An interview is an opportunity to sell your self to a potential employer. No one else can sell your skills and qualifications like you can. Preparation is the determining factor between success and failure. Consider that you have already been screened for this position. You have what the employer is looking for. This is your opportunity to express your interest in becoming a part of the hiring company’s team by convincing the company that hiring you will help the company achieve its goals. Every interview should be viewed as “what’s in it for the company” to hire me.
Your Appearance
- Be rested, freshly groomed, look like you are in control and prepared.
- Be self assured in your personal presentation.
- Exhibit a high level of professionalism in your speech, attire and mannerisms.
The decision to hire is made within the first five to ten minutes
- Greet the interviewer, assertively, with a firm handshake.
- Keep eye contact throughout the interview.
- Use “Mr. or Ms.” before their last name. Don’t let down your guard and become too familiar too soon.
Be Prepared
- Have multiple copies of your resume and references with you.
- If an application is expected, prepare a list of addresses and phone numbers of previous employers, educational institutions and former supervisors.
- Have pens readily available. Show a level preparedness, organization and competence.
- Be honest about your qualifications and education.
- Sign the application.
Research
- Know the company that you are interviewing with
- Their specialty, services offered, product sold.
- Size- how many employees, how many facilities.
- Fiscal growth tendencies.
- Go to the company’s website or the library for information.
- Network with others in the field.
Listen
The interviewer is giving you all the information that you need to address. If the interviewer speaks of “team,” give them an example of how you are a team player. If the interviewer mentions certain skill sets; speak of how this is one of your strengths as applicable.
Ask Questions
This is where your research comes in. The hiring authority is determining if you are what they are looking for. Show interest in the company and interest in what you do.
Close the interview
Wanting a position is one thing, asking for the position is another. The difference could cost you the opportunity. Always close your interview stating:
- Interest in the company
- Interest in the position; then, ask one of the following:
- Is there anything to prevent you from offering me this position?
- Where do we go from here?
- Do you have any concerns that would preclude me from further consideration?
- As with any concern, address the concern, offer strengths related to the concern and/or state what your plans are to strengthen your qualifications.
Finish Strong
- Thank the interviewer for their time while extending to offer a firm handshake.
- Send a thank you note to the interviewer(s) within twenty-four hours of the interview.
- Follow up with your recruiter.
Ultimate Interviewing Tips
So you are scheduled to interview. Your resume has opened the door and your foot is in threshold. Nice job!
First Interview
The questions you will be asked are meant to expose your strengths. This is the time to set your self apart from the pack. The following questions and answers are to help you prepare.
Tell me about yourself.
Answer should be a two to three minute summary of your strengths, education, why you left/are leaving your employer. What you are looking for and how you see this being fulfilled by the company you are interviewing with.
Why do you work in this industry?
This is your opportunity to tie your previous employment and personal interests together to express your interest in the field and position.
How do you stay current?
Answer this question by relating field-specific newspapers or periodicals you read or groups where you can network?
Where do you want to be in five years?
The best answer is that you want to be an impact player who improves profits and increases sales.
Tell me about a major accomplishment.
Use real examples as proof of your accomplishments. Focus your response on the actions you took toward the successful outcome.
Tell me about an accomplishment that required discipline.
This offers an opportunity to discuss how you professionally grew in your previous positions. Discuss how you prioritized responsibilities, developed skills of delegation and, perhaps, honed your communication skills.
Why is this position the right position for you at this time?
Be as specific in developing your time line to accomplish your professional goals. Explain how this company and position fits in. Remember that any questions geared toward religion, marital status or children are illegal. Responses like “I don’t understand. Would you please explain the relevance of that question to this position?” Or, “I am not comfortable with that question and would rather not answer it” should remedy the situation.
Questions You Can Ask
Remember, this is the first interview. The salary and benefits may not be determined at this stage. Keep your questions directed toward the position’s possibilities and the company.
What opportunities does this position typically lead to?
This indicates long term employment intentions and interest in personal growth.
What skills are considered most useful for success in the job I am applying for?
This indicates your desire to be a successful addition to the team.
My findings from research stated that your company has an outstanding reputation in (fill in) field. What major insights may I gain from this position?
This shows that you have done your homework and have a strong interest in the company
Closing Strong!
Close your first interview by asking: "IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WOULD PREVENT YOU FROM INVITING ME BACK TO CONTINUE THE PROCESS WITH YOU? I AM VERY INTERESTED IN CONTINUING THE PROCESS." If you are asked whether you are prepared to accept an offer, answer: "BASED ON WHAT I KNOW -DEFINITELY YES"
Second Interview
Congratulations you made the cut! But, the rules have just changed. The interviewer may have concerns about skill level. Listen. Listen and listen some more. Then you will be able to dispel concerns and present yourself as a well-balanced individual. Sometimes the interviewer is there to remove you as a candidate. Work on rapport with this individual instead of reiterating your key strengths. The questions are going to be more technical to determine the depth of knowledge. Be prepared!
Tell me about a situation that you failed to anticipate.
The interviewer wants to see what you learned from the situation and if your judgment improved.
What accomplishment was the most difficult to achieve?
This question offers an opportunity to discuss overcoming obstacles.
Describe a situation when you used a problem-solving process.
The interviewer wants to understand how you managed the process.
Considering your resume, what are your weaknesses in regard to this position?
Your objective should be to determine what the interviewer believes what your weakness are, then give specific examples of your suitability to this position.
What performance related concerns you do have about this position?
Turn this question around to the interviewer asking them about their concerns. Then address each concern confirming your qualifications are the right for this position. Be confident!
How would you enrich your current position?
Describe how you have made a positive impact and continued to grow. Keep your response closely relate to the position that you are interviewing for.
Closing Strong!
Close your second interview the same as in the first, be assertive to move forward. "IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WOULD PREVENT YOU FROM MAKING ME AN OFFER AT THIS TIME?" If you are asked whether you are prepared to accept an offer; - "BASED ON WHAT I KNOW NOW-DEFINITELY YES!!"
If salary comes up
Your answer should be similar to, "I am more focused on finding a right fit with a progressive company than salary. I am certain that once all the duties and responsibilities are detailed and it is determined that my qualifications meet your requirements, you will make me an offer commensurate with my potential contribution to the organization". If you are pressed beyond this, say that you are open to any reasonable offer but that your current/last compensation is/was ________.
Keep focused on the positive! Relate your answer to the position at hand! Take opportunities to focus on your accomplishments! Communicate how you will benefit the company! Don’t leave a negative dangling without turning it into a positive.
