JOB INTERVIEW TIPS
RESEARCH THE COMPANY
The more you know about the company, the better you will appear in the interview. Find out as much as you can about the company and its products. If possible, talk to people who work at the company. They can give you information about the atmosphere and office politics, even if they don’t work in the same department. Don’t despair if you don’t know any current employees at the company. There are many other sources of information, especially if the company is publicly traded. Always look at their web site and read through it thoroughly, taking notes on salient points to show your knowledge during the interview. Be prepared to ask questions about what you learned about the company.
GET READY, GET SET…
Most job interviews follow a pattern: First you answer questions about your experience and qualifications, then you ask questions about the job. Rehearse answers to common interview questions, and prepare a list of questions to ask. Make sure all your interview materials are up-to-date before you leave for the interview. Bring several copies of your resume, a list of references with contact information, work samples or other forms of performance documentation, pens and paper. Dress professionally, yet conservative.
THE INTERVIEW
Arrive early on the day of the interview to fill out any application materials. Try to make a strong first impression with everyone you meet at the company, not just the interviewer,
since several people could have a say in filling the job. Experts generally agree that within 30 seconds your interviewer has already formed an impression about you, so make that time count. Arrive on time, give a firm handshake, look the interviewer in the eye, smile and introduce yourself.
YOU’RE NOT FINISHED YET
The interview is done, but there is still more you can do to make a good impression. Always follow up a job interview with a thank you letter. You’d be surprised by how infrequently that candidates send a note. If you really want to get their attention then send a hand-written thank you! Refer back to the interview, and emphasize how your skills fit the position. Now comes the hardest part: waiting for an offer or another interview. Call the interviewer for an update if you haven’t heard anything in a week. Persistence counts when looking for a job.
QUESTIONS FOR JOB CANDIDATES TO ASK THE INTERVIEWEE
1. What, as the hiring authority, is your vision of this job, and, in your mind, what are the key responsibilities? ________________ (Recruiter) has told me what they see as the key responsibilities. I would like to hear what you see the responsibilities of this position to be.
2. Can you share with me the structure of the department or division and how it fits into the total organization?
3. Considering the people in your department or company, tell me what your most valued employees are like. What are the three things you believe makes them the most successful?
4. Explain to me what you perceive the corporate culture to be and what type of person best fits into your organization.
5. As the hiring authority, tell me about your management style and what traits best match with your personality to produce the most productive working environment.
6. What are the three or four most significant problems or obstacles that your company faces and how do you plan to solve these issues? Growth? Financial stability?
7. What are the biggest issues that I will face if I were selected for this role?
8. Is your company or department facing any disasters?
9. What are the specific projects I will be working on during the first six months?
10. During the first year, what are the key contributions you would expect from my performance?
11. What makes you enjoy getting up each day and coming to work?
12. In three to five years, what career options might be available for me and what, specifically, would I need to do to get there?
13. In terms of resources, what will I have available to me to work with (i.e. People, equipment, budget, etc.)?
14. What are three or four things that could cause a person to fail in your department?
15. As the hiring authority, what did you like most about the individual who did this job before me, and what are three or four things that made them the most successful?
16. Now that you’ve gotten to know me, do you have any concerns about my ability to perform in this role? This questions does two things: It exposes misunderstandings and concerns (of which you will need to address directly with your strengths). Also, the employer hears the affirmation of your positive qualities and “fit” with the company.
17. If I were to accept this position and come to work here, how do you see this position impacting my career?
At this point, you must make it very clear that you want this position!