When a company invites you in
for an interview, find out as much as you can about the initial
meeting with your prospective employer.
· With how many people
will you be meeting?
· Will you have a skill or psychological assessment?
· How long will the interview last?
· Before actually going to the interview, find out about
the company. Either look it up on the
internet,
go to the library, or ask for the company's marketing department.
· Be familiar with their product/service.
· When they were established?
· Company history (mergers, acquisitions, etc.)
· How many employees, locations, annual sales, and projections.
Interviewing
on a Monday or Friday?
Many people still have the weekend on their mind
on Mondays, and on Fridays, people are looking forward to the
weekend. If you know you are a "morning" person, try
to arrange, a morning interview; similarly for an "afternoon"
person.
Know
your resume.
You
may have created it sometime ago, and may not recall the exact
dates you were employed or what your title was at XYZ company.
Have your accomplishments, reasons for leaving each job, and
reason for gaps of employment memorized.
Make a list of the 30 hardest, most awkward questions
you have been asked in an interview, so, if a difficult question
arises, you can handle it confidently. Rehearse these answers
prior to any interview. Don't talk too much; be brief and concise.
Just answer the questions (in a non-defensive, conversational
fashion, of course).
Rehearse,
Rehearse, Rehearse.
Bring a list of your questions into the interview.
(During your research on the company, some questions should have
come to mind.) A prospective employer will appreciate the fact
that you've taken the time to do research and should be happy
to answer your questions. However, don't ask a question that
has already been answered (this might give the impression you
have poor listening skills). Take notes on what you've learned
so you'll have even more knowledge should a second interview
occur. Possible questions include:
· Is there a written job
description?
· What are the position responsibilities?
· How does this position relate to the rest of the organization
and the company's goals?
· What is the philosophy of the company with respect to
growth, change, and personnel development?
· What is the organization of the department?
· To whom will I report?
· Why is the job available?
· When will a decision/offer be made?
· What is the next step?
Bring several copies of your
resume, a list of your references, and samples of your work.
Grooming Tips
Dress for success! Dress
for the job you want, not the job you have. Look in the mirror
and ask yourself "Would you hire you?" Be conservative,
don't wear too much perfume or aftershave, no gaudy/heavy jewelry.
Avoid fad hairstyles and colors. A navy blue suit is usually
a safe bet.
Be Conservative, unless you know the company culture.
The Interview
Be on time! Make sure
you are pleasant to EVERYONE. From the receptionist that greets
you to someone you pass in a hallway, everybody is a critic and
may have input on your brief first encounter so make it count!
A firm but gentle handshake should be given with direct eye contact
and a smile on your face for each greeting. Follow the interviewer's
example; sit when they sit. Don't get nervous, remember...you
are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. They'll
be lucky to get you!
Mirror the interviewer's body language and buzz
words. Listen for key words and phrases used by the interviewer
and use them in your responses. This creates familiarity. Many
interviewers will be friendly and put you at ease. Remember,
this is still an interview; don't lose your focus. Remain professional,
appear confident yet comfortable at all times! Sit up straight
in your chair, don't examine or handle items on their desk. Don't
offer personal details about your life unless asked; the interviewer
may view this as non-professional, unfocused, or that you're
disinterested in the position at hand.
When discussing your qualifications, give examples
of how your background relates to what they're looking for. If
they are lacking a talent or skill in the department, show them
how you can bring those skills to the position. If you are asked
what your weaknesses are, give one that can be turned into a
positive. Exude the feeling of "ask not what your employer
can do for you, but what can you can do for your employer".
Bring in samples of spreadsheets, designs, or work you've done.
Let them see how you're a fit!
Regardless of the temptation, NEVER speak of
a past employer in a negative light. Keep everything positive.
In closing the interview, find out how soon they are looking
to fill the position, and, if you are interested in this opportunity,
let them know of your availability to start the position. Ask
if they have any further questions of you, and whether you have
provided them with an accurate idea of how you can produce significant
results under heavy pressure. Try to create a picture of yourself
in the position in their minds. Find out when you'll be hearing
from them next, or what the next step is. Extend, again, a firm
but gentle handshake. Each time you're done speaking with a particular
person, get their business card. You'll need it to follow-up.
Follow Up
Send a handwritten "thank
you" card promptly while you are still fresh on their minds.
A type- written note or email isn't personal enough! If, after
one or two days you have not heard from them, give a follow-up
call to the decision maker. If that person doesn't return your
call, they're probably busy. Try giving a call to the person
who initially invited you in to interview. Then let it go. If
they are interested, they know how to get in touch with you.
Do not become a "stalker". Be patient. If they don't
contact you, don't be discouraged. If you're not successful with
this search, don't let this experience color future interviews.
