 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Interviewer's Expectations Employers expect three main things: Appearance, Dependability, and Skills. Appearance The way you behave The way you speak Dependability Skills Job Related Skills [more info] Transferable Skills Interview Do's Be well-groomed and appropriately dressed. Greet the interviewer politely. State your name clearly and give a firm handshake. Sit forward in your chair and show you are attentive. Make eye contact with the interviewer. Speak clearly. Be alert for opportunities to stress your strengths. Talk about your potential value to the organization. Speak more about the future than the past. Be optimistic. Answer difficult questions in a positive manner. Maintain your poise and self-control. Discuss a specific job you enjoyed and were successful in. Answer questions in a straightforward manner. Indicate your flexibility and readiness to learn. Bring your resume and letters of references. Express your interest in the job. Ask when a decision will be made. Say salary is negotiable if salary requirements are raised.
Interview Don'ts Don't stress that you need the job. Don't ask about the salary, health, or other benefits. Don't take friends along on an interview. Don't discuss past experiences unrelated to the job you are seeking. Don't dwell on problems you had in past jobs. Don't be "cocky" Don't speak with a muffled voice or indistinctly. Don't hedge on answering questions. Don't use short "yes" or "no" answers. Don't stall at filling out applications or taking skills tests. Don't display feelings of inferiority. Don't make claims that you can't deliver. Don't prolong the interview when it should be over. Don't arrive late for an interview. Don't chew gum or smoke during an interview. Don't lounge in your chair. Don't use slang expressions in your conversation. Don't use negative terms such as "I wish", "I hope", or "Maybe". Don't talk too much. Don't interrupt the interviewer. Don't leave the interview without inquiring about a decision.
Some questions you should ask during a interview. If hired, would I be filling a newly created position, or would I be replacing someone? How many people have held this position in the last two years? Would you describe a typical work day and the things I'd be doing? What duties are most important in this job? Would I need any special training? How does this job contribute to the company? What are the department's goals for the year? Who are the other people I will be working with, and what do they do? Can someone in this job be promoted? If so, to what position? How will I get feedback on my job performance? Has the company had a layoff in the past two years? How long did the layoff last? Was everyone recalled? Is this department a profit-center for the company? Is this company owned by another corporation? Which company? What other companies do they own? Is the parent corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange? What major markets does this company compete in? Are sales up or down over last year? If you were to offer me this job, where could I expect to be in the next five years? How long do you think it will take until you make a decision? I want this job. I'd be willing to offer you a 30, 60, or 90 day
trial period in which to prove myself. Could I call you next week
to see whether you've made a decision? Which day is best to call?
Tips for Answering Eight Interview Questions Tell me about yourself. How does your experience relate to the job
we are offering? Why are you interested in this position and
our company? What are your major strengths? What are your major weaknesses? What are your plans for the future? What will your former employers/references
say about you? What are your salary requirements?
Other Questions Commonly Asked: Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and subordinates. Tell me about your greatest accomplishment in your last job. Tell me about your greatest frustration in your last job. Describe your most rewarding experience. How do you work under pressure? Explain! Why did you decide to seek a position with this company? What two or three things are most important to you in your job? Are you willing to travel? What major problems have you encountered and how did you deal with them? What have you learned from your mistakes?
Interview Follow-up: Interview Cheat Sheet Day and Date: Meeting with: Major Accomplishments Questions or Concerns |