 PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW 1. Research the company. The internet provides you an excellent source to get that information. Your counselor at Search Masters will provide the website address for you. This will give you information that will permit you to ask appropriate questions during the interview; this demonstrates to the employer that you have taken the time to prepare yourself for the interview. One of our Search Masters counselors has had an in-person visit at the company's facility. Because of this your counselor will be able to provide you with many personal observations not found on the website. 2. Some companies use the application form itself as an employment test This is an important reason for arriving early for your interview; it gives you time to fill out the application correctly. Scores are given to the applicant based on the neatness, accuracy, and the completeness of the form. The impression you make with your application form will be a lasting one, so take the time to complete it properly. Never write "see resume" and make sure you write "open" in the space asking for expected compensation. (See the section on the site titled "What Compensation Do You Want?") After you leave the interview, and the employer discusses your candidacy with others, your application card will be what they look at as they discuss whether to make you an offer or not. 3. Practice answering questions that you anticipate being asked of you. I suggest that you do this in front of a mirror; even better, get in front of a video camera. Playing the tape back gives you a great opportunity to see and correct your mistakes. Remember, this is a learned skill. When you consider how great of an impact this interview can have on your life, these extra ideas are well worth while. 4. Make sure you have at least 5 resumes printed on a nice grade of paper. If you have examples of your previous work - ie: pictures, blueprints, product brochures and, if small enough, samples of the products. (Bring those with you.) Here at Search Masters we recruit technical/manufacturing people. The people you will meet during your interview are the same type of people. When you are asked to explain what you did during your previous employment it will be much easier for you to explain your experiences, and it will be equally as helpful to the employers to better understand your background if you have these items with you. When I have had people do this, the people they interviewed with have remarked very positively about this interviewing concept. It seems to break down some of the awkwardness that exists in an interview and makes all the participants in the meeting feel more at ease. This happens because you are all discussing and looking at products and/or services that you deal with on a daily basis. 5. Plan what you are going to wear. Remember what you were told about having only one chance to make a first impression. Some people seem to believe "If I can do this job, what difference does it make what I wear?" Although this statement might be a valid one, it will not help you get an offer of employment. The other mistake people make is they feel that they should wear what they would normally wear on the job. Professional business attire is ALWAYS appropriate. You do not have the job yet; you are interviewing. The uniform for the job of interviewing is business attire. I have often said that 80% of the hiring decision is based on attitude and appearance, and you have complete control over both. My experience has proven that statement to me. If anything, 80% might be too low a number. Finally, dressing appropriately tells the interviewer that you are interested in the position. This appointment was so important to you that you wanted to dress appropriately. 6. Make sure that you have perfect directions to ensure your prompt arrival for the interview. Your Search Masters representative will provide these for you. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER arrive late for an interview. Be there in Vince Lombardi time (15 minutes early.) Be pleasant with the people who initially greet you when you arrive. (The guard at the gate, receptionist, secretary, etc.) They will probably offer their opinion of you to the person who is interviewing you. Arriving early also gives you the opportunity to gather additional information. Most of the time the company will have displays of their products; at the very least brochures describing their company. Awards are often posted in the lobby. All of these are excellent sources for further discussion during the interview. 7. If the interviewer is late beginning the interview, be polite and courteous. The person is not keeping you waiting on purpose. Obviously something is keeping them from coming to greet you. They are probably more upset about being late than you are. Click Here to Continue to Section 3: During the Interview
Click Here for a Printer Friendly Version of This Page
|