Is The Interview Process Preventing You From Getting Hired?

 You can learn the strategies necessary to enter the interview with confidence. Start preparing to earn the badge today by downloading our Interview Guide Book.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW:

     Get plenty of sleep

     Get up early and give yourself plenty of time to get ready

     Give yourself extra time to get to the interview (accounting for possible traffic)

     Arrive at least 15 minutes early

ATTIRE:

     Spotless

     Pressed

     Shoes shined

     Professional

     If you to wear a station uniform or your class A dress uniform, then wear it. 

     If there is no indicated dress requirement wear a suit

GROOMING:

           MEN:

     Clean shave

     No “fad” hair patches!

     Combed

     Don’t’ marinate in cologne

WOMEN:

     Conservative jewelry (small stud earrings, if any)

     Conservative hair style (out of your face and preferably pulled back)

     Easy on the makeup

     Don’t’ marinate in perfume

RESUMES:

     Bring 5 copies of resume and OFFER to hand them out before the interview starts

     Resume should be one page in length (exceptions for higher positions)

     Don’t assume ANY of it will get read! 

     All pertinent information needs to be stated in your panel interview.

Beginning the Interview:

     SMILE! and maintain eye contact

     Strong, firm handshake

     Don’t’ change your handshake if it’s a woman

     Deliver a greeting statement: 15-30 seconds

     Address the raters by “Chief”, “Sir”, or “Ma’am”

     Wait to be seated until asked

     Ask to move the chair if needed

Answering Questions:

     LISTEN to the question thoroughly while slightly leaning in and maintaining eye contact

     Pause for a moment and THINK!

     Remember: Listen, Think, Respond!

     SMILE as you begin (it’s almost always appropriate)

     Answer should be no more than 2-4 minutes in length

     Relate the question to the position and job duties

     Give examples where possible of how you fit in to the organization

     Be honest

     Be passionate about your answers

     Have a close to the question: “And that’s what leadership means to me.”

     SMILE when you’re finished!

DO:

     Video tape/ record yourself doing panel interview training

     Become self-aware of your bad habits and STOP THEM!

     Practice your panel interview skills

     Show some passion and enthusiasm for the job!

     Have your “tell me about you” memorized: 3-5 minutes  

     Have your departure statement memorized: 15-30 seconds

     Bring in your favorite quote/story (SHORT!)

     Bring out information from your resume – assume it won’t be read

     Know how you would answer a wide variety of questions, especially about YOU:

     Your strengths

     Your weaknesses

     Why you want to promote or get hired

     Why you should be selected over other candidates

     Reference agencies Mission and Vision Statements

     Know the agencies motto and core values

 DON’T:

     Get cocky

     Answer too quickly

     Speak too low or too loud

     Mumble

     Tell the panel how nervous you are

     Fidget

     Spin in your chair

     Name drop

     Exaggerate

     Ah and um your way through it!

     BS your way through a question

     Use slang or jargon – be clear and concise

     Ramble on and on and on

     Ask if that’s what they were looking for or if you answered it thoroughly enough

     Turn on the water works (There’s NO CRYING IN PANEL INTERVIEWS!)

     Give a bunch of personal information in the interview

     DON’T EVERY SAY “Wow, that’s a tough question…” or “Wow, that’s a great question…”

     Ask to have every question repeated-once or twice is OK. More than that and the panel will assume that you are not a good listener.

     Don't dwell on the past answers. If you feel like you blew it on a question, let it go and focus on your current question. At the end of the interview, they will usually as you if there is anything else you would like to add. This would be your chance to clarify an answer you gave that you were not satisfied with.