully and take time to think clearly about the problem before formulating a
response.

2. Ask questions. Since you are simulating what you would be in your actual job, you most
likely would get all the facts straight before you formulated a strategy on how to solve the
problem.
TIP: The questions you ask are often as important as any answer you may give in helping
the interviewer understand how you think and what issues you believe are important to
solve the problem.

3. Develop a framework for approaching the problem. Give the interviewer a clear road map of
where you are going with the discussion. To frame the critical issues and how to approach
solving them illustrates your ability to approach problems.

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THOUGHTS BEHIND THE QUESTIONS
1. Tell me about yourself.
Open Ended - quick thinking, organization, reaction to a potentially unsettling
question. Your story.
2. How did you choose your school/discipline?
Planning, decision making, maturity of thought
3. What courses did you excel at/why?
Motivation, interests, expertise
4. What courses interested you least/why? How did you do in these courses?
Adversity, achievement
5. How do you spend your time outside the classroom?
Diversity, time management, motivation, balanced interests
6. What was the most difficult situation you faced in school and how did you deal
with it?
Adversity, problem solving, comfort with conflict
7. What is the biggest disappointment you’ve faced in life so far and how did you
deal with it?
Adversity, problem solving, comfort with conflict
8. What do you consider your top 2-3 accomplishments in life or at work? What
was the personal satisfaction derived from these situations?
Motivation, achievement
9. What’s the most satisfying work experience(s) you’ve had and why?
Work ethic, corporate culture fit, motivation, accomplishment, career interest
10. What 2-3 qualities must exist in a work environment to stimulate you?
Corporate culture criteria
11. What typically motivates you in your activities, be they work, school or play?
Motivation, corporate culture fit
12. Have you ever participated in a group or team activity? If yes - Put yourself in
the shoes of a team member and describe name of interviewee to me in terms
of his/her participation style and contribution.
Interpersonal, team play, contribute
13. What 2-3 qualities do you like least in others?
Interpersonal, corporate culture fit
14. What qualities do you admire most in others?
Interpersonal, corporate culture fit
15. What 1-2 qualities do you like least about yourself? How are you working to
improve them?
Introspection, interpersonal, developmental
16. What’s your criteria for selecting this career?
Thought preparation, career interest, knowledge about the business
17. What’s your criteria for selecting this company?
Thought preparation, career/corporate interest, knowledge about the company
18. What kind of career objectives do you have for yourself over the next 3-5 years?
Goal setting, ambition, introspection, and knowledge about career paths in
company/business
19. Why should we consider hiring you?
Selling

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SECOND-ROUND INTERVIEWS
The second-round of interviews require you to expand upon the topics covered in the first-round:
your background, accomplishments and future career objectives.

The emphasis in the second-round interview is two-fold: first, an in-depth look by both you
and the firm into what each has to offer, and second, an opportunity for the firm to see if you
fit with the key players in the firm.

You will be asked to speak with several people selected by an executive and/or the firm’s
recruiting department. The interviewers will frequently include persons from different divisions
that are related to the position for which you are considered. Try to impress each of them
because they each have a “say” in the selection process. NEVER appear bored or restless if you
are asked similar questions in each interview-maintain a consistent level of energy and
enthusiasm.

A key factor to remember as you speak with interviewers is their place within the corporate
structure, whether or not you will be working in their areas, and if you will report to them if hired.
You may be interviewed by managing directors and partners both who have an action-
orientation to their work and have a sophisticated overview of their firms’ strategic plans. Be
prepared and keep your story consistent throughout the course of your interviews!

Before the second-round interview process begins, most companies will usually furnish you with
an itinerary, i.e. a list of those with whom you will speak, their titles and the time you will meet
with them. This itinerary will typically be in hard copy and handed to you the morning of your
visit. The person who will give you the itinerary is usually the assigned host.
TIP: It is certainly permissible to ask your assigned host for an itinerary if one is not
provided in advance of your interview.

TIP: There are exceptions to the common practice of furnishing interviewees with an
itinerary, firms vary in their degrees of formality as do their individual departments. A
trading area, for example, might assign a person to greet you at the door and before you
know it, you will be lead into a roomful of people when your informal host says “Well,
meet the members of the team”.

LUNCH
Lunch is NEVER off the record: even if a peer is assigned to lunch with you, you are still being
evaluated. Everyone you meet will be asked how you will fit within the organization. Types of
questions that you might ask your host at a lunch meeting are:
• Tell me about some projects on which you have worked.
• What have you liked the most since starting? What have you liked the least?
• What parts of your job have you found most challenging?

Lastly, your table etiquette (or lack thereof) will be scrutinized so be mindful of your manners.
For more information on this topic, view the following videotape in the Career Resources Center,
KMC 6-65: Business Etiquette/Professional Poise.

FOLLOW UP
After your interview, always follow up with a letter thanking the people with whom you met.
Each key person you met should receive his or her own thank you letter! It is important to get
this letter in the mail on the day of the interview or no later than the following day.

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SAMPLE FOLLOW UP LETTER

October 20, 2000

Dear __________:

The purpose in writing this letter is to express my appreciation for the time you
provided during my recent interview. I particularly enjoyed our conversation
on [...mention here a subject you both discussed during your interview...].

I am excited about the opportunity to work at [...name firm and position...] and
feel confident that my background and skills would allow me to make a
significant contribution to the organization.

Again, thank you, and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Your Name

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