Interviewing Skills for Chemical Professionals
You probably already know that, though your résumé is a tool to obtain an interview with a potential employer, the interview – and how you conduct yourself during this opportunity – determines whether or not you receive an offer of employment.
You Got the Call, Now What?
Many candidates mistakenly believe their work ends once they secure an interview, but those who are unprepared for the interview are rarely successful.
An interview gives you and the interviewer an opportunity to exchange information about the open position. You’ll want to invest the time and energy in order to be prepared to create an experience that will ensure a positive outcome to your interview – being called back for a subsequent interview or being offered the job.
Your Goal
Your goal is to present yourself in the best possible light, so you stand out as the ideal candidate. To reach this goal, you must seriously prepare for every interview, realizing your level of preparation probably will be the deciding factor in whether you receive a job offer.
Your Interviewer’s Goal
Your interviewer’s goal is to determine whether you have the skills and motivation to do the job and whether you’ll fit into the organization.
Elements to Consider Prior to the Interview
In order to refine your interview skills, you must identify the elements that, being well understood, thought out, and practiced, will aid in a positive interview experience both for you and the interviewer:
- Introspection: understanding yourself—your skills and accomplishments, your values and needs.
- Research: learning about the employer’s organization.
- Logistics: planning and preparing for the interview
- Focus: going through the meeting itself.
- Negotiation: determining reasonable compensation and negotiating an offer.
- Planning ahead: maintaining your marketability after you get the job.
Disclaimer
This handbook is meant to serve as a basic information resource in areas of concern to chemists. Information was compiled from published sources that we deemed reliable (see Appendix lists). Readers should consult the appropriate authorities for additional information or assistance beyond the scope of this handbook. The American Chemical Society (ACS) does not guarantee employment to any reader of this document or accept responsibility for setting standards in any topic discussed within. ACS and the authors, contributors, and reviewers also are not responsible for the accuracy of information obtained from other sources.