Interview Preparation

Preparing for the Interview

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1. ATTITUDE:
Remember to maintain eye contact, present a STRONG handshake, walk confidently and dress professionally. Match your interviewer’s physical and verbal pace and speak in a clear professional manner, (i.e. drop the tone of your voice at the end of each sentence). Be a strong listener; allow the other person to finish, pause, and then reply.

2. PREPARE:
Research the company yourself in addition to what is provided to you from your consultant. Obtain corporate, industry and job information where possible.

3. KNOW YOUR BACKGROUND:
a) CAREER SYNOPSIS – Write down on paper a short career summary. Include dates, job titles and a few key responsibilities. This should not be longer than a minute or two.

b) ACHIEVEMENTS – Write a detailed page for each job you’ve held identifying specific accomplishments that resulted in cost savings, improved productivity, increased sales, etc. and provide examples.

**Use action/result words, such as; ACHIEVED, PROVIDED FOR, INCREASED, EVALUATED, REDUCED, IMPLEMENTED, CREATED, etc.

**Use leadership words such as: MANAGED, LED, ASSESSED, BUILT, GUIDED, DIRECTED, CO-ORDINATED, etc.

c) TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS – Using a “T” graph, write down your skills that correspond specifically to the new job requirements.

Note: Employers want to hear about your major initiatives, accomplishments, and solutions you provided. There is no time for “thinking” during the interview, only performing, being prepared means you will be ready to answer any questions from all of your previous jobs.

4. BUSINESS QUESTIONS:
Always ask questions during the interview. Be prepared with 3 or 4 business questions. Some examples of ideal questions are below:

“What are 2 to 3 unique characteristics of this company?”
“In what area does this company excel?”
“In what area does this company have limitations?”
“What are some characteristics of successful employees in this company?”
“From your experience of people in this role, what would you like to see more of?”
“What are some major short and long range objectives of this company?”
“Where do you feel I would contribute most effectively in your company?”

5. THE INTERVIEW:
Not all employers are skilled at interviewing; you need to prepare for each interview to ensure that your background and skills are adequately presented to the interviewer.
NOTE: Employers don’t want to know how the clock was made, just what time it is. Be clear and concise; if you have properly rehearsed, this should not be an issue. If asked “Tell me about yourself,” say, “I’d love to, where would you like me to start?” This will set the direction/priorities of the interview, i.e. “Tell me about your family” vs. “How did you implement the MRP system?” INTERVIEW WRAP UP – If you are interested in the opportunity, make that known to the employer and inquire as to the next step.

6. SALARY:
Salary should not be addressed in the interview. Do not volunteer this information; if asked, avoid pinpointing an amount as it may overprice you, under price you, or completely rule you out. Simply state “I would be interested in entertaining your strongest offer.” Emphasize the issue of the opportunity as opposed to the dollars.

7. EMPLOYMENT OFFER:
Be decisive at the time of an offer! At this point you should be armed with enough information to make your decision. Keep in mind that your decision to accept or not accept their offer is the first decision you will make on behalf of that company. Hesitation and procrastination are enemies of a good situation!

8. RESIGNATION:
Envision your resignation at the beginning of the interviewing process. See yourself in front of your boss and realize that this is a positive step. Be professional, firm and do not lose your business logic.

9. COUNTER OFFER:
Counter offers are presented for various reasons, none of which are to the benefit of your long-term career development.

a) REASONS FOR COUNTER OFFER:

  • Cheaper to keep you; Newspaper ads, agency fees, time, training, inconvenience
  • Manager’s ego; looks bad on his/her management capability

b) WHY ACCEPTING IS A MISTAKE:

  • You have shown the company you can divorce yourself from them
  • Will dollars change the situation?
  • Where was this recognition prior to resigning?

STATISTICS SHOW THAT THE MAJORITY OF CANDIDATES WHO ACCEPT COUNTER OFFERS ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE WITHIN SIX MONTHS!!

ENJOY, This should be a fun and informative meeting!
****IMPORTANT****
Call your consultant immediately following your interview!!

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Sr. HR Business Advisor
Sr. HR Business Advisor, Petro-Chemical

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