A step-by-step guide to acing the job interview.
by Harold Meyer , Susan Meyer
More often than not, the job doesn't go to the person who does the job best, but to the person who does the best job interview. Here, a step-by-step guide for before, during and after the interview process that will have you opening new doors and walking right on through!
1. Know where you're going.
2. Dress for success.
3. Research the company.
4. Set goals for the interview. It is your job to leave the meeting feeling secure that the interviewer knows as much as he or she possibly can about your skills, abilities, experience and achievements - and how they translate into benefits for the hiring organization.
5. Prepare for potential problems. If you can foresee problems stemming from your past experience, training, etc.-or lack of-prepare for questions that bring up these issues.
6. Expect to answer commonly asked questions.
7. Role play.
8. Be on time. Arrive early so you have time to collect yourself, even if you wait in the building lobby, your car or a nearby coffee shop.
9. Think positive. Enter into a state of relaxed concentration. Quiet the negative self chatter in your head through positive self-talk, meditation or visualization prior to sitting down in the meeting. Remember that this is a job interview, not the most critical event in your life. You can always get something out of the interview experience, even if it's not the job. Treat every interview as important. At the very least it's practice for the next interview.
10. Interview with the right attitude. Act spontaneous, but be well prepared. Be your authentic self, professional yet real. Project confidence - not bravado. Show interest and enthusiasm, even if you're not sure the job is right for you. Whether or not the position is managerial, you'll want to project the ability to lead others and work independently. Maintain a positive attitude, demonstrate communication skills, and that you can fit in with co-workers as a valued member of the team.
11. Tell the truth. It's okay to focus on your accomplishments and talents; it's okay to minimize past difficulties and stress certain aspects of what you've done at other jobs. But if you lie about ability or experience, it will catch up with you (besides being a reason for dismissal). If you haven't done something the job requires, but believe you can, say why. Be creative - if someone asks if you know how to do 'X,' you can say, "I'm a quick learner, and I have experience doing 'Y' and 'Z,' which are similar."(Avoid using the word 'No' in an interview.)
When asked about current or past salary, you can quote your 'total package,' which would combine salary, bonuses and special benefits.
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.