Interviewing Techniques

Tips on Interviewing for a Job

Interviewing

A. Prepare for the Interview:
Many people are unprepared for interviewing and therefore are more nervous than they have to be. Think of the interview as a three-step process, and plan the execution of each step. Remember that you have only a short time to convey your experience, potential, and personality. Envision the person with whom you'll be interviewing. Remember that this individual will likely be of a different generation or background. Keep in mind that person may have conservative expectations about your dress and conduct. Dress and act not as if you were with one of your peers, but as someone who may hold you to a higher standard.

Prepare for the different types of interviewers that you may encounter. Often, job applicants are interviewed first by a human resources manager, then by a department manager or direct supervisor. Sometimes two or three of these people conduct the interview together. As a job hunter, your ideal is to get to the person to whom you'd be reporting. Remember that human resources managers often function as "screeners," whose primary role is to weed people out. Some human resources people have only a general knowledge of the available position and are reluctant to describe the people with whom you'd be working most closely.

Before the Interview

1. Dress properly (to ensure that the interviewer remembers you, not your clothes).
2. Be on time.
3. Research the organization - what it does and its projects, future plans, size, and problems. Start with the company's web site and annual report.
4. Be prepared to ask questions - you're interviewing the employer, too!
5. Bring resumes and examples of past performance.
6. Practice you responses. (Role-play interviewing with a friend. Think through your answers aloud while you're driving or in front of the mirror at home. Paraphrase. To show you're a good listener, practice rephrasing in your own words)

During the Interview

1. Create a positive, initial greeting: Give a firm handshake and display a positive attitude.
2. Be truthful, but never put yourself down.
3. Speak distinctly.
4. Help the interviewer (Explain your experiences and skills. Relate your experiences and skills to the job for which you're interviewing.)
5. Don't be too serious or too humorous.
6. Listen carefully and make good eye contact.
7. Be concise.
8. Do not oversell yourself.

After the Interview (often neglected but vital steps)

1. Write down information and discussion points about the organization and the job.
2. Evaluate your interview; determine how to improve for your next one.
3. Write follow-up letter(s) or thank you notes.
4. Follow up with phone calls to determine the status of the hiring decision.

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