 About the Interview
This page has three sections, all relating to the important interview process:
1. Before the Interview
2. Intervew Tips
3. Some Interview Questions
1. Before the Interview
A hiring decision is a very important step towards growing a business. An employer should feel confident in making the right choice. Whether you're a recent graduate or a senior management executive, the interview is your opportunity to discuss your qualifications and prove that you are a reliable candidate who would make a positive contribution to the company. If you have any questions or ideas you would like to add, please click on the Contact Us link, located in the menu at left.
Research is key. Search the Internet to educate yourself on the company and the business sector in which it operates. The interviewer will be impressed by your industry knowledge.
Go over the key messages you're planning to communicate with your interviewer. These might include your strengths, weaknesses (and how you've worked to overcome them), accomplishments (e.g. increased revenues, successful projects, reduced bad accounts, etc.), and what you bring to the position. Practice these until you feel confident.
Memorize or write down your list of two or three questions. Demonstrate your understanding of the company and position by asking relevant, topical questions such as, "What do you think the impact will be on the investment industry considering the recent regulatory ruling on ABC Company?" "How will this affect your company and this position?" Note: Any reference to compensation should be avoided until the interviewer brings it up.
Make sure you know the location of the interview. If there is any uncertainty, call the main telephone number and ask the receptionist for clear directions. Also, keep the number in your Daytimer in the event of an emergency.
2. Interview Tips
Now that you're prepared for the interview, it's important to make a good first impression. Remember, your main goal before, during and after an interview is to demonstrate that you are a qualified professional, capable of doing a great job.
Although some offices are more casual these days, a business suit is still expected for an interview. It is also a good idea to bring two copies of your resume.
Remain focused. Be ready to think on your feet as the interview flows to different areas of conversation. This is an opportunity to gain insight and information, so listen and participate. Offer your thoughts. Show enthusiasm and smile!
Be clear and concise. Whether you're talking about your current work experience or your weekend ball hockey league, be careful not to appear too chatty. It's a shared conversation so allow for input from the interviewer.
Refrain from showing signs of bitterness. A job search can be a stressful process, but any signs of impatience or negativity will be picked up. Realize the interviewer has offered to spend valuable time to meet with you and is hoping for a fresh and positive experience. If probed about a previous conflict situation, reply in a professional and straightforward manner. For example, "Due to the economic uncertainty of the department, it was in the best interests of both the company and me to pursue other opportunities."
Ambition is an admirable quality, but don't lose sight of the position for which you are interviewing. The employer will assume you are interested in growth potential or opportunity for advancement. A positive way of getting the message across is, "I am looking to grow with a company." This shows you would be an asset to the team and a loyal employee who wants to develop and continuously contribute to the organization.
After the interview, shake hands, smile, and thank the interviewer -- sounds simple, but these important closings are often neglected. If you want the job, say so! The interviewer needs to know if you are interested. If it's the final interview, ask when a hiring decision will be made.
Follow up with a brief letter of thanks and express your continued interest. The note should be only a few sentences long and can be e-mailed as soon as possible after the interview. Good luck!
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3. Some Interview Questions
Here are some of the most frequent -- and most vexing -- interview questions asked. Although this is not an exhaustive list on the subject, the following set of questions and answers touches on some important interview topics. In many cases, tough interview questions are designed to test your ability to handle stress and think on your feet -- all while providing an honest, realistic and relevant response.
Some career experts suggest practicing your answers so you can respond clearly and smoothly to a question. Others say people who "practice" too much risk coming off as over-rehearsed. Whatever you do, it's important you feel comfortable in your response. Never say things you think the interviewer wants to hear. Unless you feel completely comfortable with your answers, you're only talking yourself into a job you may not want.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Resist telling the interviewer your life's story. Instead, briefly outline your job history and significant accomplishments. Mention qualities such as good interpersonal skills, solid work ethic, and advanced communication skills and offer positive situations and experiences as examples.
2. Why are you considering leaving your current position?
What matters as much as the particular reason you give is how you communicate your response to the interviewer. This means that the tone of your voice and non-verbal gestures often tell more than your verbal answer. Reply in a forthright, upbeat and professional manner.
3. What are some of your accomplishments?
Take this opportunity to share positive experiences and provide examples. These brief examples can range from how you developed and implemented a particularly successful project through to how your leadership increased company performance and profitability.
4. Are you familiar with our company and the position?
This is where your homework comes in. You have researched the company using tools such as the Internet, annual reports, news items and possibly through word-of-mouth with current employees. Interviewers will be impressed with your knowledge of their business.
5. Tell me a difficult situation in which you pulled a team together.
Identify a conflict situation that led to a positive outcome. By mentioning the contribution of others in the group in resolving the situation, you demonstrate you are a team leader.
6. Have you done the best work you're capable of?
Tricky but good. A "yes" answer might well imply less of you remains to give your new employer. On the other hand, a "no" answer will leave the interviewer wondering why you haven't done your best. To avoid any misunderstandings, reiterate your outstanding accomplishments and state that you are seeking greater challenges to do even better work -- and go forward from there...
7. Why do you want to work for us?
Again your research has helped. At this point, you know why you are interested in working for the company and you can share your thoughts. Outline your qualifications and how these qualifications can help you do the job for which you are interviewing. In short, tell the interviewer what you bring to the position and ultimately, what you could contribute to the company.
8. Everything here changes so quickly. How flexible are you?
These are definitely fast-paced and exciting times for all industries and it's likely you've experienced a situation of change. Assure the interviewer you are accustomed to working in a dynamic environment which has demanded flexibility. Provide an example.
9. Why do you think manhole covers are round?
This and a host of other questions are designed to see how well you can think creatively to answer a new never-before-seen situation. Take a moment to think of the possibilities and then try to relate your answer to the job, if possible. Remember, these questions usually don't have a "right" answer. Rather, they are designed to test your ability to take what you know about one situation and apply it to another.
10. Where do you hope to be in three years?
This question will let you bring out how you are goal-oriented while setting out realistic career expectations. Referring to specific positions within the firm that would qualify as the next logical step in your career shows your commitment to, and understanding of, the company.
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