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INTERVIEW TIPS
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Research the Company
Learn as much as possible about the company. You will put yourself in a better position during the interview if you are knowledgeable about the company's size, products, services, sales, etc...
If you have the opportunity, speak with people that have worked for the company in similar positions. They may be able to give you valuable insight into the interviewing and hiring process. Other important data that will give you excellent information about the company:
- Brochures from the company
- Company web site
- Annual reports, 10k's etc.
- Company studies
What to Wear
Dress professionally for the interview. Your appearance should be neat, clean, pressed, and polished. If it is your belief that traditional professional attire is not part of the company's culture, call ahead to confirm. If not, traditional conservative business attire is appropriate in virtually all settings.
Be on Time
You should plan to arrive at the interview at least 15 minutes early. This extra time will give you a chance to fill out any forms or applications presented. It will also help you look and feel relaxed and confident and not rushed or disorganized. Use this time to review the questions and answers you prepared, read any company literature, and check your appearance.
Don't Forget to Bring:
- Two copies of your resume
- Two copies of your references
- A portfolio of your work, if applicable to the position
Questions to Ask the Employer
- Why is this position available?
- What kind of person are you looking for?
- How did the previous person in this position fail or succeed?
- What are the main responsibilities of this position?
- How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
- What are some objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
- What direction is this company heading? Expansion? Upwards?
- To whom would I report?
- What is the company's management style?
- What industry trend will most likely occur in this company?
- What makes your company different from its competitors?
- What long and short-term opportunities do you think my prospective area/department faces?
- Describe the work environment.
- What is the time frame for making a decision on this position?
- Who will be making the final decision on the position?
- Is there anything else I can tell you about my qualifications?
- How can you utilize my skills?
- What is the next step?
Questions Asked by the Employer
These are some sample questions you may be asked by the interviewer. Prepare answers before hand that directly relate to the position you are interviewing for. You must approach the interview as a sales opportunity. The product you are selling is yourself. You must have benefits to "sell" to the customer. Make a list of accomplishments, strengths, and goals that demonstrate qualities valuable to this potential employer. Be certain to focus on 3 to 5 accomplishments that are representative of your talents.
When you are given questions, try and relate your answers to the interviewer and his/her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position. Answer questions truthfully and elaborate on your answers; never respond to a question with yes or no. Keep the interview conversational. You can't go wrong in an interview if you accentuate the positive when responding to a question. Be yourself, and remember that interviewing is a two way street.
The following are examples of sample questions you might encounter in an interview:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What made you choose this particular field?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why should we hire you?
- Why are you looking to leave your current position?
- Describe your management style.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Which qualifications do you feel make you a better candidate for this job than anyone else?
- What do you consider to be your major strengths and weaknesses?
- Name 3 adjectives that would describe you.
- What are the three most significant accomplishments in your career so far?
- What are some of your motivating factors?
- What is the most difficult decision you have had to make in your current position?
- Tell me what you know about our product.
- What is the most appealing aspect about the position?
- What concerns do you have about the position?
- How would you describe your ideal job?
- Are you willing to relocate/travel?
- How do you determine or evaluate successes?
- Questions regarding race, age, religion, marital status, arrests, credit history, or alcohol or drug abuse are illegal.
Ways to Fail at an Interview
- Poor personal appearance.
- Lack of interest and enthusiasm.
- Lack of preparation.
- Usage of slang or poor grammar.
- Failure to look at interviewer while conversing.
- Apologizing for your weaknesses.
- Responding to questions with yes or no answers.
- Making excuses for unfavorable factors in record.
- Usage of the interviewer's first name.
- Showing disrespect to the interviewer.
- Condemnation of past employers/coworkers.
- Lack of manners.
- Giving untruthful answers.
- Showing strong prejudices.
- Interrupting the interviewer.
- No interest in the company.
- Lack of confidence and poise.
- Over emphasis on money.
- Sloppy or incomplete application.
- Failure to shake the interviewer's hand firmly.
- Failure to learn relevant facts about the company prior to the interview.
- Inability to take criticism.
- Arriving late to the interview.
- Lack of goals for the future.
- Inability to express self clearly or using non-words, such as um..ah..uh..
- Ineffectiveness to prove yourself to be a worthy candidate.
- Fidgeting or nervous appearance.
- Failure to ensure that the interviewer knows you are interested the position.
Ways to Succeed at an Interview
- Be on time.
- Know the location of interview.
- Dress professionally.
- Keep the interview conversational.
- Be concise and clear when answering. Articulate speech is essential.
- Know the points you want to make.
- Be enthusiastic and smile.
- Ask the employer meaningful questions about the position.
- Bring two copies of your resume to the interview.
- Complete any application or requested information form neatly and in detail.
- Always give thorough answers.
- Relate your answers to the company.
- Focus on achievements relevant to the position.
- Expect the unexpected.
- Maintain eye contact throughout the interview.
- Present yourself in a positive and confident manner.
- Explain how your past experiences and qualifications will help you do the job.
- Be prepared to think on your feet.
- Speak clearly and effectively.
- Turn negatives into positives.
- Know your abilities, goals, and accomplishments.
- Stress willingness, ability, and compatibility.
- Prepare a list of questions for the interviewer.
- Answer questions by speaking in terms of the position.
- Emphasize what you can do for the company.
- Review annual reports and mission statements of the company.
- Convince the interviewer that you are the correct person for the position.
- Avoid discussions about personal problems.
- Review and become familiar with the company web site.
- Listen carefully. Ask questions to probe deeper into what the interviewer is telling you.
- Ensure that the interviewer knows you are interested in the position.
- Get the title and correct spelling of the interviewer's name.
- Thank the interviewer for his/her time before leaving.
- Send a thank-you letter to the interviewer within two business days
- Follow up if you don't hear from the employer after the interview.
Thank You Letters
This is a crucial and often overlooked final step in the interviewing process. You must follow up your interview with a thank you letter to every person you met at the company.
This letter is a chance for you to reemphasize to the employer that you are the correct candidate for the position and to thank him/her for their time. These notes should be hand written and sent within two days from the initial interview.
What to include:
- Thank them for taking the time to meet with you.
- Restate all your accomplishments, strengths, and goals that demonstrate qualities valuable to the employer.
- Address anything you feel was overlooked.
- Reaffirm your interest in the position and the company.
- Indicate how this position meets with your goals and aspirations.
- Express your desire to hear from the company/interviewer in the near future.
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