Contents
Research The Company

Before you walk into any interview, you should know as much about the company and the position as possibly can. There is no excuse for a lack of research. After you have studied the company and the position description, write out a list of questions to ask the employer. Here are some examples:

Why is this position open?

Will there be opportunities for further training?

What are your goals for this position?

How will my performance be evaluated?

Are there opportunities for advancement/promotion?

What growth do you anticipate from your firm?

Make a Strong First Impression


The first few minutes are critical and will set the tone for the interview. Research has shown that your interviewer is likely to make up his or her mind about you within 30 seconds of having met you. Dress appropriately for the position and be sure your clothing is neat and presentable. Be sure that there are no dropping hems or missing buttons. Polish your shoes! Clean hair and fingernails are essential. Avoid excessive cologne, jewelry and makeup.


Rehearse Your Resume and Prepare for the Interview

No one can predict the exact questions that on interviewer will ask, but you can rehearse you resume and get a good idea of a few important questions that the employer is likely to ask. Think about how you would answer the following questions:


Tell me about yourself. (Keep this about your professional self).


Review your career and education.


What are your strengths? Weaknesses?


What do you know about our organization?


Why are you interested in this position?


What are your most significant career achievements?


Describe a situation in which your work was criticized?


How would you describe your personality?


How do you perform under pressure?


How have you improved yourself over the past year?


What did you like least about your last position?


Why are you leaving your present company?


What is your ideal working environment?


How would your coworkers 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 jobs are you considering?


What can you, above other applicants, bring to this job?


The Interview

You can’t rely on your resume or application to do the selling for you. Interviews will want you to speak for yourself. Your resume was most likely pre-screened by the human resources department so you need to sell yourself! When you answer the interviewers questions, keep eye contact while speaking and show enthusiasm. Appear confident with yourself and your background. Don’t ask about salary, vacations, bonuses, etc. in the first interview. If the prospective employer asks the salary you want, indicate that what you have earned but are more interested in the opportunity than the specific salary.

Following the Interview

Close the interview strongly by asking the right questions. If you feel the interview went well and you are excited about the position, express your interest to the hiring authority. Try something like this:


"After hearing more about your company, the position and the responsibilities, I am certain that I possess the qualities you’re looking for in the position. Based on our conversation and my qualifications, are there any issues or concerns that you have that would lead you to believe otherwise?"


You have a right to be assertive. This is a great closing question because it opens the door for the hiring authority to be honest with you about his or her feelings. If concerns do exist, this is a great opportunity to overcome them. You have one final chance to dispel the concerns, sell your strengths and end the interview on positive note. Express thanks for the interviewer’s time and consideration. Ask for their business card so you can write a thank you letter.


Interview Do's and Don'ts
Interview Do’s

Arrive 15 minutes early.

Dress appropriately.

Show maturity, confidence, motivation and flexibility.

Use effective communication skills.

Give your qualifications.

Conduct yourself professionally.

Ask questions throughout the interview.

Anticipate tough questions.

Clarify questions if needed.

Treat receptionists and administrative assistants with respect.

Be assertive and attentive.

Write a follow up thank you note.

Interview Don’ts

Never interrupt the employer.

Don’t chew gum.

Don’t ramble.

Do not lie.

Don’t be vague or fearful.

Don’t be passive or overly aggressive.

Resume Writing
Interview Tips
Thank You Notes
Cover Letters


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