The
interview is your opportunity to make an unforgettable impression on the
company you want to work for and get the job you want. Here are some hints
and pointers that will help you make that positive impression:
Preparation:
Always be fully prepared – often it is the one thing that
an otherwise very competent candidate is lacking. DO YOUR
HOMEWORK! Some of you are wondering what does that mean? Some tips for
that include:
- Drive to the location
before the interview so that you know how to get there, where there is
parking etc.
- Know the full name and
title of the individual you are to meet with.
- Learn as much as you can
about the company.
- Find out as much as you
can about the interviewer and what they look for in a good candidate.
- Know what your goals and
objectives are for the future so that you can measure these against what
is being offered.
- Prepare questions that
are specific to that position and that company.
- Always be professionally
dressed. Even in business casual environments a business suit is required
for the interview process.
- Arrive on time.
- Bring hard copies of
your resume. Often the interviewer will have printed it for themselves but
it is always good practice to have it on hand just in case.
- Bring a pen and a note
pad in case you want to or need to make any notes.
The
Interview:
- Remember this is your
opportunity to shine. When greeting the interviewer make eye contact,
extend a firm handshake and address your interviewer by last name.
- The interview is your
chance to bring forth your strengths and to point out areas of your
expertise that are applicable to this position. If you think you might
forget some of these at the time, because of nerves, then be sure to list
them on your note pad and, with your interviewers permission, refer to
them. It would be best if you could remember them in case you do not get
the opportunity to refer to your notes. Practice your answers; it will
help in your memory.
- If you are interested in
the opportunity, indicate that to the prospective employer.
Do’s and
Don’ts:
- Be on time or a few
minutes ahead of the scheduled time.
- If an application is
necessary; fill it out in its entirety. Nothing is more annoying to an
interviewer than looking at a blank application if it is part of their
process. This, ladies and gentlemen, applies equally to interviews with
companies and recruitment firms.
- Remember to smile and
present yourself in an energetic and professional manner at all times.
- Never speak negatively
about past employers or peers.
- Always maintain eye
contact.
- Ask questions that
are pertinent to the position and company.
- Point out areas that are
a match between your skills and the requirements of the position.
- Be prepared to discuss
ways in which you have excelled or situations where you have demonstrated
your initiative and ability to be proactive.
- Be enthusiastic and
positive.
- Bring an original copy
of your resume.
- Always answer with a
complete sentence. No “yes” or “no” answers.
- Never smoke or chew gum
in an interview.
Questions:
Arrive prepared to answer questions about:
- Your strengths and
weaknesses.
- Why you are interested
in that company.
- What you know about the
company.
- Why they should hire
you.
Arrive prepared to ask questions, such as:
- What would be my day to
day responsibilities?
- What is the career path
from this position?
- What is the company
policy on promoting from within?
- How do I fit this role?
Do not ask questions like:
- How much vacation do you
offer?
- Never initiate the
salary question. Let your interviewer bring it up at the appropriate time.
- How many sick days are
offered?
Questions such as these only leave the impression that
you are only interested in how this role and company will serve your needs
rather than a give and take of rights, expectations and responsibilities.
When
Interviewing with a Recruiting Firm:
This step in the process is often underestimated and
mistreated. In the current market more than 70% of available opportunities are
handled by recruitment firms. This includes permanent, contract, temporary and
project. Please remember when you have a meeting with a recruiter whatever side
of your personality you choose to display is the side your recruiter will tell
their client about.
If you mistreat your recruiter by being late, not
completing their internal forms, being surly and uncooperative in the interview
with them or in the time you spend in their reception area they WILL NOT REFER
YOUR RESUME to their client. This is not because they want to be mean to you
but because you are their reputation. Give this some thought…recruiters do not
manufacture anything, Their product is their customer service and YOU.
If you, the candidate, mistreat the recruiter they can
only assume you will also mistreat their client. They have worked long and hard
to get that client and they will not risk sending someone in who will
potentially damage that relationship.
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