Chris Wodke
Before you go to an interview you must prepare. In this article I am providing an overview of the things you must do to get ready for interviews. In future articles I will go into details on each one of these activities.
Before the Interview
· Conduct Company Research
o Products
o Sales
o Locations
o Structure
o Awards
o Market Ranking
o Financials
o Size of workforce
o Current trends in this industry.
o Company Culture
· Determine Interview Specifics
o What type of interview will be done?
o Where will it be held?
o Who will interview.
o How long will it take?
o Will there be testing.
o Do you need to bring anything?
· Anticipate the types of questions you will be asked.
It is a good idea to practice an interview. Get a friend to act as the interviewer and ask the questions you anticipate you will be asked. I will be presenting typical interview questions in future articles. Get feedback on how the practice interview went.
· Assemble References
· Make copies of resume to bring.
· Make a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
· Plan route and time needed to arrive on time.
· Practice for the interview.
o Have responses ready.
o Be ready to tell your success story
o Put together a portfolio.
· Get interview outfit ready
· Get a good nights sleep
Get to bed in time to get at least 8 hours sleep. You need to appear relaxed and confident at the interview, that will be tough to do if you have dark circles under your eyes. It can be difficult to answer tough questions if you are not mentally sharp.
· Eat Right
Don’t go to an interview on an empty stomach. It is hard to perform well when you are hungry. On the other hand stay away from heavy foods the will make you sleepy or foods that will give you indigestion.
Day of Interview
· Arrive on time
· Be nice to receptionists and secretaries.
· Read something work related while waiting.
During the Interview
· Remain Calm
· Shake hands and introduce yourself.
· Use the interviewers name and tell them you are glad to meet them.
o Get a business card.
o Give the interviewer your business card.
· Stand when being greeted.
· Break the Ice
o A little bit of small talk is good.
o The weather is always a safe topic.
o A compliment about the office or the company setting is also good.
· Watch Body Language
o During the interview, sit slightly forward, make eye contact, smile and show interest with your voice inflections.
o Eye contact
o Good posture. Sit up straight.
o Smile, no crossed arms.
o Keep head up.
o No hair tossing, jangling coins, playing with jewelry.
o Don’t tap feet.
· Listen to the interviewer and give them positive nonverbal feedback. Take notes if you need to.
· Answer questions
o Give complete answers to questions.
o Be positive about your work experience.
o Give concrete and specific examples of your successes that relate to this position.
o Relate how your experience and talent can solve their problems.
o Talk about how you are addressing any weaknesses.
o Respond to any objections raised.
o Don’t mumble.
o Speak at the rate of the interviewer (neither too fast or slow)
· Ask questions
o The interview should be a two-way conversation.
o Ask questions about the position.
o Ask questions about the work environment.
o Find out if you are a good fit.
After the Interview
· Thank the interviewer for their time.
· Express interest in the job.
· Summarize your understanding of the position.
o Highlight how you are a good fit.
o Highlight how your skills will benefit the company.
· Ask about timing.
· Send a thank you letter.
· Brief references they may be contacted.
· Follow up with the interviewer
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Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation
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