First
and Foremost:
- Be
yourself, even if it
means not getting the
job!!!
- You
know what you know,
don’t overstate
your knowledge,
- You
know what you don’t
know, don’t be
afraid to say, “I
don’t know”.
Smart, confident people
aren’t afraid
to say, “I don’t
know”,
- Sometimes
stating what you don’t
know is more important
than what you know.
People get into trouble
by acting or assuming
things they don’t
know. Smart employers
and interviewers are
aware of this.
Be prepared to translate
what the Interviewer is
asking
When answering
questions, listen carefully
and answer honestly, and
try to include examples
from past experiences.
Listen carefully to
the interviewer(s) questions.
For example, when the interviewer
asks you to describe yourself
or to discuss your strengths
and weaknesses, they may
be looking for specific
qualities such as reliability,
flexibility or the ability
to work well in a team.
Answers should be honest,
but also tailored to the
position for which you are
interviewing. Support your
answers with specific examples
of past experiences.
Questions to Ask
During the Interview
Researching
the company is mandatory.
Be prepared with a list
of at least five questions
and be prepared to ask at
least three. This will demonstrate
not only that you have researched
the company, but also that
you are keenly interested
in the type of job that
you will be performing.
Be prepared to answer
both general and specific
questions. Take your
time in answering in order
to communicate your answers
more clearly and effectively.
Answers should apply directly
to the position and company.
It is helpful to research
the company prior to the
interview. You should
know:
- Why
you want the position
- Why
you would be the best
candidate for the position
- What
you would bring to the
company as an employee
Show
interest in the interview
and the position by asking
questions. Below
are some examples of appropriate
questions to ask.
- Describe
for me a typical day
and week in this position.
- What
challenges can I expect
from this position?
- What
are some of the long-term
and short-term objectives
you would like to see
accomplished in this
position?
- What
background did the person
who last held this position
have?
- How
will my performance
be evaluated?
- What
style of management
can I expect?
- What
advancement opportunities
are available?
- What
are the company’s
plans for growth?
Be
Prepared to Discuss Salary
and Compensation Package
Compensation
is rarely discussed on
the first interview.
If
and when the topic does
come up, be prepared to
discuss the salary and
compensation package.
Be sure to know what
is and is not acceptable
in your mind. This
would include base pay,
bonuses, benefits, etc.
It is important to be
realistic when discussing
pay. Also, be honest
an open about your past
compensation packages.
Please note that negotiating
with a future employer
about a compensation package
is very nuanced and requires
great skill, care, and
sensitivity. Outright
demands usually end up
in lost opportunities.
Sometimes employers, as
a final “test”
will negotiate hard to
see how you, the candidate
will react.
Summarize
Abilities and Express
Interest in the Position
Selling
your talents and credentials
is essential to leaving
a good lasting impression
that will separate you
from the pack.
At
the end of the interview,
summarize your qualifications
and abilities, focusing
on those most relevant
to the position and those
that might distinguish
you from other candidates.
Now is not the time to
be shy. Express
clearly why you believe
you are the best candidates
for the position and inquire
about the next step in
the interviewing process.
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