Job Interviewing Techniques

How to Prepare for the Interview Do a little homework! Research the company and the position itself. For example: products and services, customers, competitors, history, recent news, financial-related information

Research the Company and the Position

Prepare for the Actual Interview Practice answers to common questions. Prepare a list of questions to ask the employer. Make a list of your experience and qualifications. Rehearse your interview with a friend. Check your diction, speed, and body language. http://takeyourtips.com/6-tips-on-how-to-presenting-the-best-body-language/ Take your resume and a list of references to the interview.

Dressing for Success clean and polished conservative dress shoes well-groomed hairstyle cleaned and trimmed fingernails minimal cologne or perfume no visible body piercing beyond conservative ear piercings for women well-brushed teeth and fresh breath no gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth minimal jewelry no body odor

Dressing for Success for Women Wear a conservative dark navy or gray skirted suit. A blazer with blouse and skirt is a possible second choice to a suit. Skirt length should be a little below the knee and never shorter than above the knee. Blouses should be cotton or silk and should be white, or some other light color. Shoes should be low-heeled. Make-up should be minimal, with lipstick and nail polish conservative tones. Pantyhose should be flawless (no runs) and conservative in color. Opt for a briefcase rather than a purse.

Dressing for Success for Men Conservative dark navy or gray two-piece business White long-sleeved button-down dress shirt Conservative silk tie (that matches the colors in your suit) If the company is a bit more informal, then you should wear a conservative sports coat, nicely pressed dress slacks, a white long-sleeved button-down shirt, a conservative silk tie, and nicely polished dress shoes. Belt should match your shoes. Beard and mustache should be neatly trimmed. If you have visible body parts pierced, most experts recommend removing all jewelry, including earrings.

Before the Interview Be on time. Greet interviewer with a smile and firm handshake. Don’t make negative comments about former employers. Relax!

During the Interview Show self-confidence. Make eye contact. Reflect before answering a difficult question. Ask the questions you prepared before the interview. Do not ask questions that raise “red flags.” Example: “Is relocation a requirement?” Show you are the best candidate for the job. Relate your previous experience with the qualifications for the job in which you are applying. Avoid negative body language. (avoiding eye contact, gnawing on your lip, slouching, swinging your leg, etc.)

Common Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself. Discuss your education, professional achievements and professional goals. Describe your qualifications for the job, and how you could help the company if hired.

"Why do you want to work here?" Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry through your own research. Talk about how your professional skills will benefit the company.

"Why did you leave your last job?” Interviewer is looking for problems in your last job. Possible reasons; relocated, laid off, company closed, temporary job, no room for advancement, returned to school, etc.

What are your major strengths? (skills) Answer with the skills that would be most valuable to the company.

What are your major weaknesses? Turn a weakness into a strength. For example, I am a perfectionist. I go over and over things until they are perfect. I cannot walk away until they are right.

Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others? Looking for a team player. Answer should be with others.

What are your career goals? Discuss your educational goals. Describe your career aspirations.

Do you play sports? Yes, and make it a team sport. (basketball, football, volleyball, etc.)

Questions that You Might Ask during the Interview If I work hard and prove to be a good employee, where might I be in five years? Does your company provide future training opportunities for your employees?

Questions You Should Not Ask Do not ask questions about salary or potential benefits the company may or may not offer.

Things Not to Do in an Interview Arrive late for the interview. Look disheveled and inappropriately dressed. Slouch in your seat. Don't maintain good eye-contact with the interviewer. Do your company research at the interview by asking, "What do you guys do here?" Don't make a connection between your skills and the needs of the employer. Brag about how great you are, but neglect to cite evidence of your accomplishments. Respond in an unfocused, disorganized, and rambling manner. Remain low-key and display no enthusiasm for the job. Answer most questions with simple "yes" and "no" answers. Appear desperate for a job--any job. Call the interviewer by his or her first name, or use the wrong name. Give memorized responses, forgetting parts in the process. Badmouth your current or former employer. Ask "How am I doing? Are you going to hire me?" Blurt out, "I need to make at least $35,000. I hope this job pays at least that much," near the beginning of the interview. When asked "Do you have any questions?", reply "No."

Exiting the Interview End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his or her time. Reiterate your interest in the job. You might ask when you might learn whether or not you have the position.

After the Interview