Interview tips
... Reflect upon the interview and your interview performance. Make a note of areas you would like to improve. 2. Immediately send a thank-you note to the interviewer, reminding the interviewer of your interest and your ability to meet the position¡¦s requirements. A well-written thank-you note will distinguish you from other candidates and is considered de rigueur when considering executive-level candidates. Of course, your thank-you letter must be free of errors; a poorly written letter will defeat you efforts. SUCCESSFUL TIP FOR INTERVIEWERS „X Do not volunteer negative information about yourself or especially your former employers. Always speak positively. „X Offer examples of your competency ¡V you need to provide proof of your skills. „X Be sensitive to the interviewer and his/her body language and tailor your responses appropriately. „X Listen carefully to what is being said and answer the questions directly. Take the time to organize your thoughts; always ask for clarification if you do not understand the question. „X Learn about the company environment from people who have interacted with its employees and dress appropriately. An employer will evaluate you not only by what you say but also how you look and act. While some settings are more conservative than others, it is better to err on the conservative side. „X Be aware of your body language. Do not fidget, slouch or chew gum. Maintain appropriate eye contact. Lean slightly forward to convey interest. „X Convey sincerity, dedication to achievement, confidence and enthusiasm. „X When relating past experiences, emphasize your accomplishments, increased responsibility and potential for solving the employers¡¦ problems. „X If the subject of a difficult employment situation arises, answer honestly but do not volunteer too much information. Emphasize what you learned from the situation and how you applied those lessons. „X Always let the employer bring up salary first. QUESTIONS EMPLOYERS FREQUENTLY ASK „X Tell me about yourself. „X What do you know about our company? „X Why do you believe you are good fit for our company? „X How do you work under pressure? „X What salary do you expect? „X What qualifications do you have that make you feel you will be successful in this position? „X Describe a mistake you have made and how you have learned from it. „X What was your role in the development of the pieces in your portfolio? „X What types of people do you find difficult to get along with and why? „X In what kind of company environment do you feel comfortable? „X Describe a typical day at your current position. „X What are some of your long-term goals? Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? „X What are some of your strengths/weaknesses? „X How do you work under pressure? „X What experience do you have that relates to this job? „X What pressures did you have in your past jobs, and how did you handle them? „X What kind of references would your past employers give you? „X What do you think of your last boss? „X Why did you leave your last position(s) QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING THE INTERVIEW „X What characteristics are you looking for in an ideal candidate for this position? „X What are the most critical aspects of this position? „X To whom would I report? „X How many people would I be working for? „X Describe a typical day in this position. „X Based on my background, how well do I fit in? „X Why is this position available? „X What are the typical problems and frustrations inherent to this position? „X Assuming over time I show true potential and success in this position, what future opportunities would be available within your organization? „X How many people are you interviewing for this position? „X Can I tell you anything else about my qualifications? „X When can I expect to hear from you? „X Could I have a brochure and your business card? „X Would it be possible to have a tour of your offices? THE FINAL STAGE Salary negotiations 1. Research what the position pays in similar size companies and cities. Consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook, American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries , The Salary Survey, or Internet resources, like Salary.com. 2. Determine your personal living expenses. 3. Give a salary range whenever possible. Your ideal salary should fall in the middle range; by including the high end of the range, you leave room for negotiation. 4. Do not sell yourself short or overprice yourself. 5. Remember to consider ...