How To Interview For A Job

How-To Overview

Once you have your resume in order and start sending it out, you will want to begin preparing some interviewing techniques. Don't be afraid to present yourself in slightly different ways for different work environments, but approach your interviews with a few basic elements and build from there. The following is a list of interview tips that can make the difference between you being seen as just another potential employee and someone an employer wants to work with.

Presentation

• Overdress Slightly: Dress at least one notch up from the environment you are interviewing for. If the workplace is business-casual, wear slacks and a tie; if the ties are worn in the office, wear a full suit and tie. Over-dressing is generally not an issue, so, if you are not sure about the environment, be safe with a suit and tie.
• Be Nice to the Receptionist: You might be surprised at how often the first thing an interviewer will do after you leave an office is ask the receptionist what s/he thought. Showing a receptionist courtesy and interest can often mean an extra vote of approval. And it's "Executive Assistant," not "receptionist."

"Receptionist" is perfectly acceptable if it is the person sitting at the front room in a desk by themselves. "Executive Assistant" or "Administrative Assistant" typically refer to a specific person's assistant. Regardless, you aren't going to be calling someone "Receptionist" or "Executive Assistant". Good rule of thumb, be polite and cordial with everyone you encounter, you never know what kind of influence they may have.

• Cover the Professional Basics: Give a firm handshake, maintain good eye contact, don't sit down until you are invited to, sit up straight, and don't fidget. Putting together these simple basics can project confidence as well as anything you are going to say during the interview.
• Look Comfortable: There's nothing wrong with showing respect and professionalism while also appearing confident and giving the impression that you are comfortable in the environment.

Preparedness

• Bring the Necessary Documents: Have a resume on hand at all times, as the interviewer may not. (This is especially key if you are speaking with separate individuals.) Make sure you also have the factual information to complete a job interview, including previous work records, contact information for professional references, etc.

• Prepare concise, informative answers for standard interview questions, including the following

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What motivates you?
  • Why did you leave your last job?
  • Tell me something you did at your last job that saved your company money?
  • Tell me the kind of management style that works best for you.
  • Why should I hire you for this job?
  • Why do you think you would like to work for our company?
  • What do you like to do when you're not at work?
  • Define cooperation.

• Prepare a few intelligent questions to ask in response to an interviewer's inquiry as to whether you have any questions about the company. Some relevant topics are as follows

  • History of the company and the position for which you are applying.
  • What makes your company unique among its competition.
  • When hiring for the position will take place.

Execution

• Be the Interviewer: Place yourself in the interviewer's position, and present yourself in a way that might be professionally appealing to the interviewer.
• Sell Your Personality: Present yourself as someone who others want to spend 40 hours a week with. This takes a little self-confidence, but so does getting a job.
• Humanize Yourself: If asked personal questions about your interests or hobbies, feel free to open up and let an employer know that you're a real person. Again, be confident with who you are.
• Give Straight Answers: Admit when you don't have the answer to a question and, if possible, suggest how you might find the answer, flexing your problem-solving skills. You are going to have to set your own guidelines about how good a bullshitter you are and how much you can get away with. But as a general, safe rule: don't bullshit at all.
• Be Positive About Work Experience: No matter how much you want to, don't badmouth a previous employer. It send the message that you will be criticizing this the employer you are applying to work with at some point in the future.

Follow-Up

• Thank-You Note: Writing a thank-you note, foremost, let's a potential employer know that you are interested in the position. It's also a professional courtesy that reinforces what the employer should already know--that you are a pleasant person to work with.

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