Interviewing is an art and good preparation and practice are essential for the serious candidate. Unfortunately, many hiring decisions are based too much on first impressions vs. the candidate’s background, experience, proven success and fit with the organization. So, making sure that first interview goes well is critical and deserves your serious attention. If it doesn’t, chances are there will not be a next interview despite your qualifications.
Your first interview, whether over the telephone or in-person, is designed to screen out unqualified or marginal candidates. So it’s critical that you distinguish yourself from the others during this interview. Here are a few tips based on our experience:
To prepare for the interview .......
1. Study and know your own resume and make sure you can fully discuss anything on it including why you left each position, any gaps or inconsistencies in your work history, reasons for changing industries, taking a lateral position, educational decisions, etc.
2. Plan for the appropriate type of interview. If the interview is over the phone, arrange for the proper environment, i.e. quiet, without distractions (kids, dogs, other phones, etc.). If it’s in person, make sure you have plenty of time to get to the interview, get directions if necessary and plan on sufficient time for the interview itself.
3. Know the company. Do your research and be prepared as if the hiring manager was going to ask “tell me what you know about my company”. Also, if possible, try to find out something about the hiring manager including experience in the industry, other companies they have worked for and positions held, organizations they are a member of, educational background, personal interests, etc. Many times, executive bios can be found on the company website or obtained through the PR department.
4. Anticipate questions that are designed to uncover and demonstrate skills, competencies and practice the answers using real situations. Review the job description and put yourself in the position of the interviewer. What type of questions who you ask? Remember, the hiring manager is looking for someone that can solve a problem, so make sure you can demonstrate an understanding of that problem by relating examples of similar problems you have solved in other positions. Also, focus on what you did by using “I” in those examples instead of “we”.
5. Prepare questions to ask the hiring manager. Write down a list of both tactical and strategic questions and take it with you to the interview. Remember, you can effectively communicate skills, industry knowledge and interest in the position by asking the right questions. (see list of potential questions which follows)
6. For the telephone interview. Normally, initially interviews are conducted via phone and unfortunately, many candidates tend to take this very important first contact too lightly. Wherever you plan on taking this call, make sure you’ve created a quiet environment, free from distractions and possible interruptions. Makes notes and have any other materials out and ready for easy access if needed. And, stand-up while conducting the interview. You’ll find that your energy level is better and thought process flows easier.
7. Plan to wear conservative business attire unless otherwise directed by the hiring manager.
8. Bring several copies of your resume even though the hiring manager already has a copy.
In the Interview ........
1. Be honest, accurate and articulate but don’t volunteer too much information. Just answer the questions directly and succinctly. If the hiring manager needs more information or clarifications, they will ask. Talking too much or going-off on tangents must be avoided.
2. Watch body language and make sure you answer questions while making direct eye contact with the hiring manager.
3. Make sure you have the opportunity to ask your questions. Have 4 or 5 questions ready for the hiring manager.
4. Close the hiring manager and get to the next level. As the conversation winds down, you will most likely be asked if you have any other questions. In my opinion (provided you are interested in the opportunity) you should ask a question like:
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“Thank you for your time. I am very interested in this opportunity. Based upon our conversations to this point, is there anything to make you think that I would not be successful in this position?”
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“Are there any areas that we’ve discussed that are unclear or that I may not have adequately addressed”.
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“Based on our conversation, did you hear anything that concerns you about my ability to be a contributing member of your Team”.
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At this point, do not say another word. You’ve just asked to take the next step and are looking for objections or a buy-in. Listen carefully and respond appropriately...this is your best opportunity to make sure that the interviewer did not misinterpret anything that was discussed.
After The Interview......
1. Follow-up with a professional thank you letter or email. This should not only thank the hiring manager for their time, it should re-sell your qualifications and reinforce your interest.
2. Call your recruiter with feedback. This debriefing sessions will be valuable in terms of preparing for the next interview and preparing your recruiter for the follow-up with the hiring manager.
Selected examples of questions for the hiring manager:
- Tell me about the person who held this position previously and why it is now open.
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Profile your “successful” recent hires; what distinguishes them from those needing to improve?
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What are the greatest challenge/most significant things you will be looking for me to accomplish, and in what time frame?
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Of all my responsibilities or performance objectives, which one is the most critical ?
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How will my performance be measured? Explain how my work impacts the company’s profitability.
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What characteristics are unique to your company ? In what areas does your company excel or have limitations ?
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Based upon the new technologies that alter the way we do business, how has your company adapted ?
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Who will be responsible for assimilating me into the company?
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Describe the individual I will report to; what chemistry needs to exist to create a successful working environment?
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How would you describe the management style of this organization?
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What is the average length of time a client remains with you?
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What is your typical selling cycle ?
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Discuss your growth aspirations over the next 5 to 10 years.
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Tell me about your competitors and how you market against them.
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How do you prevent your product/service from bring viewed as a commodity ?
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How is value-added created?What other products/services are on the horizon ?
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What are the "wows!" of this job? What are the worst parts? And what will you do to maximize the former and minimize the latter ?
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What are the biggest problems facing this department in the next six months and one year ?
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What key competencies have you identified that I will need to develop in the next six months to be successful ?
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What makes this company a great place to work ? What outside evidence (rankings or awards) do you have to prove this is a great place to work ? What is the company going to do in the next year to make it better ?
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