Interviewing

Illegal Questions

Employers must ask questions that are related to the job.
Various federal, state, and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask a job candidate.

If asked an illegal question you may:
Answer the question - remember that you are volunteering personal information that isn't related to job performance.
Refuse to answer - you run the risk of appearing uncooperative or confrontation.
Examine the question for its INTENT - respond positively without revealing personal information. For example, "Do you have children?" Response: "My family is very supportive of my career and my family life will not interfere with my work performance."

Before an interview

• Get a good night's sleep so that you appear fresh and well rested.
  
• Make decisions about your wardrobe and have your interview attire ready to wear.
  
• Determine how long it will take to arrive at the interview site & where to park.
  
• Review how you will greet the interviewer - firm handshake, eye contact, warm greeting
  
• Examine your files on the organization & collect any additional information about the organization, job and salary ranges
  
• Review what you stated in your resume
  
• Practice the most important questions and answers

Follow-up after an interview

• Take notes related to job duties and major points discussed, review how the interview went and evaluate your performance.
  
• Be sure to write down the name, title, and address of the interviewer.
  
• Send a follow-up thank you letter within 24 hours after the interview.
  
• Restate your interest in the position, restate your strengths, and thank them for the interview opportunity.
  
• Provide whatever credentials, references, or transcripts are requested as soon as possible.
  
• You may fax or email a letter if appropriate, but should mail a hard copy as well.
  
• Follow-up with a phone call if you have not heard back from the employer within several weeks.

When a job is offered

• List our priorities related to responsibilities, salary, location, working conditions, benefits, and how the position fits into your career goals.
  
• Review the job offer made with your list of priorities.
  
• Examine the advantages and disadvantages of the job.
  
• If a firm job offer is made, ask about their time frame for action.
  
• Everything can be negotiated after a job offer is made - salary, benefits, start date, bonuses, personal time off, and all other perks of the position.
  
• If you negotiate anything, always ask, never demand.
  
• Contact all the people who have helped you in your search, tell them about your new job and thank them for their help.

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