The Interview
 

The employment interview is one of the most important events in a person's experience, because the thirty minutes to one hour spent with the interviewer may determine the entire future course of one's life.

Interviewers are continually amazed at the number of candidates who come to job interviews without any apparent preparation and only a vague idea of what they are going to say. Other candidates create an impression of indifference by acting too casually. At the other extreme, a few candidates work themselves into such a state of mind that they are ineffective.

These marks of inexperience can be avoided by knowing a little of what is actually expected of you and by making a few simple preparations before the interview.

The following information will provide you with in-depth information on how to conduct yourself during your employer interview.

·        PREPARATION

Preparation is the first essential step toward a successful interview. Thus, it is important to:

1. Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and the interviewer's title.

2. Do some research on the company interviewing you. It will be helpful to know how old the company is, what its products or services are, where its plants, offices or stores are located, what its growth has been and what its growth potential is for the future. Information about prospective employers can be found on the Internet as well as in any college or public library.

3. Prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview. Remember that an interview is a "two-way street". The employer will try to determine through questioning if you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. You must also determine through questioning whether the company will give you the opportunity you seek.

4. Some probing questions you might ask . (a) A detailed description of the position? (b) Reason the position is available? (c) Anticipated training program? (d) Earnings of those successful people in their third to fifth year? (e) Company growth plans? (f) The next step in the hiring process? 

·        DO’S & DON'TS

1. DO plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.

2. If the employer presents you with an application to complete, DO fill it out neatly and completely. DON'T relax and rely on your application or resume to do your selling for you. Most employers will want you to speak for yourself.

3. DO greet the employer by his surname if you are sure of the pronunciation. If you are not, ask him to repeat his name. Give the appearance of energy as you walk. Smile! Shake his hand firmly. Be genuinely glad to meet the employer and the prospects are excellent you'll find him an interesting person.

4. DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair. Look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile.

5. DON'T smoke even if the employer smokes and offers you a cigarette. DON'T chew gum.

6. DO look a prospective employer in the eye while you talk to him.

7. DO follow the employer's leads, but try to get the employer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background, skills and accomplishments to the position.

8. DON'T answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Explain wherever possible. Tell those things about yourself which relate to the situation.

9. DO make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, logical, sincere manner. Stress achievements. For example: sales records, processes developed, savings achieved, systems installed, etc.

10. DON'T lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as "to the point" as possible.

11. DON'T ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.

12. DON'T "over answer" questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. Since this is a ticklish situation it is best to answer the questions honestly, trying not to say any more than is necessary.

13. DON'T inquire about SALARY, VACATIONS, BONUSES, RETIREMENT, etc. on the initial interview unless you are positive the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you've earned but that you're more interested in opportunity than in a specific salary amount at the present.

10. DON'T lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as "to the point" as possible.

11. DON'T ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.

12. DON'T "over answer" questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. Since this is a ticklish situation it is best to answer the questions honestly, trying not to say any more than is necessary.

13. DON'T inquire about SALARY, VACATIONS, BONUSES, RETIREMENT, etc. on the initial interview unless you are positive the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you've earned but that you're more interested in opportunity than in a specific salary amount at the present.

14. DO always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity. It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of positions--rather than only one.

·        DEAL BREAKERS

During the course of the interview, the employer will be evaluating your negative factors as well as your positive factors. Listed below are negative factors frequently evaluated during the course of the interview and those, which most often lead to the rejection of the candidate.

1. Poor personal appearance.

2. Overbearing--overaggressive--conceited "superiority complex"--"know-it -all".

3. Inability to express thoughts clearly--poor poise, diction, or grammar.

4. Lack of planning for career--no purpose or goals.

5. Lack of interest and enthusiasm--passive and indifferent.

6. Lack of confidence and poise--nervousness.

7. Overemphasis on money--interested only in the best dollar offer.

8. Evasive--makes excuses for unfavorable factors in record.

9. Lack of tack--maturity--courtesy.

10. Condemnation of past employers.

11. Failure to look employer in the eye.

12. Limp, fishy handshake.

13. Lack of appreciation of the value of experience.

14. Failure to ask questions about the job.

15. Persistent attitude of "What can you do for me?"

16. Lack of preparation for the interview--failure to get information about the company resulting in inability to ask intelligent questions.

·        CLOSING THE INTERVIEW FOR THE JOB OFFER

1. If you are interested in the position, ask for it, or ask for the next interview if the situation demands. If you feel the job is worth your efforts and you want to receive an offer, be a good sales person and say something like this: "Mr. Employer, I'm very impressed with your company, its products, and the people I've met. I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position you have described to me. How soon will I be able to start?" The employer will be impressed with your enthusiasm. If the employer makes the offer then, accept it if you're ready, but you don't have to accept it on the spot.

2. Don't be too discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary is discussed. The employer will probably want to communicate with his office first, or interview more candidates, before making a decision.

3.Thank the employer for his time and his consideration of you. If you have answered the two questions uppermost in the employer's mind: (a) Why are you interested in his company? (b) Are you a good fit for the position - you have done all you can.

4. After the interview write the employer a letter expressing your thanks for the interview and expressing an interest in the company. Restate briefly why you think you can make an exceptionally strong contribution on the job.