SOME BASIC INTERVIEW TIPS

Objectives of the Interview

What are the two important objectives of an Interview? 

First and most important- get the job offer. 

Second - get enough information in order to evaluate the offer. 

The whole process of interviewing should be geared to achieving those two objectives.

Positive Attitude

In order to reach your objectives the most important thing you need is the positive attitude. Attitude in this case is whether you look at things from the positive side or the negative side. For example, when they ask you why you are looking for a new position do you take the positive approach in terms of "I am trying to move towards something" or do you take the negative approach with "I'm trying to get away from these things in my current job". This is how they can see whether you're coming with a positive attitude or with a negative attitude.

Another aspect of attitude is your personal approach to the interview, for example you can go into the interview with the attitude that "Let me find out what's in it for me", or you can go to the interview with the attitude of "Let me find out what the organization needs for this position and then I am going to show them how I can help them". Have a look at your first objective. It was to get the interviewers to like and want to hire you. In that case which of those two approaches do you think is going to work best? Obviously if you have the attitude of "Let me show you how I can help you", that's going to be the attitude that's going to make a positive impression on the interviewers.

First Three Minutes Impressions

Basically you've got three minutes to make your first impression. That first impression is either going to be positive or negative. What you have to try to do is make sure the first impression is positive. It is very difficult to change a first impression so that if their first impression is negative you're going to have a tough time through the course of the interview trying to convince them that you really are the right person for the position. How do you make a good first impression? First there is the way that you are dressed. Obviously you want to have the most appropriate business attire for the situation. 

 The second part of first impressions is the confidence that you project. For example, things like making good eye contact, a good firm hand shake, smiling. When you meet someone if you smile and project your confidence they will feel comfortable with you. These are the non-verbal clues that people will pick up. They have to like you or they will not hire you. 

Closing:

To end the interview on a positive note, thank the interviewer for his/her time. Then ask if they have any more questions or concerns and respond to them if they come up. You may also try this; "Do you see any reason why I would not be considered for this position?" This gives you a chance to correct any misconceptions they may have had and allows you to resell yourself. To complete the interview, you should then say, By the way, what are the next steps in your hiring process.

 Some Interviewing Questions To Be Ready For:

Here is a list of some frequently asked interview questions. Always attempt to answer these questions with an on-the-job example or experience to support it. Make sure that you are as prepared as you can be because you have to assume your competition is. In preparation for the interview, try to answer these questions yourself. 

1. Tell me about yourself. How would you describe yourself?

2. Why have you decided to change jobs? 

3. What motivates you?

4. Describe your ideal job.

5. Describe your ideal manager/supervisor.

6. What are your short, medium and long-term goals?

7. How do you react to criticism?

8. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

9. Why should I hire you?

10. How could you contribute to our organization?

11. What do you know about our organization?

12. Why are you interested in working for our organization?

13. Are you willing to relocate?

14. What salary/rate are you looking for?

15. What do you know about the position you are applying for?

16. What do you know about our industry?

17. What are you proudest of in terms of your accomplishments at your present position or former position?

18. What do you think will be the toughest aspects of the job if you were to accept the position? What will be the most enjoyable aspects? The least enjoyable?

19. What do you think your greatest contribution will be or what aspects of the job or the company do you think you would be able to make your greatest contribution to?

20. If you are selected for this position, how would you deal with the situation of individuals in the company who were competitors for the job for which you are being interviewed and who may feel that they are better qualified? (Some of them may be your subordinates.)

 Some of the Questions you should Ask:

1. To whom would I report?

2. What is the most important (crucial) part of this job?

3. What is your management style?

4. Could you describe your perception of an ideal candidate for this position?

5. What are some of your company's foremost aims and goals?

6. What are the short/long term goals for this department and how do they relate to the company as a whole?

7. Where does this company see itself five years from now?

8. How would my performance be assessed?

9. Please describe the organization of the company.

10. When could I start?

 Some Extra Tips

1. Stand up quickly when greeted by the person you are going to interview with. Stay standing until invited to sit down.

2. Firmly shake the hand of the person you are going to interview with and quickly, stand directly in front of the interviewer it shows confidence.

3. Be nice to the receptionist the person interviewing you will usually ask for their opinion of you.

4. Eye contact is essential it makes you more believable.

5. Never say anything negative about yourself or your current/previous managers if asked to describe something negative, look back on your career and do a U-turn to something more positive now.

6. Learn as much as you can about the person and the company you are interviewing with.

7. Write/fax/E-mail a Thank You note, the same day as your interview.

Some of the Reasons Why People Don't Get Hired

1. Poor personal appearance.

2. Lack of interest and enthusiasm: passive, indecisive and indifferent.

3. Over emphasis on money: interested only in best dollar offer.

4. Condemnation of past employers.

5. Failure to look at the interviewer when speaking.

6. Limp, fishy handshake.

7. Late for interview.

8. Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time.

9. Asks no or poor questions about job.

10. Vague, indefinite response to questions.