Bookends are the supports at the end of a row of books. They set the framework for the books’ space by providing starting and ending points while offering stability to keep the books upright and organized. Just like bookends, you can set the tone and lasting impression of your job interview by preparing your responses to the opening and closing questions.
Advance planning will give you a solid interview framework, allowing you to make a great first and lasting impression. By preparing the pieces below, you’ll be able to quickly communicate who you are, why you want the job, and why you’re the right hire while also finding out more about the company with which you’re interviewing.
Elevator Pitch
This brief summary about yourself can be offered in the time it would take for a short elevator ride – about one minute. It should focus on answering two questions:
- What are your primary selling points for the job?
- Why are you interested in this position?
Use your first sentence to tell who you are. Then brief highlight your expertise with two to four points of what makes you stand out. Finish by letting them know you want the job and why.
Avoid commenting on your age, marital status, family, religion/belief system, etc. Keep the information relevant to the position for which you’re interviewing.
Questions for the Interviewer
This is your opportunity to find out more about the company. Ask questions that cannot be answered by searching the company’s website and steer clear of questions about pay and benefits in the first interview.
Sample questions:
- What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?
- What type of orientation and onboarding are offered for this position?
- How would you describe the culture of the company?
- What are the biggest opportunities/challenges facing the company/department right now?
- What do you like best about working for this company?
Selling Close
After you’ve asked your two or three questions, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any more questions. This is the perfect opportunity for you to thank them for their time, reiterate your interest in the position, and briefly remind them of your best selling points – why they should hire you.
Sample: “While I don’t have any more questions, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to interview with me today. Your company and this position sound like a great fit for me because…” Then reiterate your skills/passion as it fits their organization.
NTC’s Student Development Team including Student Life and Career Services can help you: prepare for job fairs and interviews, practice common interview questions, acquire networking skills, and more. Check out our online resources: studentlife.ntc.edu/soft-skills.