Prepare for Your Interview

Getting an interview is a big step in the application process. Now you have the opportunity to meet prospective employers and let them know how and why you are the right person for the job.

Employers run background checks to confirm qualifications. It’s better to be honest upfront and possibly lose some opportunities than lose someone’s trust after you are hired.

• Keep it simple and emphasize the positive
• If asked to give information about your past (convictions, incarceration, drug and/or alcohol abuse), avoid telling “your side of the story”; even if you were wrongly convicted, you will leave a negative impression
• Keep focused on what you have to offer the employer, not your personal story
• Offer details about your work history that highlight your strengths
• Demonstrate how you plan to or have turned your life around
• Focus the interview on the current activities and future plans
• List your goals and plans for the future
• Highlight the changes you have made along with your new lifestyle

• Be honest – never lie to an interviewer or put false information on your resume or application. This will disqualify you when the employer does a background check or checks your references
• Assure the interviewer that you have learned from your past mistakes
• Talk about your commitment to being a success and that you are not a risky hire
• Understand the concerns or hesitations of hiring you and offer reassurance

• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Make a good first and last impression; avoid talking about negative issues
• If possible, try to address your criminal history in the middle of the interview, and end with a summary of your qualifications and interest in the job; bring up your past early in the interview process before you are asked by the interviewer
• Appear confident and open to answering any questions they may have

• Write a short summary of your past
• Answer truthfully and be brief
• Make a list of things you have learned from your mistakes
• Get an outside perspective to help you think through your responses
• Rehearse and share with your peers or support systems

There are a number of questions that may be asked of you by Human Resources, the hiring manager, and other interviewers. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.

• Tell me about the position(s) listed on your application/resume.
• What were your duties, responsibilities, expectations for the position(s)?
• What was your favorite job? What did you like/dislike about this job?
• Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved that goal.
• What life skills or job experiences make you a good fit for this company?
• Have you handled a difficult situation with an employee and/or supervisor? How did you handle it?
• Have you ever gone above and beyond in a position? Explain.
• I’ve noticed gaps in your work history. Can you explain those gaps?

• Why were you incarcerated?
• What did you learn from your experience?
• Do you have challenges or limitations that could affect your work schedule?
• What have you been doing to prepare for employment since you were released?
• Were you employed or in school when you were incarcerated? If so, tell me about your work and education.

• “Tell me about yourself”, this is an invitation to share why you are qualified for the position.
• Why do you want to work for our company?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What are you passionate about?
• Do you prefer to work independently or with others?
• What is your ideal work environment?
• How do you evaluate success?
• What motivates you to succeed?
• How do you handle stress and pressure?
• What is your worst quality?
• Describe a challenge where you succeeded.
• If the people that know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?
• What life skills or job experience do you have that would make you a good fit for our company.
• Do you have any concerns about making the transition from incarceration to the workforce?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What have you been doing since you were released?
• How much money are you looking to make?