INTERVIEWING TIPS

Interviewing is an art and the more we do it the better we become. And, believe it or not WE CAN learn to be an interview artist. Let’s kook at some of the techniques we can use to be successful in different interviewing situations.

ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEWS

One-on-one interviews happen when we apply to a small company, meet with a hiring manager of a large firm or an HR director. Whatever the situation, we are one-on-one with a person. Following are some special tips you might heed.

BE PREPARED. Make sure you have all the information you can gather about the firm. What they do, Dunn & Bradstreet rating, how they are doing, who their competitors are and if possible, any problems they are incurring at this time. (This is important because perhaps you have the skills to solve some of their problems.) ALSO, be sure you have an Invisible Resume ready, you are prepared to answer the twenty toughest interview questions we have given you, and you have a list of questions to ask.

GET TO KNOW THE GATEKEEPER. This person may make the final decision about you if all things are equal with the candidates. Get there a little early; ask any questions you may have about the firm, and perhaps a little about the gatekeeper and the Interviewer (if you can do so subtly). Thank the gatekeeper for setting up the interview or introducing you to the interviewer and thank them on the way out.

BE OBSERVANT. Once you enter the interviewer’s office look for clues about that person. Are there family pictures, awards on the wall, company team trophies or pictures that can serve as ice breakers or openers. (Applicants have been hired because they were a bowler or softball pitcher that the company needed on their team. Look for opportunities)

GREETING. Be courteous, give a firm handshake, make some initial eye contact and be ready with an opener such as:

I see you have a company softball team, that you are in the Lions club, have a family or a super view of the mountains. Be comfortable, be confident, and be a good listener. Let the interviewer control the interview opening and in closing. REMEMBER, the company is looking for a match and so are you. You have the skills for the job or you would not be at the interview. The interview is to see if you are a match for the job and the company. MOST PEOPLE ARE FIRED BECAUSE THEY CANNOT GET ALONG WITH OTHERS. They are trying to build a picture of you to see if you fit in. HELP THEM BY SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF.

DURING THE INTERVIEW. Sit comfortably, do not cross your legs away from the interviewer (a non-verbal error) and do not place anything on his/her desk such as a notebook, purse etc. BE YOURSELF. Do not bring gum, bottled water or a coffee cup to the interview. If you have a notebook or folder with an Invisible Resume and paper to write on – that is okay. You might also bring an extra resume in case the interviewer did not bring one. You both may want to refer to it.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS. Be ready to answer questions about your skills and how they match the job. At the outset a fair question is: Is there any change to the job description that I should know about. This can and does happen. You need to know what job your are applying for. More Tips:

*Be a good listener – understand the question and answer it completely. Ask for clarification if it is necessary. Be honest in answering questions.

*Make eye contact when answering questions. It is okay to look away while thinking of an answer, but make eye contact again when ready to answer.

*Do not be afraid of silences. Silences may occur while you are thinking of an answer or by the interviewer as he considers your answer and a response.

*Show interest and enthusiasm.

*Make points politely AND stress what you bring and how you will make a difference.

*Take brief notes on important points and refer to them later if you have questions.

*Let the interviewer control the interview, do not interrupt him and let him end it.

*Do tailor your answers to the job description and needs of the company.

*Remember – you are selling yourself, what you bring and how you will make a difference.

*Do not be afraid to state your accomplishments an successes.

CONCLUDING THE INERVIEW. You may want to state your feel a match for the job OR ask what is your thinking about my being a fit for the position.

SET THEM UP. Ask what the next step is AND if you have further questions if you can call or e-mail them. (You want reason for further contact to keep your name before them)

GROUP INTERVIEW TIPS.

*Write down names of interviewers if possible

*Find out who the BIG KAHUNA (power) is and direct answers to that person first

*If a question is asked by another person look at that person first in answering and then to the Kahuna

*Do take multiple resumes as they may have forgotten to bring one and they go back to their offices with your name again in front of them

SELL THE IDEA THAT YOU ARE A TEAM PLAYER. Most people are fired because they cannot get along with others. Attempt to sell the idea throughout the interview that you get along well with co-workers and leaders. Site evidences of how you work well with peers, contribute to company and community projects. THEY WANT A MATCH FOR THE JOB – AND SO DO YOU.

FINAL THOUGHTS. The interview is a sales process and you essentially are the product being sold – they are the BUYER. Be sure to stay focused on the interview and do not let yourself be distracted from your goal of selling them on how you will make a difference.

Bob Raikes, NCCC

Coordinator of SHM Christian /Career Circle