Resources & Tools  |  Interview Tips

You can never be too prepared for a job interview when you’re in the market looking for your first job or transitioning between jobs.

Make sure to maximize your chances of attaining a position by getting a head start on knowing what makes a job interview work.

 

The potential for establishing a rapport with a prospective employer and making an informed decision will come from learning as much as you can about each other during the interview process.  In addition, make sure the proper and necessary information is exchanged before, during and after an interview.

 

The following are valuable interview tips that can help you
successfully land that job: 

 

Research the Company

Look at their website and relevant press releases on the Internet and in major newspapers and trade magazines.

 

Look up the company profile through websites such as www.hoovers.com or Dun and Bradstreet.

 

Proper Attire (Personal Interviews)
The perceptual experts tell us we have 6 seconds to make a first impression.  First impressions are extremely important. The way you present yourself can be as important as what you say.  Use your best judgment and always take into account the type of position you’re interviewing for.  The following suggestions are helpful standard practice:

 

For a woman: A suit or conservative dress is appropriate preferably with stylish low heel shoes. Wear minimal amounts of jewelry and perfume.

 

For a man: A conservative aloha shirt with black or navy slacks.  Matching socks and polished shoes are preferred. Jewelry other than a wedding ring and watch is not necessary. 

 

General Guidelines for the Interview

Arrive early.
Bring extra resumes, notepad, and pen.
Be sure you know how to pronounce your interviewer's name correctly.
Be polite to everyone you meet there. They all count.
Be personable as well as professional.
Do not chew gum, smoke, swear or use slang.
Assume all questions are asked for a good reason and answer accordingly.
Feel free to ask for clarification before answering a question.
Take some time to formulate your answers before you speak.  Pausing is a sign of thought and concern for what you’re about to say.  Despite myths, it isn’t a sign of “not knowing the answer.”
Answer all questions honestly, and in the most positive light.
Do not bad-mouth old employers.

 

Body Language
These things go a long way in an interview:
Look confident and enthusiastic
Make eye contact with the interviewer
Have a pleasant attitude
Greet the interviewer with a handshake and sit up straight when seated.  A serious, professional manner with a touch of humor is recommended. 
Close the interview with a handshake, and thank them for their time.
SMILE!

 

Establish What the Company is Looking For
When given the opportunity, try to establish a company’s specific requirements for the job by asking, “What kind of qualities and characteristics are you looking for in the person you select for this position?”  Try to match as many of your relevant strengths to the key qualities they used to characterize their ideal candidate throughout your interview. 

 

Discussing Money
Please note that you should NOT ask about salary and/or benefits during a first interview.  If the company asks for your current salary level, there is no need to run from the question.  Just answer honestly, giving them the exact amount you currently make including bonuses, commissions, and benefits.  It is fine to state the facts.

 

Fundamentals of a Successful Interview

Enthusiasm — Leave no doubt as to your level of interest in the job. You may think it’s unnecessary to do this, but employers often choose the more enthusiastic candidate in the case of a two-way tie.
Interest — Employers look for people who love what they do; people who get excited by the prospect of delving into the job.
Confidence — The candidate who’s sure of his or her abilities will almost certainly be more favorably received.
Intensity — Display a passion, desire and drive you have for the type of work required for the job.

 

The Short and Long of It

There are two ways to answer interview questions — the short version and the long version.  It’s important to remember to tailor your answers to what the interviewer needs to know, without excessive and irrelevant explanation.  For instance, an open-ended question may take anywhere from thirty seconds to thirty minutes to answer, depending on the detail you choose to give.  The best approach to this type of question is to give the short version first and give the long version if prompted to do so.

 

Thank-You Letters:
Follow up immediately with thank you letters to everyone you interview with within 24 hours.

 

Important tips
Thank you letters should be typed or hand-written on a thank-you note/letter and sent through postal mail.

 

Mention specifics from the interview, including ways that you can add to the firm's bottom-line, ideas for the future, and points of discussion from the interview. 

 

In addition to your standard “thank you for taking time to meet with me”, include a summary statement of what you will do for them if you get the job, and that you’re very excited about the opportunity.

 

Make the letter personal and avoid using form letters.

Use the letter to clarify or amplify points that arose in the interview.