Interviewing

Preparing for the interview
Interviewing can be an enjoyable part of the job search process. The trick is to prepare ahead of time, go in with confidence and relax. The purpose of an interview is twofold: A company is trying to determine if you are right for the job, and you are trying to find out if the job is right for you. You can make a good impression and take advantage of the time you have with the interviewer by doing a little homework.

Research the Company
The more you know about the company, the better you will appear in the interview. Find out as much as you can about the company and its products. If possible, talk to people who work at the company. They can give you information about the atmosphere and office politics, even if they don't work in the same department. Don't despair if you don't know people at the company. There are many other sources of information, especially if the company is publicly traded. Always look up their web site and read through it thoroughly taking notes on salient points to show your knowledge during the interview.

Get Ready, Get Set...
Most interviews follow a pattern: First you answer questions about your experience and qualifications, then you ask questions about the job. Rehearse answers to common interview questions, and prepare a list of questions you can ask. Make sure all your interview materials are up-to-date before you leave for the interview. Bring several copies of your résumé, a list of references, work samples or other forms of performance documentation, pens and paper. Dress professionally yet conservative.

The Interview
Arrive early on the day of the interview to fill out application materials. It would be helpful to bring at least two pieces of identification, like a social security card or driver's license. With an employment application you will be required to identify the names/dates of current/previous employment and the names of references.

Try to make a strong first impression with everyone you meet at the company, not just the interviewer, since several people could have a say in filling the job. Experts generally agree that within 30 seconds your interviewer has already formed an impression about you, so make that time count. Arrive on time, give a firm handshake, look the interviewer in the eye, smile and introduce yourself. I often tell candidates if they didn't share at least one laugh with the client, the interview probably didn't go as well as they thought.

Questions for Candidates to ask potential Employers

  1. What, as the hiring authority, is your vision of this job, and, in your mind, what are the key responsibilities? ________________ (Recruiter) has told me what they see as the key responsibilities. I would like to hear what you see the responsibilities of this position to be.
  2. Can you share with me the structure of the department or division and how it fits into the total organization? (The candidate must address their strengths and make them fit into what the employer is looking for.
  3. Considering the people in your department or company, tell me what your most valued employees are like. What are the three to five things you believe makes them the most successful?
  4. Explain to me what you perceive the corporate culture to be and what type of person best fits into your organization.
  5. As the hiring authority, specifically tell me about your management style and what traits best match with your personality to produce the most productive working environment.
  6. What are the three or four most significant problems or obstacles that your company faces and how do you plan to solve these issues? Growth? Financial stability?
  7. What are three or four problems that you are currently trying to solve?
  8. Is your company or department facing any disasters?
  9. What are the specific projects I will be working on in the first month?
  10. In the first year, what are the key contributions you would expect from my performance?
  11. What makes you enjoy getting up each day and coming to work?
  12. In three to five years, where do you see my career going and what, specifically, could I do to get there?
  13. In terms of resources, what will I have available to me to work with (I.E. People, equipment, budget, etc.)?
  14. What are three or four things that could cause a person to fail in our department?
  15. As the hiring authority, what do you like most about the individual who did this job before me, and what are three or four things that made them the most successful?
  16. In considering the new position, how do you plan to re-orient the position for the future?
  17. Mr. Or Mrs. Hiring Authority, now that you've gotten to know me, how do you see my background adding value to your company? This questions does two things:
    • It exposes misunderstandings and concerns (of which you will need to address directly with your strengths)
    • The employer hears the affirmation of your positive qualities and "fit" with the company
  • If I were to accept this position and come to work here, how do you see this position impacting my career?

    • IF THE HIRING AUTHORITY ANSWERS THIS, GO OVER PROBLEMS THAT YOU CAN SOLVE!

    AT THIS POINT, THE CANDIDATE MUST STATE THAT THEY WANT THIS POSITION!

    There are several different kinds of interviews:

    • One-on-one interviews
    • Stress interviews
    • Lunch interviews
    • Committee interviews
    • Group interviews
    • "Wolf pack" interviews

    Regardless of the type of interview, remember that the interviewer is wondering how you can help the company. Your answers to his or her questions should illustrate how you can help the company achieve its goals. Find out about the job and the company when it's your turn to ask questions. Ask the questions you prepared in advance. Feel free to ask for specifics about whom you would report to and the duties involved, but save questions about salary and benefits for negotiations after a job offer has been made. In addition, do not introduce obstacles such as spouses's employment, schools, real estate and moving expenses. These will be resolved much later in the interviewing process. At the end of the interview, reiterate how your skills will benefit the company and thank the interviewer. DON'T FORGET TO CLOSE THE DEAL! ASK FOR THE JOB OR AT LEAST WHAT THE NEXT STEP IS!

    You're Not Finished Yet
    The interview is done, but there is still more you can do to make a good impression. Always follow up an interview with a thank-you letter. Refer back to the interview, and emphasize how your skills fit the position. Now comes the hardest part: waiting for an offer or another interview. Call the interviewer for an update if you haven't heard anything in a week. Persistence counts when looking for a job.

    View a Sample Thank-you Letter