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Preparation For the Interview
Preparation is the first essential step toward a successful
interview. Company interviewers are continually amazed at the
number of applicants who come with no preparation and only the
vaguest idea of what they are going to say. In order to be
prepared for an interview, it is important to:
1) Know the exact place and time for the interview; the
interviewer's full name and the correct pronunciation; his or
her title; and the telephone number where they can be reached.
2) Find out specific facts about the company from the website,
or from researching the company on the Internet or library
reference materials.
3) Prepare the questions you will ask during the interview.
Remember that an interview is a two-way street. The employer
will try to determine through questioning if you have the
qualifications necessary to do the job. You must determine
through your questioning whether the company will give you the
opportunity for the growth and development you seek. Asking
questions indicates to the interviewer that you are interested
in the company and the job.
4) Well-groomed appearance is in order for any interview, even
if you know the company atmosphere to be a casual one. Dress in
conservative business attire - not sport clothes or
leisure/pants suits. For men: a white or soft pastel shirt,
conservative tie, dark socks, well-shined shoes, and a
professional haircut. For women: a tailored suit or dress,
stockings with appropriate shoes, a minimum of jewelry and
makeup. Your own personal preference may not be the best guide.
The Interview
Remember that you are being interviewed because the interviewer
wants to hire someone not because he wants to trip you up or
embarrass you. Through the interaction which will take place
during the interview, he will be searching out your strong and
weak points; evaluating you and your qualifications, your skills
and intellectual qualities; and he will probably probe deeply to
determine your attitudes, aptitudes, stability, motivation and
maturity.
Some "Do's" and "Don'ts" Concerning the Interview:
1) Plan to arrive a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job
interview is never excusable. In an emergency, call the
interviewer as soon as possible.
2) If presented with an application, fill out neatly and
completely. Limit details so you can finish in about 20
minutes.
3) Greet the interviewer by his surname if you are sure of the
pronunciation. If you are not sure, ask him to repeat his name.
4) Firm handshake, don't be over bearing of feeble handed.
5) Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit
upright in your chair, look alert and interested at all times.
Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile, and be
enthusiastic! People hire those that want the job.
6) Don't smoke even if the interviewer smokes and offers you a
cigarette.
7) Don't chew gum.
8) Do look a prospective employer in the eye while you talk to
him. Don't look around the room, out the window, or at the
floor. You want to show your interest in the position.
9) Do follow the interviewer's leads, but try to get the
interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early
in the interview so that you can relate your background and
skills in the position. Make sure to ask your questions
concerning the job.
10) Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Explain
whenever possible without becoming too wordy. Tell those things
about yourself which relate to the situation. If you do not have
the experience that your interviewer is asking about, try to
relate it to what you have done.
11) Make sure that your good points get across to the
interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Keep in mind that you
alone can sell yourself to an interviewer. Make him recognize
the need to have you in his organization.
12) Be prepared to answer typical questions like: What kind of
job are you looking for? What are your strengths and your
weaknesses? (When sharing a weakness or strength, show how you
have solved problems that occurred and grew from the
experience) What do you know about our company? Why did you
choose your particular vocation? What are your qualifications?
13) Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly, and as
much to the point as possible.
14) Don't take anyone else with you to your interview.
15) Don't rush your interview, and don't ramble on with
non-pertinent chatter. In general, the longer the interview,
the more promising for you. You want to show interest in the job
but you do not need to volunteer information that does not
relate to your job.
16) Never make derogatory remarks about your present or former
employers or companies.
17) Don't "over answer" questions. The interviewer may steer
the conversation into politics or economics. Since this can be
a ticklish situation, it is best to answer questions honestly;
trying not to say more than is necessary. Stay away from
opinions, talk in terms of strengths and weaknesses.
18) Don't inquire first about SALARY, VACATIONS, BONUSES,
RETIREMENT, etc., on the initial interview unless they bring it
up first or you are positive the employer is interested in
hiring you. Here are some examples to answering the salary
question: If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate
that you are more interested in opportunity than a specific
salary; If they want to know your salary start with the facts;
last year my W2 was___, or this year I expect to W2___; or you
can say, "I am sure you will offer me what you feel I am worth
to your company”, or " I hope that means you are serious about
considering me as a candidate”, or “If I’m the candidate I would
expect your most competitive offer”, but try to give them a
range and not a specific money answer (you could be leaving
money on the table as they may offer you more than the exact
figure you give them).
You can tell them that you need to make a certain amount and if
applicable, what your estimated moving costs are, if you feel
that you must have a certain amount and feel that you must be
specific. Remember though that once you have an offer you can
negotiate, and only you can decide by the interview what you
feel is the best way to answer.
19) Always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the
job you are discussing. Never close the
door on opportunity.
Some Questions To Ask:
* What is important to you in hiring a
person for this position?
* What areas do you need help with?
*What is the growth potential in this
position?
*Is there any reason that you would
not pursue me for this position and what areas in my background
*Would you like to discuss for
clarification on my experience?
Closing the Interview
1) If you are interested in the position, ask for it. Ask for
the next interview if the situation demands.
If the position is offered to you and you want it, accept it on
the spot. If you want some time to think about your decision,
be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a
definite date as to when you will be able to provide an answer.
This normally should not exceed 48 hours.
2) Don't be too discouraged if no definite offer is made or
specific salary is discussed. The interviewer will probably
want to communicate with his office first, or interview more
candidates, or discuss the offer with your recruiter before
making a decision.
3) If you get the impression that the interview is not going
well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your
discouragement show. Once in awhile an interviewer who is
genuinely interested in your possibilities may seem to
discourage you in order to test your reaction.
4) Thank the interviewer for his time and his consideration of
you. If you have answered the two questions uppermost in his
mind, i.e., why are you interested in this company? And what
can you offer? You have done all you can.
5) Call your recruiter after the interview.
Negative Factors Evaluated by an
Interviewer
During the course of an interview, the employer will be
evaluating your negative factors as well as your positive
factors. Listed below are 16 negative factors frequently
evaluated during the course of an interview, those which most
often lead to rejection of the applicant.
1) Poor personal appearance.
2) Overbearing - overaggressive - conceited - "superiority
complex" - "know-it-all".
3) Inability to express thoughts clearly - lack of purpose -
poor diction or grammar.
4) Lack of planning for career - no positive purpose or goals.
Make sure the job you are interviewing for is a logical step
toward your goal. Do not mention any other goals or dreams.
5) Lack of interest and enthusiasm - passive and indifferent.
6) Lack of confidence and poise - nervousness.
7) Overemphasis on money - interested only in the best dollar
offer.
8) Evasive - makes excuses for unfavorable factors in record.
9) Lack of tact - maturity - courtesy.
10) Condemnation of past employers.
11) Failure to look interviewer in the eye.
2) Limp, fishy handshake – Your hand should mold to the
interviewers hand (not too hard or soft).
13) Lack of appreciation of the value of experience.
14) Failure to ask questions about the job.
15) Persistent attitude of "What you can do for me".
16) Lack of preparation for interview - Failure to get
information about the company, resulting in the inability to ask
intelligent questions.
Final Questions:
* Based on this time that we have
spent together and my skill set, do I have what you need to
successfully do the job you are trying to fill?
* I am excited about this and I like
what I see. What can I do to help move the process along so we
can finalize this?
Be Prepared to Answer Questions Like:
* TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF? (prepare to talk about the
highlights of your work experience).
* Why would you like to work for our company?
* What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
* What job in our company do you want to work toward?
* What do you know about our company?
* What interests you about this position?
* What do you think determines a person's progress in a good
company?
* What qualities should a successful manager possess?
* Describe the relationship that should exist between a
supervisor and those reporting to him or her?
* How do you determine or evaluate success?
* What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
* What is your major weakness?
* How do you think a friend who knows you well would describe
you?
* What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?
* What two or three accomplishments have given you the most
satisfaction? Why?
* What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
* What have you done which shows your initiative and
willingness to work?
* In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable and
how do you work under pressure?
* What two or three things are most important to you in your
job?
* What have you learned from your mistakes?
* Can you get recommendations from previous employers?
* How do you spend your spare time?
Additional Questions To Ask Your Future
Employer (General)
* Tell me why you are so enthusiastic about this company and
why you came to work here?
* What are some things you would like to see me accomplish in
my first year?
* How is the facility expected to grow?
* What are future objectives and goals of the company?
* Why will the company be successful?
* What risks are there?
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