Are you searching for a new job? These pointers from the City of Lenexa’s Human Resources staff can help you impress a recruiter or your future supervisor. 

If you want a rewarding new career with competitive pay and benefits, plus exceptional work culture, check out our current openings.

All Interviews 

• Review the job description and job posting before your interview. Familiarize yourself with the duties, responsibilities, required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Research the organization. Incorporate specific details about why you would like to work there and what value you can bring during your interview.
• Get to know your interviewers. What is their role? How long have they been with the organization? What do they find rewarding about their role?
• Bring a pen and paper with you to take notes.
• If you have questions about the position or organization, do not be afraid to ask. This shows that you are interested and eager.
• Bring copies of your resume to hand out to each person you will be meeting with.
• Have a “sales pitch” prepared that highlights your relevant skills for the position.
• Practice mock interviews with a friend or family member. Record these interviews and watch them. See if you are displaying any nervous behaviors (clicking your pen, tapping your fingers, etc.) or using filler words (umm, like, etc.).
• Try not to be nervous! Remember, this interview is as much about the organization showing why they are a good fit for you as it is about demonstrating why you’re a good fit for the organization.

Virtual interviews

• Be prepared to be on video.
• Dress the same as you would for an in-person interview.
• Check your tech ahead of time. Set up 10 minutes prior and ensure your internet, sound and video are working properly.
• Maintain good eye contact. Be mindful of body language.
• Position your camera to a neutral background.
• Make sure you are in a well-lit room without distractions.

How to answer common interview questions

“What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?”

• Focus more on the solution than the challenge. Keep your description of the obstacle concise and focused, but elaborate on how you overcame it.
• It’s also important to explain how overcoming the obstacle benefited your team/organization/project.
• You can also explain what you learned from the experience and how it helped you going forward.

“What is your biggest weakness?”

• The interviewer is likely seeking to gauge your self-awareness and willingness to take positive action to improve yourself.
• Do NOT express a weakness that is also a strength — that will just show your inability to identify areas for growth.
• Be honest — no one can do everything perfectly.
• Focus on how you compensate for and minimize the impacts of your weakness.
• Stay away from personal weaknesses. Instead, focus on technical or background experience weakness. Those present as more repairable.