Know the prospective employer…

• Become familiar with the company's product line and key markets.
• Research the web for investor related filings, annual reports or adverse regulatory actions.
• Become familiar with the position you are interviewing for and determine where in the organization this position resides - for example mid-level management position in an R and D setting.
• Be able to discuss their marketplace, in particular, their competition.
• Review pertinent cultural information like the company's mission, vision or values statements.
• Learn who will be interviewing you and why.
• Know the contents of your resume and cover letter intimately and be able to discuss every point in them.
• Be sure you know exactly where the interview will be conducted. If there is any doubt, scout the location in advance so you can arrive on time including allowances for traffic or parking problems.
• If you know anyone in the organization consider contacting them for advice and insight.

The arrival…

• The interview begins the moment you walk through the door and finishes when you are driving away. Be sure you are professional and courteous with every one you meet or speak with. (A candidate lost a job offer when my client and I watched him walk to his car. While we were discussing his many positive attributes the candidate took out a stick of gum and threw the wrapper onto my client’s property.)
• Arrive 15 minutes early, no exceptions or excuses.
• Do not smoke, drink, chew gum or do anything else that detracts from your professional appearance. If offered coffee or a beverage make your judgment on the suitability of such an offer. Be sure you have gone to the bathroom recently prior to the interview commencing.
• Dress conservatively and professionally, in tune with the companies culture. It is not bad being the only person with a tie on, but don’t be the only person without a tie. Believe what they say about your shoes, your purse (if you have one) and your briefcase.
• Be up-to-date on current events, as the interviewer is likely to put you at ease with an introductory non-business discussion.
• Do not wear flashy accessories or heavy perfume or cologne.

The interview…

• First, greet every person in the interview with a firm handshake, pleasant greeting and a smile. Look every person in the eye when you speak to him or her or when he or she is speaking. Try to size up who in the room will actually make the decision to hire you and focus carefully on their questions/reactions, but do not ignore whoever else may be participating in the interview.
• Listen carefully to questions noting present tense, past tense, hypothetical situations, the tone of the interviewer’s voice, their body language, and the reaction from others in the room to the question. This information will provide great insight on their thinking and priorities.
• Answer every question thoughtfully, highlighting how your experience lends itself towards achieving their goals. If the question is vague, it is okay to seek clarification, but do not interrupt the interviewer or otherwise cut them off.
• Avoid fidgeting or being restless. Keep your feet on the floor and be cognizant of you, what your hands are doing.
• Keep your answers short and decisive, no indecision or rambling.
• Here are fairly typical questions you should be prepared to answer:
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why did you pick a particular course of study?
  • What interests you about our company? This position?
  • What accomplishment are you most proud of?
  • If you could change something about your professional career what would it be and why?
  • How do you handle disappointment?
  • Can you work on a team?
  • Can you travel?
  • Do you have conflicts with your peers? Your boss?
  • Why are you considering leaving your current job?
  • Have you ever hired or fired staff before?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What other positions are you considering at the moment?
  • What are your salary/benefit expectations?
  • When can you start?
• Do not exaggerate, embellish, mislead and never lie about something.
• Be positive about your current employment or past employment situations. They know you are looking for something better, but you catch more bees with honey then you do with vinegar.
• You will undoubtedly be given an opportunity to ask questions. Not only is this a good time for you to learn more about the company, it is an excellent time to show how thoughtful and thorough you can be. Be sure to ask questions such as…
  • Why are you looking to fill this position at this time?
  • What programs are available for advancement?
  • How is job performance evaluation conducted?
  • What milestones or deliverables are key for this position?
  • What is the natural progression for a person in this position?
  • What key issues need to be addressed by this person in the short term? In two years? In five years?

The end…

• When the interview is over, thank every one in the room individually again with a firm handshake, pleasant thank you and a smile. Express your gratitude for their having taken the time to meet with you regardless of how well or poorly you perceive the interview to have gone.
• If a person must leave the interview, then thank them before they leave just as we suggest you do when the interview ends (see above).
• When the interviewer asks if you have any questions try to determine if there were any weaknesses in your performance and make an attempt to correct them.
• Be sure to obtain the business card of every person who participated in the interview and send them a hand written, professional thank you card.
• It would be unusual for a job offer to be made right there and then, so don’t expect that.
• Remember the interview concludes as you are driving away from the company.

Back...