Your voice/melody, diction, your words, grammar, body language, eye contact, and how you listen, are all the interviewer has besides a piece of paper, your resume/application. If you don't communicate well, rain will pour on your job parade washing away good job possibilities.

Be aware that, the interview process is a subjective one for the most part and depends on the impression you make on the interviewer. If you are tense and communicate poorly, you communicate a lack of confidence. If you are not confident about yourself . . . how can the employer be confident about you?

Points to Remember

1. Treat everyone (receptionists/secretaries) with warmth and courtesy.
2. While waiting for your interview, be aware of the image you are projecting. If possible, bring a magazine (Time, Newsweek, etc.) or a journal from the trade.
3. Know the proper pronunciation of the name of the interviewer. If necessary, call ahead and ask the receptionist or the interviewer's secretary.
4. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake, moderately firm but not overpowering, and establish warm eye contact.
5. Wait until the interviewer sits down or offers a seat to you before sitting yourself..
6. Position yourself comfortably avoiding awkward movements and excessive mannerisms.
7. Look alert, be interested, and smile naturally.
8. Do not:
• Smoke, even if offered a cigarette;
• Drink coffee, tea, water or soda; or
• Chew gum.
9. Do not be afraid to initiate the interview discussion by commenting on the office décor, building, or general environment.
10. Be a good listener! It is important to listen so that you will not only hear what the interviewer is saying about the kind of person the company would like to hire, but understand the picture the interviewer is drawing for you
11. Be enthusiastic, honest, and sincere. Convey a warm, positive attitude.
12. Learn something about your interviewer before leaving to use in your follow-up letter (i.e., company needs, interests, or hobbies).

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

First, remember that you can't effectively fool people, so your best strategy is to respond honestly in ways that best reflect you as a person.

Following are some of the most frequently asked interview questions. The questions and suggested replies cover three main areas: Work Experience, Personality Factors, and Education and Training. Your knowledge of these questions and your ability to respond to them intelligently and fluently will impress the interviewer.

Tell me about yourself, almost always asked first.

Here is a terrific opportunity to focus on your skills and accomplishments. Relate your strengths to the specific job for which you are applying. Build these into a short review of your background including something personal, such as values, interests, etc. In this question, the interviewer has given you the initiative and is really testing your poise, confidence, and communication skills. You have a real opportunity to sell yourself. Remember to keep your answers short (less than 2-minutes).

Summarize the jobs you've had and why you left your last position.

Whatever the situation, the answer should NOT reflect negatively on the previous company. Find something positive about even the most difficult or unpleasant company or supervisor you have worked with. The interviewer's feeling is that if you speak badly about a past or current company or supervisor, you will speak badly about the next one that hires you. Be sure that your answers are given in a calm, comfortable way, and in a voice without tension.

In what type of position are you most interested?

Job titles and responsibilities that go with them vary from employer to employer, so cover both sides of the question. Tell your interviewer what type of function you prefer, such as, "I am very good at accounting and math, as well as organizing information, and positions related to these skills." Give the employer an opportunity to identify where you'll be most efficient by being able to cite your aptitudes.

Avoid over-eager discussions of what your plans are for the future unless you are asked. Remember, employers are generally more interested in individuals who worked well in their past positions than a potential supervisor who appears to be a dissatisfied employee.

"What would you do if" (imagined situations that test a person's knowledge of the job).

Here, the quality of the solution is not nearly as important as the attitude (behavior) used to deal with the question. Statements should not be rushed such as, "Well, I would do this. . ." A calm approach is far better. "One of the things I might consider would be," and then give your answer. If you commit to a process of what you WOULD do, and it isn't one the company would like to consider, you are in an awkward position. Give your answer a cushion of being one of several possible choices.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What are your ideas on salary?

Most people are not really prepared to deal well in the salary negotiation process. The clue here is to understand that if the salary isn't already openly quoted, the company still has an approximate salary range in mind. One good approach is to ask, "Can you discuss your salary range with me"? You are asking the interviewer to give you a way to relate to what you can possible expect. This will allow you to compare this to what you think your time is worth. State your salary in terms of the range you will consider.

Why do you think you would like to work for our company?

The simple answer to the question is, "I am looking for a job." This conveys a less than enthusiastic view of your interest in the firm or the particular job, rather it says, "I just want a job, any job." Find out all you can about the company before the interview. This information is available in the business section of any library or on the Internet. Do your homework so that you will be prepared to tell the interviewer exactly why you want the specific job and to work for this company.

How long do you expect to continue working for this company?

A company will not keep an employee if it is no longer profitable, and an employee will not usually stay if offered a better opportunity elsewhere. The most realistic and honest answer would be, "As long as it is mutually beneficial".

Can you obtain references?

The ability to obtain references, and the people you choose to recommend you, are more important than the references themselves. Your teacher is a better choice than your next door neighbor. The employer is looking for references that will tell them about your work ethic, sense of responsibility, ability to meet deadlines, flexibility, skill and knowledge levels, how you work within a team or independently, communication and presentation skills, etc. Your former supervisor/manager, co-workers, customers, vendors you have worked with are the best examples of references. However, be sure to select the individuals who will best reflect your successes, rather than a supervisor or co-worker who made your life miserable. A great technique is to get letters of reference, have instant copies made, and attach them to your application blank at the time of the interview (or offer them at the close of the interview). Also, it is important to let your references know to expect a call. Tell them what the employer is looking for in a candidate and remind them of your skills and past experiences. This way they won't be caught off guard and will be better prepared to answer questions in a positive manner.

Are you willing to relocate if requested?

Most people are settled where they are and don't wish to move themselves and their families. However, a company needing flexibility in its staff may not consider someone who cannot or will not move. YOU have to make the decision here as to whether the job or your city location is more important to you. It is best to answer yes.

Why do you believe we should hire you for this job?

This is tough because almost everyone says the same thing: "Because I think I can do the job". One of the best approaches here is to convey that you are not in a position to evaluate the other candidate's qualifications, but you can answer well about your own. Say that you believe your background, experience and interest in the job equip you to handle the work well. It is important to say, "I believe" because the truth is you won't know how well you can do the job until you do it. Remember, the interviewer can argue with your facts, but not with your feelings. If you say you feel or believe you can do the work, you will be believably honest.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Have you had any serious illness or injury?

This is a breeze if there aren't any problems, but if there are, or have been, be prepared. Have a signed clearance from your doctor to take with you to the interview, stating that you are physically well, in good health, and able to meet the demands of the work situation.

What are your weaknesses and what are your strengths?

Smile when they ask this one. Have a list memorized about what it is you do best and what you consider weaknesses. Example: "I work well with other people on a team basis". Then, make your weaknesses seem like possible strengths. For instance, "I find it hard to delegate responsibility, so frequently I spend a lot of time on my own doing the job myself". OOOH, BAD!

Smile when they ask this one. Better to start with weaknesses, than strengths. Have one or two things ready to present as weaknesses, however, turn them into something positive, such as, "I am often considered a bit over-enthusiastic because I need to see projects completed and off my desk or on to the next step before leaving for the day or the weekend." Think of something that you have received criticism on or something that bothers you and turn it into a positive. As for strengths, have a list memorized to review. You may say, "During my last performance review, my supervisor said she appreciated my work because I am well-organized, come to meetings prepared, meet deadlines, ask good questions, work well with the other members of the staff, especially when we worked on projects that were time sensitive, . . . " Limit this to about a minute or less.

Do you have any questions about the company or the job?

Down at the bottom of his/her company heart, every employer believes the that good people are hard to find. An interviewer believes that a good person is always one who is really interested in the company, the product the company sells or service the company performs, and the job he or she does. This is an ideal time to relate your interest, enthusiasm, and commitment to the company and the job. Talk about how your interests relate directly to the company and to the specific job.

How do you feel about working with a younger supervisor?

The proper answer is that you do the best job possible for the company, and the supervisor is there to help, so age is not a valid criterion of ability to do this. May also want to say that you believe that everyone has something to teach you and you are enthusiastic about learning.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

When appropriate, ask questions throughout the interview. Convey the impression that, while you are very interested, you, too, have to be sold on the job and the company. This is an opportunity to demonstrate what you learned about the company before the interview.

The following questions are suggestions; use with discretion. (Not in any order)

May I see a copy of the job description?

Would I know ______ and if my duties change in any way?

If necessary, would I be trained in any new duties?

With whom would I be working?

How much experience with ______ duties has this person had?

Will I be working mostly independently or with others?

Where would I appear on the organization chart?

To whom would I report?

Would I have one or more subordinates?

How long is the probationary period for a new employee?

What are the advancement opportunities? (But an interviewer usually brings this up first.)

What kind of in-service programs for professional growth does the company offer?

What is the projected growth rate of the company?

What is the firm's products/accomplishments? (Should know the products and accomplishments)

In my position, what problems might be encountered and how have they been dealt with by my predecessor?

What are the projected sales over the next three years?

What are the company's major markets?

Who are your biggest competitors?

What is your most competitive strategy (if not classified)?

How may I help __________

Who is the major customer in this area?

If I were evaluated in 3 months, what would I have to have accomplished in order to be considered successful in this job?

What is the next step in the hiring procedure?

How much travel would you consider normal for this position?

What travel incentives are available? Unsure what you mean by this? May scare a company.

Are there opportunities to travel with others? Unsure what you mean by this.

Would relocation be required at this time or in the future?

Is relocation assistance available?

Would relocation involve urban-to-rural change?

Let me think about some other questions.

THE CLOSE

By now, you should be able to determine if all information has been adequately communicated. If you feel comfortable that it has and the interviewer has not offered the next step, firmly ask, "Is there anything else you need to know about me"?

If the interviewer is interested and wants you to come back, you may want to ask to spend some time with one of the employees on location with the idea that would like to get a "feel" for the place. If this does not happen, then usually you come back to meet other members of the hiring team.

Ask to have the hiring procedure defined so that you are fully informed and know what to expect. Do not leave the interview without specifically identifying your next step.

You may receive a job offer in your initial interview. Even though you may want to accept immediately, it's better to wait. Smile, thank the interviewer, and ask for some time to consider the offer. (Over night, a day, but be specific). Sometimes this delay may encourage the interviewer to call back with a higher salary or additional job enhancement to influence your decision. In any case, show enthusiastic interest.

If there is no mutual interest, you may ask for contacts in similar companies. Also, ask for an evaluation of your interview and resume.

Be courteous, offer a firm handshake, and a pleasant, "Thank you for your time".

POST-INTERVIEW LETTER

This may be the most important thing you can prepare if you are interested in a job offer. Regardless of how you feel about the interview, the "Thank You" note is essential. Taking time to write one will enhance your candidacy immeasurably.

The object of the "Thank You" note is threefold:

To allow the interviewer to recall and think about you.

To serve as a reminder of your capabilities in relation to the job.

To show your interest in the position.

The note is best on your personal (letterhead) stationery and mailed within two to three days after the interview. Be sure the interviewer's name and title are correct.

NEGATIVE FACTORS

The Northwestern Endicott Report surveyed 153 companies, asking interviewers to list factors, which lead to rejection of a potential employee. Below are some of the most frequently cited reasons (not in order).

1. Lack of planning for career--vague or no purpose, goals.
2. Lack of vitality.
3. Poor personal appearance (dress and grooming).
4. Lack of courtesy--ill mannered.
5. No applicant eye contact.
6. Negative comments about past employers.
7. Lack of verbal clarity--poor voice diction, grammar, inflection.
8. Sloppily, completed application form.
9. Lack of knowledge in field of specialization.
10. Little interest in company or the business world.
11. No or poorly thought out questions from the applicant.
12. Irritating and distracting mannerisms and/or facial expressions, (i.e., pencil tapping, overdone gesturing, bored manner, frowning, giggling)

INTERVIEWING EXERCISE

1. Why did you leave your last job?
2. In what type of position are you most interested?
3. Describe three of your greatest work accomplishments.
4. Tell me about yourself.
5. Why should our company hire you?
6. What are some of your greatest strengths as a ________________________?
7. What are the areas you feel you need improvement in?
8. Give me five adjectives that describe you as a person.
9. How do you get others to work for you; in other words, what is your management style?
10. Describe the ideal boss for you.
11. Name two things about your last job that you did not like to do.
12. What are some of the circumstances under which you function best?
13. How might your last boss describe your work performance?
14. Are you creative? Give me an example.
15. If you were hiring someone, what qualities would you look for?
16. Have you ever fired anyone? What was the reason and how did you handle it?
17. What would be the ideal work environment for you?
18. How would you evaluate the firm you just left?
19. Did you play any role in helping your company to reduce cost? How?
20. Did you have a budget? How large was it?
21. How many people did you supervise in your last position?
22. What did your subordinates think of you?
23. What did you think of your last boss?
24. What was the last book you read?
25. What are your long-range goals?
26. Did you feel you were satisfactorily compensated in your last job?
27. Tell me about a satisfying achievement not related to work.
28. What motivates you to perform at your highest capabilities?
29. How would you define success?
30. Are you willing to relocate to another area? Willing to travel?