Interviewing Tips
  • Do background research on the company with which you have an interview well before the event. It will help you refine your interview questions to demonstrate how serious you are about the job.
  • Understand the corporate culture of the potential company with which you are seeking a job and dress conservatively, professionally, and appropriately.
  • Have a professional resume done that highlights your strengths and shows how you accomplished what you are claiming to have done. Tailor make one if you have to for the special job you really want. Have your resume match all of the qualifications the potential employer needs or is seeking. Always have an extra one available that you can present at the beginning of the interview.
  • Prepare for your interview. Interviewing requires certain skills that need to be developed and perfected for the smooth performance you will give at the interview. You can be the ideal person for the job, but not be able to prove it if you are not skilled at projecting your strengths.
  • Interviewing should be considered a two-way street. Ask pertinent questions about the company and how the job you are seeking fits into its corporate structure and overall strategic plan.
  • Do not seem over anxious or nervous. This is where preparing for your interview will pay off.
  • Let your real personality shine through. Be genuine. The interviewer will pick up on this and remember you fondly.
  • Have prepared stories of how you overcame obstacles, motivated employees, brought projects in and on time, and/or were instrumental in saving the company money. Do not be afraid of telling humorous stories that highlight how you handled any unusual circumstances or shows what you say your strengths are.
  • Show the interviewer why you are better than all the other candidates by understanding the issues facing the company. Explain how you would develop the position if you were hired. Remember: the interviewer needs to ferret out the real performers from the pretenders for the position. This is where doing your homework will make you stand-out from the competition.
  • Do not talk just to hear yourself or because you are nervous. Answer the question you are asked, and then ask if the interviewer would like for you to elaborate. Listen--really listen--to what the interviewer is asking you. Respond accordingly and thoughtfully. As a human resource professional, I can tell which statements are being given to me simply because a candidate read what the appropriate response should be. I can get around these responses, so be prepared to talk skillfully about your strengths and weaknesses. This is where having a career counselor can help you. She will be able to show you how to present yourself to your best advantage. Having an independent third party objectively identify your strengths and weakness and help you project them in the best light is a real advantage.
  • Always follow-up the interview by sending a handwritten thank you card or email.