Interviewing Tips

Where Companies and Professionals Make Educated Business Decisions Together

Suggestions	Research		What YOU Want		Develop Questions
Guidelines		Anticipate		Follow Up

Plan Before the Interview

	Discuss with your recruiter the duties and requirements of the position. Make sure you know the facts about the position and the requirements of the job.
	Your recruiter will give you information about the company prior to interview, but it is advisable to learn as much as you can on your own.

Interview Suggestions

	Know your resume. Keep a copy in front of you to confirm dates, duties, etc.
	Be prepared to answer questions concerning accomplishments. Companies hire people for several reasons. One to make money & increase productivity, then second for save money, or increase profits for the company.
	Speak positively of your past work experience and bosses.
	Make your answers thorough, but be short. Don't ramble on about options.
	Be prepared to ask questions: duties and responsibilities, to whom you would report, training program and how the position interacts.
	Ask the interviewer about his or her background, or what they like about working for the company.
	Remember, don't ask about salary or benefits on the first interview. Let the company tell you first.
	Express your interest in working for the company and after the interview ask what the next step is in the process and move to set a date for the next step.
	Always remember to thank your interviewer for their time and get a business card from them.

Do Your Research!

In other words, research the company you're about to interview with before you show up. Seems like an obvious thing doesn't it? But it's surprising the number of people who don't. You might even discover through your research that you don't want to work for them!

	Research the company
	Ask for any company collaterals to determine annual sales revenue, principal lines of business, and locations.

o Brochure and promo materials

o Web site address

o Prospectus

Internet

Be Clear About What You Want

What is that you want in an employer? This is like picking a mate. You wouldn't go into marriage (I hope) without having some idea about what you're looking for in a relationship. An employer is a relationship too. So be clear about what it is you want. Make sure their company culture fits with your style.

	What do you want in an employer?
	What are your personal goals?
	Will this position keep me on the right track for my career?
	What are you passionate about?

Develop a Strong Set of Questions

Make a list of your top 5-10 skills and develop questions that will steer the conversation back to those strengths. Additional questions to consider are those that give you an idea of their biggest concerns for the position.

	What would I be expected to accomplish in this position?
	What are the greatest challenges in this position?
	How would you describe your company management profile.
	Can you tell me your top concerns or needs in hiring someone for this position?
	How do you think I fit the position?
	Ask questions that lead to your best strengths

General Guidelines

	Don’t over-answer.
	Don’t inquire about benefits in the initial interview
	Stress achievements
	De-emphasize your weaknesses
	Show some enthusiasm!

Anticipate the Questions and Prepare for the Answers

Take a look at your resume and your work history and identify any areas which could be construed as "weak" points. Then try to anticipate what the questions might be and develop strong answers.

Other possible questions might be:

1.		Tell me about yourself
2.		What do you know about our company?
3.		Why should we hire you?
4.		What can you do for us that someone else can't?
5.		Have you helped your department cut costs, streamline operations or maximize productivity?
6.		What company qualities are you looking for in an employer?
7.		What skills & qualifications are essential for you to be successful in the position?
8.		How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution and transition into the position?
9.		How does this opportunity fit into your overall career game plan?
10.		Describe your management style and ability to achieve goals
11.		What do you believe is the most difficult part of being a supervisor of people and the business process?
12.		Why are you looking for a new career?
13.		What company qualities do you need from us to be successful long term?
14.		How would your colleagues or co-workers would describe you?
15.		How would your boss describe you?
16.		How would you describe yourself?
17.		What do you think of your present or past boss?
18.		What were the five most significant accomplishments in your last assignment?
19.		What were the five most significant accomplishments in your career so far?
20.		Can you work well under deadlines or pressure?
21.		How much do you expect if we offer you this position?
22.		Why do you want to work for us?
23.		What other positions are you considering?
24.		Have you kept up in your field with additional training?
25.		What are your career goals?
26.		What are your strong points?
27.		What are your weak points?
28.		How would who describe your current boss?
29.		What position do you expect to have in 2 to 5 years?
30.		If you took the job what would you accomplish with in the first year with our company?
31.		What was wrong with your current or last position?
32.		What kind of hours are you used to working or would like to work?
33.		Do you have your reference list with you? (Remember, don't give it out unless it is asked for)
34.		Can you explain your salary history?
		What questions didn't I ask that you expected?

Follow-up

After an interview you want to do two things:

	Immediately call your recruiter and debrief them on your interview.
	If you have any questions or concerns that didn't get answered during the interview express these to your recruiter and the recruiter will get them answered.
	When you get home later that day write a note of thanks to the interviewer and send it off.

Send mail to webmaster@endeavorsearch.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2005 Endeavor Management Search Group Inc. Recommended screen resolution is 1024x768

Send mail to webmaster@endeavorsearch.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2005 Endeavor Management Search Group Inc.
Recommended screen resolution is 1024x768