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Interview Preparation Tips

GOAL
Before you go to the meeting, set the goal or objective you wish to achieve. Your goal for any initial interview should be to have the company/hiring authority invite you back for a second meeting or extend you an offer. Unless you have either of these, the decision won't be yours. The decision to hire someone isn't made until the very last interview. However, the decision to not hire someone is made during the first interview and, therefore, is most critical.

REVIEW YOUR BACKGROUND
Take time to review everything you've done in your career. (i.e. education, specific job responsibilities, etc.) Prepare a short presentation of what you've done in each of your positions (direct, descriptive, and to the point). You would be surprised how few people can tell you what they do. Think about your background and how it relates to the position. What things might the employer be interested in? Make a list of accomplishments, anything you've done that was of a positive nature. i.e. awards, recognized accomplishments, etc. Review these and use them as selling points throughout the interview. Take along an updated resume, list of references, letters of recommendation, copies of awards, rankings, etc. Put it in a clear binder to present to the hiring authority.

ASK GOOD QUESTIONS
Asking good, tough questions will show the employer you are prepared, you know his/her marketplace, and you are enthusiastic about the opportunity. More importantly, it provides you with the necessary information on which to base your decision. You will be judged by the questions you ask. Type out on a piece of paper, the 20 most important questions you wish to have answered, and take them into the meeting with you. Use this same format with everyone you interview with, as you go through the whole process. ANSWERING QUESTIONS Answer each question in terms of your background and qualifications. Be direct and to the point. The more you have to talk, the less effective it is.

CLOSE DIRECTLY AT THE END OF THE MEETING
If you are interested, you need to get closure, as best you can, on where you both stand as to your candidacy. Are they favorably impressed? Are there other candidates to see? Other people you should meet? What would constitute a logical next step? Try to arrange for some further contact, e.g., the next interview, a visit to the work scene, a day spent in the field - whatever you can invent. Address the next steps of the hiring process and ask for the employers commitment to proceed.

MULTIPLE INTERVIEWS
Treat each individual, regardless of title or responsibility, as though they had the sole responsibility for making the decision. Close each one directly for the position.

SALARY
Don't bring it up unless asked. State what you are currently earning and that you would expect any offer that would provide a fair and reasonable increase over that. Do not have extensive conversations around compensation until you are certain you have a strong interest in accepting an offer.

FOLLOW UP
Send out a follow-up e-mail and letter immediately after the interview and plan to follow that up with a phone call.

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