Additional Preparation

I Pre-Interview: At Home Preparation
1. RESEARCH THE COMPANY
Find out as much as you can about the company through the Internet, annual reports, and newspapers. This effort will become evident in the interview and immediately will brand you as pro-active, hardworking and astute.

2. DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Wear a conservative suit, minimal makeup, jewelry..


II The Interview
Know yourself-your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. An interview is not the time to “wing it”.
Prepare as much as you would for a presentation to the Board of Directors of your company. An interview is equally as critical.

1. BE 10 MINUTES EARLY
Punctuality is a subtle clue to attitude and behavior styles. Tardiness, no matter what the excuse, is a major mistake. Plan your route in advance and leave extra time to allow for heavy traffic or public transportation delays. You must have your recruiter call the client if you are running late!

2. BE NEAT AND THOROUGH
If you are asked to fill out an application, fill it out neatly and as completely as possible. The application is the client’s first example of your work.

3. BE FRIENDLY AND OUTGOING
Smile and say “hi” to everyone. A positive reaction from the support staff is an important factor in the evaluation. This also helps calm interview nerves.

4. BE ENTHUSIASTIC
First impressions, positive or negative, dramatically affect the ultimate evaluation. You can make or break an interview in the first five minutes. Be sure NOT TO COMPLAIN about anything to anyone you meet – this includes the receptionist!

5. BE INVOLVED
The most effective interviews are those when an active two way conversation prevails. Not the typical question and answer type. Begin early in the interview to interject your own inquisitive and probing insight. If you wish to take notes, on details of the position or company be sure to ask permission from the interviewer first.

5. ESTABLISH YOUR WORTH
Be able to discuss specific accomplishments that demonstrate a pro-active attitude. For example, have you installed systems? …did something not required to do? …saved money? …trained someone on your own.

6. KNOW 3 KEY STRENGTHS ABOUT YOURSELF
Be prepared to discuss for 1-2 minutes each, in detail, with examples, your two or three main attributes. These should be the ultimate reason you should get the job over someone else.

7. PROVIDE EXAMPLE/DETAILS WITH YOUR STRENGTHS
Support statements about yourself with specific examples. These “sinkers” provide legitimacy to your claims. Without them, the interviewer never accepts them as valid.

8. BE PREPARED FOR KEY QUESTIONS
Practice your responses to all the typical questions, e.g., “Tell me about yourself” … “Why are you looking?” … (See our list of 20 questions.) How well you speak will have a bigger impact than what you say.

9. DON’T GIVE YES AND NO’S
Be detailed in your answers, and discuss your thoughts and ideas.

10. REMAIN ATTENTIVE
Stay alert during the interview. Maintain good eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Be animated. Show a high interest level. Stay enthusiastic about the opportunity. These actions can maintain or generate momentum during the interview.

11. BE SELF-CONFIDENT
High self-esteem and self-confidence are hallmarks of the successful individual. Be able to demonstrate how you have overcome obstacles with confidence. There is nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself.

12. DON’T GET COCKY
Arrogance and an overbearing attitude can offset the finest abilities. This is a key reason many people don’t get offers.

13. ASK PROBING OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS
A few strategic questions can clearly demonstrate your intelligence, analytical skills and assertiveness. Have these prepared from your research. Avoid superficial questions.

14. BE POSITIVE ABOUT EMPLOYERS
Do not “bad-mouth” previous positions, companies, or employers. No matter how well founded, this implies a negative attitude, one typical of those who don’t take personal responsibility for their actions.


III Closing the Interview
1. DON’T TALK SALARY
If you are asked about salary, simply say, “I am open”, or “The opportunity is more important to me”. You can say, the recruiter informed me of the salary range and they are handling negotiations for me. If you are pushed for an amount, provide a range generally 5-15% above your last/current salary stating that you are confident the company would make a competitive offer.

2. STATE YOUR INTEREST
At least by the conclusion of the interview, state that you are definitely interested in the position, and would like to know when the next step will take place. It’s best to show this interest throughout the session. Don’t overdo it though.

3. HAVE AN OBJECTIVE AND CLOSE UPON IT
Establish an objective before the interview, like a second interview or an offer. Ask for it if you have not achieved it. “…so you think my skills fit your needs?” gets to the point and, at worst, reveals other objections to overcome.

4. WRITE “THANK YOU” NOTES
Certainly thank each of the interviewers, but also ask for a business card as to appropriately address a thank you note. This is a “class” action. It demonstrates that you are professional, sensitive and can convey sincere interest. It is an excellent touch. Send to key decision makers. Unless you are informed that a decision will be made in less than 3 days a hand written note is preferred to an e-mail.



IV Interview Debrief
DETERMINE A TIME WITH YOUR PLACEMENT MANAGER TO DISCUSS THE INTERVIEW
In order to represent your interests in negotiating with our clients our placement team will have very specific questions to review with you after the interview. Be prepared to speak on the details of your experience, your opinion of the opportunity and salary goals.

---