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Interviewing
Tips
Many candidates think of the interview as merely a discussion and an evaluation of their
technical abilities. In reality it is much more. An interview should be seen as
a combination of the following:
 | A fact finding opportunity for
both you and the company. |
| A time to convey the value you
bring to prospective employers. |
| A time to present skills,
experiences, and personal strengths in a way that is tailored to the needs
of the company. |
| A time to sell your abilities
and close the deal. |
| An opportunity to determine if
the situation is right for you. |
An interview is not a semi-passive conversation during which you answer
questions and then wait to see if you receive a job offer. It is a sales process
and an evaluation opportunity that requires preparation. A Successful
Interview is dependent on many factors. Among these are preparation,
presentation and follow-up.
Preparation
In much the same way as you might prepare for an exam, preparation for your
interview will enable you to both address questions in the event they are asked
and to participate actively and positively in the interviewing process.
Anticipate what you are likely to be asked and prepare your answers. Obviously,
your strengths and special skills are attributes which you will want to convey
to your interviewer. It will be useful to make a list of your personal strengths
and abilities. Knowing what is on that list will arm you for the types of
questions you are likely to encounter. Being able to specifically detail your
accomplishments is also very important. Identify your goals and be ready to
demonstrate how the prospective organization relates to them. Remember that your
interviewer may probe about longer-term expectations, so if you know where you
would like to be 5 or 10 years from now you'll be able to answer more
confidently. In anticipation of questions about any developmental needs, be
prepared to explain how you might convert these to strengths in a different
setting.
Research the Company you intend to
interview with. Your FPC Of Hinsdale Consultant will help you understand the
organization, its products and/or services, its clientele and its competition.
| Obtain company information by
visiting web sites and reviewing annual reports and product literature. By
referring to these during the interview, you let the company know that you
have done your homework. This demonstrates preparation, initiative and your
interest. |
| Check to see if the company has
been the subject of recent news. (You can find most of this on the web). Asking
questions about recent corporate news will also show your interest and
thoroughness. |
| Check out their web site. You
found ours, now it time to look for theirs. Show you are resourceful and
interested in their organization. |
| What can you find out about the
managers you will interview with? Your recruiter should be a good source of
information regarding the people you will meet. Where have they work before?
How long have they been on board? How has their career developed? If
possible, ask acquaintances and colleagues who may know. |
| Understand the company's mission and/or strategies so that you can present your credentials in a
manner that will show hiring managers that you have the potential to be a
valuable contributor. |
| Prepare a list of good questions
(some related to the job, others centering on more global corporate or
business matters) based on all of the above and on your needs and interests.
In order to be effective in the process, you must ask questions to be sure
you fully understand the duties of the job and the short and long-term
expectations. The answers will prepare you to relate your relevant
accomplishments. |
Beyond preparation, there are a few basic pointers to keep in mind in any
interview situation including telephone interviews (Given the costs of flying
candidates to the home office or plant, more and more companies use telephone
interviews as a first step in the hiring process. Don't be put off by such an
arrangement, but don't take it lightly. This is the first step toward a visit
to the office.).
Dressing For Success
Your appearance will provide
your interviewer with a first impression, even before you shake hands.
Accordingly, dress, haircut, manicure and personal hygiene are essential in
landing that new position.
Men should generally wear a conservative
business suit, preferably dark blue or gray. A white or soft pastel shirt
complemented by a tie is appropriate. Shoes should be well shined. Always carry
a briefcase or portfolio. However, samples of work should usually be referred to but not
presented unless asked for by the interviewer.
For women, suits and blouses are acceptable, as are tailored conservative dresses. Again, a briefcase or portfolio is
preferable.
Some cautions: Men should avoid
sport jackets, summer attire, and open collars. Women should steer clear of pant suits, slacks or
jeans (designer or otherwise) and don't carry a large shoulder bag.
Last Minute Preparations
Up to this point, we've stressed
preparation, planning and dressing for the interview. Now it's time to consider a few logistical steps that
can make the difference between a successful interview and one that you'd care
to forget:
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A day or two before your
interview, call your FPC Of Hinsdale Consultant to confirm the time of your
appointment and to get the spelling and pronunciation of your interviewer's
name. It's also a good idea to obtain directions to the Company's offices, especially if
they are in an area you
are unfamiliar with.
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On the day of your interview,
plan to arrive early. Punctuality makes a good impression, so
allow extra time for traffic delays. If for some reason, you do find that you will be
late, call your FPC Of Hinsdale Consultant to let him or
her know that you will not be on time. You consideration will be appreciated.
When you arrive, it may be necessary to complete an application, even if we
have already provided them with a copy of your resume. Regarding the question of salary
expectations or requirements, it would be advisable to state "to be discussed."
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The Interview
First Impressions
It is at this moment that all of your advance preparation will pay dividends. Your
appearance, your handshake, eye contact, confidence and your ability to both answer and
ask questions will set the tone for a successful interview.
When you meet the person who will be interviewing you, smile, and greet him or her with a firm
handshake. It is at this very moment that your evaluation has begun. An air of
self-confidence will help to convince this individual that you can handle the
stress typically associated with this first meeting. Be observant, and quickly try to establish good
rapport.
Remember why you are there. Your objective is to get the job, or at least to
go on to the next step in the process. Don't get lulled into a
friendly conversation, no matter how comfortable it may seem. You are competing
for a job in a world of many applicants. Maintain your edge.
Be Responsive
Remember, the time that may be allocated for this meeting may, in fact, be
short. So utilize this precious resource and convey your message clearly and concisely. Be both factual and sincere when stressing your
achievements. While each interview is different, there are some questions which
you are almost certain to be asked. Your potential employer may want to know
more about your education and previous work history, why you are considering a
career change, how you'd handle the responsibilities of the position in
question, and how willing you are to relocate. Be forthright. Answer questions directly, even if it means admitting
that you
don't know the answer. Usually, direct and honest responses will win out over
vague and indirect attempts
to deflect the interviewers question.
Be precise. Say exactly what you mean. Don't leave it up to the interviewer
to "understand". Your message, your intent, may not survive the filter
of someone else's interpretation so choose your words carefully. If you don't
get your message across effectively, there will be no second chance.
Listen Carefully
When asked a question you don't understand, seek clarification and respond
accordingly. The skills in your "personal inventory" -- the responses
which you prepared before this interview -- will allow you to answer with
confidence and sincerity.
Be Positive
Most interviewers are likely to ask pointed questions that can elicit potentially negative
responses such
as why you left your prior employers. Always answer honestly, but in doing so, try to
respond positively. For example, if asked why you had previously changed jobs three time in
a five year period, you might explain how each position offered a higher degree of
challenge and fulfillment, and cite the accomplishments in each of those
situations.
Be Professional
You should never be critical of your current or previous employers. To do
otherwise may suggests disloyalty. Remember, it is possible to be assertive and yet
still be tactful.
Questions To Ask... And What Not To Ask
As mentioned previously in the section regarding preparation, asking questions about the company is an excellent interview technique.
You will want to make inquiries about the Company's current status and future
growth plans. However, questions such as "What will be the most important
priorities that I would faced if I were offered this position?" and
"Why is this position open?" not only will show the individual you're
interested, they will also provide you with valuable information that you will
be able to utilize later in the interview. Also, be sure to ask questions
regarding the outlook for the specific department and your future potential
should you be offered the opportunity to join the Company.
Don't volunteer personal opinions. You don't know the person who is
interviewing you or his/her personal feelings. Also, don't initiate the subject
of compensation. Let them bring it up. However, you should be prepared to
discuss the subject of compensation if it becomes part of the conversation.
Closing The Interview
Remember that you have been selling your capabilities and this will be the time to close the
sale. If this interview is only the first in a multiple-step process, then ask
to be considered for the next round. Organizations like applicants that
demonstrate an interest in being a member of their TEAM. Keep in mind, all
factors being equal, a Company will more likely prefer the candidate who shows interest by asking
well thought out questions and by asking for the position over one who passively
waits to hear the outcome.
Declare your interest
| Unless you are certain you do not want to work for this Company, at each interview, at each stage, as the
discussions reach their natural
conclusion, you will need to tell the interviewer you are interested and why.
| | Based on your new understanding of the position and its duties, tell
him/her what you can contribute. An interview is not the time to be shy.
When discussing your experience, focus on personal accomplishments. Be
specific and talk about achievements which relate to the responsibilities of
the position in question. You have to build your case. Make it a compelling
one.
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Ask to go on to the next step.
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Follow-Up
Immediately following the conclusion of the interview, call your FPC Of
Hinsdale Consultant. It is
important that we discuss your impressions of the meeting and your interest in
the opportunity. This will allow us to more effectively represent you when we
follow-up with the Company. It is also very important that you follow the
interview with a short note to each of the individuals you met reiterating your
interest and restating your attributes for the position.
If an offer is anticipated, your FPC Of Hinsdale Consultant will help you
to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages. In fact, your Consultant will
be of help throughout the process to ensure you secure a position and compensation package
that's right for you.
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