INTERVIEW HELP SHEET

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Helpful Interviewing Tips

The following are some interviewing tips we strongly suggest you read, review and use prior to interviewing with company hiring officials. These tips may be very beneficial in both phone and in-plant interviewing!  We have found that people who practice basic interviewing questions have a higher rate of success in receiving job offers. Prior preparation will enable you to be confident, overcome interviewing inexperience and sell yourself and your qualifications.

INTERVIEWING SUCCESSFULLY IS AN ART!!

Being properly prepared before an interview, rather than approaching it without any anticipated responses, will be a good investment of your time and effort.  Here are a few helpful hints to increase your chances of a company making you a job offer:

  1. Learn something about the company before you interview.  (Telephone or in- plant).

  2. Make a good first impression - present yourself with confidence and assurance . . giving precise answers to their questions.  Answer with thought, directness and enthusiasm - remember KISS Keep It Simple Stupid).

  3. Look the company officials straight in the eyes when talking to them.

  4. Dress properly.  Where applicable a conservative suit, white shirt, contrasting tie and shined shoes are in order. Women should wear minimal make-up, pumps and neutral colored hose.

  5. Review how you'll present yourself and emphasize those aspects of your background that will be of value to the company.

  6. Review how you will package and present the negative aspects of your background in a positive way.

  7. Never complain about your present or previous employer.

  8. Possible reasons for leaving a past/present employer:

". . . for more opportunity and advancement."

". . . for greater earning potential."

". . . for an opportunity to advance into management."

". . . for increased technical challenge."

". . . for employment stability."

9. Try to find out what the next step is, and when you can expect to hear from the company.

 10. If you like the job opportunity, be sure and ask for it. Possible ways of expressing interest may be:

"I'm very interested in the job . . when can I expect to hear from you?"

"This opportunity is what I've been looking for . . when can I start?"

11. Keep your earning requirements reasonable.  Remember that this potential employer should not be held responsible for your present employers low pay scale, or low salary increases.

12. Drop a short note to the company thanking them for the interview - perhaps to the Hiring Official with "cc" to HR and/or others that were involved in the interview process.  Personal individual notes would sometimes be in order . . but NOT always necessary.

SELF-CONFIDENCE . . . If you appear sure of yourself and can project your assurance to others, you will impress the interviewer.

MATURITY . . . Emotionally mature applicants are not hostile, defensive or suspicious.  They show no self-pity and are willing to discuss their weaknesses as well as their strengths.

SENSE OF HUMOR . . . the more likable applicant can look at the lighter side of things, yet tell no off-color stories nor laugh raucously during the interview - "moderation in all things".

FLUENCY OF EXPRESSION . . . Clear, concise and reasonably rapid responses to questions are helpful.  You can't successfully sell yourself with mumbles, monotones, "ers" and "uhs".

WARMTH . . . An intangible but very important personal trait.  The "cold fish" generally shares the same fate as the "deadpan".

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