Tips for InterviewsTHE INTERVIEW PROCESS The interview is where the rubber meets the road. It's the focal point of your job search (other than getting the job itself). During an interview, you will need to show how your qualifications and skills match the position you have applied for. You will also need to actively listen, respond with interest, and ask questions to get as much information as you can about the responsibilities of the position and the related needs of the company. Give the best possible presentation of yourself by being honest and straight-forward about yourself. Don't try to "snow" the interviewer. #1 Tips for Interviews - Ask questions. Be positive and honest. THE SCREENING INTERVIEW The first interview is called the "Screening Interview". It can be done either in person or by telephone. This interview is conducted in order to see if you meet the preliminary requirements of the position. It is usually a short interview to determine whether you will be considered a viable candidate for the job. The objective here is the same as with all interviews, SELL YOURSELF and GET HIRED! Rarely are offers made during the screening interview. Do not bring up the subjects of salary and benefits. If the interviewer brings it up then it's okay to discuss it, but never initiate the discussion yourself. Since the screening interview will probably be short, do not make the mistake of forming a negative opinion concerning the job based on salary or anything else and convey that to the interviewer. A change in your tone of voice or lack of questions may give the interviewer the impression that you are no longer interested. Try to get a second interview by staying positive, which may move you closer to the job offer stage. You may miss an opportunity to negotiate a mediocre offer into a good offer by judging a job prematurely. #2 Tips for Interviews - Let the interviewer discuss salary first. Some interviewers begin by saying: "Tell me about yourself." Respond with a brief summary of what you can do, and then back up your statements with specific examples of your accomplishments listed on your resume. Interviewers will look for areas of weakness so always respond with positive answers. If an interviewer asks about your experience and skills in a certain area that you do not have, then respond honestly by saying even though you do not have experience or skills in that particular area, here are the ones you do have experience and skills in, which should match or be transferable. Other screening questions will probably cover the areas of why you are looking for a job or are you presently employed, would you be willing to relocate, and what is your availability. I could spend hours writing material covering these areas and how to answer those questions. Each person's situation is different. Just remember to be honest. Do not tell an interviewer you would be willing to relocate if you know that there is no way you can do it. If you are presently employed, then your availability is two weeks. A two week notice is standard. If you are unemployed, then tell the interviewer you would be available one week after accepting the position. After the screening interview, send a thank you letter or card. It's just good manners. It may also help secure you another interview and could put you in a better position for obtaining a job offer. There is a link provided further down for an example of a thank you letter. #3 Tips for Interviews - Answer questions honestly. Send a thank you card (see link in AFTER THE INTERVIEW below). SUBSEQUENT INTERVIEWS If you are invited to a second interview, there is a good chance you are being considered for the position. A job offer may be made at a second interview. Do not initiate any salary and benefits discussions during the subsequent interviews. Let the interviewer do that. You may be interviewed by more than one person, or by a group of people. The interviewer(s) may turn the heat up on you during the interview asking in-depth questions concerning your responses to earlier questions or from information you supplied on your resume and job application. You may be tempted to "stress out" and start babbling in order to regain your footing during the interview. DON'T STRESS OUT! DON'T BABBLE! Remain calm and think before you speak. Give positive responses that answer the interviewer's questions. Three main areas interviewers will concentrate their questions on are: Competency - Can you perform the specific functions and technical requirements of the position? Compatibility - Do your personal qualities fit with the organization's? Suitability - Does your background and ability match the company's mission and goals? You may be asked to define your "Strengths & Weaknesses" (S&W). Having an S&W sheet and practicing your answers is advisable. Here is some information on Strengths & Weaknesses. Good research on the job you are applying for and matching its qualifications to yours on your resume will give you an excellent reference for answering these types of questions. If you don't know what you can offer a company with your experience and skills, then you don't need to be interviewing for their jobs. You have to know what you can offer people in order to get them to hire you! #4 Tips for Interviews - Prepare an S&W sheet. Practice answering questions. Research the company. Think before you speak. YOUR QUESTIONS An interview is a two-way process. It is just as important for you to ask questions as it is for you to respond. Remember to ask meaningful and relevant questions. Some standard questions are :
2. What are the responsibilities of this position? 3. Where will this position be located and with whom will I be working? 4. What is the level of authority in this position? 5. How is performance measured in this position? 6. Will training be available? 7. What is the corporate culture of this organization? 8. When will a hiring decision be made?. AFTER THE INTERVIEW After the interview, send a thank you letter or card. It may help secure you another interview and could put you in a better position for obtaining a job offer. Here is an example of a Thank You Letter Keep a log of your interviews. Here is an Interview & Job Application Log. It will help you keep track of all your interviews. If you are given a date certain for filling the position you applied for, as that date draws near, a courtesy call to the interviewer is acceptable. It doesn't hurt to let them know you are still interested in the position. #6 Tips for Interviews - Send a thank you letter or card. Keep a record of each interview. Learn what prepartions you should make before going on an interview by clicking on Tips for Interviews - Preparation.
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