Interview Tips--Career Corner

Top Interview Tips, How to Interview Well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf1EmgHPVsU

  1. Research the company and job
  2. Review your resume
  3. Prepare answers to questions
  4. Prepare questions to ask
  5. How to dress
  6. How to be your best
  7. How to follow up

Interview Tips from Express Employment Professionals

General Pointers

  • Dress conservatively and professionally (consider worksite environment and culture)
  • Have a neat, well-groomed appearance
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early
  • Greet interviewer with a firm handshake
  • Maintain eye contact
  • Monitor voice volume (not too soft or too loud)
  • Be yourself

Enthusiasm is a Key Factor

Greet the interviewer: “Thank you for meeting with me. I’ve been looking forward to this discussion.”

Although you have discussed the position in detail with your staffing consultant prior to the interview, you should ask further questions about the job during the interview.

Prepare a 1-2-minute summary of your background. Practice it. After your summary say, “___told me about the position, but I would like to hear more.” This will defer the conversation to the interviewer.

Ask Questions

Here are a few questions you might ask:

  • “Could you summarize a day in this position?”
  • “Who will I be working with on a daily basis?”
  • “What traits do your successful employees have?”
  • “What are your company’s short-term goals? Long-term goals?”
  • “Why do people like working here?”

Never ask about salary, fringe benefits or time off. Let the interviewer lead into these areas of discussion.

Be Ready for the Traditional Questions

  • “What are your strengths?”
  • “What are your weaknesses?”
  • “Where do you see yourself in 3 to 5 years?
  • “What are your top two accomplishments?”
  • “Why should we hire you?”

Prepare for Difficult Interview Questions

  • “What salary level are you looking for?”

Avoid giving a dollar amount, particularly on the first interview. Instead, you might say, “_____ told me that I am within the salary guidelines. Money is important: however, the company and job are most important. Today, I am interested in discussing what kind of contribution I could make here.”

OR

  • “Salary is important, along with opportunity for advancement, challenge, stability and the people I meet.”
  • “Why are you considering a change?”

Focus on how your career has led you to this point.

  • “Why is there a gap in your employment between Company ABC and Company XYZ?”

Always be honest, but do not over explain.

  • “What kept you from completing your degree program at the University of X?”

Answer the question honestly, then relate your background and skill sets to the interviewer’s situation. Be prepared to discuss major projects and accomplishments in your past.

Find someone to rehearse this with you prior to the interview.

End the Interview Positively

Don’t just fade away. Here are some key questions to ask your interviewer:

  • “What in my background would you like to know more about?”
  • “What is the next step?”
  • “What if anything, would prevent me from moving to the next step?”

Remember, you want the interviewer to know you are interested. If there are two equal candidates, the one who asks, gets.

Follow Up

  • Ask for the interviewer’s business card.
  • Immediately send a thank you note or letter to the interviewer stressing your interest in the position and your appreciation for the opportunity to interview.

GOOD LUCK!

How Express Gets You A Job

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RWYBUQee9w

When you interview for a job with Express Employment Professionals, you get the entire Express team on your side. We work together, to help find the job that’s the right fit for you.

Types of services Express offers

  • Light Industrial
  • Skilled Trades
  • Administrative
  • Professional

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