The ADD Job Interview
12. Focus on the primary goals of the interview. Find out more about the job, and sell yourself as the best candidate for it.
13. Listen. Hear what the interviewer says, rather than just concentrating on what you want to say next. Try to read the interviewer's body language and facial expressions. Ask for clarification if needed. Remember that you are a partner in the interview process, not a supplicant.
14. Don't oversell yourself or talk too much. Be social, but stay focused on the primary goals of the interview. Catch and follow up on subtle clues and use them to your advantage, "I understand how difficult it can be to come in as an outsider yet win the trust and cooperation of a team. I've been in a similar position when...".
15. Consider the interviewer's agenda. Your ability to do the job will require you to be justified. Find ways to demonstrate your qualities above and beyond just doing the job.
16. Watch for nonverbal clues. Make and keep eye contact. Walk and sit with a confident air. Lean toward an interviewer to show interest and enthusiasm and speak with a well-modulated voice.
17. Be smart about money questions. Ask what salary range the job falls in. Attempt to postpone a money discussion until you have a better understanding of the scope of responsibilities of the job.
18. Don't air dirty laundry. Be careful not to bare your soul and tell tales that are inappropriate. State your previous experience in the most positive terms.
19. Ask questions. Prepare some basic questions in advance, then add others during the interview. You have the right - and obligation - to know as much as possible about the company, department, job, your manager and co-workers. You should know why the position is now available, and if it's because someone left the company. If the position isn't a new one, it's okay to ask why the last person left, and also why the company elected not to promote from within. If it is a new position, ask why it was created and how it will fit into the existing structure. It's okay to take brief notes.
20. Know the question behind the question. Ultimately, every question boils down to, "Why should we hire you?" Be sure you answer that completely. If asked a question that would impact negatively on you, do what the politicians do and answer it with a point you want to get across, rather than responding precisely to the specific question.
21. Stay positive. Whether it's knocking a past employer, former co-workers or your responsibilities (or lack of), DON'T. There are ways to say what you need to by focusing on positive aspects and avoiding being overtly negative.You don't want the interviewer to wonder how you'll lambaste her company at a future interview. Again, role play in advance so you're comfortable with your replies.
22. Demonstrate your unique qualifications. You want to convey that not only are you qualified for the job, but that you are the best candidate. Rather than a direct response, "I have 5 years of experience in'X'," show how your background would benefit the company, "I can apply what I've learned from my 5 years of experience in 'X,' and my knowledge of 'Y' to..." or "When I was with ABC Company, I used my familiarity with 'X' to boost profit margins by 28%."
23. Prepare, and use, a closing statement. This short 'recap' should combine thanking the interviewer and summarizing why you are the most qualified candidate for the position, why you want to work for the company and why they would benefit most by hiring you. This exit speech is your last chance to say what you want and leave a good impression.
24. Know the next step. Clarify what the next step is as far as your candidacy.
25. Follow up with an effective "thank you" letter. This is another opportunity to market yourself. Find some areas discussed in the meeting and expand upon them in your letter.
(c) 2000-2003. The ADD Resource Center. Reprinted with permission. New York City, 646-205-8080.
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