Interviewing Tips
Introduction:You always need to "take temperatures" because people have minds and they're changing them constantly. You need to listen to what they don't say. Being prepared for an interview is vital; the following preparation is unique and effective in conducting a positive interview.
Things to remember:
- People have to buy you before they buy from you.
- People hire and accept emotionally first and justify logically later.
- People are most sold by your conviction rather than by your persuasion.
- Know your technology, but think PEOPLE.
- The decision to hire is made in the first 5 to 10 minutes of the interview, with the remaining time spent justifying that decision.
The Candidate Preparation:
Please browse our interview preparation package and take these notes to the interview. Practice the anticipated questions and your answers to those questions. Pay special attention to the following areas:
- What are the duties and responsibilities of the position for which I'm applying? This is an excellent icebreaker question for the hiring authority and a great start to a successful interview. What percentage of my job is dedicated to administration, supervisory, and/or technical? (This should = 100%.)
- What are the short and long term goals set for the person in this position?
- Have questions for the hiring authority. Questions should be written out before the interview. Avoid the topic of compensation and benefits for the first interview.
- Should the salary question arise, a good response is "I am currently making $_____. Although I would like an increase, I don't know enough about this opportunity to answer that fairly." Be sure to keep in mind your base salary, bonus program, stock options, gain sharing programs, performance bonuses, benefits, etc.
- Ask for the job, e.g. "I haven't interviewed in a while, what is the next step?
AFTER THE INTERVIEW:
- After you leave the interview, it is very important that you call us immediately.
- Always send a thank-you letter. Here are some thank-you letter samples.