THE INTERVIEW
Surprisingly, the applicant with the best qualifications doesn’t
always get the job. Skills and experience are important, but you first have to get the job
to show what you can do. The interview is the single most important aspect of getting a
job once your qualifications have been established. It’s a fact-finding session for
both you and your prospective employer. You will increase your level of confidence and be
a step ahead in the interview process if you prepare carefully, master the interviewing
techniques, and become comfortable with closing the interview.
PREPARATION
Assume you were one of 100 people applying for a job. After the initial
resume screening, you are one of the five candidates being interviewed. Your
qualifications and experience meet the criteria the company is looking for. What will make
the difference between you and the other qualified candidates? Your attitude and
presentation. Do your homework. Learn as much about the company as you can. Review their
Annual Report. Read any industry-specific material you can obtain. Learn the company’s
position in the marketplace. Determine what skills and experience would best be suited to
this particular position. Because you are using the service of Roth Young, much of this
information will be provided to you. Review your background and work history.
CAREER GOALS
Be prepared to discuss in detail the skills, responsibilities and
achievements for each of your former positions. Be able to verbalize your short and long
term goals and what you have accomplished so far to reach them. Be sure to have a career
path in mind. Emphasize your strengths and be able to back them up with achievements. Let
your weakness work for you. If you feel it necessary to mention a weakness, include a
statement of what measures you are taking to overcome it. Practice your responses and have
all the facts at your fingertips. It will relax you and give you additional confidence
before meeting the interviewer face to face.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
First impressions are lasting impressions, therefore your professional appearance and
pleasant manner will set the tone for the interview. Business attire should be worn and
the rules are the same for both men and women. A dark suit, conservative accessories and
neat, trimmed, simply styled hair is appropriate. Be polite, alert and calm. If there is a
handshake, make it a firm one. Maintain eye contact and answer all questions asked with a
brief to the point statement. Sit up straight and don’t smoke or chew gum. Body
language is a telltale sign, so lean into the conversation as opposed to sitting back and
slouching. Most of all, be enthusiastic, It’s contagious!
INTERVIEWING FOR SUCCESS
Initially, your interviewer will ask you a few questions designed to put you at ease
and then move into the fact-finding session. The interview’s goals here are twofold.
The first will be to obtain information to determine if your background, skills,
achievements and attitude will fit the open position. The second goal is to see how well
you handle yourself. You will be asked questions designed to elicit detailed, not
"yes" or "no" responses. Take your time; gather your thoughts and give
thorough, but not lengthy answers. Be positive with regard to former work experiences,
supervisors and co-workers. If you are resentful for any reason, it will show. If you
qualify for the position, the one thing that can set you apart from the other candidates
is your attitude. Your positive approach, desire for growth and self confidence may be
just the ticket that will tip the scales in your favor.
COMPLETING THE INTERVIEW
The interview will come to a close when the interviewer has all the necessary
information. This will usually be signaled to you by asking if you have any additional
questions. If you do, ask them. If not, do not try to prolong the session. You should not
be the one that asks questions about salary, bonuses, company benefits packages, etc. That
topic will come up in subsequent interviews. Don’t be the one to initiate those
questions. At the conclusion of the interview, summarize your strengths and make sure you
express your interest in the position. Don’t leave without knowing what the next step
will be. Ask for the job. If you don’t ask, it may be interpreted as a lack of
interest. Your goal should be to obtain a job offer or a follow-up interview.
FOLLOW-UP
Send a thank you note. This allows you to thank the interviewer for his or her time,
recap your strengths for the position and again express your interest in the job. The
employment interview is your opportunity to sell your experience, skills and knowledge to
the interviewer. The more confident, interested and prepared you are, the more
opportunities you will create.
