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Job Interview Tips
Regardless of whether you are preparing for an interview for an entry level job, looking for a step up the career ladder at the company you currently work for or competing for a senior level position at a new firm there are techniques that will improve your odds of securing an offer or being asked back for a second discussion.
Prepare in Advance – Take plenty of time learning about your prospective employer and/or the position you are seeking. Educate yourself on the company products or services provided. If the company is a publicly traded company, obtain a copy of their annual report usually available online. If you don’t have a home computer, visit your local public library. Once you have the annual report, read it cover to cover and absorbed the material, jot down a few questions you would like to ask your interviewer if given the opportunity during your interview. If possible, talk to people already employed by the company to gain their insight into the company.
Rehearsal Interview – If you have ever worked with a search firm, chances are they conducted one or more mock interviews to help you prepare for the “real thing”. In the event you don’t have the luxury of using a search firm, than seek out someone you respect and trust and ask the person to put themselves in the role of the interviewer.
Anticipate the Questions – Whether you are looking for a short-order cook position, a sales job or the chief financial officer of a public company, you can probably ask yourself 90% or more of the questions your interviewer will ask you. Prepare 15 questions that your interviewer will likely ask. Write them down and then think about your answers. For most people, writing down the answers will help you hone your responses and cause you to think through the possible approaches to each question.
Dress for Success – You only have one chance at creating a positive first impression with your prospective employer. You should “dress for the part”, in other words, present yourself in apparel that is professional and neutral when it comes to style. Unless the job you are applying for requires any type of uniform, dress in a way that you would if it were your first day on the job.
Arrive Early for the Interview – Make sure you arrive at your interview at least 15 minutes early or if a telephone screening interview, make yourself available 15 minutes before the call. Leave your cell phone in the car or make 100% sure it is turned off. Minimize bringing any other personal items except a copy of your resume and/or job application if you were asked to complete one in advance.
Connect with the Interviewer – Your ability to “read” your interviewer will go a long way in establishing common ground. Interviewers, as do job candidates come in all sizes and shapes with varying personalities and styles. First and foremost, make eye contact and make it often. Second, listen and listen carefully to everything the interviewer says and asks you. When answering a question, be sure you understand what was asked and if necessary, ask for any point of clarification before you answer. Keep your answers brief and to the point and avoid rambling. Try to answer in complete sentences and above all, be truthful and honest.
Ask Smart Position Related Questions – No matter what the job is that you are considering, you should have 5 well thought out questions to ask that will help you better understand what the interviewer is looking for and information that you need to make an informed decision should you receive an offer.
Post Interview Debriefing – After you leave the interview, sit down and take stock on the high and low points of the interview. Take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the center. On the left side of the sheet, list the parts of the interview that you thought went well. On the right side of the paper, list all the parts of the interview that you felt could have gone better and how if given a second chance, you would have handled differently. Keep these notes to prepare for any additional interviews with the same or a different company.
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