Step #4 - The Interview

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Congratulations – you’ve landed an Interview!

Before the Interview:

Research and learn about the company.
Prepare for the questions

a. A day or two before the interview –write out your answers to:

Why did you apply?

Why did/why are you leaving your current employer?

What do you know about our organization? What can you bring?

What are your strengths? Areas to improve?

Describe your most challenging project, what you did and what was the result?

What are you the most proud of in your career?

Describe a mistake you made and what you learned from it.

What salary are you looking for?

Why should we hire you?

b. Prepare your own questions. Bring them, along with a pen and pad of paper to take notes. For example:

What are the main responsibilities for this position?

Who would I report to?

Are there training courses or seminars I can attend to improve my performance on the job?

Is there anything I can study now, on my own, before starting work to be better prepared?

How would you describe your company culture? What are the management styles and employee qualities of the people I would be working with?

What are the main challenges or problem areas that need attention in this new position?

Commit yourself to be seen as part of the solution, not the problem. Avoid the ‘what’s-in-it-for me’ attitude.
Plan not to bad-mouth your previous Employers during the interview, and ensure their company confidentiality is maintained.
Dress appropriately - neatly and conservatively - to create the right first impression.

The Interview:

The Employer Perspective

“We want to find out if you’re the right person to solve our problem.”

i.e. improve productivity, increase sales, provide first-rate service, develop new products or ideas.

“Do I want him/her to work here?

Does he/she have the skills, knowledge or experience we need?

Does he/she have the attitude and willingness we need?

How will he/she fit in with my other employees?

The Candidate Perspective

“I want to demonstrate to you that I can solve your problem…..”

..by describing my accomplishments and

relating how I can fulfill your needs.

“Do I want to work here?

Will they provide me with the training, the challenge and the rewards I need?”

Tips:

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Relax, develop a mental picture and ‘mindset’ of things to do during the interview:
When you are introduced to the person you came to see, let him/her indicate where you should sit. Ask for a business card (in order to get the correct spelling, title, telephone number).
Listen attentively, watch for interviewer cues and respond appropriately.
When answering questions, be clear, concise and always honest. Keep your answers within a time frame of 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Do not elaborate beyond 2 minutes unless prompted; stick to the facts.
Demonstrate enthusiasm, interest and confidence because that’s the way you are - not because you need a job. Be aware of your own body language.
Most importantly, be yourself, not what you think someone else expects.
- Try to relax and approach the interview as if you already have the job.
- Remember, the interview is also your opportunity to hire yourself the right employer.

After the Interview

Always send a thank you note, promptly. (You may be surprised to learn how so few people do this, yet how much of a difference a small token of appreciation can make.)

Evaluate the interview –

Did you relate your key strengths? Did you convey your abilities and enthusiasm for the role?

How did your research help?

Did you get all the information you needed before

leaving the interview?

Did you enjoy the interview? Why or why not?

What went well? What did you learn and what

would you do differently next time?

Follow up – if the interviewer was to get back to you in a week, and 10 days have passed, feel free to email or call. Employers often experience delays or have difficulty making a decision – your call could help.

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