Interview Tips 

CANDIDATE INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Preparation is the key to a successful interview. Thorough preparation enhances your chances of accomplishing the two main objectives of an interview.

The interviewer's objective is to decide whether or not to make you a job offer by evaluating your history, educational background, your strengths and accomplishments, as well as your level of motivation, attitude and personality. In other words, to find out if you're the right person for the job, what is your potential for promotion and whether or not you will fit into the company environment?

As the candidate your objective is to satisfy the interviewer's objective, as well as learn those things you need to know about the position and the company so that you can make an intelligent decision about the job - and keep focused on "Getting a job offer."

OVERVIEW
 
     Appearance: Men

• A navy blue or dark suit / coordinated blazer – trouser combination is appropriate for most senior positions.

• Dark trousers teamed with white / pale shirt, will do the trick for middle level positions.

• All components of the outfit should be freshly laundered and well pressed.

• A quiet tie with a subtle design and a hint of red.

• Freshly shaved and hair well combed.

• Shined shoes, over the calf dark socks.

• Minimal jewelry, and mild light fragrances only.

    Appearance: Women

• Outfits should be well tailored and color coordinated (sober colors preferably). 

• Make – up should be toned down and hair - dos well in place.

• Light colognes.

• Shoes need to be comfortable and not too flashy.

• For good posture cross legs at the ankles, not at the knees.

• Minimal jewelry.

KNOW YOURSELF
Honestly assess your employment background and develop explanations for any weak points. Prepare a list of tough questions that may be asked, then develop answers to those questions

• Why are you considering a career change at this time?

• What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?

• What do you like the most/least about your current job?

• Why should we hire you?

Many of these questions are aimed at finding out if you have the qualities sought. Support your answers with specific examples to open ended or complex questions

RESEARCH THE COMPANY
Researching the company is necessary to learn as much as possible to ensure the prospective job is a good fit for you - and, equally important, to impress the people with whom you'll interview. Utilize the library to review annual reports, trade magazines and newspaper articles. The Internet offers a wealth of company information and industry statistics.

• Find their homepage.

• Follow the company's stock price if it's publicly traded.

• Know the company's products and services.

• Be prepared to tell the interviewer why their company is attractive to you.

• Talk with company employees. Talk to customers of the company.

Your MRI account executive will provide an interview timetable, including names and titles of persons with whom you'll be talking. Solid company research will enable you to confidently say at the end of your interview "I'm interested in pursuing this opportunity, what's the next step?"

THE INTERVIEW ITSELF

Interviewing can be a stressful situation, you want to be yourself and really show your capabilities. Here are some simple suggestions that we've developed that will make interviewing easier.

A typical sequence of events is:

• Arrive no earlier than fifteen minutes before the set time, but no later than five minutes prior to the interview.

• Interview with personnel (general questions, review of the company and their benefits.)

• You may be asked to fill out an application. Complete the form in full and leave no blanks.

• Do not write "see resume" as a response to any application question.

• Respond to "expected salary" questions as "open" and answer "current salary" questions truthfully.

• List references if requested (you should have this prepared on a separate sheet and should be taken to all interviews).

• Your recruiter's name should be your response to any "referred by" questions.

• Interview with immediate supervisor and peers.

• Interview with the hiring authority (manager, etc.)

• Shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact with all interviewers.

• Be yourself. Poise, confidence and self-respect are of great importance.

• Plant Tour- Be an ACTIVE participant. Ask questions, show interest and interact !

MORE BASICS
The interview should be a two-way conversation. Ask questions of the interviewers. This shows your interest in the company and the position, and enables you to gather the right information to make an intelligent decision afterwards. Personnel will usually provide company and benefits information. The interviewers are trying to see how you can contribute to the company. Conduct yourself with confidence and determination to get the job. Sell yourself. You must present a positive attitude to the prospective employer. You must NOT seem disinterested or appear to be job shopping

TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES
You should give complete but brief and relaxed answers to questions. When possible use questions as a basis for developing information that you want to make sure is presented. Continue to sell yourself in a positive way.

• Describe current/past jobs in terms of duties and give indicators of good performance such as raises, sales volume, promotions, money saving ideas/projects.

• Include short stories involving problems or challenges and how you were able to solve or overcome them.

• Describe the results you achieved.

• Remember to keep your answers brief and focused while exploring opportunities to convey all relevant qualifications.

• Answer these questions in terms of the qualifications required of the position.

• Keep responses concise and brief and avoid being negative about previous jobs and bosses.

• The "Tell Me" question means "tell me your qualifications." Start with your education and discuss your employment experiences.

• Gear the response to the duties and responsibilities of the position you are interviewing for.

"What are your greatest strengths?"

• Keep this as job related as possible by relating to a job task/skill that you know to be an asset of yours.

• "I like people" is not a good answer.

• Do not state a starting figure. A suitable reply: "I am looking for the right opportunity and I am confident that if you find me to be the best candidate for this position you will extend me your best and fair offer."
• State your current salary truthfully. If you are due to a raise in the next three months state the approximate percentage you expect. Be sure to explain that you have included bonuses, commissions, and overtime pay if applicable.

• What can you contribute to this company?

• Where do you hope to be in five years?

• What interests you most about this position?

This type of question should be answered enthusiastically. Show the interviewer you are interested in the position and relate the answers to the duties and responsibilities of the job.

• What do you do in your spare time?

• Present yourself as a well-rounded person. Your answer gives you dimension.

• Name some hobbies.

• Why are you looking for another job?

• What do you like most/least about your previous job/jobs?

• Why did you leave your previous employer/employers?

Never speak poorly about former employers. Be positive. You are providing clues about the environment you seek.

• Are you willing to relocate?

• May we check your references?

• May we verify your income?  

QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS DURING THE INTERVIEW

To complete the two way conversation as mentioned earlier, you must ask questions and take an active role in the interview. This demonstrates the importance you place on your work and career. Remember your questions can help you determine if this is the right job for you. The research you did earlier on the company should form a basis for some of your questions. Here are some guidelines and examples:

• Ask job related questions. Focus on the job, the company, products, services and people.

• Ask about your potential peers, subordinates and superiors.

• Take notes prior to the interview, write your list of Interest Questions and take them with you.

• Don't cross examine the employer.

• Why do you want someone for this job?

• How many people have held this job in the past five years?

• Were they promoted or did they leave the company?

• Why isn't this position being filled from within the company?

• What are examples of the best results produced by people in this job?

• What would my responsibilities and duties be?

• Describe a typical day on the job.

• What are the most difficult aspects of this position?

• Describe the department's/company's growth in the next two years?

• What is the philosophy on training and development in the company?

• How do you think I'd fit into this job/on your team/into your organization?

• What projects would I be involved in now? Within the first year?

ASK FOR THE JOB. If you like what you see make a positive statement about the position. If you are sincerely interested in the position and are satisfied with the answers given, you should ask the interviewer if he/she feels that you are qualified for the position. A typical conclusion might be "I'm interested in being a part of your team, what's the next step?" Many times the difference in getting "AN OFFER" and "NOT GETTING AN OFFER" is your failure to ASK for the job. ASK FOR THE JOB!
 

Top