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 personnel consultant before
you go to an interview. Your library reference
section 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 Resume
Take at least one copy of your resume 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 resume 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
you 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 are 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 to 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.
We Want to Help
We know that only interviews get jobs. We also know that effective interviewing is a skill you can learn. Make the most of each opportunity. By working closely with us you can gain the maximum result from each interview.
Copy provided by 
National Association of Personnel Services
