RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER.
Learn as much as possible about the company, the position, and the interviewers. The more information you have about the company and the position, the better prepared and more comfortable you will appear to the employer. Talk to former employees or people close to the company to get additional feel about the companies culture.
PREPARE QUESTIONS.
No matter how thorough the employer is in the interview, you should be prepared to ask questions. You are interviewing the employer as much as they are interviewing you. You will want to find out as much in-depth information as possible, especially if they are going to be your future employer.
EMPHASIZE AREAS OF YOUR BACKGROUND.
Think of specific examples that demonstrate your positives. Be prepared to talk about specific events that might demonstrate your personality traits. Be comfortable talking about your past and present experiences. Practice with another person prior to the interview. This is your time to showcase your talents. Remember, short and precise answers are appreciated.
TIPS FOR AN INTERVIEW
1. Go alone.
2. Arrive 5-15 minutes early.
3. Good handshake.
4. Maintain eye contact with speaker.
5. Dress neat.
6. Do not waste the employer’s time.
7. Do not plead for the job you want.
8. Do not interrupt and be polite.
9. Listen well.
10. Do not bring up salary issue.
11. Thank interviewer for their time.
12. Leave when the interview is completed.
13. Send thank you/follow-up letter.
Do not burn any bridges, you never know when an opportunity could present itself in the future.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below is a list of some commonly asked questions in an interview. Consider how you might want to answer:
1. Why are you willing to leave your current employer?
2. What do you know about our company? Why are you interested?
3. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
4. How do you feel about your current supervisor?
5. What are your strengths?
6. What are your weaknesses?
7. What are you currently looking for in salary?
8. What is important to you in making a decision about this job change?
9. What questions to ask the employer about the job, company, or industry?
10. Who have you learned the most from? What was it? Why was it important?
11. What could be improved in your boss?
12. What do you like and dislike about your current boss?
13. When are you available to start?
14. What are your plans for the future?
COMMUNICATING
The key is feeling confident and familiar with the material covered during an interview. The more familiar you are with information on the company and the position, the more confidence you will reflect in your interview. Likewise, the more familiar you are speaking of your background and experience the more comfortable the employer will be. Therefore, preparation is key to a successful interview and communicating effectively.
QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER
Some samples of questions which you might want to find out from a potential employer:
1. What are the company’s goals? Future projections? Direction?
2. What skills are important for this position? What experience is necessary?
3. What opportunities are there for professional growth? company growth?
4. Why is this particular position available? Is this a new position?
5. What are some frustrations of this position? Whom do you report to?
6. Why did you join this company? Why did you pick this career/industry?
7. What criteria do you use for performance evaluation?