Interview Tips

A.   How to Prepare for the Interview:

Before an interview, a company wants to know a little about you through a resume. In the same way, it is important for you to have some preview information about the company’s “resume.” Take time to do some research about the company, such as its locations, private funding or current financial standing, products or services, and future growth plans. Research is most easily done through their corporate web site. Peruse the site and note their press releases, executive team, and product lines. Write down any questions you have about them and bring them with you to the interview. Showing you did research on the company shows your enthusiasm about the position & company.

Another important way to prepare is to know how to answer anticipated questions such as:

1. Why are you contemplating a change, and/or            
2. Why did you leave previous positions?
3. What do you consider to be your strengths/weaknesses?
4. What do you see yourself doing in five years? Be ready to explain what you’re also doing to prepare yourself. Also prepare 1 sentence about your career interests (keeping in mind the role for which you're applying))
5. Who are your references? (Be ready with names and phone numbers of professional references who know your work, and are prepared to speak well of you.
6. Tell me about yourself. This is not an open invitation to ramble. 
7. Prepare 1 sentence to summarize what you’ve done that is relevant to the job. Prepare 2 sentences to explain a major accomplishment/impact you made and how it saved your company time or money.

Think of these words when planning your answers:

ACTION WORDS: I… planned, created, originated, initiated, developed, conceived, implemented, formulated, designed.

RESULT WORDS:             It… led to…; or I… contributed, demonstrated that, saved, reduced, collected, achieved, provided for, increased, shot holes in, evaluated.

LEADERSHIP WORDS: I… organized, directed, led, supervised, guided, managed, was responsible for, presided over, coordinated, gave direction to, built.

Here is note that a hiring manager wrote, and he asked us to forward this to your candidates before they have an interview. I think it’s probably one of the most relevant notes I’ve seen as I’d say the majority of the reason’s candidates get rejected are for the reasons below. It would be worth going over this with all your candidates before they come in for an interview.

From the manager:

Here are some interview tips I think we should share with all candidates. I know some of them may sound pretty basic, but it would be good for them to be reminded on it:   

1.      When answering technical questions, it’s much better to say you don’t know the answer rather than trying to guess or make something up (unless it’s a really good educated guess). We are not trying to check off some list of technologies that you must know; rather we want to know how well you know the technologies you say you know. If there are technologies on your resume you did not use or used very little, it’s probably better to remove it. 

2.      Don’t talk endlessly. Sometimes less is more. We want people who can communicate succinctly rather than monopolize the conversation. Take pauses so that the interviewer can follow up with questions or steer the topic where he/she wants it to go. Otherwise, the interviewer may not get the information he/she needs to make the proper decision.

3.      Know your resume. Anything on the resume if fair game, so if you put something down be prepared to talk about it IN DEPTH. It’s good to re-read your resume before coming in to refresh yourself of the things you’ve worked on in the past. If you don’t remember it, see #1. 

B.     When you arrive for the interview:

Attire:

Men: Wear a sport coat and tie at the least. If you are interviewing for a sales or executive level position, consider wearing a suit. 

Women: Wear a suit, business-like outfit, or dress with nylons.

Arrive early for your interview. If, for an unavoidable reason, you will be late, call ahead to let them know. * Be aware of your behavior in the parking lot if you are arriving at a glass building. Companies in these types of buildings often look to see how a candidate behaves when they don’t know they’re being watched.

Shake hands firmly with everyone you meet, look them in the eye and smile.

1. Bring a copy of your resume as well as reference names and phone numbers. 
2. If you are asked to fill out an application as well, complete the application form in full detail—never make reference to “see resume,” and leave salary requirements “open.” Be honest about all employment, dates, and hiring/firing situations. Remember that while your resume is not, an application IS a legal document.

Begin the first few minutes of the interview by asking the interviewer, “What qualifications are you looking for in a person to fill this position?” The answer to that question will give you great insight into what to share about your experience, education, attitudes and philosophies.

Probing Questions to Ask in an Interview:

1. Asking the right questions will demonstrate your value system, listening skills, sincerity, and how you will take future direction.
2. Listen to total answers without interrupting. The last 5 words in a sentence linguistically have the most meat.

Select 2 – 3 questions to ask each person who interviews you:

1.     What are some major short- and long-range department/company objectives?

2.     What are some characteristics that are unique about your company or make it attractive from the outside?

3.     In what areas does your company excel or need improvement?

4.     What outside influences affect your company’s growth?

5.     What have been some common denominators of your successful employees? (you can then use this information for the next person you meet.)

6.     What would you add or subtract from the last employee to increase efficiency?

7.     What major challenges will I face immediately coming into the job? What resources and staffing will be available?

8.     Based on what you’ve seen of me so far, where do you think I could contribute the most? Are there any concerns about my ability to do the job?

9.     What is the next step?

10. Generic questions for multiple interview situation: Tell me about your career at this company. What excites you about working here?

Be positive and enthusiastic about the company, the position, and the interviewer. Nothing turns an interviewer off faster than arrogance, a know-it-all attitude, or apathy on the part of an interviewee. Also, do not bad-mouth your current/former employer or management.

If the interviewer asks you about your salary needs/desires, respond by saying that you are open for the right opportunity. Don’t lock yourself in high or low by mentioning a specific dollar figure or range. If the interviewer presses you, tell him/her: “There is one reason why I’m here today - the opportunity. Based on what I’ve heard, I’d like to entertain your best offer.”

Close the Interview with Three Statements:

1.     Compliment the interviewer on something with regard to his/her personality, enthusiasm, presentation, success or other attributes that you’ve been impressed by.

2.     Make a positive comment about the company based on what you’ve previously read and/or learned during the interview.

3.     Make a positive statement about your ability to handle the position and reaffirm your interest in it, especially now that you’ve seen the job in person.