Job Interview Tips

Job Interview Tips and Suggestions

PracticePractice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.

PreparePrepare a response so you are ready for the question "What do you know about our company. Know the interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.

Get ReadyMake sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.

Be On timeBe on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.

Stay CalmDuring the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question!

Show What Your KnowTry to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for.

Follow UpAlways follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. If you interview with multiple people send each one a thank you note.

Tips and Strategies for Successful Interviewing

Youve just landed an interview for a seemingly wonderful job! Now what? Successful interviewing will be essential in order for you to lock in an offer. Here are some tips and strategies for effective interviewing from preparation through follow up.

Company ResearchResearch should always be your first step. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial element in successful interview preparation. You will need to be prepared to answer the questions "What do your know about our company"? and "Why do you want to work here?" Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can make your interview more interactive and could be just the leg up you need in a competitive job market. Before the interview review the company's web site and don't be afraid to contact your prospective employer to request details on the position you are interviewing for or to ask for company literature.

Practice Makes PerfectPractice makes perfect (or at least leads to improvement). Practice with a friend and record or videotape your responses so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background and qualifications for the position.

Behavioral InterviewsBehavior based interviewing is becoming more common. It is based on the premise that a candidates past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Rather than the typical interview questions on your background and experience, you will you need to be prepared to provide detailed responses including specific examples of your work experiences.

The best way to prepare is to think of examples where you have successfully used the skills you've acquired. Take the time to compile a list of responses to both types of questions and to itemize your skills, values and interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Emphasize what you can do to benefit the company rather than just what you are interested in. Also prepare a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. Remember, you aren't simply trying to get the job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you.

Prepare For the InterviewIt is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to fifteen minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going. Know the interviewer's name and use it during the interview. If youre not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Remember to bring an extra copy of your resume and a list of references.

Stay CalmDuring the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not sure what's been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure too fully answer the question.

End the interview with a thank you to the interviewer and reiterate your interest in the position. Then follow-up with a personal Thank You note restating your interest.

How to Dress for an Interview

Does it really make a difference how you dress and act? In many cases, it does. I'll never forget the gentleman I interviewed for an accounting position. He had been out of work for a few months and wanted to show me why. He took off his jacket, unbuttoned his shirt and started to pull down his pants (this is a true story) to show me the scar from a boat propeller that had injured him.

He didn't get the job. Neither did the young lady in a bright red skirt so short and tight that she could hardly sit down!

In the conservative business climate I worked in at the time, appearances did matter. In other environments it isn't as important. However, it does make sense to dress your best for the interview, regardless of the dress code at the organization. If you're in doubt about how to dress for an interview, it is best to err on the side of conservatism. It is much better to be overdressed than underdressed (or undressed).

According to Kim Zoller at Image Dynamics, 55% of another person's perception of you is based on how you look. Her Dressing for Success information gives some tips on how to look your best, without necessarily spending a lot of money. Here's a quick look at the basics:

Women Solid color, conservative suit

Coordinated blouse

Moderate shoes

Limited jewelry

Neat, professional hairstyle

Tan or light hosiery

Sparse make-up & perfume

Manicured nails

Portfolio or briefcase

Men Solid color, conservative suit

White long sleeve shirt

Conservative tie

Dark socks, professional shoes

Very limited jewelry

Neat, professional hairstyle

Go easy on the aftershave

Neatly trimmed nails

Portfolio or briefcase

Interviewing at a Coffee Shop or Restaurant

Employers sometimes schedule job interviews in a public place, like a coffee shop or restauarant. It could be because they are hiring for a field position and they don't have a local office. Or, it may be more convenient to interview candidates in a setting other than the office, especially if you don't want your current employees to know that you're hiring.

Here are some tips for interviewing in public:

Confirm the Interview DetailsConfirm the exact location (there are more than 160 Starbucks in New York City!) as well as the time of your appointment. Ask how you will recognize the interviewer.

Dress ProfessionallyDress professionally, even if you are meeting in a casual environment.

Bring a portfolio, pad and pen so you can take notes. Also, bring copies of your resume.

Prepare in AdvancePrepare just as you would for an office interview. Research the company, have responses ready for typical interview questions and have a list of questions to ask the interviewer.

Focus on the InterviewerIt may be noisy and there may be distractions, like customers and waitstaff coming and going. Try to focus on the interviewer, as best you can. Keep the interview focused, as well, by staying on topic.

Watch Your MannersBe careful what you order from the menu. Choose something simple and easy to eat and never order the most expensive item on the menu. One candidate knocked herself out of contention for a job when she picked her teeth and freshened her make-up at the table, then ordered a coffee to go - on the interviewer's tab.

Follow-UpIt's easier for paperwork to get misplaced when it's being transported than when it's on an office desk, so make sure that you follow-up with a thank you note and to check on the status of your candidacy.

Manners, Meals and Interviews

Interviews are often stressful - even for job seekers who have interviewed many times. Interviewing can be even more stressful when you are expected to eat and talk at the same time. One of the reasons employers take job candidates out to lunch or dinner is to evaluate their social skills and to see if they can handle themselves gracefully under pressure.

Dining with a prospective employee allows employers to review your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your table manners, in a more relaxed (for them) environment. Table manners do matter. Good manners may give you the edge over another candidate, so, take some time to brush up your dining etiquette skills.

Interview Dining Tips:

Are you really nervous? Check out the restaurant ahead of time. That way you'll know exactly what's on the menu, what you might want to order and where the rest rooms are located.

Be polite. Remember to say "please" and "thank you" to your server as well as to your host.

Is the table full of utensils? My British grandmother taught me an easy way to remember what to use when. Start at the outside and work your way in. Your salad fork will be on the far left, your entree fork will be next to it. Your dessert spoon and fork will be above your plate.

Liquids are on the right, solids on the left. For example, your water glass will be on the right and your bread plate will be on the left.

Put your napkin on your lap once everyone is seated.

Remember what your mother spent years telling you - keep your elbows off the table, sit up straight, and don't talk with your mouth full!

During the Meal:

Don't order messy food - pasta with lots of sauce, chicken with bones, ribs, big sandwiches, and whole lobsters are all dangerous.

Don't order the most expensive entree on the menu.

Do order food that is easy to cut into bite-size pieces.

The polite way to eat soup is to spoon it away from you. There's less chance of spilling in your lap that way too!

Break your dinner roll into small pieces and eat it a piece at a time.

If you need to leave the table, put your napkin on the seat or the arm of your chair.

When you've finished eating, move your knife and fork to the "four o'clock" position so the server knows you're done.

Remember to try and relax, listen, and participate in the conversation.

To Drink or Not to Drink:

It's wise not to drink alcohol during an interview. Interviewing is tough enough without adding alcohol to the mix.

After the Meal:

Put your napkin on the table next to your plate.

Let the prospective employer pick up the tab. The person who invited you will expect to pay both the bill and the tip.

Remember to say "thank you." Consider also following-up with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.

Telephone Interview Tips & Techniques

Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.

While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

Be Prepared to Interview Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions.

In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.

Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.

Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.

Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.

Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.

If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.

Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.

Practice Interviewing Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. I've always found it's helpful to practice. Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound over the phone. Any cassette recorder will work. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions you'll be asked.

During the Phone Interview

Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.

Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.

Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.

Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.

Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.

Don't interrupt the interviewer.

Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.

Give short answers.

Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.

After the Interview:

Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.

Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.

How to Avoid Blundersduring Job InterviewsWhat are the most common mistakes job candidates make during interviews? Talking too much and revealing that you didn't do your homework about the company or position lead the pack, according to a global recruiter survey of consultants at Korn/Ferry International, a global executive-search firm.

Fumbling the InterviewCommon mistakes job candidates make during interviews, based on a recent global recruiter survey. Talking too much

Lack of knowledge about company or position

Over-inflated ego

Appearing overly confident

Inquiring about compensation too early in the process

Unkempt appearance

Common Job Interview Question List

It is not enough to have solid answers only for the above questions. You need to be prepared for the full spectrum of questions that may be presented. For further practice, make sure you go through the required mock interview (see the "Competitive Interview Prep" Section) and for further review, look at some of the following questions: 1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What do you want to do with your life?

3. Do you have any actual work experience?

4. How would you describe your ideal job?

5. Why did you choose this career?

6. When did you decide on this career?

7. What goals do you have in your career?

8. How do you plan to achieve these goals?

9. How do you evaluate success?

10. Describe a situation in which you were successful.

11. What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?

12. What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction in your life?

13. If you had to live your life over again, what would you change?

14. Would your rather work with information or with people?

15. Are you a team player?

16. What motivates you?

17. Why should I hire you?

18. Are you a goal-oriented person?

19. Tell me about some of your recent goals and what you did to achieve them.

20. What are your short-term goals?

21. What is your long-range objective?

22. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

23. Where do you want to be ten years from now?

24. Do you handle conflict well?

25. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How did you resolve it?

26. What major problem have you had to deal with recently?

27. Do you handle pressure well?

28. What is your greatest strength?

29. What is your greatest weakness?

30. If I were to ask one of your professors to describe you, what would he or she say?

31. Why did you choose to attend your college?

32. What changes would you make at your college?

33. How has your education prepared you for your career?

34. What were your favorite classes? Why?

35. Do you enjoy doing independent research?

36. Who were your favorite professors? Why?

37. Why is your GPA not higher?

38. Do you have any plans for further education?

39. How much training do you think you'll need to become a productive employee?

40. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?

41. Why do you want to work in the _____ industry?

42. What do you know about our company?

43. Why are you interested in our company?

44. Do you have any location preferences?

45. How familiar are you with the community that we're located in?

46. Will you relocate? In the future?

47. Are you willing to travel? How much?

48. Is money important to you?

49. How much money do you need to make to be happy?

50. What kind of salary are you looking for?

Don't just read these questions--practice and rehearse the answers. Don't let the company interview be the first time you have actually formulated an answer in spoken words. It is not enough to think about them in your head--practice! Sit down with a friend, a significant other, or your roommate (an especially effective critic, given the amount of preparation to date) and go through all of the questions. Make the most of every single interview opportunity by being fully prepared! Common Job Interview QuestionsBy rehearsing interview questions, you'll become more familiar with your own qualifications and will be well prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit an employer. Some examples: "Tell me about yourself."Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional achievements and professional goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organization.

"Why do you want to work here?" or "What about our company interests you?"Few questions are more important than these, so it is important to answer them clearly and with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry through your own research. Talk about how your professional skills will benefit the company. Unless you work in sales, your answer should never be simply: "money." The interviewer will wonder if you really care about the job.

"Why did you leave your last job?"The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last job. If you did not have any problems, simply give a reason, such as: relocated away from job; company went out of business; laid off; temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suited to your skills.

If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any problems you had (or still have) with an employer, but don't describe that employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning experience that will not affect your future work.

"What are your best skills?"If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should be able to imagine what skills the company values. List them, then give examples where you have demonstrated these skills.

"What is your major weakness?"Be positive; turn a weakness into strength. For example, you might say: "I often worry too much over my work. Sometimes I work late to make sure the job is done well."

"Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?"The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples describing how you have worked in both situations.

"What are your career goals?" or "What are your future plans?"The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company's goals are compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead. Talk about your desire to learn more and improve your performance, and be specific, as possible about how you will meet the goals you has set for yourself.

"What are your hobbies?" and "Do you play any sports?"The interviewer may be looking for evidence of your job skills outside of your professional experience. For example, hobbies such as chess or bridge demonstrate analytical skills. Reading, music, and painting are creative hobbies. Individual sports show determination and stamina, while group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working as part of a team.

Also, the interviewer might simply be curious as to whether you have a life outside of work. Employees who have creative or athletic outlets for their stress are often healthier, happier and more productive.

"What salary are you expecting?"You probably don't want to answer this one directly. Instead, deflect the question back to the interviewer by saying something like: "I don't know. What are you planning on paying the best candidate?" Let the employer make the first offer.

However, it is still important to know what the current salary range is for the profession. Find salary surveys at the library or on the Internet, and check the classifieds to see what comparable jobs in your area are paying. This information can help you negotiate compensation once the employer makes an offer.

"What have I forgotten to ask?"Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and attributes and how they may be used to benefit the organization. Convince the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and that you can succeed.

Here are some other job interview questions you might want to rehearse.Your Qualifications What can you do for us that someone else can't do?

What qualifications do you have that relate to the position?

What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?

Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown initiative.

What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?

What is important to you in a job?

What motivates you in your work?

What have you been doing since your last job?

What qualities do you find important in a coworker?

Your Career Goals What would you like to being doing five years from now?

How will you judge yourself successful? How will you achieve success?

What type of position are you interested in?

How will this job fit in your career plans?

What do you expect from this job?

Do you have a location preference?

Can you travel?

What hours can you work?

When could you start?

Your Work Experience What have you learned from your past jobs?

What were your biggest responsibilities?

What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this position?

How does your previous experience relate to this position?

What did you like most/least about your last job?

Whom may we contact for references?

Your Education How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?

What were your favorite classes/activities at school?

Why did you choose your major?

Do you plan to continue your education?