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INTERVIEW

GUIDE

I. Phone Interview Etiquette � Answering machines

� Phone interviews

II. Employment Interview � Preparation

� Appearance

� The interview

� Follow-up

III. Interview Questions � Interview questions employers might ask

� Questions to ask the interviewer

� Inappropriate interview questions

IV. Behavior-Based Interviews � What are behavior-based interviews?

� Sample behavior-based interview questions

V. The Second Interview � Things to observe

� Tips

� Case interviews

VI. Informational Interviews � What is informational interviewing?

� Questions for informational interviewing

VII. Follow-Up Letters � What to include

� Sample letter

Once your résumé has been sent to an employer or referred off campus, much of your initial contact

with potential employers will be by phone. Below you will find some suggested guidelines to assist you

in making a favorable and professional impression with employers.

Answering Machines Employers form impressions from their phone contact with potential

job candidates. Make sure your answering machine has a professional

message. This means that you should not have any music, inappropriate

language or other unprofessional background noise.

Outline information needed from calls with family or other live-ins. If you

are living with roommates, housemates or family members, let them know that

you are searching for a job and that potential employers might be calling. You

may want to create a phone script for them with a list of information that they

need to take from any employers that call. (i.e., caller’s name, company name,

phone number, and any message they might have.)

Return employer phone calls promptly and during normal business

hours. Employers are very busy and will not spend unnecessary amounts of

time trying to reach you. If you wait to long to return an employers call,

he/she may assume you are not interested in the opportunity and call another

candidate.

Phone Interviews Some employers may want to conduct an initial screening interview

with you by phone. Preparation is important! If you are not prepared to

have the phone interview when the employer initially calls to set one up,

request to set up an interview time that is mutually convenient to you both.

The interview should be set up within the same week, unless he/she has

other dates in mind. Once a time has been set, DO NOT MISS THE PHONE

CALL. Most phone interviews last 20-30 minutes.

You should be prepared to discuss the same basic topics you would

address in a face-to-face interview. Be ready to talk about your

qualifications, skills, abilities, experience, and education. It is usually best to

prepare ahead of time and have a list of points you want to convey to the

employer. Remember, the employer cannot see you, so it is appropriate to

have a written outline as well as your résumé and other pertinent

information in front of you to assist you in answering questions.

Know what the next step will be. Before the conversation comes to a close,

make sure you know when you can expect the employer to contact you

again or when it would be best for you to call to follow up.

Interviewing on-site. If the employer invites you to an interview at his/her

place of business, make sure you immediately write down all the

information needed, including the day and time of the interview, the

business address and directions, and the names of the people with whom you

will be interviewing.

In an employment interview, you are using the interview as an opportunity to show an employer your

qualifications, as well as decide whether that organization is a good fit for you. The employer is also

using this opportunity to assess you as a person: your personality, skill areas, motivation,

communication skills, experience, and career goals.

PREPARATION

Self-Assessment Think about your skills, interests, strengths and weaknesses. Brainstorm how these

areas relate to the job for which you are interviewing, and how your skills translate

into selling points for you. Know exactly what you can do for the company before

you go into the interview.

Research Research the organization with whom you will be interviewing. Employers expect

you to demonstrate some knowledge of their organization. You should be able to

articulate what programs and positions the company offers and how your abilities

fill its needs in these areas. You should also be aware of general information about

the company’s size, location, services, products and competitors. You can find this

information by contacting the company and asking for literature, or simply

searching on the Internet. (See the resources page in the back of this booklet)

Mock Interview The Career Services Office offers the opportunity to participate in an interview

experience with one of our professional staff before you have an employment

interview. You should bring along a résumé to allow the career professional to ask

you questions as relevant to your experience as possible. It is helpful for you to

dress as though you were going to an actual interview; this will give you a better

feel for what an actual interview will be like. These mock interviews can be

videotaped so that you may see how you are presenting yourself, and your

responses and body language can be discussed. A review of your taped interview

will show you what you did well, and what you should work on, enabling you to be

more comfortable and confident when the time arrives for the “real thing.”

Materials Make sure you know the name of the interviewer, and the time and place of the

interview. Get specific directions and plan to arrive early. Bring several copies of

your résumé and any other relevant documents, such as samples of writing, projects

you’ve worked on, or awards. You should also have the names, addresses and

phone numbers of references with you. Ask the interviewer for a business card so

you will have the necessary information to write a thank you note.

APPEARANCE Dress for success. This means dress professionally, conservatively and

comfortably. Many impressions are made just by viewing a person’s initial

appearance, so take extra care to be well-dressed and groomed for your

interview.

DO’SDO’SDO’SDO’S

� For Business Professional: wear business attire in dark or

conservative colors, with dark ties for the men. Also remember, the

darker the color of the suit and tie, the lighter the color of the shirt.

For Business Casual: wear professional but casual attire. For

example: a polished skirt or pressed slacks with a button-down

blouse for women, or an ironed pair of slacks, shirt and blazer for

the men.

� If you want to be safe, get your hands on the company’s annual

report. If the company is publicly traded, you can call the Investor

Relations Department and obtain an annual report. Look at the

pictures featured inside; this is how senior management wants the

shareholders to perceive that they dress everyday. Dressing in the

same manner or style is a safe bet.

� Wear good quality shoes and keep them shined.

� Women: for a professional look favor dark versions of the plain

pump (closed toe and heel) and carry an extra pair of stockings in

case you get a run.

DON’TSDON’TSDON’TSDON’TS

� Avoid wearing short-sleeved shirts.

� Avoid trendsetting clothing. This goes for men and women. In

general, employers are more willing to trust conservative dressers.

Business styles change very little and there is no point in risking a

job offer by gambling on passing fashion fads.

� Women: Avoid heavy doses of pastels. Women can add authority

by wearing less pink, baby blue and other pastels. There is also

little professionalism to be found in dangly earrings, sexy shoes,

and ankle bracelets. Do not wear stockings with overly fussy

patterns, lace or seams.

� Men: Avoid excess cologne, short socks, white socks, ties that are

too long or too short and wrinkled or un-pressed clothing.

� Women: Avoid skirts that are more than three inches above the

knee or excessively tight, excessive perfumes, too much jewelry,

and wrinkled or un-pressed clothing.

THE INTERVIEW The interview process can be scary if you don’t know what to expect. The typical

interview will last about thirty minutes, although some may be longer. A typical

structure is as follows:

Five minutes………...Small talk

Fifteen minutes……..A mutual discussion of your background and credentials as they

relate to the needs of the employer.

Five minutes……….. Interviewer(s) asks you for questions

Five minutes……….. Conclusion of interview

As you can see, this doesn’t leave you a great deal of time to state your case. To put

your best foot forward, here are some interviewing Do’s and Don’ts that you can

follow:

DO’sDO’sDO’sDO’s

� Arrive early; ten minutes prior to the interview is good. This gives you a chance to

gather your thoughts, use the restroom, and simply calm down.

� Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you

might be solicited during hiring decisions.

� Offer a firm handshake to the interviewer when the interview begins.

� Maintain good eye contact and listen to what the interviewer has to say attentively.

� Even when an interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your interviewer

by title (Mr., Ms., Dr.) and last name unless invited to do otherwise.

� Sit still in your chair, and avoid fidgeting, slouching, or perching rigidly on the edge

of your chair.

� Be prepared for surprise questions. Some interviewers will ask you a question with

no right or wrong answer just to see how you answer it.

� Ask for clarification if you do not understand the question.

� No matter how good you are, or how great the demand for your skills, you must sell

yourself.

� Respond to questions and back up your statements with specific examples whenever

possible.

� Emphasize your strength and stay positive; focus on experience and personal

qualities that would be beneficial to the position.

� Be assertive but not aggressive about your abilities.

� Exhibit a positive attitude. The interviewer is evaluating you as a potential co-

worker. Behave like someone with whom you would want to work.

� Be honest and be yourself. You want a good match between you and your

employer.

� Your attitude, enthusiasm, and desire for the job will help make a good impression,

and you will improve your interviewing skills with each interview.

� When the recruiter asks if you have any questions, you should have a few ready.

Prepare well thought out questions; do not ask questions you should have known

the answers to already by reading the company literature.

� Do not ask about salary or promotion, but focus on the job environment (typical

day, training, supervision)

� Evaluate the interviewer and the organization he/she represents. An interview is a

two-way street. Conduct yourself respectfully, while thinking critically about the

way you were treated and the values and priorities of the organization.

� Expect to be treated professionally. If you believe you were treated

unprofessionally, or asked questions that were inappropriate or made you

uncomfortable, discuss this with a Career Services counselor.

� Make sure you understand the employer’s next step in the hiring process; know

when and from whom you should expect to hear next. Know what action you are

expected to take, if any.

� At the end of an interview, always thank the interviewer(s) for his/her time and

consideration.

� Ask for a business card so that you will have the correct spelling of the

interviewer’s name, title, and address for your thank-you note.

DON’TSDON’TSDON’TSDON’TS

� Do not chew gum or smell like cigarette smoke.

� Do not take cell phone calls during an interview. If you carry a cell phone, either

leave it in the car or make sure you turn it off before the interview.

� Do not assume that a female interviewer is a “Miss” or “Mrs.” Address her as Ms.

unless told to do otherwise. Her marital status is irrelevant to the purpose of the

interview.

� A job search can be hard work and involve frustrations; don’t exhibit frustration or

a negative attitude in an interview.

� Do not make excuses or speak negatively about any of your past experiences.

� Do not speak negatively about previous employers, professors, or others.

� Do not falsify any answers to interview questions or information in your application

materials.

� Do not treat the interview casually, as if you are not really interested in the

opportunity or are doing the interview just for practice.

� Do not give the impression that you are only interested in the job because of its

geographic location or salary amount.

� Do not ask about salary and benefits until the subject is brought up by the employer.

� Do not act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.

� Do not make the interviewer guess what type of work you are interested in; it is not

the interviewer’s job to act as a career advisor to you.

FOLLOW-UP

Candidate You should always follow up with a thank-you note to the interviewer. Be sure to address

it to the interviewer you spoke with and be sure to spell his/her name correctly! If you do

not hear from an employer within a reasonable time period (two to three weeks) it is

perfectly acceptable to call or write a letter inquiring about the status of your application.

Employer The employer may follow up with you to request additional information (letters of

reference, transcripts.) He/she may also follow up to invite you back for a second

interview or just to let you know that there are no positions currently available for which

you would be a good match.

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. Why did you choose to attend Keuka College?

3. How did you choose your major?

4. What college classes have you enjoyed the most and why? The least?

5. Tell me about your most rewarding experience.

6. Do you think that your grades are a good indicator of your academic achievement?

7. What have you learned from your participation in extracurricular activities?

8. Do you have plans for further education?

9. In what kind of work environment are you the most comfortable?

10. How do you work under pressure?

11. How has your education prepared you for the world of work? This specific job?

12. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

13. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

14. How would your friends describe you?

15. What is it you do really well?

16. If you were hiring for this position, what qualities would you look for in a candidate?

17. Why should I hire you?

18. Describe your ideal job.

19. Why did you decide to seek a position with this company/organization?

20. What do you know about our company?

21. What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?

22. What other types of jobs are you considering? Other organizations?

23. How do you feel about traveling/working overtime/spending weekends in the office?

24. What factors are most important to you in a job?

25. What do you see yourself doing in five years? In ten years?

26. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

27. Do you prefer to work in a group or alone?

28. What qualities should a successful supervisor/manager possess?

29. What have you learned from your mistakes?

30. What has inspired you the most in your life?

31. How do you spend your spare time?

32. Do you prefer any geographic location? Why?

33. Tell me about your management/educational philosophy.

34. Give me your definition of success.

35. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?

36. What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work?

37. How do you react to criticism?

38. What frustrates you?

39. Have you had any supervisory experience?

40. When could you start work?

41. Do you consider yourself a creative person?

42. Have you held a leadership position?

43. Describe yourself with one word.

44. Why did you choose your particular field of work?

45. What qualifications do you have that you think will make you successful in your field?

46. Have you ever had any difficulty getting along with fellow students or faculty?

47. What do you think it takes to be successful in a company such as ours?

48. In what part-time or summer jobs have you been the most interested in and why?

49. What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?

50. How have you changed since you started college?

51. Is there anything else you’d like to tell me?

You should always come to an interview prepared with well thought out questions. Do not ask questions you

should have known the answers to already by reading the company literature or because they were already

covered while you were being asked questions.

Sample Questions

1. How did the position become available?

2. Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?

3. What are you looking for in a candidate?

4. What is the top priority of the candidate who accepts this position?

5. What do you enjoy most about working here?

6. What are the characteristics of successful employees within the organization?

7. What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?

8. What are some of the long term objectives you would like to see completed?

9. What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?

How do you think these could best be handled?

10. What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances, etc?

11. What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines, and

methods of measurement?

12. Can you describe the company’s management style?

13. Can you discuss your take on the company’s corporate culture?

14. What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this

position, and within what time frame?

15. How is one evaluated in this position?

16. What type of internal and external training do you provide?

17. What is the next step for consideration?

18. When will you be making a decision on this position?

INAPPROPRIATE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS There are certain questions that are not related to how well a person can perform a particular job. In

some cases, they are also illegal. You should be aware of these topics and be prepared to respond. Here

are some ways to deal with inappropriate questions:

� If you are not bothered by the question asked, you can answer honestly.

� If you are bothered by the question, tactfully respond without offending the interviewer. For example:

“I really don’t feel that ________ would have an impact on my ability to do this job.” or “I’ve

carefully considered all factors relating to this job and my personal affairs are in order.”

Examples of Inappropriate Interview Questions 1. Are you married, divorced, separated, or single?

2. How old are you? How much do you weigh? How tall are you?

3. Do you have any children? What childcare arrangements have you made?

4. Do you go to church?

5. Do you have any debts?

6. Do you own or rent your home?

7. To what social and political groups do you belong?

8. Are you living with anyone?

9. Have you ever been arrested?

10. Where were you born?

11. Do you have any handicaps or disabilities?

WHAT IS BEHAVIOR-BASED INTERVIEWING?

Behavior-Based interviewing is a style of interviewing that more and more companies are using in their

hiring process. The basic premise behind behavioral interviewing is this: The most accurate predictor of

future performance is past performance in a similar situation. Traditional interview questions ask

general things such as “Tell me about yourself.” The process of behavioral interviewing is much more

probing, with the interviewer asking for specific examples of when the interviewee demonstrated

particular behaviors or skills.

Important guidelines:

� Employers predetermine which skills are necessary for the position they are looking to fill and then

ask very pointed questions to determine if the candidate possesses those skills. To assess which skills

the employer is seeking, review the job description and company literature thoroughly, talk with

alumni, , and research online.

� Your interview preparation should include identifying examples of situations in which you have

demonstrated the behaviors expected of a given company.

� Always listen carefully to the question, ask for clarification if necessary, and make sure you answer

the question completely.

� In the interview, your response needs to be specific and detailed. Speak about a particular situation

that relates to the question, not a general one. Briefly explain the situation, what you did specifically,

and the positive result or outcome. Frame it in a three-step process:

1. Situation

2. Action

3. Result/Outcome

� The interviewee tells a story for a few minutes; typically the interviewer will pick apart the story to

try to get at the specific behavior(s). The interviewer can probe further for more depth or detail such

as “What were you thinking at that point?” or “Tell me more about your meeting with that person”

or “Lead me through your decision process.”

� Your résumé will serve as a good guide when answering these questions. Refresh your memory

regarding your achievements in the past couple of years. Demonstration of the desired behaviors

may be proven in many ways. Use examples from past internships, activities, classes, team

involvements, community service, and work experience. In addition, you may use examples of

which you may be proud, such as competing in a marathon, running for president of a club or

organization, exhibiting art in a show, biking across country, etc.

These are often difficult questions to answer on the fly. Use this sheet to jot down examples of stories in

your past that you would use to answer each question. Careful preparation is the key to an effective

behavior-based interview. Setting up an appointment for a behavior-based mock interview with a career

services counselor is an excellent way to practice.

1. Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone

to see things your way.

2. Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work that tested your coping

skills, and what you did to remedy the situation.

3. Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to extricate yourself from a difficult

situation.

4. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic to solve a

problem.

5. By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations

and environments.

6. Describe a time, on any job, when you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your

coping skills.

7. Give me an example of a time in which you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision.

8. Tell me about a time in which you had to use your written communication skills in order to get

an important point across.

9. Give me a specific occasion in which you conformed to a policy with which you did not agree.

10. Give me an example of an important goal that you had set in the past and tell me about your

success in reaching it.

11. Tell me about a situation in the past year in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or

coworker.

12. Describe the most significant or creative presentation you have had to complete.

13. Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job

done.

14. Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another

person even when that individual may not have liked you personally (or vice versa).

15. Give me an example of when you have had to exhibit good leadership skills and abilities.

The second interview is often the point at which you may receive a job offer from an employer. At the same

time, it is an opportunity for you to consider the company environment and work style to see if it is a good fit

for you. Would you want to spend the majority of your day in this organization? By observing the

environment and asking questions, you will be able to assess the culture.

Things to Observe

� Dress code

� Ratio of men to women

� Age groups

� Condition of facility (old or new)

� Presence of technology

� Interactions between staff

� Environment (formal or relaxed)

Tips

� Follow all of the DO’S and DON’TS of an employment interview.

� Make sure you understand the interview arrangements in advance.

o Location

o Travel arrangements

o Expenses (prepaid or will you be reimbursed)

o Contacts (with whom will you be meeting?)

� Be prepared for a full day of interviewing.

o A typical day can be up to eight hours long, and during this time you might participate in up to

twelve interviews

o Wear comfortable shoes since you may be walking a lot

� Leave early to ensure that you will arrive on time. Allow for traffic and for getting lost! Arriving early

also gives you a chance to use the restroom, relax for a moment before the interview, and gather your

thoughts.

� Make sure that your appearance is neat and professional. You may want to have a roll of breath mints

with you.

� When in a second interview, you may encounter different types of interviews, such as case interviews

or group interviews. You may also be requested to complete writing samples or answer problem-

solving questions. Read through the following pages for information on what these situations might

entail.

CASE INTERVIEWS

In this type of interview, the interviewer takes the candidate through a series of steps ad evaluates how

he/she tackles the various levels. The steps can range from identifying a critical issue, to breaking a

problem into component parts, to finally identifying one or more solutions.

Step 1. Big Picture Thinking. The interviewer lays out the facts and asks the

candidate to articulate the critical issues facing the business. This requires

an ability to focus on key issues, not every issue. The interviewer will then

ask why the candidate chose to answer as he/she did.

Step 2. Problem-Solving Logic. The interviewer asks the candidate to lay out all

the elements of the problem: what factors should be considered?

Step 3. Focusing on Value. The interviewer then lets the candidate choose which

avenues to pursue, leaving the discussion open-ended. The interviewer

determines if the candidate is instinctive about which path to choose, and

asks why the candidate selected this path.

Step 4. Depth and Breadth – Business Intuition. The interviewer asks the

candidate some probing questions about how he/she would analyze a key

area.

Step 5. Results Orientation. The interviewer asks the candidate how he/she would

implement his/her solution. The interviewer could pose a tricky or hostile

client situation to see how a candidate would get results in a different

environment.

(From “How to Ace a Case Interview,” Bain & Company)

Writing Samples The interviewer may ask you to produce a writing sample on the spot. They

may want you to argue or defend a particular issue, or summarize data to

support a philosophy or viewpoint.

Problem Solving You may be asked to solve a particular problem, either off the top of your

head or with paper and pencil, during the interview. Some examples of this

are probability and quantitative problems.

Group Interviews In this type of interview, you will meet with several interviewers

simultaneously. They may be from different departments of the company or

all from the department in which you are trying to obtain a position. It is

important to be aware of who comprises the group, so that you can address

issues in your answers and questions that pertain to those positions and

departments. You should address the entire group when answering a

question.

Remember Answer each individual’s question with the same enthusiasm as you did the

first time you were asked. You will be meeting with a number of people

who will have no idea what you have discussed with others prior to

interviewing with them.

WHAT IS INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING?

� An informational interview is when YOU interview someone who is knowledgeable in a job or

career that you want to learn more about. Unlike employment interviews, you are in charge of an

informational interview. It is your responsibility to call and set up a meeting with the employer so

that you can obtain information that will be useful in your job search.

� Informational interviews also serve as good practice for the formal job interviews that come later

by preparing you to be comfortable when meeting with a variety of people.

� Informational interviews can take place in person or via the telephone.

� DO NOT expect specific job openings or offers to appear during informational interviews, and

NEVER use informational interviews to try and set up employment interviews!

Why Informational Interview?

� To collect information about a job, career, or organization that interests you.

� To expand your contact network.

� To find hidden job markets

Gathering Information

You can gather some information about certain jobs from books, newspapers, annual reports and

directories. However, there is some information that you can only get from talking to people, for example:

� What education and experience do employers have in a particular department or company?

� What is it REALLY like to work at a particular job?

� How is a particular field changing and/or growing?

Résumé

If you will be interviewing in person, it is a good idea to bring your résumé, but do not present it unless

you are asked for it. Remember, you are not applying to a job. If you are asked for a résumé, take the

opportunity to ask your interviewee how it might be improved to make a more favorable impression. If

changes are suggested, revise your résumé to reflect them.

Dress

Dress professionally, just as you would for a job interview.

Wrap-Up

After you have had a chance to ask your questions, ask the interviewee for an honest evaluation of how

you are suited for this job or career. If he/she does not feel your background is strong enough, ask about

what areas need improving. Try to elicit specific information on how to improve these areas (including

what type of classes to take, where you could get some useful experience, etc.). Also ask the interviewee

for the names of other people, in similar jobs or careers, to contact and ask if you may say that you

were referred to them by the interviewee for informational interviewing purposes.

Prepare your questions in advance. This will convey that you are organized and focused and you’ll be

less apt to forget important questions. Keep your questions specific and relevant to the interviewee and

the situation.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. What are your job duties and activities? What percentage of your day is spent doing those activities?

2. Please describe what a typical day on your job is like.

3. What are the most interesting or challenging parts of your job? The least interesting?

4. What do you like and dislike about your job?

5. What parts of your job do you enjoy the most? Which do you enjoy the least?

6. What percentage of the time do you spend doing what you enjoy most?

7. What is your most significant work accomplishment?

8. Please tell me your career history.

9. What are some of the different ways people come to work in this career?

10. To be successful in your job/career, what qualities should an individual possess?

11. Why did you choose this type of work?

12. For what reasons would you make the same career choice again? For what reasons might you choose

a different path?

13. What types of people do you work with generally?

14. How would you describe the relationships between your co-workers and their clients?

15. What do you need to be successful in this job?

16. Are there certain personality traits that make it more likely for a person to succeed in this job?

17. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?

18. What do you look for when you hire someone?

19. Describe a successful employee’s educational and employment background, personality, outlook.

20. If you decided to leave your job, what advice would you give to the person who replaced you?

21. What obstacles are you currently dealing with in your job?

22. What problems would someone new to the job likely face?

23. What do you think are the important skills, experience, and education needed to perform your job or

work in this field?

24. What are entry-level salary ranges?

25. What are the prospects at this time for obtaining entry-level positions within this company?

26. What experience and background do you have that suits you for this job?

27. What are the opportunities for advancement in this field? What do employers look for when

considering promotion?

28. Having heard a description of my background, (or having read my résumé) what do you think I

could do better to prepare myself to be successful in this career?

29. What long-term trends do you think are affecting the industry?

30. In what other types of companies or organizations could someone do your work? Are there other

careers related to your work?

31. What are the career paths one can take in this field?

You should send a thank-you letter to the interviewer, recruiter, or person who coordinated your visit, as

soon as possible following the actual interview (within three days is usually customary). Follow up

letters jog the memory of the person with whom you interviewed; they help the interviewer recall who

you are and for what position you are applying. The main purpose of this letter is to extend your

appreciation to the interviewer for taking time to meet with you, but it also serves to give you more

exposure.

YOU SHOULD INCLUDE:

� A statement thanking the interviewer. Mention the position for which you interviewed, the date

and the location of the interview.

� A reaffirmation of your interest and your confidence that you can do the job. Mention specific

job duties that were discussed in the interview, and which of your traits or experiences would

provide a foundation for further growth and contribution.

� An expression of your willingness to provide additional supporting information. Also include

here any information requested at the interview.

� A simple, cordial closing.

SAMPLE LETTER

123 Main Street

Penn Yan, NY 12345

May 26, 2005

Mr. Joe Schmoe

Director of Personnel

AtoZ Corporation

Freedmont, Missouri 12568

Dear Mr. Schmoe:

It was a pleasure to have met with you during my visit to your company earlier this week. Our

conversation confirmed to me that the Assistant Director of Human Resources position is exactly the

type of quality experience in which I am interested.

I was especially impressed to learn that the Assistant Director plays a significant role in contracting with

insurance companies. As I mentioned in our interview, I have extensive experience in the health care

industry performing these types of activities. I think my skills would be of benefit to you in exploring

and developing the area of HMO contracts.

I would like to express my sincere interest in working for AtoZ Corporation. If there is any further

information you would find helpful in making a decision regarding my employment, please feel free to

contact me at (315) 123-4567. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Your Signature HereYour Signature HereYour Signature HereYour Signature Here

John Doe