Interview Tips

5 KEY INTERVIEW POINTS

 KEY 1:      Enthusiasm (positive and calm), You want them to like you as a person

    Two ABCs of Interviewing:

                      a)         Always Be Connecting

                       b)        Always Be Closing

  Get Business Cards!

 KEY 2:            Play an active role. Ask open-ended questions.

                       a)        Strategic questions

                        b)       Look at the big picture

 KEY 3:            Strengths and weaknesses. What are your greatest strengths? What are your greatest weaknesses? (As they pertain to company/interviewer needs)

   Don't use cliché strengths or weaknesses and follow up weaknesses (only 1) with a way you overcome it.

             Ask: “Is there anything we talked about or anything in your resume that makes you think I can’t do the job?”

 KEY 4:            Compensation. Do not ask about it. Tell the hiring manager you want a good opportunity with a competitive salary.  If forced to give compensation, give a range.  Once you give a set compensation, it minimizes your chances to negotiate.

 KEY 5:            Remember a positive close:

                        a)   Ask what the next step is in the process

                        b)   “I want to be a part of your team! I want the opportunity!”

c)      What information can I give you that will help us move forward?             

INTERVIEW FOLLOW UP

 Submit a thank you letter!  In today’s world an email is fine.

THIRTY-THREE WAYS TO SUCCEED

 ON INTERVIEWS

   1)       Dress for success - reflect a professional image

  2)       Be early for interviews (12-15 minutes)

  3)       Express interest and enthusiasm (empathy)

  4)       De-emphasize money and fringe benefits (open on salary)

  5)       Compliment past employers and minimize if unpleasant

  6)       Maintain good eye contact

  7)       Extend a firm, friendly handshake

  8)       Express appreciation for interviewers time

  9)       Give direct responses to questions

10)       Ask questions about position and the company

11)       Be receptive to the possibility of transfer to other locations

12)       Exhibit confidence and poise (at ease, calm)

13)       Be assertive without being overly aggressive

14)       Exhibit tact

15)       Express yourself clearly (voice, diction, grammar)

16)       Express a career purpose and goal

17)       Express willingness to “earn your stripes”

18)       Demonstrate mature attitude

19)       Exercise courteous, well-mannered behavior

20)       Make short, direct responses to questions on unfavorable factors in record

21)       Indicate participation in company activities (team play)

22)       Demonstrate decisiveness

23)       Fill out company application neatly and completely

24)       Show interest in finding a good career opportunity

25)       Express interest in long-term opportunities (goals)

26)       Show understanding, compassion

27)       Reflect high moral standards

28)       Show interest in the company or industry you are interviewing with

29)       Be energetic, well rested

30)       Avoid prejudicial comments

31)      Show broad interests (work and play)

32)      Take criticism as a professional statement

33)      Get an offer - then make a decision about the company.  There is no decision to make or offer to turn down until the company extends an offer.

 QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK

  1)       What characteristics do you look for in people for this position?

  2)       Do you have an ideal experience profile?

  3)       Why is this position available?

  4)       What do you expect from someone in this position?

  5)       Describe the organization of the department?

  6)       What positions report to this job?

  7)       Do you have any questions about my qualifications for this position?

  8)       What is the future business outlook?

  9)       What is your vision/goal for this group?

10)       How does this group fit in with the company’s short and long-term goals?

11)       What are some of the traits of the successful members of your team?

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

   1)       Why do you want to work for this company?

  2)       Tell me about your job experience?

  3)       Why did you leave your past job?

  4)       Why do you want to change jobs/careers/fields?

  5)       Tell me a little bit about yourself?

  6)       What job responsibilities in previous jobs have you liked best? Why?

  7)       What job responsibilities in previous jobs have you liked least? Why?

  8)       Of your previous bosses, whom did you like best?

  9)       Of your previous bosses, whom did you like least?

10)       Why did you leave your previous jobs?

11)       Why have you changed jobs so frequently?

12)       What about this position appeals to you?

13)       Has your work ever been criticized? How did you handle that?

14)       How would your peers describe you?

15)       If you could start all over again, what would you change about your career?

16)       What would you like to do?

17)       How would this job fit into your career plan? Have you developed time frames for your             career goals?

18)       Goals -5 years - 10 years

19)       What is your single greatest asset?

20)       Describe your weaknesses?

21)       Describe your major accomplishments.

22)       What is your management style?

23)       How do you relate to your associates? Your boss?

24)       Describe your education to me?

25)       Have you had any special training?

26)       What is the ideal job for you?

27)       How would you describe your personality?

28)       Do you belong to any professional organizations?

29)       What do you know about the products and services of our company?

30)       What interests you the most about our position?

31)       What, in your estimation, is the key to professional success?

32)       What do you look for in a job?