Preparation
for the Interview
Don
Schmitz/Human Resource Staffing
So,
you have the big interview, now is your time to shine. Don't
forget, this is also a chance for the company to get to know
you.
Getting
Ready
•
Know who you will be interviewing
with. Check them out on Linked-IN.
•
Study the web-site and press releases
for information about the company. Be sure to know the history,
vision and mission of the company and be prepared to tie this
information into your responses.
•
If you are unfamiliar with the
geographic area, try driving to the site ahead at the exact
time when you will be driving to get used to the time and
location.
•
Know the skills required. Review
your resume and match the skills required for the position.
Highlight those skills on your resume and be ready to give
examples of how you could apply them to this position.
•
Be prepared to overcome weaknesses;
practice ahead of time
•
Dress professionally; dress for
the position you want, dressing professionally shows that
you can be considered for moving up the corporate ladder
The
Interview
•
Get to the location early. Be
sure you have the correct address and phone to contact if
you are stuck in traffic.
•
When you arrive, use the restroom
and take a moment to review your appearance and be conscious
of your posture.
•
In an interview, it's not so much
what you say as ‘how' you state it. Be happy, positive and
smile when answering a question. Smile, before you respond
and end with a smile,
•
Listen carefully to each question
and be sure the question is completed before responding. Gather
your thoughts and respond directly to the person or persons
asking the question. Stick to answering the questions in the
most concise way possible but be prepared to show examples
of your successes and achievements. These examples could be
from work, volunteering, or school experiences.
•
Stick to positives; if asked about
negatives at any time, find a way of turning them into positives.
Highlight any accomplishments at previous employers.
•
Do not say anything negative about
your former employers or yourself.
•
Don't try to be funny; it's better
to error on the side of sincerity.
•
Develop a list of a minimum of
three to five questions to ask if presented with the opportunity.
•
Share only information related
to the position. Never discuss anything personal.
•
Ask for their business card
After
the Interview
•
Spend some time reflecting on
what went well and what went wrong; practice makes perfect,
learn from your mistakes.
•
Send a thank you note by snail-mail;
mail this within 24 hours of the interview. In fact bring
the card with you and mail it on the way home.
•
Follow-up if it's appropriate.
•
Start your planning for your next
interview. Never stop looking. You are talented and you must
continue to believe in yourself and your skills.
Back to the library
Reproduction
of this article cannot be accomplished without the expressed
consent of Human Resource Staffing. Don Schmitz is a popular
speaker and writer on all aspects of HR and CEO of Human Resource
Staffing. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration
and Human Development.
Contact Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
952 854 6040
