Interviewing Tips

Be Prepared
You have the interview. Now what? It is so important to make a positive and successful impression!

Knowing the Company
Do your homework before arriving to the interview. Use every resource available to get as much information about the company as possible. Use the Internet, the library, annual reports, their competitors, or even call them direct. It is important to be informed about the company's products or services, general philosophy, financial performance, future plans for growth and personal culture. 

Understand the Needs of the Position
Find out as much information as you can about the available opening prior to your interview. You should know: Position Title, Who the position reports to, the responsibilities of the position, the requirements necessary for the position, reason for the availability of the position. It is important to completely understand the job description.

Dress Appropriately
Always wear appropriate attire to the interview. Women should avoid wearing slacks; a suit or skirt with jacket is generally acceptable. Men should wear a business suit, a white or soft blue, neatly pressed shirt and tie. Remember that first impressions are lasting.

Other
Always greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and an enthusiastic smile. Offer a resume and references at the first available moment. Have questions thought out for the end of the interview (the questions you ask could be as important as the answers you provide to the interviewer.) Good questions show a level of interest and the degree of preparation you did prior to the interview

The Interview
It is important that you present yourself as qualified for the position. Be yourself, but most important, be confident.

1. Get to the interview a few minutes early. Showing up late for an interview could be the end before even the first question is asked. (Best to map out directions a couple of days before the interview. better yet, take a trial run ensuring you will know how to get there on the day of your interview.)
2. If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. Be sure of all dates, names and phone numbers. Bring the names and phone numbers for at least three professional references.
3. Smile and a firm handshake.
4. Don't chew gum.
5. Yes and No answers are not good enough. Be thorough yet be careful not to ramble.
6. Be truthful and sincere.
7. Never be negative or overly emotional when discussing former employers.

1. Why are you seeking new employment?
2. What is the reason for you leaving your previous position?
3. Tell me about your background and accomplishments.
4. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
5. How would your former boss describe you?
6. What are your short term, mid term and long term goals?
7. How would others describe you?
8. What motivates you?
9. Describe the ways in which you have used software and other aspects of technology in your previous jobs.
10. Why should we hire you?
11. What attributes, skill sets, or other would you bring to this position?
12. What interests you about this position and our company?

1. Why is this position available?
2. How long has this position been available?
3. Do you feel I bring the qualities necessary to succeed in this position?
4. What are the greatest challenges in this position?
5. What would a typical day look like?
6. Are there opportunities long term for growth and upward mobility?
7. What is the next step?