Interview Tips

Please take a few moments to read these suggestions. These tips are for your benefit. Remember the purpose of going on an interview is to get an offer. You cannot accept or decline what you do not have.

1.) If traveling always carry a credit card. Sometimes arrangements between clients and hotels, rental car firms and airlines go awry.

2.) Always dress for success (a business suit or business casual) unless instructed otherwise. You only have one chance to put your best foot forward. Regarding jewelry items, colognes, perfumes – wear as little as possible. Be well rested and put your mobile device in silent mode during the interview.

3.) If something delays your arrival to the interview be sure to let the interviewer know..

Check to make sure you have necessary contact numbers. The worst scenario is that you’re running late, and no one hears from you. Read the rest of this entry »

 There are typically three questions that must be answered at any interview. Savvy candidates consider their responses carefully.

1. Is this person competent for the position?

2. Is this person like us – will he or she fit in here?

3. Will this person stay with us?

Competent for the position

The interviewer is obviously looking for a technically qualified person that can do the job. But he looks only as far as he must in this direction. If you are interviewing for a Process Engineering position, that should be your focus. It will not do any good to dwell on what a marvelous supervisor you could be. The employer looks for someone who can and wants to do what he needs done. Appearing overqualified is just as bad as appearing under qualified. Job offers are usually made because of something other than just your qualifications. You get the offer by selling yourself and your attitudes. The employer is looking for optimistic statements and positive reactions to his questions. Pessimism and negativism never won a job offer. Enthusiasm counts! Read the rest of this entry »

1. Prepare Yourself

Conduct the phone interview in a location where you will not be interrupted. Have your resume and any other notes handy and be prepared to cover questions referencing it. Make sure you have allocated adequate time for the interview. It may help to write down a success or two as well as a failure and what you might have learned from it.

2. Show enthusiasm

A positive attitude can go a long way in your marketing efforts. This is your opportunity to shine on the phone, so take full advantage. Now it is time to put on your “game face, join the conversation with enthusiasm (not cockiness) and demonstrate the conviction that you are a top candidate for this job. Do not make negative statements about past employers or employees.

3. Speak clearly, listen and answer carefully

Remember you are being judged on your communication skills and time is limited. The interviewer may want to know if you can effectively communicate with his team. Do not speak too fast, particularly if you have an accent, and remember to speak clearly and concisely.

One of the major complaints from employers about candidates is that too often the candidate does not answer the question being asked or they stray from the question and start talking about other accomplishments that have nothing to do with the question. Since you are on the phone, this is especially critical because you don’t have the advantage of visual cues such as eye contact or body language. Listen carefully to the question being asked and answer that question only. Do not ramble or try to anticipate the next question, or you may talk your way out of the next step — a possible job interview. Let the interviewer initiate any casual conversation and keep your answers to those questions brief. It is okay to pause for a second before answering a question. Think before you reply. Save your own questions for the end of the interview process. Read the rest of this entry »