Be prepared before the interview – make sure you have reviewed -
- Job Requirements – “What they are looking for.”
- Your qualifications – “What you have to offer.”
- Research the company; the industry, the competition. Check out their website.
- Prepare your “2 minute personal statement” – “Tell me about yourself”
- Prepare at least five success stories ready to answer “Behavioral Interview questions.” (“Tell me about a time when…,” or “Can you give me an example of a time….”)
- Make a list of 10 questions to ask the interviewer about the job; the company; the industry.
- Check with your references for consent to use their name and how they prefer to be contacted – email, phone – home or office?
Check-off this list before you leave for the interview
- Appearance – check yourself in the mirror – part of your confidence will come from looking good.
- Hair – combed and neat
- Clothes – check for spots/wrinkles – strings hanging
- Shoes – appropriate to the occasion and shined
- Stockings (for pantyhose wearers) – no runs
Items to carry to the interview
- Folder with important papers
- Several copies of your resume on good paper
- Copy of your references (present only if asked for)
- Pad of paper to take notes (notes are optional)
- Directions/map to the interview site
- Contact/interviewer's name and telephone number
- Answers to the 10 most common interview questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why did you leave/are you leaving your last position?
- What do you know about this company?
- What are your goals?What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What has been your most significant achievement?
- How would your last boss/colleagues describe you?
- Why should we hire you?
Upon Arrival
- Arrive early, but do not enter the building until 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Review your preparation stories and answers.
- Go to the restroom and run cool water on your hands and insides of your wrists to cool your hands down. Check your appearance once again.
- Announce yourself to the receptionist in a professional manner (Don’t underestimate the receptionist’s opinion).
- Stand and greet your interviewer with a hearty (not bone crusher) handshake.
- Smile and look into the interviewer’s eyes – note the color.
During the Interview
- Be as enthusiastic as your personality will allow – bringing energy to the interview will help the interviewer and you.
- Try to focus on the points you have prepared without being too rehearsed and stiff.
- Relax and enjoy the conversation. Learn what you can about the company and whether you would like to work there.
- Ask questions and listen, not only to what is said, but try to read between the lines.
- Don’t talk about money during the interview. The money will already have been decided prior to your interview. If the subject comes up, refer the client to your Technical Recruiter.
- At the conclusion of the interview, thank the interviewer for his/her time and find out what the next step will be.
After the Interview
- As soon as possible after leaving the building, write down what you are thinking and feeling. Let it all flow and then put it away. The interview is over. Do not dwell on the situation.
- Call your Technical Recruiter and tell them how it went. Were you offered the position? Did you accept? Will you accept the job if it is offered? Can your Technical Recruiter accept the position on your behalf?
- Give yourself a pat on the back for doing a thorough job – the best that you could do.
