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Interviewing Tips
Do:
- Research the company. You should know as much about the company and position as you can before going on any interview.
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Late attendance is never excusable.
- Get the interviewer to describe the position and responsibilities early in the conversation so you can relate your skills and background to the position throughout the interview. Try "If I started here tomorrow, what would you expect me to accomplish in the first 6 months?" or "How would I be evaluated in 6 months?".
- Conduct yourself professionally. Be aware of what your body language is saying. Smile, make eye contact, don't slouch and maintain composure.
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- Be sure to quantify the 3 most important contributions you made in your last position (i.e. reduced turnover by 20%, promoted 6 managers to senior manager or 6 reps to supervisor and now 5 are managers). Stress the accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
- Anticipate tough questions. Prepare in advance so you can turn apparent weaknesses into strengths.
- Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one. 100% cotton, wool, etc. - nothing fancy.
- Ask questions throughout the interview. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information and conversation. When interviewing with multiple hiring authorities, do not be afraid to repeat the same information. It is important they all hear the same information.
- Listen. This is probably the most important ability of all. Pattern your answers accordingly and only respond to what is being asked.
- Turn off your cell phone before entering the building.
Do Not:
- Interrupt the employer. If you don't have time to listen, neither does the employer.
- Smoke, chew gum or place anything on the employer's desk.
- Be overly familiar, even if the employer seems to be.
- Wear heavy perfume or cologne.
- Ramble. Long answers often make the speaker sound apologetic or indecisive.
- On the other hand, don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Explain whenever possible.
- Lie. Answer questions as truthfully as possible.
- Make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.
Closing The Interview:
If you feel that the interview went well and you would like to take the next step, express your interest to the hiring authority. Try something like the following:
"After hearing more about your company, the position and the responsibilities at hand, I am certain that I possess the qualities that you are looking for in the (title) position. Based on our conversation and my qualifications, are there any issues or concerns that you have that would lead you to believe otherwise?"
You have a right to be assertive. This is a great closing question because it opens the door for the hiring authority to be honest with you about his or her feelings. If concerns do exist, this is a great opportunity to overcome them. You have one final chance to dispel the concerns, sell your strengths and end the interview on a positive note.
A few things to remember during the closing process:
- Don't be discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with the office first, or interview other applicants, before making a decision.
- Make sure you answer the following two questions: "Why are you interested in the company?" and "What can you offer?"
- Express thanks for the interviewer's time and consideration.
- Ask for the interviewer's business card so you can write a thank you letter as soon as possible.
- If asked what kind of compensation you are looking for, simply say "I'm looking for your best offer". He who talks money first loses.
Follow Up:
- When you get in your car, immediately write down key issues uncovered in the interview. Call your recruiter! Follow-up now is critical.
- A "thank you" letter should be written no later than 24 hours after the interview. E-mail is an acceptable form of follow-up. Be sure to include a brief paragraph matching your skills to the attributes the employer is looking for. Final paragraph should include your interest.
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