Interview Preparation And Coaching |
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| Preparing To Show Your Best In Any Interview |
| Being well-prepped for an interview is the key to having a good interview. Individuals that are well prepared are more confident and provide more thorough answers to interview questions. If you know how to give complete answers, you will worry less and be able to ask better questions in return. This IMPROVES the odds that you will be assessed fairly, especially if the focus of the interview is on detailed discussions about your resume or major accomplishments in your career. |
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| Answering Questions |
| Take some time to think about how you would answer questions asked of you in an interview. Rehearsing, your answers with a friend or even just running them through your head a few times while driving can help you become a better interviewer. |
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- What strengths you would bring to the company or position? Think about any industry knowledge, hands on experience, or education you might have that relates to the position.
- What are some weaknesses you possess that might need improvement? Address your weaknesses in a positive light. For example: I have a hard time dealing with difficult people, so I have my mother in-law over for dinner every Friday night to practice dealing with them. Think of your weaknesses and what you’re doing to improve on them and talk about that.
- What specific accomplishments have you made while working for (name any company on your resume)? Be ready with at least 2 if not 3 examples of things you can show you did to improve any of the following: sales numbers, awareness of company, process improvements, cost savings, client relations.
- What do you know about the company or position? Do some research online. Look over the company web site and career section. Google the company and see if there is any recent news. Look to see who some of their competitors might be and news on them.
- Why are you looking for a new job? Don’t say for the money even if that is the reason. Word your answer in a positive light. Always speak in positive tones. You don’t have to lie, but how you come off around this particular question can set a tone. Some common reasons are: I’m not actively looking, but was presented this opportunity and it seemed of interest to me (make sure your job dates on your resume match what you’re saying). I am looking for more responsibility.
- How soon can you start? Giving 2 weeks to an employer is always the best idea, but it really comes down to the situation. Some companies have training classes starting on specific dates and if you find the job irresistible people have been known to accept new employment and start on the spot.
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| Clearly Explain Information |
| Be prepared to explain clearly the information on your resume. Remember to also bring multiple copies of your resume along with you to hand out. This is very important. Since this can sometimes be the focal point of the interview be prepared to talk about a few of the following: |
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- Dates of employment - The biggest one here is gaps in employment. Have a good reason why they are there?
- Duties of the jobs you’ve held - Talk about major tasks or responsibility you held. Did you manage others? Were you responsible for major projects or key clients? (ALWAYS speak in a positive light, coming off negatively never impresses)
- Reasons for changing jobs or job titles - Did the company go out of business, or downsize. Did another company recruit you away? Did you do such a great job that you got promoted? (AGAIN ALWAYS speak in a positive light)
- Education - If you paid your way through school let them know. It shows a hard work ethic and determination.
- Affiliations - Being active can help. Mention your involvement and contributions to any affiliations you belong to.
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| Stop, Listen, Reply |
| Let the interviewer do some of the talking. It gives you a break and can let you lead the conversation or allow for some time to formulate a response to what is being said. Examples: |
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- “I don’t have a complete understanding of your real job needs. Would you please give me an overview of what the job entails and describe some of the key challenges in the job? Then I can give you some examples of work that I’ve done that’s comparable.”
- “What does the person in this job need to do to be considered successful?”
- “What’s the biggest problem that needs to be addressed right away?”
- “What kind of resources are budgeted already?”
- “Why is the position open?”
- “How have you developed your team members?”
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| Ask For The Job |
| At the end of the interview, tell them you would like to know what the next steps are. If the next steps seem evasive or unclear, ask the interviewer if your accomplishments seem relevant to the performance requirements of the job. Understanding a potential gap here allows you one last chance to give an example of a related accomplishment. Make sure you do your best to presenting your strengths. Sometimes you have to ask for the job to understand what points might have been missed in the interview that you need to get across more clearly. |
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| Keep in mind: |
- Appearance - Dress to impress. Even if the company adheres to a business casual environment during your interview isn’t the time to show them your favorite pair of jeans.
- Time of day - If your interview is in the morning be sure to get a good nights rest. If itis in the afternoon make sure you don’t have an onion and garlic salad fro lunch.
- Driving Directions and time - Make sure you are prepared to get to the location of the interview with enough time to spare to fill out an application. Mapquest directions the night before and take into account weather or traffic so you can arrive with time to spare.
- Attitude - Have a positive relaxed attitude during the interview. Smile as often as possible. Make eye contact with the people you are meeting with. Be nice to everyone you encounter from the janitor to the receptionist. You never know who is watching or what will get back to the decision makers.
- Bring with you - Multiple copies of your resume to hand out. A pen and paper to take notes if needed. Two forms of ID (some companies may need these to complete paperwork).
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