Getting Prepared

• Do research on the area in which you are interviewing.
  Sample questions: Who are the customers? What are some of the problems or challenges the department is facing right now? Who does this position report to? What is the environment like? What skills do those employees have? What training is provided? How can you add value to this area? How does this department tie into the Company's vision?

• Dress appropriately.
  A conservative and properly fitting business suit is recommended. If you are unsure of the Typical dress for this particular area, it is better to dress up than to dress down.

• Arrive early.
  Fifteen minutes is recommended.

• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
  Sample questions: What are your expectations of the person in this position? What are the challenges that need to be faced? Why is this position available? Could you describe your management style? If I am as effective as I think I will be, where could I be in five years? What are the opportunities you see for this department?

• Bring extra copies of your resume.
  The interviewer may request an extra copy of your resume and you want to look prepared. You may also want to bring paper and pen to take notes.

 
Meeting the Interviewer

• Shake hands firmly while making eye contact.
  First impressions count! A pleasant smile and friendly opening remark is always recommended. Comment on memorabilia, photos or something that indicates that you may share a common interest. These topics are important to the interviewer and they will enjoy talking about them.

• Remember the interviewer's name.

• Remember, the interviewer is looking for…
  -enthusiasm
  -motivation
  -clear communication skills, speaking and listening
  -neat appearance
  -ability to work well with others
  -problem solving skills
  -interpersonal skills
  -willingness to accept responsibility
  -ability to work well under pressure
  -someone that can contribute to the department right away

 
Typical Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself.
  Talk about your background, education, and work experience.

• What are your strengths?
  For example, intellect, personality, knowledge, experience, and motivation. Let others build you up by saying something like, "My co-workers would say that I can always be counted on to make sure a project is completed on time." Don't just rattle off strengths. Demonstrate them in the interview.

• What are your weaknesses or limitations?
  State weaknesses in a way that is not damaging to you. For example, "I have a tendency to be a workaholic." Or, you may try something like, "Sometimes I get so focused on a project and I want others to share the same level of commitment."

• What are your career goals?
  This determines your expectations and whether or not they fit with that department. Sound clear and definite, but mention only those goals that you attain. You want to show the interviewer that you are growth oriented.

• Why should I choose you over other candidates?
  Tie in other points that you have made throughout this discussion and what you have learned about the department and job. Try to describe a combination of personality traits, transferable skills, and your technical skills.

• Sell yourself!
  Don't be embarrassed to talk positively about yourself. This is the only opportunity you will have to convince the interviewer that you are the one for the job so GO FOR IT!

 
Your Questions

• Make direct eye contact while asking your questions. Listen carefully to the interviewer's answers. Take notes during this phase because you will want to refer back to them later. Use your body language to show that you are listening.

• Don't interrupt the interviewer.
  Wait your turn to speak. You don't want to look impatient or rude.

• Don't ask questions that the interviewer answered earlier.
  If you are unsure of something, you can say, "I know you mentioned this earlier but I just want to clarify something…."

• Don't ask salary questions.
  Let the interviewer bring it up first. Some things to think about so you are prepared when it does come up: How much do you think you should be paid? What is the minimum you are willing to accept?

 
Concluding the Interview

• Reiterate your interest in the position.
• Show excitement and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
• Show confidence on your ability to do the job.
• Ask when you will hear something.
  Now be patient. These decisions may take some time.

• Make sure to write thank you notes to each person you meet with during the interview phase. Send these out promptly. Make sure you have the correct spelling of each person's name.

• Ask for a business card from each person you meet during the interview phase. This will ensure that you properly address the thank you note.

 
MAKE IT HAPPEN!