The Wise Interview Prep

Pre-Interview Phase
           Research:

  1. Company
  2. Personnel
  3. Products
  4. Services
  5. Community activities

Present yourself well

  1. Get a haircut if needed
  2. If applicable, make certain that facial hair is trimmed and neat
  3. Regardless of the dress code, always wear a business suit, preferably dark and classic in its styling with conservative accessories
  4. Make certain that shirt/blouse is neatly pressed
  5. Be conservative with regard to the amount of perfume/cologne you use
  6. Likewise, be conservative with regard to make-up

Invest in a portfolio

  1. Bring a minimum of three (3) copies of your resume
  2. Bring a Pen or pencil and writing pad

Anticipate questions that may be asked of you.
These might include the following:

  1. What are your major accomplishments?
  2. What are your strengths?
  3. What are your weaknesses?
  4. Tell me about yourself.
  5. Why did you choose this company?
  6. What is your reason for exploring new opportunities?
  7. How do you handle pressure?
  8. Career-wise, what would you like to be doing in 5 years?
  9. Why should you be hired?

PREPARE YOUR QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER
Give thought to questions with regard to:

  1. The company
  2. Turnover (this may be a sensitive issue, so ask us first so you can address with greater knowledge in hand)
  3. The position's requirements
  4. Challenges facing the position or department, as well as the Company
  5. Deliverables and timeframes (1st month, 2nd month, 6th month and one year.

Know the Position’s/Interviewer’s “Hot Buttons” - Call your recruiter to discuss.

Be prepared to relate your experience to the requirements of the job.  It's important to tie your experience to these "hot buttons", if applicable.

DEMONSTRATE HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT THE COMPANY.

PREPARE A LIST OF YOUR REFERENCES
Give thought to your list of References and ALWAYS ask their permission for their use as references before you provide them to anyone.

Interview Phase

  1. Be punctual - 5 to 10 minutes early!
  2. No gum, smoking or coffee; avoid alcoholic beverages
  3. Check clothing, turn off cell phone, pager, watch alarm, etc.
  4. Learn interviewer(s) name(s); use them when suitable. 
  5. First 30-second impression: SMILE and offer a firm handshake
  6. Ask for their business cards before the interview start and arrange these on your desk according to their position.  This way you'll be able to more readily use their names with the added benefit of knowing the position in the company's hierarchy.
  7. Sit when seat is offered or when the interviewer sits down; sit with good posture
  8. Convey appropriate body language: An open, thoughtful posture is always welcome.  Do not cross arms or slouch or fidget in your seat.  Instead, take a deep breath and assume a comfortable position that you can maintain without discomfort.  It's been said that leaving you mouth open ever so slightly as the other person speaks denotes great intelligence.  (I'm not certain I buy this, especially if you're prone to drooling)  What you do is your personal choice.
  9. Make good eye contact
  10. Maintain good voice level
  11. Be a good listener; don't interrupt
  12. Do not watch the clock, use slang, mention personal problems, mention politics or religion or make a negative reference to present or previous employers
  13. Give positive answers
  14. Ask questions regarding the requirements of the job including short and long-term deliverables.  For example: the first 3 months, 6 months and 1st year.  Ask about growth potential, and what their goals are with regard to the role for which you are being considered.  Emphasize how they could benefit from your experience.
  15. Don't bring up salary and or benefits - ever.  Leave that to the interviewer.  If they want to discuss this, they'll ask
  16. Do ask for a tour of facilities
  17. Project confidence: Thank the interviewer(s) and indicate continued interest
  18. Ask when the company will make a decision, and how you will be notified

Post-Interview Phase

  1. Immediately write letter / e-mail of thanks, indicating continued interest, and adding any unmentioned background highlights that are applicable to the requirements of the job

SUMMARY

  1. Make a list of questions you want to ask.
  2. Dress the part. Different people have different opinions on what to wear to an interview. There is a standard that is expected by companies. For men a modern dark, two piece suit with white shirt and conservative tie. For women a modern conservative suit, limited jewelry, makeup and accessories. If you do not require a briefcase or portfolio for your presentation, bring just a leather binder with paper, nice pens, a reference list and a copy of your resume.
  3. Use their surnames. If you don’t know how to pronounce them, ask when introduced, not after the interview. Feel free to switch to first names if they do.
  4. Physical style: Interviewers are easily turned off by people who don’t maintain eye contact or let their eyes wander around the room. Be alert in your chair. Don’t lean back or too forward.
  5. The best interview style is to follow each interviewer's lead, but early in the interview get them to describe what kind of talent mix they feel is necessary. Also get them to describe the position in more detail. This will help you more smoothly relate your background and skills to the position.
  6. Answer each question truthfully, frankly and as much to the point as possible.
  7. Be prepared to answer their typical questions. What kind of job are you looking for? What are your career goals? …
  8. Don’t whine! Never say anything negative about any of your former supervisors, peers, or companies. It will knock you out of the process.
  9. During the initial interview (and often later in the process) it is inappropriate to bring up any topics relating to money. If the company brings it up, it is usually a test of your value system and priorities.

Click here to e-mail us for acceptable and non-threatening answers to this question.

  • You are selling yourself here. A good salesman listens intently, emphasizes the positives, and tries to bring closure at the end of the sale. In this case, if you are interested, you are trying to close on the next step. Let them know that you feel interested in and qualified for the job. Let them know that you are eager to take the next step. Have your schedule for the next 2 weeks with you. Let them know when you are available.
  • At the conclusion of the interview, thank each person you met with for taking the time out of their day to meet with you. It’s always good to add, "I look forward to meeting with you again."
  • Most importantly, be yourself! Relax! These people have gone through the same process you will be going through. There are many more events in life to worry about besides interviewing. While you should not treat it lightly, do have a little fun with it and enjoy the fact that you are meeting new people.
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