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F-O-R-T-U-N-E PERSONNEL CONSULTANTS of BEL AIR, INC. (FPC) The Effective Interview This brochure is presented by F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants of Bel Air, Inc. to provide helpful tips for successful career interviewing. A successful interview is dependent upon many factors. Among these are preparation, presentation and follow-up. In much the same way as you might prepare for an exam, preparation for your interview will enable you to both address questions in the event they are asked and to participate actively and positively in the interview process. Showing insight and understanding, demonstrating how you fit in with the organization, and following through after the interview will also increase your chances of securing an offer of employment. PREPARATION Your Personal Inventory Anticipate what you are likely to be asked, and prepare your answers. Obviously, your strengths and special skills are attributes which you want to convey to your interviewer. Being able to specifically detail your accomplishments is very important. It would be useful to make a list of your personal strengths and abilities. Knowing what is on the list will arm you for the type of questions you are likely to be asked. Familiarize yourself with the list, but do not prepare to make a memorized presentation. Identify your goals and be ready to demonstrate how the prospective organization relates to them. Remember that your interviewer may probe about long-term commitment, so if you know where you want to be 5 or 10 years from now you will be able to answer more confidently. It is also important to be able to explain how you can make an immediate, positive impact with your new employer. In this fast-paced marketplace of the a new millennium, companies are often focused on short-term results, enabling the organization to succeed in the long-term. In anticipation of questions about any weaknesses, be prepared to explain how you might convert these to strengths in a different setting. Researching the Company Find out as much as you can about the prospective employer. Your F-O-R-T-U-N-E Consultant will help you understand the organization, its products and/or services, its clientele and its competition. If time permits, obtain a copy of the company's most recent annual report. Also consult reference books such as Dunn & Bradstreet, Moody's Manuals, and Standard and Poor's Records. Trade and industry publications may also be helpful in giving the extra margin of information which shows your interviewer that you took the initiative. Accessing the internet should provide you with valuable information about the company and their competitors. You can increase your comfort level and confidence on the interview by increasing your industry knowledge. Your consultant can assist you with site addresses. Dressing for the Interview Your appearance will provide your interviewer with a first impression, even before you shake hands. Accordingly, dress, haircut, manicure and personal hygiene are essential in landing a position. Men should always wear a conservative business suit, preferably dark blue or gray. A white or soft pastel shirt complimented by a tie is appropriate. Shoes should be well shined. Always carry a briefcase. For women, suits and blouses are proper, as are tailored conservative dresses. Again, a briefcase is desirable. Some caution in dress. Men: avoid sports jackets, jeans, summer attire and no open collars. Loud plaids and stripes are out. Women: no jeans (designer or otherwise). Don't carry a large shoulder bag. The Countdown for the Interview Up to this point, we've stressed preparation of an inventory nature; knowing yourself better, knowledge of the company, and planning and dressing for the interview. Now, a few logistical steps that can make the interview easier... A day or two before the interview, call your F-O-R-T-U-N-E Consultant to confirm the time of your appointment, and get the spelling and pronunciation of the name of your interviewer. Get directions to the location, especially if it is in an area you do not know. On the day of your interview, plan to arrive a few minutes early. Punctuality makes a good impression, so allow extra time for traffic delays. If for some reason you find you will be late, call your F-O-R-T-U-N-E Consultant to let him or her know you will not be on time. Your consideration will be appreciated. When you arrive, it may be necessary to complete an application, whether or not you have submitted a resume. On any question of salary requirements in the application, it is desirable to state that this should be an item to be discussed at a future date. PRESENTATION - THE INTERVIEW First Impressions Count It is here that all of your advance preparation will pay off. Your appearance, handshake, eye contact, confidence and ability to both answer and ask questions will set the tone for a successful interview. When you meet your interviewer, smile and greet him or her with a firm handshake. It is at this moment your evaluation has begun. An air of self confidence will help convince the interviewer that you can handle the stress of a first meeting. Be observant, and quickly try to establish good rapport. Be Responsive Remember, your interview time may be short, so you must get your point across quickly and concisely. Be factual and sincere when stressing your achievements. While each interview is different, there are some questions which are almost certain to be asked. Your potential employer may want to know more about your education and previous work history, why you are considering a change, how you would carry out the duties of the position, and how willing you would be to relocate. Listen Carefully When asked a question you don't understand, seek clarification and respond accordingly. The skills in your personal inventory -the responses which you prepared before the interview - will allow you to answer with confidence and sincerity. Be Positive Interviewers are likely to ask pointed or potentially negative questions such as why you left your prior companies. Answer honestly, but in doing so try to respond positively. For example, if asked why you had changed jobs three times in five years, you might explain that each position offered a higher degree of challenge and fulfillment, and cite the accomplishments in each of the positions. Be Professional You should not be critical of your current or previous employers. To do otherwise suggests disloyalty. It also means that your entire demeanor must be positive. It is possible to be assertive and yet tactful. Preparing Your Own Questions What To Ask and What Not To Ask Asking questions about the company is an excellent interview technique. Such questions as What will be important for me to accomplish? and Why is the position open? not only show the interviewer you are interested, they give you information to help you proceed with the interview. You should also make inquiries about the company's current status and future growth plans. Do not ask questions about salary, benefits, vacations and the like. However, if asked about salary requirements, state your current earnings and say that you are open to a reasonable increase. Closing the Interview Before you close the interview, you should... * Express your understanding of the position which was discussed. * Enthusiastically indicate to the interviewer your interest in the position and ask what the next step is. If you are uncertain, remember there will probably be additional interviews that will give you the opportunity to form a judgment about the company and your prospects with it. Close the interview just as it began - with a smile and a handshake. Remember to thank the interviewer for the time and consideration which you have been given. FOLLOW - UP Immediately after the interview, call your F-O-R-T-U-N-E Consultant. It is important that the F-O-R-T-U-N-E Consultant have your imput on the interview. He or she can more effectively represent you when following up with the company. At this time, the Consultant may suggest a phone call or short note to the company expressing your interest and restating your attributes for the job. Given the immediacy often accompanying the hiring process in today's marketplace, an e-mail thank you to the company is quite acceptable. You can then follow up with a more formalized mailed note as a further contact. If you anticipate an offer, your F-O-R-T-U-N-E Consultant will help you carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages. In fact, your Consultant will be of help throughout the process to secure a position and compensation package that's right for you. |
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