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Essential Interviewing Tips

As we've previously stated, your resume can help to  get your foot through a prospective employer's door.  However, 90% of hiring decisions are based on The Interview.  It is here where you have your opportunity to show your "stuff" -  your knowledge, your personality, your appearance, your ability to think on your feet, work effectively with others, lead, fit in with the organization, etc. It's also your chance to find out whether or not the company and position are right for you.

 

It's been said that you never have a second chance to make a first impression. The first impression you make in your interview will determine whether or not the process goes  any further with the employer. Obviously, with so much riding on your first interview, you'll want to be prepared so that you can put your best foot forward.

   Preparation  

Gather as much information about the company as possible (their products, services, performance, goals, competitors, customers, etc.), as well any details regarding the position. The best sources of this information are your executive recruiter and the internet. A good recruiting firm, such as ExecuSource, will provide you with the information you need prior to your interview, so that you are prepared to make a good impression and are able to ask the right questions.

Evaluate your performance and technical skills prior to the interview. Review those skills that are both transferable from one position to another, and those that may be necessary in the particular position for which you are interviewing.  Recognize your specific strengths and be prepared to relay this information, in detail, during the interview.

Practice answering typical interview questions (see below). This is the best way to help overcome the anxiety experienced by many interviewees.

   The Interview

Most of the questions you are asked during an interview are generally designed to enable the interviewer to find out the following: 

1)    Can you perform the job and reach the company's 
        objectives for the position?

2)    Will you "fit in" with the company's organization?

3)    Can we afford you?

4)    Are you genuinely interested in this opportunity and willing to 
       make a move?

 

Typical Interview Questions

Although the actual questions you are asked may be phrased somewhat differently, you will undoubtedly be asked many of them, in one form or another.

    Why did you leave your last job? 

    What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

    Describe the ideal position for you?

    What did you like least and best about your last / current 
       position?

    Where do you see yourself in 3 years / 5 years / 10 years?

    What can you contribute to our company?

    Give some examples of your ability to work under pressure.

    Give some examples which demonstrate your ability as a team 
       player.

    Give some examples of your ability as a leader

    How have your past work experiences prepared you to 
       succeed at this position?

    Describe your most disappointing or frustrating work 
       experience to date?

    Give some examples of your ability to persuade or influence 
       others?

    What do you consider your greatest work-related 
       accomplishments?

    What levels of work-related travel would be acceptable?

    Are you willing to relocate for this opportunity?

    Are there any issues which would prevent you from 
       relocating?

    If we made you an offer, how soon would you be able to start?

 

Some Do's And Don'ts Of Interviewing

    Be relaxed, confident, personable and focused.

    Greet your interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake.

    Be sure to make eye contact with your interviewer.  

    Accentuate your positives, but always be truthful. Be 
                prepared to substantiate any statements or claims.

    Keep your responses focused and to the point. Resist the 
               temptation to wander into areas that do not specifically 
               answer the question.

    Ask questions about the company and the position which 
               demonstrate your interest. 

    Never discuss money in the first interview unless your 
                interviewer brings it up, first. 

    At the conclusion of an interview, make certain to 
                relay your high interest in the company and the position 
                to the interviewer, and always ask "What's The Next 
               Step?"

 

    Interview Follow-up

Always write a brief thank-you note (to be either e-mailed or faxed) to everyone at the company who has interviewed you. In these notes, thank them for their time and express your continued interest in the company, the position, and taking the hiring process to the next level.  

Also, it is very important that you call your executive recruiter, as soon as possible, after your interview so that we know how to follow up with the company for you.

 

This site is a "work-in-progress"  and is frequently updated with relevant industry and employment  information. So, please bookmark our site and visit us again.

 

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