INTERVIEWING
AT A GLANCE
APPROPRIATE DRESS
In most cases, the clothes you would expect to wear
on the job (if you are hired) are probably the most appropriate. Always err on the side of
over dress. If you would expect to wear a tie on the job, but you are not sure about a
jacket, be sure to wear the jacket. If you are interviewing at a bank, the only
appropriate dress is your best business attire. If you are interviewing as a machinist,
the clothes you would wear to the job are appropriate. Just make sure they are your
best--no stains or patches. Cleanliness, well-groomed hair, a fresh shave for men, and
polished shoes are a must for any interview.
If you are going where a tour is in order and the
facility may be particularly dirty, yet your best clothes are in order for the interview,
be sure to take a change. This is a way to demonstrate that you have good judgment and
that you are interested enough to be prepared. Avoid very trendy or highly creative
clothes and jewelry unless the interview is with a company that would expect such clothing
on the job.
BE ON TIME FOR THE INTERVIEW
Leave early enough to arrive on time even in the
event that you have a flat tire or experience traffic problems. Not getting a cab in time
is no excuse. If you are unsure of the location, and you cannot make a trial run, leave
with ample time to get lost and recover. If you arrive too early, wait in the car or a
nearby restaurant and for the upcoming interview. Just don't be late!
FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION
The application is a tool for the benefit of the
company. It asks questions in the order and format that is desired by them. It also makes
comparing applicants simpler. Please don't respond to the application with "see
resume." Complete all parts of the application in the detail requested.
GREETING THE POTENTIAL EMPLOYER
Your greeting to the potential employer is very
important. "Good afternoon Ms. Brown. It's nice to meet you" is preferable to
"Hi."
NAME AND TITLES
Get the name and title of each person to whom
you are introduced. You may need to refer to them in a follow-up letter or even write to
them. Asking for a business card is appropriate.
BODY LANGUAGE
Keep a pleasant expression. A poker face and arms
folded across your chest are not conducive to open conversation. Sit up or stand up
straight. Look people in the eye and answer questions directly.
SHOW
CONFIDENCE
Demonstrate understanding and provide examples of
how you handled similar situations. Every situation is different. A new setting may
require different solutions. Remember, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Don't be
a know it all.
PERSONAL HABITS
Leave your gum at home. If you smoke, make sure
it is appropriate in time, place and company.
AVOID CONTROVERSY
Stick to the subject and avoid controversy. When
the setting is business, stick to the subject. Don't ramble or use irrelevant examples.
Keep your answers brief and to the point. When asking questions, don't get too complex.
When the setting is less formal and small talk is appropriate, avoid controversial
subjects.
PAST EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
When handling your reasons for leaving past
employers, don't be too negative about them. If you didn't like working there, be
specific. If the company's philosophy was considerably different from yours, explain why.
If you were not able to advance your career to your satisfaction, be considerate: "My
old boss was a jerk," or "The company was terribly mismanaged," are fine if
you want to bring the interview to a quick close. This can be an opportunity to express
what you are looking for in a new company.
SALARY AND
BENEFITS
Questions about salary and benefits should be
left to later discussions. When it is time, the company representative will present this
information in detail and you will be able to ask all of the questions you want.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
You should do enough research on the company
before the interview to know the basic questions to ask about their business (products,
number of employees, sales, market area, other locations etc.). You should also write down
a list of questions to ask. I don't suggest you get out your list of questions to help you
remember.
LISTENING
Reflective listening encourages people to tell you
more and helps make you a more responsive manager. Try paraphrasing a speaker's comments
by repeating the essence of the words in his own words. A good listener develops a sense
of what is central to the speaker's message and reflects that thought. By using the
speaker's own words, you let him know you're really paying attention and that you
understand exactly what is being said.
GETTING OTHERS TO TALK
Getting others to talk can be difficult.
Techniques that work include:
HOW TO ASK FOR A JOB
When the interview has come to an end and you think
this is a job for you, don't be bashful about letting the company know. Tell someone that
you appreciate their time, and that you have seen enough to be interested in the job and
why. (Your experience and training make it possible to do a good job and it meets with
your career objectives.) Also, if you are not interested, it's fine to say so politely.
"Thank you very much for your time. I have learned a lot about your company, but I
don't think this is the right job for me because..."
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE
JOB IS OFFERED TO YOU
If you receive an offer before leaving, ask whatever questions are
appropriate and take time to write down the answers. You should be able to think about the
offer at least until the following day. Two or three days should be sufficient unless you
have other interviews pending. If so, explain your situation and find out what is an
appropriate length of time for them to wait for your answer. Then keep your promise and
make your decision on, or before, the promised date.
