Technology Professionals Area Interviewing Tips employment opportunities • resumé submission • resumé writing tips • interviewing tips |
 |
 |
|
| •
Preparing for the Interview . The object of an interview is a job offer. Until you are offered . a position, you cannot decide whether or not to accept it. • Be Informed . Find out what you can about a potential employer from your Scientific . Search personnel consultant before you go to an interview. An internet . search is an excellent place to find additional information. • Practice Makes Perfect . Spend some time before your interview reviewing possible questions . in your mind. You will be more confident of your answers. • Rest Up . Be well rested and comfortable before you go to an interview. . A good breakfast or lunch will help. Don’t have any alcoholic . beverages before your interview. • Dress for Success . For men, a dark suit, light shirt, dark tie, socks and shoes. . For women, a business suit or dark skirt, light blouse and . dark jacket, medium heels and skin tone stockings. . For everyone, be conservative. Dress for the interview, not the . job. Dress to show your potential. Remember, you only get . one chance to make a good first impression. • Be Early . Fifteen minutes is good. Be sure to get good directions or to take . a drive the night before to where your interview will take place. • Be on Your Best Behavior . The receptionist that you meet may be asked about you later. . Be courteous to everyone you meet. • Fill Out the Application . If you are offered an application, fill it out. Many companies will judge . your ability to follow directions, how well you can process handwritten . records and your willingness to cooperate by your application. . Don’t write “see resume” on the application. . Be honest. If there is something that needs talking about, such as your . reasons for leaving a position, write in “will discuss.” . Salary requirements should be “open for negotiation,” allowing you . to be flexible for the right position. • Bring a Resumé . Take at least one copy of your resumé with you, two or three may be better. . Keep them in your breast pocket or purse. Don’t carry a briefcase unless a . portfolio of your work is necessary. Give a copy of your resumé to each person . you interview with as you meet them. • First Impressions Count . When you meet each interviewer, stand up, smile and greet them . with a friendly handshake. • Know Who You are Talking To . Be sure to get the names of each person that you meet. Getting a business card . is a great way to get the spelling right and can help you if you want to follow . up with a thank you note. • Answer Questions Directly . Go right to the point. Don’t elaborate. When asked a question which seems to . require a complex answer, try asking back, “What would you like to know?” • Stick to Business . Don’t wander away from the subject. Avoid controversy. • Ask Some Good Questions . But ask them carefully. Find out more about the company you might be . going to work for. Don’t ask when your first raise will be, what vacation . and benefit policies are, or when you will be promoted. An interested . interviewer will make these things clear for you. Otherwise, the time . to discuss salary and benefits is when the job is offered. • Watch Your Interview Manners . Don’t smoke or chew gum. Sit at the edge of your chair and keep . good eye contact with your interviewer. • Show Confidence . When the interviewer tells what needs to be done in this position, relate . your experience to their needs. Let them know that you can do this job. • If You Are Asked About Salary . Keep an open attitude. Let them know what you have been earning, but be . sure to show them that the salary which you will accept depends on the . quality and prospects for the position. • Show Interest . We all like people who like us. Interviewers are not mind readers. A firm . expression of interest goes a long way towards getting you that offer. . A simple “Thank you for your time, I am interested in being considered . for the position” is excellent. • If You Are Offered the Position . If you were offered the position and you want it, accept it. If you are not . sure, let the interviewer know that you would like a day to think about it. . Make a date and call them back. • Call Us Right Away . We are experts in follow up and negotiation. We can help you get the offer you . want. As an interested third party we can either negotiate for you or say “no” . nicely. We can do so much, but only if you call us. • Follow Up . Send a note repeating your interest in the position, showing your confidence . in your ability to handle the position and thanking the interviewer for meeting . with you. Telephone several days after the interview, repeat your interest in the . position and show confidence in your ability to handle the position. |
