INTERVIEW TIPS

An interviewer will make a preliminary decision about you when you first meet – Just as you do! To put your best foot forward, the following tips have been developed to help you prepare for an interview. Always approach every interview as if it is the only job opening available – Do not enter an interview with negative preconceived notions, as you might miss out on a terrific job opportunity.

Sell the interviewer on your experience and desire to work for their company. Even if you are unsure about the job, always put your best foot forward. Once you have learned about the job, met the people you will be working with, and received a job offer – You can make an educated career decision.

Tips to Becoming a Top-Notch Job Candidate

  • Make sure to include all your contact information at the top of your resume. Be sure to include your address, phone number, cell phone number and e-mail address. Double check to make sure all the information is correct (no transposed numbers etc.).

  • List your experiences starting with the most recent. Be sure to include dates of employment, job titles and job duties.

  • Write your job duties and career achievements clearly and succinctly. Bullet points are a clear, concise way to convey information.

  • Check and double-check your resume for grammar and typographical errors. Don’t assume that spell checker will catch everything.

  • Always be truthful about the information you put on your resume.
  • DO your homework on the company. This shows that you are interested in the company itself, not just a position. Websites, libraries and business journals are excellent sources of information.

  • DON’T be late to your interview. Get clear, specific driving instructions, including parking availability. Give yourself plenty of time to avoid traffic situations etc. If you need to, take a test drive the night before so you are familiar with the route. There is never an excuse for being late.

  • DO be prepared to fill out any application information the company may require. Make sure you complete any paperwork legibly, completely and honestly.

  • DO come prepared for the interview. Have extra copies of your resumes available as well as a list of professional references, should the interviewer ask for them.

  • DO make sure your attire is clean, pressed and appropriate for the interview. A first impression is a lasting impression.

  • DO conduct yourself in a professional manner with a positive attitude.

  • DO turn off cellular phones as soon as you enter the office.

  • DO thank your interviewer by sending a handwritten thank you note for their time. Take this opportunity to further express your interest in their company.
  • Describe your ideal job/work environment.

  • Be prepared to list strengths and weaknesses.

  • Where do you see yourself in 2, 5, 10 etc. years?

  • How do you handle stressful situations?

  • How do you handle multiple tasks/projects with overlapping deadlines? Describe tools and methods used to complete a task in a timely manner.

  • Describe your biggest success in your career to date. What made it so?

  • Why do you think you want this marketing/sales/administrative position?

  • Why should we pick you for this job?
  • What do you feel is the most important aspect of this position?

  • Do you have a formal training period?

  • What are the past significant contributions this position has made to the company?

  • Never ask the interviewer about salary/benefits on the initial interview. Let the interviewer bring up these topics.