Preparation for the Interview 

 

Review the company website for an overview of what they do and the details of their products.  You can also look up the Interviewer on LinkedIn to learn about their background.

 

Refer back to your FAB statements (from Guide to Effective Resume Writing) so the information is fresh in your mind.

 

Prepare the questions you will ask during the interview.
   

The greatest way to become known as a good conversationalist is to ask leading questions and let the other person speak. These are: Who, What, Where, When and How type questions. 

 

Probing questions you might ask...
 

• What are you looking for this person to accomplish in this position?

• What do the best people in the department do differently than the average?

• What are the company growth plans and how does this department fit into those grow plans?

• What kind of projects will this person be assigned?

• What is the attitude or culture of other people in the department?

• What authority does this position hold, if any?

• What will you expect of me and how will I be measured?

• What will be the first assignment?

• Why is the position available?

• Are there advanced training programs available for those who demonstrate outstanding ability?

• If I perform well, what are the advancement opportunities in the company?

• ANY questions you will need answered before you can make a yes/no decision on this position, (EXCEPT compensation, you can discuss that with your search consultant)

 

Prepare for tough questions such as...
 

• How would you describe yourself? (Give positive job related attributes.)

• What did you think of your last boss? (Be positive, NEVER speak ill of a past boss)

• Why have you left your previous positions? (Be positive, NEVER speak ill of a past employer; focus on the opportunity you want to go to rather than a specific of why you are leaving/left)

• Where do you see yourself five years from now? (realistic work goal, not a millionaire living on a tropical Island)

• Tell me something about yourself.  (Be brief; if you’re comfortable, you can mention something about your family, hobbies or brief attitude of life)

• What’s your biggest failure? (Everyone has failure; give the answer along with what you learned or how you rectified the situation.)

• What are your strong points? (give clear and concise work attributes)

• What is your expected compensation? (Leave it open; let the interviewer know you want fair compensation for the level of contribution.  If you must give a specific number, tell them your current salary, including all bonuses, commissions, RSUs)

• What's the most difficult thing you have ever done?

• Which qualifications do you feel make you a better candidate for this job than anyone else? (Give examples of your accomplishments of the past as they relate to this specific position)

• But you've already done this work. What makes you think you would be interested in staying with us?  (Tell them what about the company/position you’ve heard that interest you and any area you can see you’d grow technically)

• What are your future goals?

• Are there any other questions you might have before I let you go?

  • This is a good place for anything else you need to know to make a yes/no decision, (other than compensation)

  • How do my qualifications match with what you’re looking for?

  • What’s the next step?

 

For ALL Interviews

 

• Ask interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background and skills to the position.

• Get your strengths across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.  You can use examples from your FAB statements (from Guide to Effective Resume Writing) as a guide. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself to the interviewer and that’s best done by speaking about your achievements and leaving them with a picture of what you bring rather than giving an opinion.

• Be prepared to answer questions truthfully, frankly, and as "to the point" as possible.

• Answer questions that are asked of you with examples when possible rather than just a yes or no; leave the interviewer with a picture of your qualifications.

• DON'T EVER make derogatory statements about your present or former employers or companies. Rather, focus on what opportunity you want to move to.

• DON'T inquire about salary, vacation, bonuses, retirement, etc. This will be covered with you in detail by your search consultant prior to acceptance of any offer. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate that you are more interested in opportunity than a specific salary

 

Specifically for a Telephone Interview

 

• Make sure you have a quiet and private place to take or make the phone call.

• Give the interview your full and undivided attention.

• Keep your tone upbeat. Remember that the interviewer has only your voice to create an impression of you.

• Take advantage of the opportunity to use a few notes, if you like.

• Give special attention to answering questions with enough detail to create a picture in the interviewer's mind.  Describe a situation, what you did to improve it, and what the benefit was to the company. (your FAB statements)

• Address any hesitation in the interviewer's voice. You will not be able to tell from his or her facial expression or body language if you are being understood or not so ask “does that answer your question”? And if it doesn’t, ask for clarity in the question and answer again.

 

Specifically for a Face-to-Face Interview

 

• Dress in professional business attire for YOUR local geography, some locations are a bit more causal.  If that’s the case, “causal business” in fine. Pressed pants/button shirt and polished shoes.

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early so you have a few minutes to calm your mind

• Fill out application forms neatly and completely

• Greet the interviewer by name, if you are sure of the pronunciation. If you are not, ask at the Receptionist how to pronounce it

• Shake hands firmly and make eye contact frequently

• Sit upright in your chair, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good speaker

• SMILE

• DON'T chew gum, text or answer your phone (silence before you go into the interview)

 

Closing the Interview

 

The Hiring Manager is a human being; they want to know if you are interested! 

 

• At the end of time, let the interviewer know you are interested in the position (if you are) and why you think you are a good fit - be specific in what parts of your background fit the position as it has been described.

• Ask for the job.

• Ask for the next interview or what the next step is

•  If the position is offered to you, and you want it, accept it on the spot.

         •  If you wish time to think it over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date when you can provide an answer.

• Express thanks for the interviewer's time and consideration of you. If you have answered these two questions:
         •  1) Why are you interested in the company? and
         •  2) What do you have to offer the company? You have done all you can. 

After the Interview

 

Last and most important, call your search consultant immediately and communicate what transpired. The search consultant will want to talk with you before the interviewer calls back so he or she will know how to proceed on your behalf.

 

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