Stages of Interviewing | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

STAGE 1: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Topics:

  • Introduction: light conversation about sports, weather, traffic, etc.
  • Interviewer Expectations: Good, firm handshake; eye contact; proper interview attire/grooming.

STAGE 2: YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

Topics:

  • Education: grades, choice of school and major, special interests, and achievements.
  • Work: Types of jobs held, level of responsibility experienced, tasks enjoyed most and least, what was gained.
  • Which of your experiences has been most rewarding to you?
  • What type of work environment appeals to you?
  • What skills have you developed?
  • Activities and Interests: Role in campus organizations, fraternities, sororities, extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports, cultural interests.
  • Are you active in any organizations or clubs?
  • What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Interviewer Questions

  • What led you to choose your field of study?
  • What subjects did you like best? Why?
  • Do your grades accurately reflect your capabilities?

Interviewer Expectations:

  • Intelligence
  • Knowledge
  • Interests
  • Willingness to work
  • Maturity
  • Ability to handle responsibility
  • Leadership
  • Attitude
  • Enthusiasm

STAGE 3: CAREER GOALS

Topics:

  • Immediate and long-term objectives, interest in the company, geographical preferences.

Interviewer Questions:

  • Immediate and long-term objectives, interest in the company, geographical preferences.
  • What are your long-range and short-range goals and objectives?
  • When and why did you establish these goals?
  • How are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
  • What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
  • How would you describe yourself?
  • What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort
  • What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful?
  • In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?

Interviewer Expectations:

  • Realistic knowledge of strengths and weaknesses
  • Knowledge of opportunities
  • Interest in the company
  • Serious interest in career

STAGE 4: THE COMPANY

Topics:

  • Company opportunities, training programs, corporate structure, benefits and educational opportunities, chances for promotion.

Interviewer Questions:

  • Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
  • What do you know about our company?
  • What are your geographical preferences?
  • Will you relocate?
  • Willing to travel?

Interviewer Expectations:

  • Informed and relevant questions
  • Sincere interest in the company
  • Appropriate but not undue interest in salary and benefits

STAGE 5: CONCLUSION

Topics:

  • What you should do next (fill out applications, send transcripts, forward references), further steps the company will take, when you will be notified of interview results, cordial farewell.

Interviewer Expectations:

  • Candidate's attention to information as a sign of continued interest.