The Hire Source

News - Interview Preparation

Preparing for the Interview

Once your Hire Source representative schedules an interview for you with a prospective employer, it is important that you be well prepared. Good preparation instills confidence, and boosts your ability to conduct an impressive interview and eventually receive an offer.

We’re back to the strategy of “selling yourself.”  You may be a master in your chosen profession – absolutely brilliant in your job performance.  But if your interview style is perceived to be less than dazzling, the position will go to someone with stronger interviewing skills.

Do the Research

Learning about the prospective employer before the interview will enable you to prepare your strengths and achievements effectively, and increase your odds for getting the job.

It’s no surprise that people are pleased when you are aware of who they are and what they do. Know the nature of their business, office locations, all their divisions and number of employees.  Using the Internet, this advance research should be simple. If the company is publicly held, check its Dun and Bradstreet listing or Moody’s Directory at the local library. These reference resources can provide comprehensive background information.

Make a list of questions to ask during the interview. Remember, the interview is an exchange between you and the interviewer. Be prepared to answer and ask pertinent questions. Through this interactive process, you will discover whether the position provides the compensation and opportunities for advancement you desire.

Probing questions you can ask may include:

• What are the position’s primary responsibilities? (Compare with the information provided by your Hire Source representative.)
• Why is the position available?  Newly created, vacated, termination?
• What type of learning curve is expected? Who will train you in the new position? How long?
• What are you looking for in the person you hire for this position?
• How soon do you expect to make a decision?

Be Alert

During your interview, you’ll be asked a wide variety of questions. Be prepared for some surprises and, maybe, some curve balls.

Anticipate the following:

• What are your professional goals?
• What do you know about this company?
• What is your major weakness?
• What has been your favorite responsibility in previous positions?
• Tell me about your last boss – how was he/she to work for?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• Why should we hire you?

Seize the Opportunity

If your resume reflects “job hopping,” you’ll probably be asked about this. A positive explanation is both plausible and appropriate. Stress the attractive/beneficial aspects of each move. Better opportunity. Higher salary. Office close to home. Flexible time was offered. Keep the focus on seizing the opportunity, without appearing to lack loyalty or dedication. Tough, but it can be done.

You may be asked about the worst position or boss you’ve had. It’s always best to phrase your answer positively. For instance, if a previous supervisor tended not to follow through or delegate well, you should emphasize that you learned to get the information you needed to accomplish the task.

You may be asked about your ability to deal with stress and conflict. A good response to this type of question might be: “During any long-term working situation conflicts inevitably occur, but good communications can resolve problems to everyone’s satisfaction.” Explain that stress can be part of everyday life in a work environment. Mention practical ways that you alleviate stress through exercise, hobbies, community involvement, life balance, etc.

We don’t live in a perfect world. But when it comes to interviewing, the fewer negatives, the better. If you’ve had an unpleasant boss in the past or the company’s work environment was difficult, it’s best left unsaid or neutralized.

Also, try to avoid salary discussions during the first interview. Your Hire Source representative will coach you on the difficult salary questions throughout the process.

The Interview

Once your Hire Source representative has secured an interview for you, it’s up to you to sell yourself to the prospective employer. As a result of your diligent preparation and rehearsal, you should feel confident and prepared for your interview presentation.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before and during the interview:

• Your physical appearance is as important, initially, as your interviewing skills and credentials. Dress attractively, but conservatively, even if you tend to be more flamboyant normally. Men should wear well-tailored, solid-colored suits, preferably dark blue or gray; solid neutral shirts: striped or solid colored ties; dark, well-polished shoes; solid black or navy socks. And, remember to get a good haircut. Women should wear business suits or tailored dresses with jackets; medium-heeled, closed pumps; and hose in a neutral color. Avoid frivolous jewelry and have your hair done in a conservative style. Remember, first impressions count.
• Be punctual. Arriving five or ten minutes early is fine, but no earlier. It can be perceived as putting pressure on your interviewer. If it seems you’ll be late, even if it’s only five or ten minutes, be sure to call with an explanation. If it’s feasible, make a test run to the interview location before your meeting.  Check out the parking facilities, correct entrance to the office, etc. And, if your interview is during rush hour, allow for extra travel time.
• If you complete an application before the interview, remember that salary shouldn’t be discussed until after an offer is made or is imminent. Leave that section blank.
• When the interviewer greets you, offer a smile, a firm handshake (not a knuckle breaker, of course) and look him/her straight in the eye. Making eye contact establishes your confidence.
• Elaborate. Your resume is the “sales tool” that got you the interview. The interview is your opportunity to expand upon your resume information and sell yourself. Say enough to get your point across without over answering.
• Don’t inquire about benefits (vacation time, benefit plans, bonuses, etc.) during the first interview.  You should concentrate your discussion on the position’s responsibilities and future growth potential.  The interviewer will mention benefits when he/she feels it is appropriate.
• If you’re offered the position and it meets with your expectations, accept it! If you’re ambivalent, don’t refuse the offer outright. Thank the interviewer(s) enthusiastically and ask for some time to consider. This will give you some time to think about it and to discuss some of your concerns with your Hire Staff consultant. Your Hire Staff representative can often negotiate in your favor on conditions that might prevent you from accepting the offer.
• If you’re not offered the position at the interview, be realistic. Frequently, other people must be consulted before the offer is extended. Or, the hiring official may want to discuss your candidacy further with your Hire Source representative. Also, other candidates may be scheduled for interviews, and the hiring official may want to complete that process before making a decision.

Send a Follow-up Letter Immediately

After your interview, follow up immediately with a letter to the interviewer(s). Whether you’ve been offered the position or are still under consideration, this serves to strengthen your position in terms of professionalism. 

The letter should convey thanks for the opportunity to interview, plus emphasize your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Include any thoughts about the position’s responsibilities and what contributions you can make that may or may not have been discussed during the interview.

Close your correspondence by stating that you look forward to further discussion about the opportunity. If a second interview was mentioned, say that you’ll follow up with a phone call within a couple of days to schedule that meeting. Mail your letter the same day or the day after your interview.

In addition to composing your thank you notes, it is very important to contact your Hire Source consultant. He or she has been doing most of the legwork for you, up until the interview stage. Immediately after the interview, call your Hire Source representative or provide comprehensive feedback on how the interview went.  This will give your Hire Source representative an accurate recap to help strategize a follow up approach with the hiring official.

Your Hire Source representative will continue to coordinate the hiring process by arranging any subsequent interviews, salary negotiation and relocation requirements, establishing a starting date and resolving any open points in terms of questions on either side of the process.

You’re now ready to engage in the interview process. The key is preparation so you can sell your greatest assets. At The Hire Source, we handle the opening and the closing, but you are the only person who can provide the fine details that matter most to the prospective employer. Be confident. Enjoy the moment. This promises to be a great experience if you want it to be.