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Interviewing
Tips for Candidates
GENERAL
TIPS
·
Know the time and place of the interview and the interviewer's full name
and title.
· Ensure that you fully understand the job description of the position
for which you are interviewing.
· Plan to be 15 minutes early in anticipation of traffic problems or other
unanticipated delays. Also, know where you're going. If possible acquaint
yourself with the route. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
· Dress professionally (i.e. proper business attire).
· If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely.
· Ensure to shake the interviewer's hand firmly.
· Speak slowly and clearly. Don't rush your answers.
· Stress accomplishments.
· Ensure to answer every question fully and honestly.
· Don't jump ahead or give more information than is required. Pay attention
to "cutoff" cues.
· Ensure you are consistent in your answers throughout all interviews.
· Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no". Explain answers where possible.
· Avoid saying anything negative about present or previous employers or
co-workers.
· Ask questions to show interest in the Company and the position.
· Ensure they know you are interested in the position; never close the
door on an opportunity.
· Look alert and interested at all times and look the interviewer in the
eye.
· Relax, smile and have a positive attitude. Give the appearance of energy
as you walk.
WHAT TO PREPARE BEFOREHAND
(5 Step Process)
I) Chronological
Outline of Career and Education
Break down your life into "segments" (i.e. university, first job, second
job, etc.). For each segment, write down:
A.) why you went into the program or job;
B.) what you did when you were there; and
C.) why you left.
The chronology should flow logically and bring you to the present day.
You should then write down where you want to be in the short and long
term and why it makes sense based on where you've been according to your
chronology. Also, write down the reasons why you would be appropriate
for the job you are interviewing for and why you are interested in the
position.
II) Strengths
and Weaknesses
Strengths: Write down 3 technical and
3 non-technical personal strengths. For each strength, document something
external that proves the strength is also perceived by others as strength,
i.e. you received a bonus in recognition, there were some savings achieved,
you completed the implementation of a system, you met objectives, it was
noted on your performance evaluation.
Weaknesses: The area of weaknesses is difficult.
The way to answer any question about your weaknesses is to either:
A.) describe a weakness or area for development that you have worked on
and have now overcome; or
B.) describe a characteristic that could be perceived as either a strength
or a weakness.
III) Questions
to Ask
It is important to ask a lot of questions both throughout the
interview and at the end of the interview when interviewers generally
ask if you have any questions. Therefore, you should prepare a list of
5-10 technical and 5-10 non-technical questions and memorize them before
the interview. Do not inquire about salary, vacation, bonuses, or other
benefits. This information should be discussed with your
recruiter.
Sample Questions:
· Could you tell me about the growth plans and goals for the company/
department/division?
· What needs to be accomplished in this position in the next 6-12 months?
· What skills are important to be successful in this position?
· Why did you join this company?
· What types of systems do you use throughout the company/department/division?
· Why is the position available?
· What made the previous persons in this position successful/unsuccessful?
· To where have successful people in this position advanced?
· What criteria will my supervisor use for my performance evaluation and
how frequently, and in what manner, will my supervisor and I meet?
· How do you (the supervisor) like to operate in terms of assignments,
delegation of responsibility and authority, general operating style, etc.?
· What long and short term problems and opportunities do you think my
prospective area faces?
· With whom will I be interacting most frequently and what are their responsibilities
and the nature of our interaction?
· What particular things about my background, experience and style interest
you?
· What experience, training, attributes, operating style, accomplishments
and personality factors should the "ideal" candidate for the job have?
· Is there anything in my background or experience to prevent you from
considering me as a viable candidate?
· What else can I do to get a job offer from your company?
· What is the time frame for making a decision on this position?
IV) Questions
You Should Be Prepared For
What do you know about our company?
Why do you want to work here?
Why are you looking to change positions?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What do like most and least about your current position (or supervisor)?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What are the best and worst things your boss would say about you?
Name 5 adjectives that would best describe you.
What are your concerns in your current situation and what would you improve?
How have you changed or improved the nature of your job?
Why should we hire you?
What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Why did you choose this particular vocation?
What contributions to profits have you made in your present or former
positions to justify your salary level there?
What do you think determines a person's progress in a good company?
Behavioral questions: i.e. Tell me about the time that you were most successful
in dealing with a difficult client? or Give me an example of a time when
you had to get something accomplished with someone whom is a bit more
difficult to get along with.
»
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