Interview Tips

Make sure you have the following items available upon request:

• Copies of your current resume
• List of References (3 to 4 including a boss or bosses, a professional colleague who knows your work and a person who has reported to you)
• Copies of Certificates, Awards

Do’s

• Gather background information on the company.
• Be early, calm and organized.
• Bring any items that further illustrate your qualifications for the position.
• Dress professionally. A suit for women is also preferable.
• Wear simple jewelry. Only clear nail polish for women.
• Use a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact.
• Exude enthusiasm.
• Act confident and you will be confident.
• Demonstrate genuine interest in both the people you meet and the position.
• Speak clearly and explain clearly what you mean.
• LISTEN! Never cut off the interviewer. Think before you answer.
• Restate questions to make them clear.
• Interject information you have about the company into your answers.
• Be prepared with a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
• Use nonverbal communication and good body posture to express yourself.
• SELL YOURSELF! Ask, “What is the next step?”
• Send a follow-up letter (thank you) immediately after the interview, both email and hand written on good stationary to each person you met.

Don’t Ever!

• Discuss salary or benefits at an interview

Questions to ask a Prospective Employer

• What do you consider to be your organization’s three most important assets?
• How did you happen to join this organization?
• Can you tell me a little about your own experience with the organization?
• What do you foresee for your organization in the next year/ five years/ ten years?
• Can you tell me about the organizational structure in this department?
• What kind of people do you usually look for to fill key positions?
• What have you done to find someone for this position?
• What do you see in the future for this position and potential for advancement?
• How soon do you plan to fill this position?
• How do you feel your organization is serving the community?
• Why is this position open; has there been much turnover?

Six Answers that Get You Hired! 

The reality is that employers have neither the time nor inclination to play games with you, especially when hiring. Your interviewer is not trying to outguess you — they are trying to assess your answers to six key questions:

• Do You Have the Skills to Do the Job?
• Do You Fit?
• Do You Understand the Company and Its Purpose?
• How Do You Stack Up Against the Competition?
• Do You Have the Right Mind-Set for the Job and Company?
• Do You Want the Job?