ATTENDING AN INTERVIEW
The best interview advice we can offer is to prepare for it. This may sound obvious, but it’s not. Too many applicants walk into an interview without knowing as much as they should about the industry, the company and its problems. Remember: You are there to solve a problem. Otherwise, the company wouldn’t be hiring.
Our interview advice:
- Know the company. Find out as much as you can about the position, the company and its needs, so you can show how your background meets those needs. You can gather information by reading the company’s website and researching any articles that may appear on the Internet.
- Know yourself. Mentally review the skills and character traits you have that will help the company’s bottom line. Think in terms of the value you can add to the position and the company.
- Know your job history. Mentally review your past achievements and be prepared to describe your work experience in detail. Gather letters of reference and samples of your work to present to the interviewer as proof of your past accomplishments. Practice describing your experience in terms of your responsibilities and accomplishments at each job.
- Know the questions. You can almost bet on being asked: “Tell me about yourself.” Approach this from the employer’s point of view. Ask yourself, “If I were hiring someone for this position, what would I want to know?” Then answer those questions. And be ready for tough ones, too. Think of the worst questions you could be asked about your experience and abilities, then prepare positive responses.
- Prepare questions of your own. Employers are as interested in your questions as they are in your answers. And they’ll react favourably if you ask intelligent questions about the position, the company and the industry. (Examples: Where does this position fit into the company as a whole? Is there any problem on this job with waste/accuracy/meeting quotas, etc.? What is the largest single problem facing your staff now?)
- Get the big picture. Visualize the entire interview, from start to finish. See yourself as performing with style and confidence. How will the interview end? Will you get a job offer or be called back for a second interview?
Make a Good First Impression
The outcome of the interview will depend largely on the impression you make during the first five minutes. To succeed, you must project a professional, competent and enthusiastic image. Your aim is to convince the interviewer that you would be an asset to the company. Keep the following in mind:
- Punctuality. Do whatever it takes to arrive a few minutes early. If necessary, drive to the company the night before and time yourself. Allow extra time for traffic, parking and slow elevators.
- Dress. Your clothing should be appropriate for the position you’re seeking. Attire must fit well within the office and be immaculate. If you don’t know what the typical attire at the company is, call and ask your consultant. Shoes should be polished; pants/skirts and shirts pressed.
- Grooming. Clean hair and fingernails are essential. Hair should be styled conservatively. Avoid excessive make-up, jewelry or cologne.
- Handshake. A firm handshake is appropriate and projects confidence. Make eye contact when you shake.
- Body language. Send the right message by standing straight, moving confidently, and sitting slightly forward in your chair.
Conduct the Interview
Have your own agenda and know where the interview should be heading. This will give you confidence and help you move from one area of questioning to the next. Remember: Most interviewers are as uncomfortable as you are. They just want the position to be filled as fast as possible. If you can put the interviewer at ease by helping things move smoothly, you’ll improve your chances of being hired.
Remember the following:
- Enthusiasm and eye contact. Show your enthusiasm by making eye contact and keeping an interested expression. Nod and gesture in moderation; excessive body movement can distract and annoy the interviewer Listening skills. Listen carefully and ask questions to probe deeper into what the interviewer is telling you. Most interviewers are delightfully surprised by a question such as, “How could I help you solve the problem you’ve just described?”
- Communication skills. Good grammar and articulate speech are essential. If this is an area where you’re weak, work on it. Practice on your family, practice in front of a mirror, record your voice, take classes — do whatever it takes to become a more effective communicator.
- Negative statements about previous jobs or employers. NEVER make them. Instead, be diplomatic. No matter how bad your last job or boss was, there’s probably something good you learned from the experience. Emphasize the positive — with a smile.
Follow Through
This is a crucial and often-overlooked final step in the interviewing process. Remember: No home run or 350-yard golf shot was ever hit without a proper follow-through. At the end of the interview thank everybody for his or her time. Once you are away from the interview venue call your consultant with feedback on the interview. Good detailed feedback can often help your consultant secure you a second interview or Job offer.
Please do not hesitate to speak to our consultant if you need any further interview advice.