Interviews, Thank You’s, and

Follow Ups

DR. WILLIAM C. KURLINKUS

TECHNICAL WRITING
 Your Job is to Have a
Memorable Conversation
 Interview Tips: Things to Bring/Prepare

— Research two key pieces of information about the company

that you might be interested in talking about. Check the
company’s linked in and also look at people who work at the
company. If possible, even research the interviewer.
— Create a T-Chart of the key hard and soft skills from the job ad
on one side and your key examples/stories that you can tell
when they ask: why are you qualified? Think of these as case
studies if you want.
— Bring several resumes, a nice looking pen and
notepad/portfolio, examples of your work if applicable or a
performance evaluation.
— Take Notes during and after—especially take note of
something interesting that you talked about that could be
useful in a thank you letter.
 Interview Tips: Questions

— Tell us something about yourself.à Tell them about your prior experiences,
in you language. Illustrate skill. If you add something that you actually
enjoy doing beyond hard experience (which you should), try to make this
fun thing illustrate some soft skill—I love rock climbing, it’s all about
problem solving vs. I like watching tv.
— Why do you want to work for us?à Describe what you’ve researched about
the company and how that fits into your career goals and ethos.
— Why are you qualified?
— What could you offer us that other candidates cannot?à In addition to
these things you ask for in your job ad, I have experience doing…
— What is your greatest strength?
— What is your greatest weakness?àOne that you have solved or are actively
solving.
— Tell us a time when you solved a problem/conflict in your work?à Prepare
an example of showing leadership, moving yourself or a team through
something
— What are your career goals?à State what you would like to accomplish
with/for the company, talk about where the field is going
 Interview Tips: Questions You Ask

— YOU MUST HAVE QUESTIONS! When appropriate, try to ask

a question or two in other areas of the interview—have a
conversation
— Do a reverse interview:
¡ What are you excited about in the company?
¡ What big projects are next?
¡ What kind of projects would I tackle first?
¡ How can I help your company meet its goals?
¡ Ask follow-up questions to these.
— Have a company specific question for each interview
— Is there support for continuing education so that you can stay
on top of changes/advances in your field.
— Starting date
— Next step in the hiring process
 Etiquette

— Turn off your cell phone

— Dress up
— Shake hands coming and going
and state your name as you are
doing this
— Don’t interrupt questions
— Don’t say negative things (about
yourself or a previous job)
— Make eye contact
— Take notes
— Thank them for their time—state
their name
 Thank You’s
— Thank them within two days
(email)
— Thank them for the
interview.
— Ask what the next steps are.
— Tell them you are still
interested.
— Remind them of one
interesting thing that you
talked about, specific to your
interview.
— ‘I’m really excited about the
opportunity you’re offering;
this seems like an exciting
time for the business and the
role is a great fit for my skill
set and experience. If you
need any additional
documents or information
from me, do let me know.’
— Don’t pressure them.
The Most Important Thing to
Bring to Interviews

3 OR 4 STORIES
LET’S WRITE THEM LIKE WE WOULD COVER
LETTER PARAGRAPHS

GIVE THEM EACH SEVERAL HASHTAGS TO

SHOW THE SKILLS THEY DEMONSTRATE