BEFORE THE INTERVIEW…
• Get exact directions, and know how much time to allow to arrive promptly, but do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your appointment.
• Be able to discuss your achievements; for example: promotions in previous jobs, special projects, school, service or non-profit accomplishments.
• Practice a friendly, firm, but not bone-crushing or wishy-washy handshake.
• Do research on the company, review their website and prepare intelligent questions.
• Wait until asked to sit down. Even if offered, don’t accept coffee, tea etc. (less chance of an accident happening).
• Do not smoke while waiting, or possibly smell heavily of smoke
• Be pleasant to the receptionist/admin, they may have input in the hiring decision.
• Dress professionally, first impressions count!
• Bring a current, error free copy of your resume.
DURING THE INTERVIEW…
• TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE!!!!
• Appear interested when introduced and during the interview, don’t look at your watch. Make eye contact.
• Do not chew gum, mints, etc.
• Maintain a professional posture, do not put elbows on desk or slouch in chair.
• Be gracious if the interviewer is interrupted by a phone call or urgent matter.
• Speak clearly and be confident.
• Do not give too much personal information. Don’t talk about divorces, personal problems, or anything that isn’t pertinent to the questions asked.
• Do not assume a first-name basis unless the manager tells you to use their first name. Other than a handshake, do not touch the other person.
• Be honest, do not talk about an experience with a skill, your time at a job, or a degree that is not true.
BE PREPARED…
• To explain reasons why you left your last employer. Savvy employers understand personality conflicts, etc. If you left for a negative reason, turn it into a positive learning experience
• To tell where/how you obtained your skills
• To explain why you chose the field your are in
• To explain why you want to work for their company
• To know what the company product or service is
• To explain why you want the job
• To know how to answer, “Tell me about yourself”. Your response should relate to the job only.
YOU MAY ASK…
• Why the position is vacant
• The position’s turnover rate
• Who you would report to
• Where the department falls within the organization
• How many contenders there are
• When a decision will be made
QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED BY EMPLOYERS AT INTERVIEWS:
1. What are your long and short range goals and objectives? When and why did you establish these goals, and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
2. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
3. Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?
4. Which is more important to you, the money or the type of job?
5. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
6. How would you describe yourself?
7. How do you think a friend or professor who knows you would describe you?
8. What motivates you to put forth your greatest efforts?
9. How has your college experience prepared you for a business career?
10. Why should I hire you?
11. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
12. Describe the relationship that should exist between you and your supervisor.
13. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
14. What work environment are you most comfortable in (professional or casual, larger or smaller office)? Why?
15. How do you work under pressure?
16. Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
17. What do you know about our company?
18. What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
19. Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why?
20. What have you learned from your mistakes?
21. How would you handle a counter offer from your current employer?