INTERVIEWING TIPS

Abraham Lincoln quote: “If I had five hours to chop down a large tree, I would spend the first four hours sharpening my ax.”

BEFORE

• Have a professional resume ready (see “resume tips”)
• Prepare and rehearse a succinct “two minute” verbal resume
• Thoroughly research the company : website, internet (Google, i.e.), etc.
• Talk to contacts inside and outside the company
• Thoroughly research the position/position posting
• Key requirements and objectives : Do your skills and background fit the position?
• Be prepared to demonstrate how your past achievements and personal attributes specifically qualify you for consideration
• Prepare a list of relevant questions about the company and the job
• Know in advance who you will be meeting including names, titles and any relevant personal background

DURING

• Be well groomed – dress for success.
• Be a few minutes early.
• Be friendly and professional – but not too relaxed – with everyone you meet or talk to.
• Smile and make good eye contact.
• Listen carefully to all questions asked; think before you answer.
• Do not talk excessively about yourself.
• Answer all questions succinctly and honestly but avoid negativity of any kind about past employers or bosses.
• Even negative past experiences can have positive consequences.
• If there is any “dirty laundry” do not attempt to cover it up; be prepared to discuss it in a positive light.
• Be interested in the company; ask good questions about the people, the products, the markets, the competition, past and current performance and the goals (If you do not ask good questions usually “GAME OVER”).
• Be interested in the position; the importance; the expectations, the tasks, the areas of responsibility; the greatest challenges.
• Demonstrate how your skills, experience and background fit the requirements of the position point by point.
• Do not bring up compensation or ask about benefits or perks. You are not negotiating at this point.
• At the end of each interview ask the interviewer if he/she thinks you might be a good fit for the position based on the discussions thus far. If any reservations or concerns are expressed, do not be argumentative but be prepared to clarify your qualifications, if appropriate.
• At the close of each interview confirm your interest in the company and the position, again, if appropriate, and ask about the next step.

AFTER

• That day, immediately after the interview, drop a brief handwritten note in the mail to each person you interviewed with, thanking them for their time, again expressing interest, and making a relevant comment about the discussion, i.e., "I found it particularly interesting when you discussed..."
• This is much better than an email and will distinguish you from any other candidates.
• End with something like “I look forward to hearing from you.”

OBJECTIVE
If you like the company and the position and feel it is a good fit for you, your objective is to get a job offer. Then you can decide to accept, decline or negotiate for a better offer. Get the offer first.

REFERENCES
Only provide references if asked, and no more than required. Know in advance exactly what your references will say about you. They may need some coaching or reminding about your accomplishments and good qualities. There is no room for surprises. Expect them to be truthful.