Preparing for Your Interview

What happens after I apply?

After you apply on-line, you will receive an email notification verifying that  The Carle Foundation has received your application.

If you see a vacancy in the future for which you would like to apply, complete an update through our career opportunities.  Furthermore, applicants who use “Job Agent” online will automatically receive an email notification when new positions become available.

What can I do to enhance my application?

Simply fill out the application completely and answer the questions honestly.   Be sure to verify that your dates of employment are correct and list complete addresses, email addresses and phone numbers for your work references.

What is the interview process at Carle?

If you are invited to come for an interview at The Carle Foundation, the first part of the interview will normally take place in the Human Resources Department and you will be asked to complete a Customer Service Assessment.  You may also be invited to interview with the hiring manager during your initial visit. However, you may be asked to come back more than once if additional interviews are needed.

Interviews and the interviewing process can sometimes seem intimidating and may cause even the most prepared applicant to become nervous.  The Carle Foundation recognizes this natural response and we will do our best to help you relax and feel comfortable.  We want our interviews to be welcoming and a positive experience.
However, the interview process is designed to help us find the best qualified applicants.  We will review your job application and resume and will probably begin by asking questions about your jobs, education, licensure/certifications, strengths and weaknesses. Basically, all our questions are aimed at helping us determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the job and whether the culture of The Carle Foundation is good match for you.

Because we are all unique and have different interviewing styles and approaches, the interview itself may vary among individuals.  However, there are some routine questions you can expect and you may be asked these questions more than once.  To help prepare for the interview, read through the following questions. Come up with honest and complete answers for each question. Asking a friend or co-worker to help role play the interview can also give you invaluable practice.

• Why did you choose to apply to The Carle Foundation?
• What do you expect from The Carle Foundation as an employer?
• What do you see as your major strengths and areas that need improvement?
• You have quit quite a few jobs in recent years, why?
• Why do you want to change careers?
• Have you ever been terminated from a job? Why?
• What would you say is your most important career accomplishment? Failure? Disappointment? Why?
• What did you dislike the most about your last job?
• Have you ever had a disagreement with a supervisor? Why? Why not? How did you handle it?
• In your opinion, what can you do for The Carle Foundation that no other job applicant could do?
• Do you have any questions?

Of course, these are just examples.  There may be different and more questions.  But, please take notice of the last question. Not only is The Carle Foundation looking for exceptional answers to these types of questions, but we are also interested in hearing intelligent well-considered questions to be asked of us. The questions you ask will show that you are prepared for the interview and have given this opportunity considerable thought.   Therefore, it is okay to write out any questions that you have and to bring them with you to the interview.

After all the interviews are completed, we must decide on the final candidate and it is not always an easy decision.  There are many variables that factor into our decision. Just because we must choose one candidate, this does not mean the other candidates are not qualified or would not be successful.  It is just that we must choose the best qualified candidate.  Here are some of the most common factors that we look for and some important final advice:

• Distinguish Yourself from Other Candidates Soar on your strengths.  When we ask you about yourself, make sure you tell us about your accomplishments and be sure to explain how they relate to the job you are seeking.
• Be Enthusiastic Be an active participant in the interview. Make appropriate eye contact. Smile. Use humor appropriately.
• Research the Organization Read about The Carle Foundation prior to the interview.  Having some knowledge of the organization can help you ask appropriate questions and shows the interviewer that you are interested and resourceful.
• Define Your Career Identity Offer examples from your job application and resume that show you can fill the needs of the position.   Sell your talents and strengths and share your career goals.
• Show that You are a Part of the Team While the interview is an opportunity for you to shine as an individual, we are also looking for quality team members.   Whenever appropriate, give credit to other team members who helped you achieve your goals.
• Answer the Questions Give complete and concise answers.  Use examples to help explain your answer.  A complete answer should take between thirty seconds and two minutes to explain.
• Be a Good Listener The interview is a conversation, which requires you to speak and to listen.  Avoid formulating a response until you have heard the entire question.
• Dress and Act Professionally No matter the position, a professional appearance is expected.  Make sure your clothes are neat and clean.  Avoid excessive jewelry, excessive make-up, and strong perfumes or colognes. Please do not chew gum during the interview and silence any cell phones or pagers.
• Arrive a Few Minutes Early Plan to arrive fifteen minutes early. If you must be late or must miss the interview altogether, call ahead to let us know. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule whenever possible.

After the interview

Many candidates often wonder what to do immediately following the interview – and rightly so!  Perhaps the best way to follow-up on an interview is to simply send a thank you note to the people who interviewed you. This serves several purposes. First, it gives you an opportunity to express your appreciation for the interview.   However, it also serves to remind the interviewers, several days after the interview, that you are still interested in the position.   Additionally, if there was a point you forgot to make in the interview, this provides the venue to present that thought.  But, be sure to make it brief.

The Carle Foundation makes every attempt to respond to all applicants who have been interviewed as quickly as possible. Depending on the situation, it may be a day or two or it may even be a few weeks.  We understand that applicants are generally anxious to hear a decision, but, we ask that you please be patient with us and we will do our best to keep you informed along the way.  However, if at any time you feel you need to contact us, please feel free to give us a call. We will be glad to advise you of where we are in the decision-making process.

Thank you for your interest in The Carle Foundation.

The Carle Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.