Acing Your Interview

Prior to the Interview

What to do before your interview

1. Know the opportunity:
   • Explore the PSEG website to become familiar with our services, culture, financial standing and other pertinent company information.
   • Familiarize yourself with the job description and required/desired qualifications for the position.
   • Prepare any of your own questions about PSEG and the position before the interview.
2. Know your strengths:
   • Review your background and experiences (your resume is a great place to start).
   • Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, positions, roles and responsibilities in detail.
   • Make a list of accomplishments and experiences of which you’re most proud, and which best relate to the position at hand. Be prepared to discuss.
   • Consider the reasons you’re seeking opportunities outside of your present position. Such reasons could include job content, company/industry change, financial factors or organizational culture.
   • Assess your future career goals.
3. Come prepared:
   • Expect to meet with an interview panel/team, as opposed to several one-on-one interviews.
   • Bring multiple copies of your resume to the interview.
   • Practice! Try preparing a closing statement as to why you’re the best fit for the position.
   • Dress in appropriate business attire, unless otherwise instructed.
   • Arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time to park, access the building and find your destination.

During the Interview

1. Understand the format:
   • Following a behavioral-based format, your interviewers will focus questions on your past experiences, prior actions, knowledge skills and job-related abilities.
   • Expect behavioral-based questions such as:
     • “In leading a project, describe how you handled an obstacle in completing it.”
     • “Tell me about a time when you exceeded a customer’s expectations.”
     • “Describe a conflict situation and how you communicated your solution.”
   • Your answers should follow the “S.T.A.R.” format (Situation, Task, Actions, Results), in which you:
     • Explain the Situation.
     • Define the Task you were charged with accomplishing.
     • Describe the Actions you took to accomplish the task.
     • Share the Results of your actions.
   • Be prepared to discuss examples of your past achievements, using the S.T.A.R. format.
2. Ask questions and exchange information:
   • Ask about the position’s daily roles and responsibilities.
   • Inquire about the leadership of the group, management styles, workplace culture, and anything else of interest.
   • Ask about growth opportunities and what it takes to advance in the company.
   • Request contact information from the interviewers.
   • Ask for your PSEG recruiter’s name and email address.

After the Interview

1. Please be patient:
   • The PSEG selection process can take several weeks.
   • You will receive email notification of your status a few weeks after your interview.

Resume Checklist

1. Include your contact information:
   • Full name
   • Address
   • Phone numbers (list all that are appropriate)
   • Email address
2. Tell us what position(s) you’re interested in:
   • Provide a brief objective statement including any relevant experience as it relates to the requirements for the PSEG position in which you’re interested
3. Detail your work history, experience and qualifications:
   • List your employment history, descending from the most recent at top
   • Include dates of employment for all positions listed (for example, January 2004 – May 2007)
   • Provide specific skills, programs, training and qualifications that highlight your background and experience
   • Highlight any work-related experience that relates specifically to the required/desired qualifications of the PSEG position in which you’re interested
4. Provide your education and associations:
   • Educational background and degrees (if applicable)
   • Professional associations
5. Be clear and concise:
   • Use bold, intuitive and easily-identifiable headings
   • Indent sub-sections where appropriate
   • Use quantifiable data as often as possible
   • Ensure that your contact info is on each page

To download a pdf of additional tips and resume samples, click here.