Preparation is the first step toward a successful interview. You should know as much about the company and the position as you possibly can. If you found the job through a recruiter, he or she should be able to provide that information for you. If not, search the web. In today's world of mass communication there's no excuse for lack of research.
An interview is a "two way street." Know what questions to ask during the interview. Your questions allow the hiring manager to evaluate your professional and personal needs. Insightful questions help both of you to determine if your relationship will be mutually rewarding. Below is a list of sample questions to ask the employer:
- Why is the position available?
- What type of training programs will be offered to the person in this postition?
- What are your goals for this position?
- How will my performance be evaluated?
- What opportunities are there for growth in the next 12 months? Two years? Five years?
No one can predict the exact questions that an interviewer will ask, however, your recruiter should be able to give you a good idea of the hiring authority's personalitly ad a few important questions that they are likely to ask. To prepare, think about how you would answer the following:
- Tell me about yourself. Keep you answer in the professional realm only. Review your past positions, education
and other strengths. ITStaffPRO can help assist you in identifying your most marketable skills and attributes.
- What do you know about our organization? Be positive.
- Why are you interested in this position? Relate how your qualifications match the requirements of the job. Also,
express your desire to work for the company.
- How would you describe your personality?
- How do you perform under pressure?
- What did you like least about your last position?
- How would your co-workers describe you?
- What are your career goals?
Do's:
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Late attendance is never excusable.
- Clarify questions. Answer the questions the employer really asked.
- Ask questions throughout the interview. This is a mutual exchange, not a one-sided conversation.
- Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one.
- Listen. This is the most important ability of all.
Don'ts:
- Never interupt the employer. If you don't have time to listen, neither does the employer
- Don't answer vague questions. Rather than answering questions you think you hear, get the employer to be more
specific and then respond.
- Don't smoke, chew gum or place anything on the employer's desk.
- Don't wear heavy perfume or cologne.
- Don't ramble.
- Do not lie. Answer questions as truthfully as possible.
- Don't make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.
By closing strongly and asking the right questions, you can eliminate the post-interview doubts. If you feel that the interview went well and would like to take the next step, express your interest to the employer. You have a right to be assertive. Sell your strengths and end the interview with a positive note.
When you get in your car, immediately write down key issues uncovered in the interview. Think of the qualifications the employer is looking for and match your strengths to them. Call your recruiter! Immediate follow-up is critical.
A "thank you" letter should be written no later than 24 hours after the interview.