INTERVIEWING
THE OBJECTIVE IS TO GET AN OFFER: Why?
In the process, you learn everything necessary to make an intelligent decision
You cannot reject or accept an offer you do not have
Firm handshake given always standing
Non-verbal communication: Body language, eye contact, proper seating
Neatly and thoroughly fill out the application, write “open” under salary, and make sure the information is verifiable
From the beginning, anything you do is part of the interview. Be aware of the information part (interaction w/receptionist or HR)
To break the ice, take note of personal effects around the office like pictures or trophies, compliment or relate to yourself
The interview is an equal exchange of information. On both sides, make sure you don’t do all the talking or vice-versa
Every interview is a brand new interview and must be conducted independently of the others. Expect to repeat yourself.
Offensive vs. Defensive Interviewing: Volunteer information, don’t just answer questions. Be sure to project your strengths, personal attributes, goals, etc. and apply to each interview. Be sure applicant has all the information he/she will need for a successful interview.
Answer questions fully, more than just “yes” or “no” answers. This illustrates logical thought, intelligent and organization.
Acknowledge: “Yes, I have…” or “No, but…”. Make sure you understand what is being asked and think about the answer.
Back up with facts. Take the offensive, the more detail you give, the less likely that you will be quizzed, and the more prepared you will sound.
State your area of responsibility, name of the project, steps taken to make it happen, tools used and a brief description of the project. The client is more interested in your part involved with the project, not the team.
Sell yourself. Have an offensive vs. defensive interview. Put yourself in the interviewer’s position. What would you like to hear?
If you haven’t done something, or don’t have the experience, be sure to answer truthfully, but back up with a positive and proactive statement: “I’m not familiar with that, although…”. Relate relevant experience and depth of knowledge. Make the client understand that you have a technical basis. Show willingness and ability to learn something new.
If asked for a salary figure, do not state an exact amount you feel is appropriate for the job. Let the recruiter handle that for you. You may answer that you are currently making $ amount and that you know they will make you a fair offer.
Rehearse your answers to potential questions: strengths, weaknesses, goals, why you are looking, why you want this opportunity.
If asked a negative question, always respond with what you would have preferred or liked (not disliked).
ASKING QUESTIONS
When an applicant asks good questions, it shows they could be a good analyst, have good presentation skills, and are concerned with their role within the opportunity. Ask questions requiring more than just a “yes” or “no”. Get as much detail as possible. Prepare your questions before you interview:
- “If I perform, what could the opportunity be for me long term?”
- “How can I be most beneficial with my background?”
- “How would I fit into your organization?”
- “Could you describe a typical work week for me?”
Only ask questions relating to the opportunity. Let the account manager cover the details about compensation and benefits. Ask questions with “you” being involved, and ask positive questions.
Extend the interview. Express your interest in learning more about the company and it’s employees.
Be direct. Ask what the next step is, and when you expect to hear something.
COVERING CONCERNS
When the interview winds down, ask if the interviewer feels comfortable with your background and address any obvious concerns.
If you are interested and the interviewer has concerns, ask “I understand you might be looking for someone with more ___ experience. Do you think I will be able to be successful here without that experience or will I have time to learn it?”
If there are no obvious problems, you should state your interest in the opportunity, and let them know you would like to address their concerns, if they have any.
OTHER POINTERS
- Show same attention and interest to each person in a series of interviews
- In a team interview, always engage each person in the group and beware of the quiet person. Be sure to make eye contact with each person as you speak with them.
- Repeat ways of handling weaknesses.
- If the client dominates the interview, have the applicant “interrupt” the conversation with a relative statement.
- Assure the applicant that this is a good opportunity and why.
- Ask the applicant if anything in their situation has changed since the initial interview.
- Could the applicant get a raise or promotion between now and the time of a possible offer?
