Two Basic Things That Will Ensure Every Interview Is a Successful Interview:
1. Remember always that it is the company who invited you to the interview; it is they who initiated the event. You would not be there if they were not already inclined to like you. Compose yourself accordingly; try to see yourself as a welcome, first-time guest.
2. While the ultimate purpose of an interview is to get an offer for the position, the more immediate objective is for the company to get to know you better, and for you to get to know it better. Everything you do with regard to an interview should have this as the dual objective. Achieve this, and you will have had a successful interview. The basis of the interview is two parties seeking a mutual solution to each other’s needs. Never forget this.
Generally, the interviewer is interested in determining the following 3 things:
1. The reason for your interest in the job.
2. Your qualifications.
3. A feeling for your personality - particularly how you act and think in everyday situations.
Key points:
1. RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION/WEBSITE: Find out as much as you can about the company (products, services, clients, company growth, prospects of growth in the future). This kind of preparation will help you answer some specific questions and may suggest some questions you would like to ask. It also shows your interest in the company and this will influence the employer's interest in you. Being able to converse intelligently about the company will create a very favorable impression.
2. PREPARE: Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses, your skills and talents, your ambitions, your experiences, and your values. It is important to have a clear idea of who you are, what you want, and where you are going. You need to have confidence in yourself (but NEVER be over confident). Frequently, employers will ask one of the following open-ended questions: “Tell me about yourself”, "Why should we hire you?" or "What can you do for us?" Be prepared.
3. BE ON TIME. Fifteen minutes early is a good rule. This will allow you to present yourself to the receptionist in a relaxed and composed manner.
4. ALWAYS BRING A RESUME, but do not offer it unless asked. (The company should already have a copy of your resume). Do not provide anything that you need back.
5. APPEARANCE: Present yourself professionally and conservatively. Remember, the company is interested in finding someone who is comfortable with their culture, not someone who is interested in making a fashion statement. Avoid the use of cologne/perfume as it will not help and may hurt. Your appearance is an expression of your inner state of mind. Being poorly dressed shows lack of good taste and an apathetic attitude. In other words, "dress for success". You only get one chance to make a first impression. Interviewers will size you up within 30 seconds of laying their eyes on you. The first impression is a lasting one.
6. GREETING: Be pleasant and engaging. Maintain a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement. Good eye contact, a strong handshake, and a confident smile will get everything off to a good start. Remember, the interviewer is looking for someone to hire; they like your resume or you wouldn’t be there. Greet the interviewer(s) by their last name(s) in a friendly, but businesslike manner. Don't use the interviewer’s first name unless specifically asked to do so.
7. COMPOSURE: Remain standing until you are offered a seat. Once seated, sit erectly; do not slouch. Place your arms and hands on the armrests of the chair. Be certain that your body language is natural and complementary to the discussion. Leaning back could give the impression of a lax attitude. A defensive person will be closed off (i.e. folded arms across the chest). Maintain eye contact throughout the interview.
It is natural to be nervous in anticipation of an interview. Remember though, it is a meeting of those with a mutual interest. Interviewers are sometimes stern without intending to be. You are there at their invitation.
8. NOTES: Bring a pen and paper, but avoid taking notes during your interview. Immediately following the interview, jot down key points that you want to remember.
9. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Indicate the impact you have had while working for your current and previous employer(s). This would include any major accomplishments and organizational changes that you have created/implemented. This is a good time to share ideas about what you can do for the interviewer's company. Have a plan before the interview.
10. PROBLEM SOLVING AND THINKING SKILLS: Demonstrate that you have the ability to solve job-related problems and that you anticipate what needs to be done. (Elaborate)
11. LEADERSHIP: Let the interviewer know that you have the ability to persuade and motivate others. Team leadership is a component of both management and personality. Share management ability and style, and organizational skills.
12. YOUR QUESTIONS: Be prepared to ask several questions at the end of the interview, but avoid questions about compensation or benefits. If asked about your current salary, advise what it is, but indicate that you don’t want to comment on salary expectations until you know more about the opportunity and the company. Just like you wouldn’t offer a price for a car without knowing all about the options that are included on it, you wouldn't want to commit too early on your "price." You might say: "Compensation is extremely important to me, and I will consider your best offer, but frankly what is most important at this point is what I can offer your company and what the future will hold for both of us in a long-term relationship”.
13. INTEREST: If, at the conclusion of the interview, you are still interested in the position, be certain that the interviewer knows this. Indicate that you want to pursue the opportunity and ask what the next step will be.
14. STAY POSITIVE: Even if, during the interview, your instincts tell you that the position isn’t right for you, keep that to yourself for now. Once home, you may change your mind. If, after thinking about it further, you still feel the position is not a good fit for you, make sure you take yourself out of consideration professionally. If appropriate, let the company know that you would like to keep the door open for future opportunities.
15. REFERENCES: Have available a list of references that you can present if requested. This list should include names and phone numbers of former supervisors at previous companies who are able and willing to discuss in detail your work performance, usually for positions held in the last five years. Be sure that you have checked your references thoroughly so that you can be assured that they will provide positive feedback to the inquirer.
16. SEND THANK YOU NOTES (email is fine)
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03-27-2007, 11:52 AM
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