| Understanding Interviewing Techniques
1) RESEARCH YOUR FUTURE EMPLOYER
The first and most important part
of any interview process is research. The idea is to learn as much as possible
about the organization, its philosophies, goals and future plans. You are
showing them that you took the time to research their company, you are
showing them how you go that extra mile.
2. REREAD/REDO RESUME
Make sure you’re familiar with
contents. It will be the employers basis of asking questions. Know your
strong points. Be able to tell them (indirectly) why they should hire you.
3) DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Always look the part of the position
you want. Be meticulously groomed and bring properly organized work with
you (letters of recommendation, resume copies, performance evaluations,
list of questions).
4) BE ON TIME
There is no excuse for being late.
There was too much traffic, a car accident, family emergency...just doesn’t
cut it. Find out where this is and make a trial run. Where is the parking?
Be prepared to be on time. Keep a note of the person you will be talking
with. Review questions you plan to ask. Bring your notebook, black pen,
tissues, business card, personal data, letters of recommendation, money
for gas, telephone, and parking, social security card, drivers. license
identification
5) BE POLITE, SHAKE HANDS, BE
POSITIVE
Always stand to shake hands, use
eye-contact, and smile. It sets the tone.
6) SCHEDULE STRATEGICALLY
Try not to be the first person
being interviewed. Research conducted by Robert Half and Associates indicates
that the first person interviewed gets the job only 17% of the time, while
the last person gets the job 55% of the time. Late in the afternoon is
best.
7) SET GOALS BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
It is your responsibility to leaving
the interview feeling secure that the interviewer knows as much as he/she
knows about your skills, abilities, experience and achievements. If you
sense that there are misconceptions, clear them up. If the interviewer
does not ask you important questions, diplomatically bring them up and
answer them. Don’t leave the meeting without getting your own questions
answered so that you have a clear idea of what you would be getting yourself
into.
DURING THE INTERVIEW- WHAT AND HOW
What do you want to communicate
and how do you plan your plan?
1) USE RELAXED CONCENTRATION
Enter into a state of relaxed conversation.
Be able to clear your head and concentrate on the present moment of this
interview. You will want to act spontaneous but be prepared. Rely on the
research you have done before this interview to put you at ease. Listen
Carefully. It’s okay to ask politely for clarification. Always pause before
answering to consider all facts that may help you in your response. Be
positive. Communicate attitudes - You are willing to work. You expect to
make a contribution. You are flexible. You are committed to continuous
learning.
2). KNOW THE QUESTION BEHIND
THE QUESTION
Every question comes to “Why should
we hire you?” Be sure you are prepared to answer this. If there is, for
example, a question about meeting deadlines, consider whether the interviewer
is trying to learn about your personal life. He/she may really be wanting
to know if your family life will interfere with your employment.
3) WATCH FOR NONVERBAL CUES
Watch for facial expressions, body
movements and actions during the interview process. Walk and sit confidently.
Lean toward the interviewer to show interest and enthusiasm. Make and keep
eye contact. Speak clearly and with personality.
4) FINISH STRONG
Demonstrate interest by asking
when the position will be filled. Summarize why you are qualified. This
is a time to say what you left out during the interview, tell them if you
want this job and ask what the next step might be in the hiring process.
Will there be additional interviews? When will be hiring decision be made?
When can you call back for the decision?
5) FOLLOW-UP
Evaluate the interview. Record
your follow-up plans. Write the date and time for your next contact with
the employer and follow-through. Write a thank you note within 24 hours
and send one to each person you interviewed with. To write a thank you
note or letter, just find some things you discussed and expand upon them.
You will stand out above others.
JOB QUESTIONS THEY MAY ASK YOU............
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you believe you could handle
this position?
Since you are overqualified for
this position, what do you hope to gain from it?
What are you reading lately? Or
What types of publications do you read?
What are your financial goals?
What is the minimum salary you
will accept?
What is your salary history?
If you could have your choice of
jobs, what would yours be?
Why do you want to go into this
field?
What are your short and long range
goals and how do you expect to achieve them?
What does success mean to you?
How do you measure it?
What motivates you?
Do you plan to further your education?
To what extent?
Have you done anything to improve
yourself in the past year?
What is your greatest achievement?
Disappointment?
Why are you leaving your present
business?
Do you prefer working as part of
a team or on your own?Why do you want to work here?
What do you feel you can contribute?
Is there something you expect to
experience in this job you are not presently experiencing?
Do you see a future here?
Are you considering other positions?
What is your leadership style?
(If you know this, it will impress them).
How do you feel about relocating?
How do you work under pressure?
Deadlines?
QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK THEM......................
What is the size, sales volume,
earnings? Does the company plan to expand? What are significant trends
in this industry? How does the organization rank within their field? What
salary range does this job fall in? (Only later in the interview process)
What is the public image of the company? What would you like me to accomplish
in my job position? What qualifications are you looking for in the person
who fills this job? What types of projects will I be responsible for? How
much travel is involved? Is there a reason this position is not being filled
from within? What has been the greatest challenge of this department/company?
ALL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ARE REALLY
THE SAME QUESTION:
WHY ARE YOU THE BEST PERSON FOR
THE JOB? |