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You Landed the Interview… Now What?

Types of Interviews

Today three main types of interviews exist: phone, virtual, and on-site/in-person interviews. Regardless of the type of interview, practicing is crucial. It is highly recommended to not ‘wing it’ in an interview.

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Phone interviews

  • Prepare for a phone interview just as you would prepare for a virtual or in-person interview.
  • Since the employer cannot see you during this interview, have materials in front of you during the interview (i.e., résumé, notes taken to prepare, job description) to help with your interview responses.
  • Phone interviews can sometimes be difficult and awkward since the employer cannot see your interest in the position, and your nonverbal communication, such as body language and eye contact. To improve the conversation, try standing during the interview, and smile while responding to questions. This will help to bring energy to your voice. You can also ask “Did that answer your question” or “Would you like me to elaborate,” after your first few responses to help signal that you are finished speaking. It also allows an employer to ask a follow-up question if needed.
  • Have the contact information of the employer with whom you will be speaking in case you encounter any technical difficulties.
  • Be ready to interview 10 minutes prior to the scheduled interview time. This will be helpful in case the employer calls you a little earlier.
  • Turn off any electronic devices that could be a distraction.

In-person interviews

In-person interviews require you to interview in person at the organization where you will potentially be working. Use the following tips when participating in an in-person interview:

  • Consider your commute and how long it will take for you to arrive, including emergencies and traffic.
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled interview time.
  • Bring extra copies of your résumé and cover letter. Turn your phone off or do not bring it into the interview.
  • Dress professionally as appropriate to your industry/career cluster. Visit Dressing for the Interview.
  • Be friendly and polite to everyone you encounter at the organization. You never know whom an employer might ask to provide an opinion about their interaction with you, which could affect their hiring decision.

Virtual interviews

  • Prepare for a virtual interview just as you would prepare for a phone or in-person interview.
  • Similar to the phone interview, have the employer’s contact information in case you encounter technical difficulties.
  • Be ready for the interview 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
  • Some employers require a recorded video interview. (This is often considered a screening interview). Many of these employers will not allow you to re-record your answers. Be prepared by practicing your interview first using InterviewStream, Career Services’ practice video interview tool.
  • Do not read from notes.
  • Create a ‘virtual handshake’ during introductions–look into the webcam, smile, and nod when people are introducing themselves.
  • Use webcam and lighting tips:
  • Position yourself directly in front of the camera, having your upper arms, shoulders, and head in view on the screen.
  • Do not zoom in on your face or out so much that you appear far away.
  • Aim light at your face from behind the camera.
  • Background and distraction tips:
  • Since it is easy for people to get distracted, try to use a blank, neutral-colored wall as your background, and avoid having any clutter around you. You want the interviewer to focus on you, not what is going on around you.
  • Close window treatments behind you (i.e., curtains, blinds). This can help prevent visual distractions, and improve the lighting, which can cause shadows across your face.
  • Do not allow people or pets to appear during your interview. Choose a time and space where you are not interrupted.
  • Turn your phone off.
  • Eye contact and attire
  • Position the webcam at the same height as your head, or slightly higher.
  • If able, make eye contact with the webcam as much as possible, especially when you are talking. (Consider taping a photo of a friendly face near the camera to help you focus on the webcam.)
  • Maintain good posture and use your face to show engagement (i.e., smile, nod, etc.).
  • Dress professionally as appropriate to your industry/career cluster. (Visit Dressing for the Interview)
student sitting at a table with their laptop sitting atop a box that raises it to eye level. the words "prop up to eye level" on the box.

Additional types of interviews

There are different ways to conduct an interview:

  • One-on-one interviews–in which one person interviews you is the most common type of interview.
  • Screening interviews–typically conducted as a phone or webcam interview. The purpose is to narrow down a large candidate pool.
  • Panel interviews–involve multiple people interviewing you at the same time. Try to direct your answer to the person who asks the interview question, while also maintaining eye contact with the whole group.
  • Luncheon/dinner interviews–the employer is likely observing how you handle social situations. So treat this as an interview. Be able to focus on your answers, nonverbal communication, and engagement. Consider eating a light meal and avoiding alcohol.
  • Second and subsequent interviews–typically will be longer and possibly involve more people.

Need a place to interview?

Whether your interview is by phone, in-person, or virtual, we have space you can use. Reserve a huddle room at (309) 438-2200.

Professional Etiquette Tips While Interviewing and Networking

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2019, 94.5 percent of employers deem professionalism as very to extremely essential in a new hire. Therefore, it is important when networking or interviewing with potential employers that you use professional etiquette. How you present yourself to others can have a negative impact on your professional relationships, can damage your personal brand, and could potentially prevent you from getting a job. Interviewing includes not only what you say but also your nonverbal behavior, which can influence the interviewer’s first impression of you. This speaks to your professionalism.

General tips on professional etiquette

The following tips can be applied to both an interview and network setting:

  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early for interviews and on time for meetings and events.
  • Make good eye contact when introducing yourself, and do not forget to smile.
  • Try to maintain direct eye contact when having a conversation; but avoid staring (having eye contact about 65 percent of the time is effective). Smile frequently. Look alert and interested. Sit with good posture and body positioning.
  • Be aware of tapping of feet, playing with your hair, nervous laughter, and other habits that can be a distraction from what you are saying.
  • Keep the conversation going by asking appropriate questions and avoiding controversial topics.
  • Use your manners (please, thank you, etc.).
  • Greet people by their titles and last names unless told differently.
  • Have a positive attitude. Be friendly and respectful. Enter every interview and networking opportunity with an open mind.

Dining etiquette

It is possible that you could be asked to a lunch/dinner interview and/or business meeting over a meal. It is important in those situations to follow common etiquette rules. If you are too informal, you could jeopardize your chance at a job or other business dealing.

Make a great first impression by following these tips:

  • Wait to sit until your host/hostess does so.
  • Follow the dress code (usually business casual or business professional).
  • Place your napkin in your lap when you sit down.
  • Order something that is easy to eat, and do not order alcohol (especially at an interview).
  • Wait to eat until everyone has their meal before you begin eating yours.
  • Chew with your mouth closed.
  • Sit up straight, and do not put your elbows on the table.
  • Do not put your cell phone on the table. Put your phone on silent or turn it off.
  • Put your napkin on the chair if you leave the table temporarily. Put your napkin beside your plate when you are done eating.

Basic guidelines for dining

Here are a few rules for eating and drinking during an interview:

  • Follow the “outside in” rule when using utensils. Start at the farthest point from the food and work your way inward.
  • Taste your food before you use salt or pepper.
  • Pass the salt and pepper together.
  • Dip your spoon away from you when eating soup.
  • Pass items to the right.
  • If you are ever unsure of what to do, follow the lead of the host/hostess.

During an interview over a meal, the interviewer will usually pay for your meal. However, it is always a good idea to bring extra money for your meal and the tip, just in case the interviewer does not pay. Remember that no matter what type of interview you are at, it is still an interview. Consider having a snack before the interview. You may not have a lot of time to eat because you will be answering interview questions.

Writing etiquette

Most employers seek candidates with strong communication skills, including the ability to write in a professional manner. Your correspondence with employers during the interview process could have an impact on whether you are hired for a position. This is especially true if your correspondence contains grammatical errors and/or an unprofessional tone.

Tips for corresponding with potential employers by hard copy or electronically include:

  • Write in a clear, concise manner. Readers should have no doubt by the third sentence what your purpose is for writing.
  • Always carry a professional tone. Do not use slang or abbreviations.
  • Be honest and sincere. Write naturally and sincerely avoiding overuse of the personal pronoun “I.”
  • Font: Choose an easy-to-read black font in 10-12 point size.
  • Proofread, proofread, and proofread again.

Special considerations when using electronic communication

  • Use a subject line that reflects the subject of your message. Avoid verbiage that is common in spam (i.e. “Thank You,” or “Great Opportunity”) and consider the hidden reader–those who may get your message forwarded to them. Subject lines are often left intact when forwarded.
  • Include a signature that has your full name and comprehensive contact information (street address, phone number, LinkedIn address, E-portfolio address, etc.).
  • Avoid emoticons and electronic acronyms (e.g. BTW, etc.).
  • Use greetings like you would in a letter (ex. Dear Pam, Good Morning Dr. John), and include a closing (ex. Sincerely, Best, Thank you).
  • Use exclamation points sparingly, if at all.
  • Use urgent flagging sparingly and be careful using “reply all.”
  • Resist the urge to use all uppercase or lowercase letters. (Usage of all uppercase letters comes off as if you are screaming. Using all lowercase comes off as if you are passive or insecure.)
  • When attaching documents to a message, follow the directions given on file type and size requirements.
  • Respond to emails in a timely fashion.
  • Proofread emails carefully and use spell check before sending.

Dressing for the Interview

While a two-piece suit is traditionally appropriate in many industries/career clusters, it may not be in others. Similar to researching an employer to customize your résumé and cover letter, you should do the same to determine the attire expectations for an interview in the industry/career cluster in which you are applying. You can also ask mentors about appropriate attire, ask during an informational interview with someone in the industry/career cluster, or while job shadowing. If you are still uncertain, schedule a career advising appointment to discuss interview preparation, including dressing for interviews.

Clothing

  • Everything about your ensemble should be clean and well-pressed.
  • Choose solid, neutral colors (navy, blue, tan, gray, burgundy, black, or beige).
  • When knotted, your tie should sit at the middle of your belt buckle.
  • Shoes should be clean, polished, and dark-colored.
  • Wear socks or opaque tights that match the color of your shoes, or natural-colored hosiery.
  • Match your shoe and belt color.
  • If wearing a two-piece suit:
  • Either a skirt-suit or pant suit is appropriate.
  • Leave the last button open on a suit jacket.
  • Open the tacked vents on the back of a suit jacket if the suit is new.

Accessories

  • Opt for light and natural-looking cosmetics.
  • Keep jewelry to a minimum. The “rule of 13” is helpful here. That means if you count more than thirteen accessories such as buttons, bracelets, rings, earrings, face mask, and watch, you risk such becoming a distraction.

Body/facial

  • Dependent upon the industry/career cluster that you are applying, consider covering visible body art with clothing and removing visible body piercings (excluding ear piercings). Small stud earrings are preferable to oversized earrings that tend to have a lot of movement, which can be distracting.
  • Use perfume, colognes, or scented lotions sparingly, if at all. (What you wear can affect others.)
  • Fingernails should be neat, clean, and filed. Neutral nail polish colors are a good choice, if any at all.
  • Do not chew gum, candy, or carry cigarettes.

Interview preparation tips

  • Know when, where and how the interview is to be conducted (in-person, phone, virtual). If you are not clear on these details, be sure to ask when scheduling the interview.
  • Know the full name of the organization and the correct pronunciation of the interviewer’s first and last name. If you are not told whom you will be interviewing with when scheduling the interview be sure to ask.
  • Have knowledge about the company (i.e., review their mission, vision, values and goals), and be prepared to answer, “What do you know about our organization?” Review the job posting. Based upon these knowledge points, critically think of what questions they could ask you.
  • Note the transferable skills that employers across all industries seek in candidates visit Transferable Skills; you may be asked questions based upon these skills, especially skills mentioned in the job posting.
  • Prepare responses with examples and relate your comments to the employer’s needs. For example, instead of just saying that you are a team player, give an example of when you did so, and how that example is relevant to the position for which you are interviewing.
  • Get ready to emphasize your strengths and goals. Stress your achievements. Prepare to be positive about everything and everyone.
  • Prepare questions to ask the employer ahead of time to determine if the position is suitable for you. Remember–you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. As the interview progresses, ask questions about the company to show your interest and help you decide if you really want to work for them. Visit Questions for Employers.
  • Have thank-you notes ready, whether it be hard copy notes or an email, and be prepared to send them within 24 hours of the interview. Relay your appreciation for the interview as well as what you enjoyed learning. If you are interested in the position, relay that as well.
  • Practice, practice, practice! Whether it is with a roommate, parent, friend, or partner practice answering questions. In addition, use Interviewing.com, Career Services’ free video practice tool that allows you to record your answers and play them back to observe your nonverbal behaviors.
  • Meet with your career advisor to discuss these strategies and more.

Interview with Confidence

Two types of questions you are likely to be asked in a job or internship interview include, “Tell me about yourself,” and a behavioral query, such as, “Tell me about a time you worked on a team.” With the former question, the employer is looking for you to articulate your interest in the position and industry—and to offer information about relevant skills and experience you bring to the position. With the latter question, the employer seeks your perspective on your behavior or handling of a specific situation, understanding past behavior predicts future behavior. In preparing to answer both questions, it is important to spend time reflecting on your experiences and be able to articulate not only what you did, but also how these experiences influenced your career direction, workplace behavior, and occupational attitude.

Tell me about yourself

This question is for you to provide some relevant background information about your interest in the field or position, in addition to your experience. This could also be a brief story about events that have shaped your motivation to pursue the opportunity for which you are interviewing. Draw upon your answers to all or some of the questions below to create a complete response.

  • How did you become interested in this industry or job function? What classes, internships, books, or other engagements piqued your interest in this field?
  • What have you done in this field to pursue or explore this interest? Alternatively, what solidified your initial curiosity?
  • What experiences and accomplishments have given you the skills the employer is seeking? (These may include activities, leadership, internships, jobs, or volunteer opportunities you’ve taken part in.)
  • Why are you interested in this position?

Prepare your answer

Now that you have done some self-reflection, prepare your answers. Remember interaction with employers is limited, so maximize your time with them by promoting yourself in an appropriate way to ultimately answer the question, “Why should we hire you?”

Sample introduction/30 second commercial

I am interested in <internship/job> with your organization because of my experience <state previous internship, part-time employment, student organization experience, a related class project, etc.>.

Connect the organization/role/position to your experience, if not directly related to your major, pitch your experiences or transferable skills.

I have participated in <previous internship, part-time employment, student organization experience, a related class project, etc.>, which allowed me to develop <name relevant skills gained>, which would allow me to be contribute to your organization.

Highlight your strengths or achievements.

Based upon your website’s description of what is required of entry-level candidates, I am confident I can contribute to the future growth of <organization name>.”

Share why you would be a good fit for the position or organization. Show you have researched the employer by sharing a personal career goal that aligns with the mission statement of that specific institution.

Behavioral questions/STAR Method

Behavioral questions usually start with “Tell me about a time when ...” or “Give me an example of a time or experience when ...” The interviewer is looking for a concrete example that demonstrates a specific skill or quality that will make you an asset to their team. It is very important to provide particulars rather than to speak in generalities. It is useful to think of the answer to this kind of question as a story with a specific structure that relays not only the experience but also what you learned from it.

STAR Method

One way to structure your story is captured by the mnemonic “STAR,” which stands for: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Situation: What was the situation, problem, conflict, or challenge you were facing?

Task: What task(s) did you identify to respond to this situation or solve the problem?

Action: What action did you take?

Results: What lessons did you learn, what skills did you gain, and/or what qualities did you develop through this experience that will help you contribute to the prospective employer’s team in the position for which you are interviewing?

Remember that an employer wants to know if you have certain transferable skills and qualities that will help you be effective in the job.

(S) This semester I was involved in a group project and presentation for an Introduction to Communication class.

(T) We needed to complete the project, but we had a group member who procrastinated for the first portion of the project. As the second step deadline approached, it was making some students nervous. People were upset with this group member and getting angry.

(A) I went to her in person and explained that we needed her part before our next meeting. While I knew she was a good student and did good work, because she was working with a team, things needed to be done further in advance not only for her group’s peace of mind, but also so that we could organize the presentation based on everyone’s information. She still thought it was unreasonable that everyone wanted the project so early, but she complied after she heard why it was important to the team and how it could affect her grade in the class.

(R) As a result, she submitted her contribution with enough time for everyone to be comfortable when it came time to present, and she and I continue to be friendly toward each other.

Commonly Asked Interview Questions

The most frequently asked question in any interview is “Tell me about yourself.” Visit Tell Me About Yourself.

Personal and professional goals

  • What are your short-term career objectives? What are your long-term career objectives? When and why did you establish these goals?
  • How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
  • What are the most important rewards you anticipate in a career?
  • What qualities do you admire most in others?
  • How do you determine or evaluate success?

Skills and abilities

  • What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  • What do you do for fun?
  • If you were describing yourself, what five words would you use?
  • What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
  • What is the most important lesson you have ever received in or out of an educational environment?
  • What frustrates you the most? What was your greatest disappointment?
  • Tell me about a difficult decision you had to make. How did you navigate it?
  • What kinds of people do you find difficult to work with? How do you usually deal with conflict?
  • Give me an example of a problem you solved and how you solved it.

Education

  • Tell me how you chose your major. Why did you select the college or university you attended?
  • Describe your most rewarding college experience.
  • Which academic subjects did you enjoy the most? Why?
  • Do you think your grades are a comprehensive indication of your academic achievement?
  • What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
  • How has your education and/or training prepared you for this job?
  • Do you have plans for continued study or an advanced degree?

Questions about the target job

  • How qualified do you feel to perform this position? Why?
  • Which aspects of the position do you feel most comfortable? Which aspects seem least comfortable? Why?
  • What would you look for if you were hiring a person for this job?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • Why are you interested in this position? What about this job appeals to you most?
  • What do you know about this company? What about our company interests you most?
  • In what ways do you think you can contribute to our organization?
  • For which part or parts of this position would you need additional training?
  • Are you willing to travel? Do you have a geographical preference? Why? Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you?

Management effectiveness

(for use in supervisorial positions)

  • Describe your management style.
  • Describe your leadership style. How do you motivate others?
  • How would you go about establishing rapport with your staff?
  • What qualities should a successful manager possess?
  • What do you consider to be your greatest strength as a manager? What do you perceive to be your greatest shortcoming? Why?
  • How do you delegate responsibility? Give me an example.
  • Tell me about a rewarding supervisory experience you had.
  • Tell me about a negative supervisory experience, the reasons surrounding it, and how you moved forward through that challenge.
  • How would your staff describe you?

Most recent position

  • What are your key responsibilities or objectives in your current or most recent position?
  • Describe a typical day in your most recent job.
  • What have been your major accomplishments while in this position?
  • What impact have these accomplishments had on the organization?
  • What aspects of your current position do you enjoy most? What aspects did you enjoy the least? Why?
  • What aspects of your supervisor’s management style or philosophy do you appreciate? Which would you change? Why?
  • If we talked to your current supervisor, references, or co-workers, how would they describe your performance?
  • Why do you wish to leave your current position? What factors have led to this decision?

General work experience

  • Tell me about your past work experience.
  • Of the positions you have held, which did you enjoy the most? Which did you enjoy the least? Why?
  • What work experience has been the most valuable to you and why?
  • How do you work under pressure?
  • Describe the kind of supervisor you like to work for.
  • What have you learned in previous jobs that you can transfer to this job?
  • Tell me about the most challenging or interesting job you have had. How have other positions you’ve held compared?
  • Describe an innovative change you implemented in your last job.
  • Using specific examples, how do you contribute toward an atmosphere of teamwork?

“Interviewing is very important as it is an attempt to get to know a candidate in a short period of time. Detailed information and responses to our questions give us an indication of the candidate’s interest in a position, if one is interested in learning more, and has put in the time and effort to provide a good impression of themselves to us. It is remarkable, that by simply practicing the answers to a few questions, you can really set yourself apart from the crowd.”

- Tom Blair, vice president of construction, M/I Homes

Handling Illegal Questions

Employers are permitted to ask questions based upon a bona fide occupational qualification. This means that employers can ask applicants if they have a valid driver’s license, the ability to stand for periods of time, or a required degree if such qualifications are necessary to perform a given job and are essential to the operation of the employer’s business.

Most employers know not to ask applicants direct questions about race, religion, age, or other protected categories, but other illegal questions may not be as obvious. Employers are guided by federal and state laws that prohibit the invasion of an applicant’s privacy and attempt to guarantee equal employment opportunities for individuals. Federal anti-discrimination laws prohibit an employer from eliminating an applicant based upon race, color, sex/gender, age, national origin, religion, or disability.

Most states have adopted their own anti-discrimination laws that protect the protected categories and may also protect additional individuals. Several states’ anti-discrimination laws include sexual orientation as a protected class. Employers must also navigate laws and regulations that seek to limit their ability to pry into an individual’s personal history.

If asked an illegal question you have three options:

  • You can refuse to answer, which is well within your rights. If you choose this option be mindful of your word choices and tone—you could be seen as being difficult or argumentative.
  • You can answer the question, and you are free to do so. Remember, though, that you are giving information that is not relevant to the job. In addition, unbeknownst to you, you may be giving the “wrong” answer in the eyes of the employer so it may actually hurt your chances.
  • You can think quickly and discern what the employer is actually trying to find out. For example, “Are you a U.S. citizen?” could be answered as “I am authorized to work in the U.S.”

“When interviewing candidates, I’m seeking to identify potential. I recognize, especially with early career roles and students transitioning to the workforce, that a candidate likely won’t have previous work experience for every field listed on a job posting. However, I do believe that candidates can leverage their transferable skills (specific quantifiable examples of similar job/internship processes, and workplace accomplishments that led to business results) to prove that they have the potential to be successful in a new role.”

- Nikko Cinquepalmi, student recruiter, GROWMARK, Inc.

Interview Questions

Age

Illegal Questions

  • May not require an applicant’s age, date of birth, or for records to prove his/her age.
  • Year of graduation from high school.

Legal Questions

  • An employer may ask whether an individual meets the minimum age requirements set by law. “Are you over the age of 18?” is an appropriate question. NOT:
  • Where were you/your parents born?
  • What is your “native tongue”? May not require an applicant’s age, date of birth, or for records to prove his/her age.

National Origin/Citizenship

Illegal Questions

  • Are you a U.S. citizen?
  • Where were you/your parents born?
  • What is your “native tongue”?

Legal Questions

  • Are you authorized to work in the United States?

Race/Color

Illegal Questions

  • All questions regarding a person’s race/color will be deemed illegal under state and federal law.

Legal Questions

  • None

Personal

Illegal Questions

  • How tall are you?
  • How much do you weigh?

Legal Questions

  • Are you able to lift a 50-pound weight and carry it 100 yards, as that is part of the job?

Disabilities

Illegal Questions

  • Do you have any disabilities?
  • Please complete the following medical history.
  • How is your family’s health?

Legal Questions

  • Are you able to perform the essential job functions?
  • Can you demonstrate how you would perform the following job-related functions?

Arrest Record

Illegal Questions

  • Have you ever been arrested?

Legal Questions

  • Have you ever been convicted of _________?

Marital/Family Status

Illegal Questions

  • Are you married?
  • With whom do you live?
  • Do you plan to have a family?
  • What are your child-care arrangements?

Legal Questions

  • Would you be willing to relocate if necessary?
  • Would you be able and willing to work overtime as necessary?

Religion

Illegal Questions

  • Any question with regard to an applicant’s religious beliefs, denomination, or any questions that indicate religious customs or holidays observed.

Legal Questions

  • After an individual is hired, an employer may inquire about religious accommodations.

Military

Illegal Questions

  • If you’ve been in the military, were you honorably discharged?

Legal Questions

  • In what branch of the Armed Forces did you serve?
  • What type of training or education did you receive in the military?

Reprinted from the February 2014 issue of the NACE Journal, with permission of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Questions for Employers

It is good practice for candidates to have questions prepared for each interview. Employers expect it, and it shows them your interest in and research on the position and the prospective organization. Having questions ready makes the interview more of a conversation.

As you research the employer to customize your résumé and cover letter, develop questions if invited to interview. Do not ask basic questions you can find the answers to on their website or with a quick Google search.

Connect

Ask questions specific to your interviewer(s) that relate to the position within the organization to get to know them better:

  • How long have you been with the organization and has your role changed since you’ve been here?
  • Why did you come to this organization?
  • Why do you enjoy working for this organization?
  • What’s your favorite team (or department, or organization) tradition?

Challenges

Ask questions that identify the organization (or department, or management team’s) roadblocks or concerns:

  • What are the biggest challenges that someone in this position would face?
  • Tell me about the challenges that the team (or department) currently faces.
  • What are the most immediate projects that this position needs to address?

Culture

Ask questions that give a better understanding of the ideal candidate:

  • What attributes does someone need to have to be successful in this position?
  • What makes your organization different from its competitors?
  • How would you describe the work environment?
  • Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to?
  • Does this position have the option (or requirement) to work remotely?

Closing

Ask questions that address next steps in the interview process, and if you need to do anything else:

  • Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful?
  • Can I answer any final questions for you?
  • What are the next steps in the interview process? What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this position?

Source: J.T. O'Donnell

Job Offer and Salary Negotiation

The negotiation process

“I cannot stress enough the importance of negotiation, especially for your first job offer after college. Negotiating salary provides many benefits. It puts you on track to earn more in the long run, as your salary progressively increases throughout your career. It can also help you evaluate your ability and the value you add to an organization. Most importantly, it helps boost your confidence as you learn to negotiate effectively.

Candidates can also negotiate many things beyond salary, like remote work, vacation and sick time, and relocation and its expenses. It may seem like a daunting task, but with practice, it can lead to great long-term benefits and not just your bottom line.”

- Mariaton Tate, career advisor

Step 1. Receiving the offer

This may occur on the phone or in written form.

  • Remember to be enthusiastic and gracious no matter what the details of the offer may be. An appropriate response is, “I am delighted you have extended me this offer.”
  • Request all terms in writing so you have as many details as possible to consider.
  • Understand when they expect you to get back with them. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed into giving an immediate answer. Take time to thoroughly research the details of the offer and contemplate your response. A professional way to handle pressure is, “I’m sure you understand this is a major decision for me, and I want to have time to think it through carefully.”
  • Ask for a date or number of days to review the offer before giving a decision. “Once I receive the offer in writing, can I have five working days to make my decision?”
  • Know who to call back for more information.
  • Thank them for the offer: “Thank you so much for calling and presenting me with this opportunity. I look forward to discussing with you further after I have had time to consider it.”

Step 2. Evaluating the offer

This is the time for you to reflect on the things that are important to you in a career.

  • Review your values and career goals and determine if this is a company you would like to work for. Consider your potential title, opportunity for advancement, company reputation and culture, and ability to work with supervisory staff.
  • Determine the minimum salary you would need to make this job offer acceptable. Weigh the trade-offs you would be willing to make, such as better medical leave in conjunction with a lower salary.
  • Do as much research as possible to create the rationale you intend to use to support your request for salary or benefit increases.
  • Prepare an agenda for your next conversation with the employer so you will appear confident and knowledgeable.
  • Do not negotiate more than two or three major issues.

Step 3. Negotiation

This is the time to call the employer back and discuss your decision. You can also use this time to negotiate salary and benefits.

  • Don’t expect a resolution during this step, as it is simply an information exchange. It is likely that the company will have to get back to you with the answers to your questions, especially if they intend to revise their offer.
  • An appropriate leading statement would be, “I really appreciate your offer and have spent time thinking about it. I have a few questions and concerns that will help me make my decision.”
  • Be direct and listen carefully to the information that is given. State your question first, then listen.
  • Be honest. Don’t suggest that you have other offers if you don’t. However, you should contact other organizations with whom you interviewed to give them a chance to match or compete with the offer.
  • This is the time to find out how flexible they are with their offer. Some companies are not allowed to negotiate, which will be obvious in their responses to your questions.
  • Negotiate salary based on the cost of living in the city in which you will be living and working. Many internet sites can provide this information. Research salaries of comparable jobs within similar organizations and know your market value to strengthen your negotiating position.
  • Show you have done your research and justify your requests as confidently as you can. Close the conversation with courtesy: “Thank you for taking the time to listen to my requests and concerns. I look forward to hearing back from you.”

Step 4. Company response

Again, be as courteous as possible: “Thank you very much for the information. I really appreciate your getting back to me so quickly.”

If the revised offer is not what you expected, feel free to state that fact: “What you offer is not what I was hoping for, but I certainly understand,” “Could you tell me why ______?” or “That will help me a lot in my decision, thank you,” are all appropriate responses.

  • Let the organization know when you will get back to them. Be gracious. You have already taken time to think about the offer and company, so aim to respond within one or two days: “I need another day to think about the offer. Thank you for your patience as I make my final deliberation.”

Step 5. Your decision

  • If you are accepting, you want to do so as soon as possible to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Taking a long time to respond indicates to an employer you are not serious about the position even if you genuinely are.
  • If you are declining the offer, do so respectfully, courteously, and in a timely manner. You do not want to tarnish your rapport with the organization. You also do not want to negatively impact their impression of your school for the sake of future students: “This was a difficult choice, but I have decided I will not be accepting your offer. I was impressed by the people I met and truly appreciate that you have extended me this opportunity.” You do not need to give them a reason for declining the position.

Understanding the Value of Company Benefits

Candidates often focus solely on the salary of a position while undergoing the job search. While salary is certainly important, other benefits that employers pay out on behalf of their employees should also be considered. Salary plus these benefits is called the Total Compensation Package. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018), the average Total Compensation Package for a typical job is 68.3 percent wages/salaries and 31.7 percent benefits. Therefore, for a position that has an annual salary of $40,000 that employer is also spending approximately $18,565 annual on that employee’s benefits with a Total Compensation Package of $58,565. Below are the most common company benefits.

Health insurance

Diligently review the health insurance benefits that employers offer—some pay 100 percent of the monthly premium of their employees while others require employees to pay each month. Other costs that vary include out-of-pocket costs for procedures and office visits as well as purchasing additional health insurance for your partner and/or dependents. Employer-provided health insurance could save you thousands of dollars each year.

Dental and eye insurance

Dental and eye insurance policies are typically separate from health insurance policies. Usually they provide basic coverage. Like health insurance, some employers pay 100 percent of the monthly premium for the dental policy and eye policy while others may require employees to pay each month. Typically if you need additional care (i.e. outside of a basic dental cleaning/X-rays or eye exam) the employee will pay a portion (if not all) of the costs. Like health insurance benefits, diligently review these as well—especially if you or your dependents have ongoing or extensive dental or eye care needs.

Life insurance

Usually employers offer a life insurance policy for free equal to one year of an employee’s salary. Often employers offer additional life insurance at a discount. Individuals often increase their life insurance when they increase their assets and/or number of dependents. Be mindful when reading these policies as well—some additional life insurance offered by employers is only valid when employed by them; you may not be able to move the policy to your next employer.

Disability insurance

This insurance provides an income in the event of a long-term disability. Like other insurance policies these too can vary.

Retirement/ employer match plans

Many employers match employee contributions to their retirement to some degree. Usually the matching has guidelines and limitations. Like insurance policies, these vary from employer to employer. It is also important to be aware of when you would be vested as an employee. This is a legal term that means when you would have access to your entire retirement fund (i.e., the employer match), not just the money that you contribute. When an employee is vested can vary from company to company—for some companies it is as little as a couple years while others it can be as much as 10 years.

Flexible spending accounts

If you have a health plan through a job, you can utilize a flexible spending account. Regulated by the government, these accounts allow you to set aside untaxed dollars for certain out-of-pocket medical expenses. You would essentially be saving the money you would pay on taxes for those medical expenses.

Sick and vacation time

Most companies provide some type of sick and vacation time to their employees. The amount of time and polices for use vary from company to company. Usually the number of vacation days is determined by the position level within the company and how long the employee has worked at the company.

Tuition reimbursement

This is an especially important benefit for those who envision additional education. Companies are not required to provide this benefit and thus set their own guidelines and expectations.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics