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INTERVIEW PREPARATION
One of the most stressful situations you will find yourself in is the 'Job Interview'. This stress level can be greatly reduced with proper preparation prior to the interview.
We hope you will find the following information helpful in preparing for your interview.
Know the company - Research the company on the internet. Company websites provide a great deal of information for you to review. Make sure you know what products and services they offer. Do you get a good sense of their corporate culture, their history and their long range plans for growth? Make notes and list any questions you may have. The more you know about the company the more comfortable you will be in the interview.
Rehearse your role - Part of the preparation for your interview should include rehearsal. Imagine the questions the interviewer may ask you based on your resume and experience. Rehearse "your most" situations such as: tell me about a time when you resolved a difficult situation with a supervisor. Tell me about an achievement you are particularly proud of, what was your role, what was the outcome, etc. Expect to expand on your answers and be positive. Take time to gather your thoughts so that your response will be direct and thoughtful.
Prepare your trip - and arrive ahead of your scheduled interview time - plan your trip in advance. Research the company location and enter the address into your GPS or, print the driving directions and have them with you. If you are using your local transit make sure you know the route you will be taking. Check the bus and/or subway schedule for arrival and departures times so you will arrive on time.
Dress for Success - Yes, first impressions are lasting so make yours a good one. More and more companies are returning to a corporate dress code and this is even more evident in the interview. Always dress for a corporate interview whether you are being considered for the CEO's position or the Warehouse Clerk. Dress your best. If you are meeting with an Agency don't assume that you can dress down. Remember; the Recruiter you meet with at the agency is the gatekeeper for the employer you are hoping to be presented to.
Arrive Prepared - Just as arriving on time is important so is arriving prepared. Make sure you have everything you need for the interview. Have printed copies of your most up to date resume - do not assume that your interviewer wants to print your resume from your portable stick. Make sure you have hardcopies printed and ready to be handed out. Have a pen and pad of paper with you to make notes during the interview and have your questions prepared in advance. This is where your company research will pay off. Do not arrive with a coffee or a beverage of any type in your hand. Bringing a beverage to the interview sends the wrong message. Finally make sure you are not chewing gum or candy of any type.
While waiting for your interview - Do not use your cell phone or any other electronic devices in the lobby. Cell phones are very distracting in a business environment - turn yours off and save your texting for later. The receptionist may be observing your behaviour while you are waiting and will report back to the Interviewer after you have left. Introduce yourself when you arrive, tell the receptionist who you are meeting with and have a seat until you are called.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Arrive - Remember arrive a few minutes early to organize yourself and relax. Greet your interviewer standing and with a smile. Extend your hand and offer a firm hand shake.
Imitate - Be aware of your Interviewer - gauge the interviewer and try to reflect the style that is being presented. Do not let yourself become too relax and too informal in your responses or with your body language.
Eye Contact - Show interest in the person that is conducting your interview - make eye contact with them.
Be Positive - Take a moment to think about your answers and be positive, upbeat and enthusiastic with your responses. Do not spend any time discussing previous employers or co-workers in a negative manner. Speak clearly and confidentially and use good grammar - no um's or ah's.
Posture - Body language is very important - sit straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor. Do not slouch or lean over - it sends the wrong message. Do not fidget or display nervous habits. No matter how nervous you may be do your best to be calm and collected.
Engage - Remember this interview is about you and should provide a complete picture of who you are and how you will fit into the company. Be prepared to answer questions about you, your education, special training, skills, your previous employment, your hobbies and interests and special achievements. All of this information demonstrates the person that you are and hopefully will make you a very desireable employee. Now is the time to put your preparation to use. Engage your Interviewer by asking questions that you have prepared prior to arriving for your interview. Encourage your interviewer to discuss the company and demonstrate your interest in their answers. Be prepared to discuss your skills and how they relate to the position. Again, be positive, upbeat and enthusiastic.
Departure - Stand and extend your hand to offer a firm handshake. Thank your interviewer for their time and mention that you look forward to hearing from them again.
Finally - Make sure you have their contact information to prepare a thank you letter. The thank you letter re-enforces your interest in the position and demonstrates good manners on your part. Do not boast or brag about what you will bring to the position just offer your sincere interest in the role and working for the company and again, thank them for their time. Do not be afraid to ask someone to proofread your letter prior to sending it. This ensures that your letter is perfect with no misspelled words or bad grammar. Make sure that your letter is clear, concise and sincere. Finally, an email is absolutely acceptable and often preferred.