Interview Tips

[Lorem Ipsum]

I have an interview Monday. I haven't had one in over ten years. What do I need to know?

 

[anorviel]

Hi Lorem!

I'm in HR and sit in interviews and here's what I think every interviewee should know:

• Do some research on the company. Then have some questions for the interviewers that show you did some research.
• Think before you answer. Trust me - the pause only seems long to you and it's better to think about your answer than to just let something fall out of your mouth, or worse, have no answer at all.
• If you are asked, "what would your supervisor say is your worst trait" or anything that has to do with one of your shortcomings or mistakes, do not answer that you are a perfectionist, you work too hard, or that you set the bar too high for your co-workers. Instead, think of a time or a true negative that you have been able to turn into a learning or growth experience. And make sure you say what you have learned or how you have grown.
• Have questions ready for the interviewers. In fact, have five or six, because the odds are that some of your questions will be answered.
• Depending on the job you are interviewing for, some good questions are: 1) What are the three things you would expect to be accomplished by the "whatever position" in the first 90 days? 2) Who does this position report to? 3) What else can I tell you that will help you make the decision to hire me?
• Whatever position you are interviewing for, dress appropriately. Your clothes should be clean, neat, and dressy. Whether you are interviewing for a dishwashing position or a marketing exec position, let them decide you are over dressed.

It's okay to talk money, but don't be overly aggressive about it at the start and don't let it be your last impression. It is a given that money is important unless you are interviewing for a volunteer position. So while it isn't an unreasonable or taboo topic, you want your desire for this job, working for this company, to be what the interviewers are left with when you leave and not your desire for compensation.

Finally - try your best to relax. Drink some water, have a mint (trust me, just have a mint - but finish it before you go in and don't choke on it), and dry off your palms if you need to. Practice your handshake - no limp or clammy handshakes, please. Make eye contact with the entire panel if it is a panel interview.

Make it hard for them to tell you no. As an interviewer I am much happier when I have to make a difficult choice because the candidates are so good. Go be one of those candidates!!

Best of luck,

 

[distech0]

Don't lie...it will bite you in the butt.

 

[Lorem Ipsum]

Big CHECK on don't lie. Got it.

Thanks for the other tips as well. Answering too quickly is one of my faults, for sure.

 

[Amstar]

Great tips so far:

when doing research on the company (website/even the job posting) try and pick out keywords that they use and in turn use those in trying to describe yourself, your accomplishments, or even what you planning on doing for that company.

Dont ramble on to much. Confidence (not cocky) goes along way.

 

[fireflymedic]

smile be happy/pleasent. people are putting numbers down to your anwers and people like happy people so you may not get higher scores for being happy (i bet you will though) but you will louse some if you seem matter of fact grumpy type person. That first imprestion is going to set the tone.

 

[distech0]

Wear clean clothes. And smell good too (but not overpowering).

 

[bballmom56]

Be on time!

 

[Thundergod]

Low cut top, short skirt, 5 inch pumps and tan legs = job!



I'd never make it if I had to hire someone. LAWSUIT

 

[ariamac]

Relax...

I think that's the best thing I could've done. I walked in not liking the receptionist and therefore my first impression was "I don't wanna work here"... so I let my guard down after that (and I already pretty much had an offer from somewhere else... so I really didn't need to go to this interview). When I met my manager for the interview, I was very relaxed and just answered everything truthfully and once I was done I knew I'd love to work with her... but we'd wait and see.

Turns out I got an offer and I took it I've been there 10 months now

 

[lovesmurfs]

Don't forget that you're also interviewing the company as well. You need to make sure that it's right for your knowledge, skills and abilities, and that you feel like it will be a good fit for you long-term.

I've done really well, when asked what my salary requirements are, to turn the response into a question, "What is the salary range for the position?" That way I don't overprice or underprice myself. One interview I had quoted $30K more than I was planning to ask, and would have lowballed myself had I just blurted out my asking price.

Best wishes -- let us know how it goes!

 

[mamacatnv]

Do not disclose personal information regarding your kids, spouse, orientation or medical status. Don't tell interviewers about your ill child or spouse.

While it may not be legal, companies think about their health care costs and a prospective employee with "issues" might, despite skills, be cut from consideration.

Don't run at the mouth but answer questions in complete sentences.

I agree with take a deep breath and think of answers before you speak.

If you smoke, don't after you shower and put on clean clothes. Also don't have a strong garlic/onion meal before your interview.

 

[wdwiala]

Someone spoke to us recently who did interviews. He said to be relaxed but not too relaxed. It is one of the tricks that they use as an interview board. To see if you go to far in losing your professional demeaner.

 

[LaraK]

I'm not in HR, but I get the applicants after they pass the initial HR screening.

When I interview, I'm looking for several things. They include:

Wear a suit. People who come to an interview in a sundress, slacks and blouse or other "dressy casual" outfits are knocked out of the running in my mind almost instantly. I want you to respect the position and want the job enough to dress for it. If you're not going to try in the interview, you're not worth my time to train.

Make eye contact and smile. Even if you're nervous, smile. I can tell you're nervous, but again I want you to at least try to look like someone the rest of my team is going to want to be around. I invest an enormous amount of time in creating a strong happy workplace, I need you to fit in well.

Use concrete examples. I really don't care about what you would do, I want to know what you've actually done. I'm ok with personal examples to support your skill set as long as it demonstrates that you have been successful in the skill in the past. It's the most realist way to predict your future performance.