The questions posed in this article are designed to test not your basic intelligence, but to test your interview savvy. How well you prepare for the job interview as well as how you actually conduct yourself in the interview depends in part on your perceptions of the purpose of the interview as well as your notions of the goals of the interviewer and the interviewee. The greater the congruence of your expectations for this job interview and the reality of the situation, the more likely both you and the employer will leave the interview feeling good about what was accomplished.
So sharpen your pencil and get ready to see how you view the job interview. This will probably be the least stressful I.Q. test you've ever taken!
Identify Your Interview Quotient
Each of us has a capacity to do well in a job interview. Some people always seem to interview well. They have the personality, social graces, knowledge, and experience that impress potential employers. Others are not so fortunate. Finding the job interview an extremely stressful situation, they need tips on what they should know and how they should best prepare for the interview. Here are some articles about job interviewing that can help you prepare if you are stressed out:
- The Most Effective Way to Prepare for a Job Interview
- 10 Interview Questions That Trip Up Interviewees
- 8 Strong Questions You Should Ask during a Job Interview
SCALE:
1 = strongly agree
2 = agree
3 = maybe, not certain
4 = disagree
5 = strongly disagree
1. I know what skills I can offer employers. 1 2 3 4 5
2. I know what skills employers most seek in candidates. 1 2 3 4 5
3. I can clearly explain to employers what I do well and enjoy doing. 1 2 3 4 5
4. I can specify why an employer should hire me. 1 2 3 4 5
5. I can identify and target employers I want to interview. 1 2 3 4 5
6. I can develop a job referral network. 1 2 3 4 5
7. I can prospect for job leads. 1 2 3 4 5
8. I can generate at least one job interview for every 10 job search contacts I make. 1 2 3 4 5
9. I can follow-up on job interviews. 1 2 3 4 5
10. I can persuade an employer to renegotiate my salary after six months on the job. 1 2 3 4 5
11. I know which questions most interviewers are likely to ask me. 1 2 3 4 5
12. If asked to reveal my weaknesses, I know how to turn the question around so it stresses my strengths. 1 2 3 4 5
13. I know how to dress best for the interview. 1 2 3 4 5
14. I know the various types of interviews I may encounter and how to appropriately respond to each situation. 1 2 3 4 5
15. I can easily approach strangers for job information and advice. 1 2 3 4 5
16. I know where to find information on organizations that are most interested in my skills. 1 2 3 4 5
17. I know how to go beyond vacancy announcements to locate job opportunities appropriate for my qualifications. 1 2 3 4 5
18. I know how to interview appropriate people for job information and advice. 1 2 3 4 5
19. I know many people who can refer me to others for informational interviews. 1 2 3 4 5
20. I can uncover jobs in the hidden job market. 1 2 3 4 5
21. I know how to prepare and practice for the critical job interview. 1 2 3 4 5
22. I know how to stress my positives. 1 2 3 4 5
23. I know how to research the organization and individuals who are likely to interview me. 1 2 3 4 5
24. I've considered how I would respond to illegal questions posed by prospective employers. 1 2 3 4 5
25. I can contact people effectively for job leads. 1 2 3 4 5
26. I'm prepared to conduct an effective telephone interview. 1 2 3 4 5
27. I know when and how to deal with salary questions. 1 2 3 4 5
28. I know what to read while waiting in the outer office prior to the interview. 1 2 3 4 5
29. I can nonverbally communicate my interest and enthusiasm for the job. 1 2 3 4 5
30. I know the best time to arrive at the interview site. 1 2 3 4 5
31. I know how to respond using positive form and content as well as supports when responding to interviewers' questions. 1 2 3 4 5
32. I know how to summarize my strengths and value at the closing of the interview. 1 2 3 4 5
33. I know what to include in a thank-you letter. 1 2 3 4 5
34. I know when and how to follow-up the interview. 1 2 3 4 5
35. I know what do during the 24 to 48-hour period following a job offer. 1 2 3 4 5
36. I can explain to interviewers why I made my particular education choices, including my major and grade point average. 1 2 3 4 5
37. I can clearly explain to interviewers what I like and dislike about particular jobs. 1 2 3 4 5
38. I can clearly explain to interviewers what I want to be doing 5 or 10 years from now. 1 2 3 4 5
39. I have a list of references that can speak positively about me and my work abilities. 1 2 3 4 5
40. I can clearly state my job and career objectives as both skills and outcomes. 1 2 3 4 5
41. I've set aside 20 hours a week to primarily conduct informational interviews. 1 2 3 4 5
42. I know what foods and drinks are best to select if the interview also includes a luncheon or dinner meeting. 1 2 3 4 5
43. I know how to listen effectively. 1 2 3 4 5
44. I can explain why an employer should hire me rather than someone else. 1 2 3 4 5
45. I'm prepared to handle the salary question if it comes up early in the interview. 1 2 3 4 5
46. I know when to use my resume in an informational interview. 1 2 3 4 5
47. I generate three new job leads each day. 1 2 3 4 5
48. I can outline my major achievements in my last three jobs and show how they relate to the job I'm interviewing for. 1 2 3 4 5
49. I know what the interviewer is looking for when he or she asks about weaknesses. 1 2 3 4 5
50. I'm prepared to handle both series and stress interviews. 1 2 3 4 5
Interpret Your Results
Once you have completed this exercise, add up your total score to get your composite I.Q. If your score is between 200 and 250, you are well prepared to successfully handle the interview process. If your score is between 150 and 199, you are heading in the right direction.
However, if your score falls below 150, you have a great deal of work to do in preparation for the job interview.
Take Positive Action
If you want to interview for success, you must take certain actions that result in improved interview performance. Like any acquired skill, interviewing requires knowledge, application, and practice. You must take the time and make the effort to seriously follow each step in the interview process.
