Remember, first impression equals perception so professional dress, polished shoes and no perfume or cologne
Take in support information to prove what you have achieved
Don’t assume they know everything or have read your resume
Ask: “What are you looking for in this position?”
Research company: go to company’s web-site
Have questions prepared about company, i.e. products/services, background, unique traits, differentiation, problems, successes, failures, future, opportunities, threats
Get a clear understanding of what the employer’s expectations are for the position
Give quantified examples of past accomplishments
Ask: “What do you want this person to accomplish?”
Ask: “What criteria are used in measuring successful performance and how do you measure successful performance?”
Ask: “What do I need to accomplish in the 1st year to be successful?
Mirror the interview with accomplishments that fit situation
Keep answers concise, to the point. Don’t ramble.
Good interviews are conversational; however you shouldn’t do more than 50% of the talking.
Qualify the employer’s true needs. Ask: “What is important to you in this position?” (Direct this ? toward each interviewer)
Provide information on your background and skills that is verifiable
Ask: “What is the biggest challenge I am going to face in the next 90 days?”
Show enthusiasm
Good eye contact
Mirror body language
Be prepared to answer: “Tell me about yourself” in a one minute summary statement
Prepare a one minute summary statement that has 3 parts: overall experience, special skills, personal attributes
You get what you expect: If you go into interview expecting job offer, you will get it, if you go into interview expecting to qualify job, that’s what you will get
Main objective: “Sell Yourself”
Carry through with interview professionally even if 15 minutes into it you realize it’s not a fit
Never tell an employer you can do something if you haven’t done it in the past and can’t prove performance
Ask: “Do you have any concerns in me doing this job?”
Ask for evaluation of your qualifications at end of interview.
Push for next step. Ask: “What is the next step?”
Call your search consultant immediately after the interview
Follow up interview with: email, thank you letter, or hand-written note