Interviewing
Preparation
Preparing for the interview is just as important as the actual meeting. Consider the following before you meet with your potential employer.
- Be open to a variety of opportunities. Go to every interview you can. It never hurts to talk, and an opportunity may turn out to be more than you expected. You can learn from each interview even if it doesn't lead to a position.
- Be open to other locations.
- Get your references ready. They can be former employers, co-workers, or teachers. Contact them to let them know to expect some calls. Have all their contact information in one place.
- Consider preparing a "Proof Book" containing:
- A current CV/Resume
- Writing samples or list of significant accomplishments, if any
- Accomplishments
- Letters of recommendation
- References
- Blank paper for notes
- Questions for the business
- Blank thank you notes
You may never have to open it, but it demonstrates preparedness and professionalism; this will set you apart from other candidates the firm may be considering.
Questions for Your Interviewer
Because you are looking for a long-term position, it is just as imperative for you to interview the prospective employer as it is for them to interview you. Study the hiring firm or organization and tailor questions specific to that practice. This will show interest and give you information you need, as well as take some pressure off the interviewer.
Note: Do not lead off with questions about compensation.
- What are your business philosophies?
- Why is this position available?
- What would be expected of me in this position? What additional roles would I be expected to fill?
- What changes have occurred in your business / market during the last five years? What changes are on the horizon?
- Can you describe your marketing efforts?
- What is it about your business that you are the most proud of?
- Where do you see the business in five or ten years?
- What are your personal and professional goals?
- What are your goals for the business?
- What specific things are you looking for the new engineer, manager, etc. to bring to the business?
- How will my performance be evaluated?
- What opportunities are there for growth in the next 12 months? Two years? Five years?
- What growth do you anticipate for your organization in the next 12 months?
The telephone interview
- Return your phone messages and E-mails promptly. It speaks to your motivation, interest, and courtesy. Don't let returning phone calls or e-mails become an issue or an obstacle to getting an interview. Even if you don't think you will be interested in an opportunity, return the call. On more than one occasion we have seen a candidate get a call from Organization B when he was already talking with Organization A. The candidate puts off returning the call to Organization B. Two or three weeks later, the opportunity with Organization A does not work out and now Organization B will not consider the candidate because no calls have been returned.
- Your main goal in a telephone interview is to get a face-to-face interview.
- Ask for the interview. Take the initiative to set a time. Say something like, "From what you have told me, I would be very interested in meeting with you and coming to see your operation. When would be good for you?"
- Smile--even on the phone. You really can hear when someone is smiling.
The face-to-face interview
- Treat the staff with courtesy and respect. A Hiring Manager often feels like his or her staff is like family and will listen to their opinion, especially if it is negative. On more than one occasion, we have seen excellent candidates not offered an opportunity because they treated a staff member poorly.
- Smile and show some enthusiasm. More candidates are hired because of their personality and positive attitude than because of a specific skill.
- Show sincere interest in the hiring manager’s situation. Understand that the manager needs to solve a problem. Maybe the organization just lost a key employee. Maybe the organization is growing and cannot keep up with business demands. Maybe the manager needs someone to take over the organization when he or she transitions into another role. You need to get a clear understanding of the true motivation for adding personnel. Once you truly understand needs of the hiring manager, you can mutually determine if you are the solution.
- If you are interested, let the Manager know you are interested. At the close of the interview say something like, "I just wanted to let you know that I am very interested in this opportunity and I am ready to take the next step – whatever that is. How should I proceed from here?" This doesn't mean that you will accept the job with no further discussion. It simply shows you would be sincerely interested in discussing contract terms or meeting with other key contributors, managers, or executive staff members as needed.
Questions You May Be Asked
Your recruiter should be able to give you a good idea of the hiring manager’s personality, his or her typical interview demeanor, and a few important questions that the hiring manager is likely to ask, such as:
- Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer in the professional realm only. Review your past positions, education and other strengths.
- Why are you interested in this position? Relate how you feel your qualifications match the job requirements. Also, express your desire to work for the company.
- What are the most significant accomplishments in your career?
Identify recent accomplishments that relate to the position and its requirements. - Describe a situation in which your work was criticized.
Focus on how you resolved the situation and became a better person because of the experience. - What do you know about our organization?
- How would you describe your personality?
- How do you perform under pressure?
- What have you done to improve yourself over the past year?
- What did you like least about your last position?
- Are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) organization?
- What is your ideal working environment?
- How would your associates describe you?
- What do you think of your boss?
- Have you ever fired anyone?
- What was the situation and how did you handle it?
- Are you creative?
- What are your goals in your career?
- Where do you see yourself in two years?
- Why should we hire you?
- What kind of salary are you looking for?
- What other types of positions/firms are you considering?
