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A successful interview will start with a firm handshake by a well dressed candidate. A limp handshake is a strong negative. Anything less than a conservative suit, neat haircut and well-shined shoes will surely end the interview quickly. Remember to look the interviewer directly in the eye. Lack of eye contact usually indicates dishonesty and makes the interviewer feel uncomfortable with you as a prospective new employee. Act like a good listener: be alert, sit straight, lean forward if appropriate and let your face radiate interest. Get rid of any distractions: don’t smoke, chew gum or drink coffee.
Answering questions: Every question should be answered fully and honestly. Explain, but never apologize or get defensive about your career decisions. If the interviewer has to dig for answers or you try to hide anything, you may eliminate yourself.
Before talking about your background you should ask: “What three things are you looking for in the person you hire?” “Describe the job and problems that need to be addressed.” “What do you expect the person you hire to accomplish in the first six months, the first 18 months on the job?” Getting these questions answered will give you a framework to select and discuss your past duties and accomplishments that will be important to the employer. It will avoid wasted time talking about things that will not benefit you in this interview.
Answer every question about your background or qualifications in terms of the job to be filled. Expect to be asked about past mistakes. Failure to admit mistakes, show how they were corrected, and that something was learned from them will lead to rejection.
”Tell me about yourself” means “Tell me about your qualifications.” Give a brief overview of your education and mention each job in terms of accomplishments, and whenever possible, explain how that prior experience will be of benefit to this company if they hire you. When asked why they’re interviewing, successful candidates will have an answer compatible with long term career goals.
”What is your management style?” “What are your strengths/weaknesses?” are personality questions, designed to determine if you have the qualities being sought. Answer these questions in terms of the obvious answer supported by past or present experience.
”Describe your ideal job.” “What traits do you like in a boss?” “Do you prefer to work for a large or small company?” “What did you like most/least about your last job?” These motive questions are asked to determine if you would enjoy the job. Again, answer in terms of the job you’re interviewing for, illustrating how your preferences and/or experience qualifies you for this position.
Salary questions: When asked what salary you’re looking for, say, “I’m currently earning ____. While salary is an important consideration, I’m more concerned at this point, in…” (State your #1 goal; job duties, growth opportunity, travel, etc. whatever your main interest in this position happens to be) then finish answering the salary question with the statement: “I’m sure, if I’m the right person for the job, you’ll make a fair offer.”
Concluding the interview: Don’t leave without a commitment for another interview, or an offer. Confirm their interest by asking: “Do you have all the information you need to make a decision about me?” If the answer is no, find out what their concerns are and address them. If the answer is yes, ask “Do you think I’m a good candidate for this job?” Answer any other questions and then finalize the offer or confirm the time for the next interview. |
