Tips on an Interview

You receive a phone call asking you to come for an interview. You have done a lot of work and now is your chance to actually get the job you really want. 

Here is an actual example of how to get ready and have a successful interview. Donna graduated from the teacher's program at York University in December and got a job teaching starting in January. Many of her classmates did not start until the following September.

What made the difference?

Donna prepared herself for the interview by reading all she could find about having an interview and most importantly had practice interviews.

Seven tips on an Interview.

First, the major thing to remember is to go for the job as if this is the job you really want. You can always say "no" afterwards but you can't go back and ask for another interview.

Second, be prepared by learning about the company or organization; look it up on Google or talk to people who work there. You will be expected to know about the company.

Be prepared by having practice interviews.

Get a friend to act as the interviewer and set up a mock office. Get your friend to ask you the typical interview questions and you practice giving them. Keep doing this until you are comfortable answering.

So you walk in to this office, introduce yourself, and sit down. the interviewer will take over.

Here is a list of typical questions you should be prepared to answer.

Be sure to speak clearly and naturally. You are responsible to communicate so that the person can hear and understand you.

Tell me about yourself?

Given your skills and abilites, how do you think you can help this company.

What did you do on your last job?

What did you like best?

What did you like least?

Why did you leave your last job? (Do not say negative things about yor previous company or boss)

What have you done that you are proud of?

Describe the worst boss you ever had?

What do you consider to be your greatest strength?

What kinds things bother you most?

In your resume you said....... Please tell me more about that.

Is there anything else I should know about you?

Is there anything in your personal life which if made public would cause you or this company to be embarased?

What questions do you have about the position or company? Always be ready to ask questions.

There may be other questions, but these are the typical ones.

At some stage salary and benefits will needed to be discussed. Try to get as much as possible without being greedy. In some cases, it is a set amount based on education and experience. In other cases it can be negotiated. Make sure this is settled. 

Third, be ready for different formats. Your interview could be with one person or with a group. Sometimes an company will have more than one interview. if you passed the first then you could be interviewed by the manager of the department, with an other group or a walk around the department. 

Just be ready for differnt formats. Here is a strange one. The person conducting the interview sat with his back to the person being interviewed. Find out, if you can, about the interview process.

Fourth, wear approriate clothing. Wear the clothes others wear in the department and that everything matches. in other words look your best. You will be judged by your appearance.

If you are a bit older, have a cell phone or Blackberry visible but turned off. Many younger people assume older people are out of touch with modern technology.

Fifth, make sure you know the way to the place where the interview will be held and how long it takes to get there. Keep in mind that the weather can affect your ability to get to the place where you are beng interviewed.

Sixth, grooming.

Women should be well groomed, which means getting your hair done the day of the interview. dress appropiately, avoid heavy perfume and unusual hairstyles.

Men should get a haircut a few days before the interview, fingernails clean, clean you teeth, clean your shoes, and dress appropriately.

Seventh, at the beginning give a friendly greeting, say the persons name, give a firm hiandshake, look the person in the eye. 

Establish rapport by saying something like "Nice to meet you Mr. Smith." He or she will know your name.  if not be sure to say "My name is Bill Jones" or whatever you name is. Speak clearly and distincly.

You are now ready for the interview.

After the interview

After the interview send a follow-up letter. Make sure you spell the person's name correctly and have it typed.

In my book i give an example of a follow up letter. Basically you thank the person, tell them you believe you could make a significant contribution to the company and that you look forward to hearing from them.

Three things can happen after the interview: one, you are offeres the job, two, you are asked to come in for a second interview and third, you are rejected.

If rejected don't take it personally, move on. Ask yourself why? And how could I do better.

If you still want the job, wait for about two months and either phone or send a letter saying you are still interested. They could be looking for someone with your qualifications or the person they hired was a real turkey and the job is open again.