CAREER TOOLBOX

Tips For Effective Interviewing
Submitted by Elizabeth Buckeridge, President
Fortune Personnel Consultants

Many candidates think of the interview as merely an evaluation of their technical abilities.  In reality it is much more.  An interview should be seen as a combination of the following: 

• a fact-finding opportunity for both you and the company.

• a time to convey the value you have brought to current and previous employers.

• a time to present skills, experiences and personal strengths in a way that is tailored to the needs of the company.

• a time to sell abilities. 

An interview is not a semi-passive conversation during which you answer questions and then wait to see if you receive a job offer.  It is a sales process that requires preparation. 

How do you prepare for the interview?  There are several things you can do so that when you go into the interview you will be prepared and feel comfortable. 

Obtain company information by visiting web sites and reviewing annual reports and product literature if available.  By referring to these during the interview, you let the company know that you have done your homework.  This demonstrates preparation and initiative.

Check to see if the company has been the subject of recent news.  You can utilize web sites and/or the reference desk of your local library.  Asking questions about recent corporate news will show your interest and thoroughness.

Understand the company’s mission and/or strategies so you can address how you can help achieve them.

Prepare a list of good questions, some related to the job, others centering on more global, corporate or business matters, based on all of the above and on your needs and interests.  In order to be effective in the process, you must ask questions to be sure you fully understand the duties of the job and the short- and long-term expectations.  Then relate relevant accomplishments. 

Beyond preparation, there a few basic pointers to keep in mind in any interview situation, including telephone interviews.  Telephone interviews are often a first step in the hiring process.  Don’t be put off by such an arrangement and don’t take it lightly.  This is the first step toward a visit to the office. 

Your objective is to get the job, or at least to go on to the next step of the interview process.  Don’t get lulled into a friendly conversation, no matter how comfortable it may seem.  You are competing for a job in a world of many candidates.  Maintain your edge.  Following are some tips for you to use during the interview process: 

• Be forthright.  Answer questions directly, even if this means admitting you don’t know something.  Usually, directness will win out over an indirect attempt to get by.

• Be precise.  Say exactly what you mean.  Don’t leave it up to the interviewer to “understand.”  The intent of your message may not survive the filter of someone else’s interpretation so choose your words carefully.

• Be sure to make appropriate linkages between the job requirements and your past accomplishments.  Have specific examples that demonstrate your ability to do what you say you can.  Quantify improvements you have made with examples.

• Don’t overlook conveying positive personal characteristics that complement technical skills.  These are most effective, and less egotistical, if related from a third party such as your boss, co-worker or customer.

• Remember that the best indicator of future performance is past performance.

• Don’t volunteer personal opinions.  You don’t know the individual who is interviewing you and his or her personal feelings.

• Ask questions about plans in the department and your potential future.

• Let the company bring up compensation.  Be prepared with a reasonable figure in mind, the minimum you will accept.

• Remember that you are selling yourself and this is the time to close.  If it is the first interview in a multiple-interview process, then ask for the next interview.  Companies like to see interest on the part of candidates.  If all other factors are equal, they will probably prefer the candidate who shows interest by asking good questions and by asking for the position.

Unless you are certain you do not want to work with the company you should, at each interview as the discussions reach their natural conclusion, tell the interviewer that you are interested and why.  Based on your understanding of the position and its duties, tell the interviewer what you feel you can contribute.  Then ask to go on to the next step.  An interview is not the time to be shy.  When speaking of your experience, talk in terms of personal accomplishments and characteristic strengths.  Be specific and mention achievements that relate to the new position.  You have to build your case.  Make it a compelling one.  

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