10 Final interview questions answers
I have posted how to apply in Convergys Cebu and I am getting emails asking me how much the salary is, how much the bond is, and what ar...
http://callcenterinterviewquestions123.blogspot.com/2018/03/10-final-interview-questions-answers.html
I have posted how to apply in Convergys Cebu and I am getting emails asking me how much the salary is, how much the bond is, and what are the exact processes. Unfortunately, I am not an HR rep or an authorized company representative to disclose such information. What I can provide is general information, not the specifics.
1. Conduct research on the employer, hiring manager, and job opportunity
Success in a job interview starts with a solid foundation of knowledge on the jobseeker’s part. You should understand the employer, the requirements of the job, and the background of the person (or people) interviewing you. The more research you conduct, the more you’ll understand the employer, and the better you’ll be able to answer interview questions. Scour the organization’s website and other published materials, search engines, research tools, and ask questions about the company in your network of contacts. Learn more about job search job interview researching here.
2. Review common interview questions and prepare your responses
Another key to interview success is preparing responses to expected interview questions. First, ask the hiring manager as to the type of interview to expect. Will it be one-on-one or in a group? Will it be with one person, or will you meet several members of the organization? Your goal is to try to determine what you’ll be asked and to compose detailed yet concise responses that focus on specific examples and accomplishments. A good tool for remembering your responses is to put them into a story form that you can tell in the interview. No need to memorize responses (in fact, it’s best not to), but do develop talking points. There are excellent tools available to help you with interview questions and responses. Also, consider using the STAR Interviewing Technique.
3. Dress for Success
Plan out a wardrobe that fits the organization and its culture, striving for the most professional appearance you can accomplish. Remember that it’s always better to be overdressed than under” and to wear clothing that fits and is clean and pressed. Keep accessories and jewelry to a minimum. Try not to smoke or eat right before the interview” and if possible, brush your teeth or use mouthwash.
4. Arrive on Time, Relaxed and Prepared for the Interview
There is no excuse ever for arriving late to an interview. Short of a disaster, strive to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled interview to complete additional paperwork and allow yourself time to get settled. Arriving a bit early is also a chance to observe the dynamics of the workplace.
The day before the interview, pack up extra copies of your resume or CV and reference list. If you have a portfolio or samples of your work, bring those along too. Finally, remember to pack several pens and a pad of paper to jot notes. Finally, as you get to the offices, shut off your cell phone. (And if you were chewing gum, get rid of it.)
5. Take evidence of your achievements
Any sales person who’s interviewed will wax lyrical about their career achievements. But not everyone will take evidence of this to the interview. Although you’ll want to be careful not to take any information along that is confidential to your existing or previous employers (as this implies carelessness), you could take along sales league tables, references or payslips if they’re appropriate.
6. Focus more on what you can do for the company, rather than what they can do for you
At the beginning of the job interview process, someone has to assume the role of the seller, and someone has to be the buyer.
You’re the seller at this early stage of the process.
As the interview progresses you will eventually be asked: Do you have any questions for us?
It’s a bad idea to say, no, I can’t think of anything. It’s also a bad idea to have a grocery list of interview questions a mile long.
7. Make Good First Impressions
A cardinal rule of interviewing is to be polite and offer warm greetings to everyone you meet” from the parking attendant to the receptionist to the hiring manager. Employers often are curious how job applicants treat staff members” and your job offer could easily be derailed if you’re rude or arrogant to any of the staff. When it’s time for the interview, keep in mind that first impressions” the impression interviewers get in the first few seconds of meeting you” can make or break an interview. Make a strong first impression by dressing well, arriving early, and when greeting your interviewer, stand, smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm“ but not bone-crushing“ handshake. Remember that having a positive attitude and expressing enthusiasm for the job and employer are vital in the initial stages of the interview; studies show that hiring managers make critical decisions about job applicants in the first 20 minutes of the interview.
8. Prep your greatest stories in advance.
It’s hard to think of amazing stories on the fly. So think ahead and prepare your most impactful stories of on-the-job success. What kind of stories, you might ask?
“Write down eight to 10 stories that sum up your experience. People are so much more natural when they’re in storytelling mode Think about CAR: challenge, action, result. What was the challenge that the business was facing? What was the action you specifically took? What was the result of it?” That’s Katie’s advice.
Try telling these stories to friends and family in a practice session so you’re even more natural. You’ll feel confident and ready to showcase your most awesome successes when you walk in the door.
9. Bring examples of your work
Use the power of the printed word to your advantage. As an executive recruiter, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been called by a hiring manager after an interview, and told how impressed they were with one of my candidates who brought examples of their work.
Most job seekers fail to do this in preparing for a job interview. This one job interview tip alone will set you apart from other candidates.
Idea: Some job seekers bring a copy of their most recent written evaluation to the interview. Obviously, you should only do this if your evaluation is outstanding.
The power of the printed word applies here as well. If you share your strengths with your interviewers, it’s duly noted. If one of your bosses said those same things about you…it’s gospel.
Another great example of your work is any chart or graph that illustrates specifically how you saved the company time or money…or how you made the company money.
Always couch your examples with the following line of logic:
• This was the problem or situation
• Here are the things I specifically did to resolve it
• As a result of these actions, this was the measurable result
10. Remember the Importance of Body Language
While the content of your interview responses is paramount, poor body language can be a distraction at best” or a reason not to hire you at worst. Effective forms of body language include smiling, eye contact, solid posture, active listening, and nodding. Detrimental forms of body language include slouching, looking off in the distance, playing with a pen, fidgeting in a chair, brushing back your hair, touching your face, chewing gum, or mumbling. Read more about perfecting your body language in our article, The Unspoken Secrets of Job Interviewing: How Your Nonverbal Presentation and Behaviors Impact the Impression You Make.
11. Ask insightful questions
.
Studies continually show that employers make a judgment about an applicant’s interest in the job by whether or not the interviewee asks questions. Thus, even if the hiring manager was thorough in his or her discussions about the job opening and what is expected, you must ask a few questions. This shows that you have done your research and that you are curious. The smart jobseeker prepares questions to ask days before the interview, adding any additional queries that might arise from the interview. For an idea of questions you could ask at the interview, see our article, Questions You Can Ask at the Job Interview, as well as our article, Make a Lasting Impression at Job Interviews Using Questions.
12. Sell yourself and then close the deal
The most qualified applicant is not always the one who is hired; the winning candidate is often the jobseeker who does the best job responding to interview questions and showcasing his or her fit with the job, department, and organization. Some liken the job interview to a sales call. You are the salesperson” and the product you are selling to the employer is your ability to fill the organization’s needs, solve its problems, propel its success.
Finally, as the interview winds down, ask about the next steps in the process and the timetable in which the employer expects to use to make a decision about the position.
13. Thank Interviewer(s) in Person, by Email, or Postal Mail.
Common courtesy and politeness go far in interviewing; thus, the importance of thanking each person who interviews you should come as no surprise. Start the process while at the interview, thanking each person who interviewed you before you leave. Writing thank-you emails and notes shortly after the interview will not get you the job offer, but doing so will certainly give you an edge over any of the other finalists who didn’t bother to send thank-you notes.
14. Follow Up Afterwards
Don’t let your interview be the last they hear from you. If you follow up afterwards, you’ll help them remember who you are, and make sure your resume doesn’t fall into the abyss of the forgotten. Send a thank you note after your interview, and a short email later on to check in if you haven’t heard back. Take into account how you’ve been communicating with them so far, though, as different modes of communication may be more beneficial. If you have a follow up interview, be sure to nail that too.
15. If You Don’t Get Hired, Find Out Why
Not every interview will be a winner, sadly, even if you do everything right. If you don’t get hired, the best thing you can do is find out why and apply that knowledge to your next round of interviews. Look back on your interview and think about what you could have done better, whether it’s avoiding the “overqualification” trap or just simply using better grammar. There are any number of reasons someone might not hire you, and all you can do is use this round as practice for your next interview
I. Interview questions and answers
Why should we hire you?
This is another incredibly common question and it gives you a great opportunity to stand out from the crowd and really show the hiring manager how you can help the company.
The key thing to remember here is: be specific.
Leverage your company research and the job description to find exactly why the company is hiring someone for this position. What problem/pain points does the new hire have to solve? You need to show that you are the perfect candidate that can solve those problems/pain points.
We have written an in depth blog post on why should we hire you here.
DO:
• Show the hiring manager that you are uniquely suited to filling this position. Be the candidate that solves their “problems“.
• Show you know some significant details about the company and their general practices because you have researched the firm and are prepared.
• Tell a “success story” that highlights how you have the ‘qualities’ needed to fill their specific needs.
DON’T:
• Don’t get discouraged if the hiring manager mentions that “they have lots of very well qualified candidates…” before they lead into this question. (It’s a common “lead in”)
• Don’t be too modest. This is your chance to shine. Make it count.
On the flip side don’t go too overboard and sound too arrogant.
• Don’t be “wishy-washy” or too general with your answer.
• Don’t answer with “why” you want the job. Answer with “why you are the perfect fit” for the job.
Do you want a word-for-word sample answer to this question? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve prepared a Job Questions and Answers PDF Cheat Sheet that will give you perfect sample answers to Why Should We Hire You as well as the other questions on this page.
What is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how did you tackle it?
The purpose of this question is to find out what your definition of difficult is and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving. In order to show yourself in a positive light, select a difficult work situation which was not caused by you and which can be quickly explained in a few sentences. Explain how you defined the problem.
Why do you want to work for this organisation?
Being unfamiliar with the organisation will spoil your chances with 75% of interviewers, according to one survey, so take this chance to show you have done your preparation and know the company inside and out. You will now have the chance to demonstrate that you’ve done your research, so reply mentioning all the positive things you have found out about the organisation and its sector etc. This means you’ll have an enjoyable work environment and stability of employment etc – everything that brings out the best in you.
What is your greatest strength?
This is a fairly straight forward question to handle. Talk about a “strength” that you know the company puts a lot of value in.
We have written an in depth blog post over at: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
DO:
• Grab hold of the opportunity this question gives you. This question really lets you guide the interview where you want it to go. This your chance to relate your most impressive success story, so take advantage!
• Highlight a strength that is crucial to the position. (As I mentioned earlier)
• Find out from your company research and from the job description what strengths the company puts a lot of stock into.
DON’T:
• Don’t make claims that you can’t illustrate with a brief example or fact.
• Don’t be overly modest but don’t claim to be Superman or Superwoman either.
• Don’t name a strength that is irrelevant to the job at hand.
What are your weaknesses?
The best “weaknesses” are disguised as strengths, such as “I dislike not being challenged at work”. Another good approach is to mention a weakness that is irrelevent for the job or one that can be overcome with training. Try to keep these to one weakness, explaining why you think it is a weakness and what you are doing to overcome the problem – a well thought out strategy you have developed to deal with the issue will turn this potentially tricky question into a positive.
One common variation on this question is to ask about any problems or failures you’ve encountered in previous positions. In describing problems, pick ones you’ve solved and describe how you overcame it. Show yourself to be a good team player by crediting co-workers for all their contributions. To distance yourself from failure, pick one that occurred earlier in your career when you were still learning. Don’t blame others – simply explain how you analysed your mistake and learned from it.
How would you describe a typical day in your current job?
You are eager to look good but don’t make the common mistake of exaggerating your current position. Mentioning some of the routine tasks in your day adds realism to your description and show that you don’t neglect important details such as paperwork. Put yourself in the interviewer’s place as your answer. When you’ve been doing a job for years it becomes second nature to you, and you must be aware of all the tasks you undertake. You should spend a few days making notes of your activities at work to regain an outsider’s perspective. Try to show that you make good use of your time, that you plan before you begin your work and that you review your achievements at the end of it.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
This is somewhat similar to the “what is your greatest strength?” question and can be handled along the same lines. You want to pick an accomplishment that shows you have the qualities that the company puts value in and that are desirable for the position you’re interviewing for.
The fact is you may have several accomplishments you could pick from. Pick one that will have the most impact.
DO:
• Talk about an accomplishment that exhibits how you will be a perfect fit for the company and for the position you’re interviewing for.
• Try and show some genuine passion when you’re talking about your accomplishment.
DON’T:
• Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your accomplishment is “too small”. The fact is, relating a small accomplishment that is inline with “what the company values” can be more powerful than an unrelated accomplishment. (Remember: “It’s not about you, It’s about them.”)
How do you respond to working under pressure?
The interviewer wants to see that you have composure, problem solving skills and can stay focused in difficult conditions. Give an example of a time when you were faced with a stressful situation (not caused by you) and how you handled it with poise. Describe the context, how you approached the situation, the actions you took and the positive outcome. Demonstrate how you remained calm, in control and got the job done.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
This question catches a lot of job seekers off guard because on the surface it seems simple enough but when you dig a little deeper you’ll see that there are a couple of traps you could fall into.
You DO want to show that you are an ambitious person BUT you need to show that you don’t have your “head in the clouds” and are focused on the job at hand. For more in depth info on this question check out our blog post: Where do you see yourself in 5 years.
DO:
• Demonstrate when you answer the question your level of commitment to the position they are interviewing you for.
• After you have demonstrated your commitment to the role you are interviewing for, outline a realistic growth strategy that is directly tied to the role you’re in and the needs and values of the company.
• Stress your interest in a long-term career at the company
DON’T:
• Don’t exhibit ambition to the point of seeming like this particular job is just a “brief stepping stone” for you. You need to show commitment.
• Don’t say you want to be CEO of the company in 5 years.
• Don’t say “Actually I want to be in YOUR seat within the next 5 years.” to the hiring manager.
What sort of salary are you looking for?
When you’re talking about money, never describe your salary demands as what you actually need but rather as what the job is worth. Always give a range (e.g. £40,000 to £45,000). If you’re unsure of what the job should pay give your current salary and state “but money isn’t my motivation for changing jobs”. Since organisations use your current salary as a guide line as a basis of what to offer remember to include bonus, annual raises if you are about to receive one etc.
What questions do you have for me?
The biggest mistake you can make with this question is to have no questions. It indicates a lack of curiosity and research.
The second biggest mistake you can make is asking superficial questions. This also indicates a lack of research, but perhaps worse, it doesn't exactly make you sound smart.
What's an example of a stupid question? For starters, anything you can find out on your own through a bit of research. These include information like basic company history, product or service suites, key hires, or company performance -- provided the company releases information publicly.
Unless you're in the final stage of the interview, it's also smart to steer clear of questions that are related to HR -- things like time off, salary, or benefits packages. If you're still in the stages of exploring whether there's a mutual fit, jumping to this end stage may advance the interview process too fast, and it could turn out unfavorably for you as a result.
Some better questions to ask are ones that are built off of the conversation you've had with the interviewer. Dig deeper into something you talked about that lends itself to more nuanced discussion.
For example, if you've been interviewing for a writing position and the interviewer briefly mentioned that writers on the team dabble in design, you might ask some follow up questions, such as:
• "You mentioned writers dabble in design. Were they already capable of design before they started here, or did they learn on the job? What resources did they use to learn?"
• "You mentioned writers dabble in design -- do they also dabble in other secondary skills, like coding?"
• "You mentioned writers dabble in design. How often do they do their own design work, versus working with the internal design team, freelancer, or agency?"
Another great topic for discussion is team structure, and how teams interact with one another. Getting context on how the team you're interviewing for is structured, and how they fit into to the larger organization, is not only a thoughtful question but also critical information for you to have. Without it, it'll be hard to know whether the position is right for you based on where you are in your career -- and where you want to be.
This is another incredibly common question and it gives you a great opportunity to stand out from the crowd and really show the hiring manager how you can help the company.
The key thing to remember here is: be specific.
Leverage your company research and the job description to find exactly why the company is hiring someone for this position. What problem/pain points does the new hire have to solve? You need to show that you are the perfect candidate that can solve those problems/pain points.
We have written an in depth blog post on why should we hire you here.
DO:
• Show the hiring manager that you are uniquely suited to filling this position. Be the candidate that solves their “problems“.
• Show you know some significant details about the company and their general practices because you have researched the firm and are prepared.
• Tell a “success story” that highlights how you have the ‘qualities’ needed to fill their specific needs.
DON’T:
• Don’t get discouraged if the hiring manager mentions that “they have lots of very well qualified candidates…” before they lead into this question. (It’s a common “lead in”)
• Don’t be too modest. This is your chance to shine. Make it count.
On the flip side don’t go too overboard and sound too arrogant.
• Don’t be “wishy-washy” or too general with your answer.
• Don’t answer with “why” you want the job. Answer with “why you are the perfect fit” for the job.
Do you want a word-for-word sample answer to this question? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve prepared a Job Questions and Answers PDF Cheat Sheet that will give you perfect sample answers to Why Should We Hire You as well as the other questions on this page.
What is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how did you tackle it?
The purpose of this question is to find out what your definition of difficult is and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving. In order to show yourself in a positive light, select a difficult work situation which was not caused by you and which can be quickly explained in a few sentences. Explain how you defined the problem.
Why do you want to work for this organisation?
Being unfamiliar with the organisation will spoil your chances with 75% of interviewers, according to one survey, so take this chance to show you have done your preparation and know the company inside and out. You will now have the chance to demonstrate that you’ve done your research, so reply mentioning all the positive things you have found out about the organisation and its sector etc. This means you’ll have an enjoyable work environment and stability of employment etc – everything that brings out the best in you.
What is your greatest strength?
This is a fairly straight forward question to handle. Talk about a “strength” that you know the company puts a lot of value in.
We have written an in depth blog post over at: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
DO:
• Grab hold of the opportunity this question gives you. This question really lets you guide the interview where you want it to go. This your chance to relate your most impressive success story, so take advantage!
• Highlight a strength that is crucial to the position. (As I mentioned earlier)
• Find out from your company research and from the job description what strengths the company puts a lot of stock into.
DON’T:
• Don’t make claims that you can’t illustrate with a brief example or fact.
• Don’t be overly modest but don’t claim to be Superman or Superwoman either.
• Don’t name a strength that is irrelevant to the job at hand.
What are your weaknesses?
The best “weaknesses” are disguised as strengths, such as “I dislike not being challenged at work”. Another good approach is to mention a weakness that is irrelevent for the job or one that can be overcome with training. Try to keep these to one weakness, explaining why you think it is a weakness and what you are doing to overcome the problem – a well thought out strategy you have developed to deal with the issue will turn this potentially tricky question into a positive.
One common variation on this question is to ask about any problems or failures you’ve encountered in previous positions. In describing problems, pick ones you’ve solved and describe how you overcame it. Show yourself to be a good team player by crediting co-workers for all their contributions. To distance yourself from failure, pick one that occurred earlier in your career when you were still learning. Don’t blame others – simply explain how you analysed your mistake and learned from it.
How would you describe a typical day in your current job?
You are eager to look good but don’t make the common mistake of exaggerating your current position. Mentioning some of the routine tasks in your day adds realism to your description and show that you don’t neglect important details such as paperwork. Put yourself in the interviewer’s place as your answer. When you’ve been doing a job for years it becomes second nature to you, and you must be aware of all the tasks you undertake. You should spend a few days making notes of your activities at work to regain an outsider’s perspective. Try to show that you make good use of your time, that you plan before you begin your work and that you review your achievements at the end of it.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
This is somewhat similar to the “what is your greatest strength?” question and can be handled along the same lines. You want to pick an accomplishment that shows you have the qualities that the company puts value in and that are desirable for the position you’re interviewing for.
The fact is you may have several accomplishments you could pick from. Pick one that will have the most impact.
DO:
• Talk about an accomplishment that exhibits how you will be a perfect fit for the company and for the position you’re interviewing for.
• Try and show some genuine passion when you’re talking about your accomplishment.
DON’T:
• Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your accomplishment is “too small”. The fact is, relating a small accomplishment that is inline with “what the company values” can be more powerful than an unrelated accomplishment. (Remember: “It’s not about you, It’s about them.”)
How do you respond to working under pressure?
The interviewer wants to see that you have composure, problem solving skills and can stay focused in difficult conditions. Give an example of a time when you were faced with a stressful situation (not caused by you) and how you handled it with poise. Describe the context, how you approached the situation, the actions you took and the positive outcome. Demonstrate how you remained calm, in control and got the job done.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
This question catches a lot of job seekers off guard because on the surface it seems simple enough but when you dig a little deeper you’ll see that there are a couple of traps you could fall into.
You DO want to show that you are an ambitious person BUT you need to show that you don’t have your “head in the clouds” and are focused on the job at hand. For more in depth info on this question check out our blog post: Where do you see yourself in 5 years.
DO:
• Demonstrate when you answer the question your level of commitment to the position they are interviewing you for.
• After you have demonstrated your commitment to the role you are interviewing for, outline a realistic growth strategy that is directly tied to the role you’re in and the needs and values of the company.
• Stress your interest in a long-term career at the company
DON’T:
• Don’t exhibit ambition to the point of seeming like this particular job is just a “brief stepping stone” for you. You need to show commitment.
• Don’t say you want to be CEO of the company in 5 years.
• Don’t say “Actually I want to be in YOUR seat within the next 5 years.” to the hiring manager.
What sort of salary are you looking for?
When you’re talking about money, never describe your salary demands as what you actually need but rather as what the job is worth. Always give a range (e.g. £40,000 to £45,000). If you’re unsure of what the job should pay give your current salary and state “but money isn’t my motivation for changing jobs”. Since organisations use your current salary as a guide line as a basis of what to offer remember to include bonus, annual raises if you are about to receive one etc.
What questions do you have for me?
The biggest mistake you can make with this question is to have no questions. It indicates a lack of curiosity and research.
The second biggest mistake you can make is asking superficial questions. This also indicates a lack of research, but perhaps worse, it doesn't exactly make you sound smart.
What's an example of a stupid question? For starters, anything you can find out on your own through a bit of research. These include information like basic company history, product or service suites, key hires, or company performance -- provided the company releases information publicly.
Unless you're in the final stage of the interview, it's also smart to steer clear of questions that are related to HR -- things like time off, salary, or benefits packages. If you're still in the stages of exploring whether there's a mutual fit, jumping to this end stage may advance the interview process too fast, and it could turn out unfavorably for you as a result.
Some better questions to ask are ones that are built off of the conversation you've had with the interviewer. Dig deeper into something you talked about that lends itself to more nuanced discussion.
For example, if you've been interviewing for a writing position and the interviewer briefly mentioned that writers on the team dabble in design, you might ask some follow up questions, such as:
• "You mentioned writers dabble in design. Were they already capable of design before they started here, or did they learn on the job? What resources did they use to learn?"
• "You mentioned writers dabble in design -- do they also dabble in other secondary skills, like coding?"
• "You mentioned writers dabble in design. How often do they do their own design work, versus working with the internal design team, freelancer, or agency?"
Another great topic for discussion is team structure, and how teams interact with one another. Getting context on how the team you're interviewing for is structured, and how they fit into to the larger organization, is not only a thoughtful question but also critical information for you to have. Without it, it'll be hard to know whether the position is right for you based on where you are in your career -- and where you want to be.
II. Interview tips:
1. Conduct research on the employer, hiring manager, and job opportunity
Success in a job interview starts with a solid foundation of knowledge on the jobseeker’s part. You should understand the employer, the requirements of the job, and the background of the person (or people) interviewing you. The more research you conduct, the more you’ll understand the employer, and the better you’ll be able to answer interview questions. Scour the organization’s website and other published materials, search engines, research tools, and ask questions about the company in your network of contacts. Learn more about job search job interview researching here.
2. Review common interview questions and prepare your responses
Another key to interview success is preparing responses to expected interview questions. First, ask the hiring manager as to the type of interview to expect. Will it be one-on-one or in a group? Will it be with one person, or will you meet several members of the organization? Your goal is to try to determine what you’ll be asked and to compose detailed yet concise responses that focus on specific examples and accomplishments. A good tool for remembering your responses is to put them into a story form that you can tell in the interview. No need to memorize responses (in fact, it’s best not to), but do develop talking points. There are excellent tools available to help you with interview questions and responses. Also, consider using the STAR Interviewing Technique.
3. Dress for Success
Plan out a wardrobe that fits the organization and its culture, striving for the most professional appearance you can accomplish. Remember that it’s always better to be overdressed than under” and to wear clothing that fits and is clean and pressed. Keep accessories and jewelry to a minimum. Try not to smoke or eat right before the interview” and if possible, brush your teeth or use mouthwash.
4. Arrive on Time, Relaxed and Prepared for the Interview
There is no excuse ever for arriving late to an interview. Short of a disaster, strive to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled interview to complete additional paperwork and allow yourself time to get settled. Arriving a bit early is also a chance to observe the dynamics of the workplace.
The day before the interview, pack up extra copies of your resume or CV and reference list. If you have a portfolio or samples of your work, bring those along too. Finally, remember to pack several pens and a pad of paper to jot notes. Finally, as you get to the offices, shut off your cell phone. (And if you were chewing gum, get rid of it.)
5. Take evidence of your achievements
Any sales person who’s interviewed will wax lyrical about their career achievements. But not everyone will take evidence of this to the interview. Although you’ll want to be careful not to take any information along that is confidential to your existing or previous employers (as this implies carelessness), you could take along sales league tables, references or payslips if they’re appropriate.
6. Focus more on what you can do for the company, rather than what they can do for you
At the beginning of the job interview process, someone has to assume the role of the seller, and someone has to be the buyer.
You’re the seller at this early stage of the process.
As the interview progresses you will eventually be asked: Do you have any questions for us?
It’s a bad idea to say, no, I can’t think of anything. It’s also a bad idea to have a grocery list of interview questions a mile long.
7. Make Good First Impressions
A cardinal rule of interviewing is to be polite and offer warm greetings to everyone you meet” from the parking attendant to the receptionist to the hiring manager. Employers often are curious how job applicants treat staff members” and your job offer could easily be derailed if you’re rude or arrogant to any of the staff. When it’s time for the interview, keep in mind that first impressions” the impression interviewers get in the first few seconds of meeting you” can make or break an interview. Make a strong first impression by dressing well, arriving early, and when greeting your interviewer, stand, smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm“ but not bone-crushing“ handshake. Remember that having a positive attitude and expressing enthusiasm for the job and employer are vital in the initial stages of the interview; studies show that hiring managers make critical decisions about job applicants in the first 20 minutes of the interview.
8. Prep your greatest stories in advance.
It’s hard to think of amazing stories on the fly. So think ahead and prepare your most impactful stories of on-the-job success. What kind of stories, you might ask?
“Write down eight to 10 stories that sum up your experience. People are so much more natural when they’re in storytelling mode Think about CAR: challenge, action, result. What was the challenge that the business was facing? What was the action you specifically took? What was the result of it?” That’s Katie’s advice.
Try telling these stories to friends and family in a practice session so you’re even more natural. You’ll feel confident and ready to showcase your most awesome successes when you walk in the door.
9. Bring examples of your work
Use the power of the printed word to your advantage. As an executive recruiter, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been called by a hiring manager after an interview, and told how impressed they were with one of my candidates who brought examples of their work.
Most job seekers fail to do this in preparing for a job interview. This one job interview tip alone will set you apart from other candidates.
Idea: Some job seekers bring a copy of their most recent written evaluation to the interview. Obviously, you should only do this if your evaluation is outstanding.
The power of the printed word applies here as well. If you share your strengths with your interviewers, it’s duly noted. If one of your bosses said those same things about you…it’s gospel.
Another great example of your work is any chart or graph that illustrates specifically how you saved the company time or money…or how you made the company money.
Always couch your examples with the following line of logic:
• This was the problem or situation
• Here are the things I specifically did to resolve it
• As a result of these actions, this was the measurable result
10. Remember the Importance of Body Language
While the content of your interview responses is paramount, poor body language can be a distraction at best” or a reason not to hire you at worst. Effective forms of body language include smiling, eye contact, solid posture, active listening, and nodding. Detrimental forms of body language include slouching, looking off in the distance, playing with a pen, fidgeting in a chair, brushing back your hair, touching your face, chewing gum, or mumbling. Read more about perfecting your body language in our article, The Unspoken Secrets of Job Interviewing: How Your Nonverbal Presentation and Behaviors Impact the Impression You Make.
11. Ask insightful questions
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Studies continually show that employers make a judgment about an applicant’s interest in the job by whether or not the interviewee asks questions. Thus, even if the hiring manager was thorough in his or her discussions about the job opening and what is expected, you must ask a few questions. This shows that you have done your research and that you are curious. The smart jobseeker prepares questions to ask days before the interview, adding any additional queries that might arise from the interview. For an idea of questions you could ask at the interview, see our article, Questions You Can Ask at the Job Interview, as well as our article, Make a Lasting Impression at Job Interviews Using Questions.
12. Sell yourself and then close the deal
The most qualified applicant is not always the one who is hired; the winning candidate is often the jobseeker who does the best job responding to interview questions and showcasing his or her fit with the job, department, and organization. Some liken the job interview to a sales call. You are the salesperson” and the product you are selling to the employer is your ability to fill the organization’s needs, solve its problems, propel its success.
Finally, as the interview winds down, ask about the next steps in the process and the timetable in which the employer expects to use to make a decision about the position.
13. Thank Interviewer(s) in Person, by Email, or Postal Mail.
Common courtesy and politeness go far in interviewing; thus, the importance of thanking each person who interviews you should come as no surprise. Start the process while at the interview, thanking each person who interviewed you before you leave. Writing thank-you emails and notes shortly after the interview will not get you the job offer, but doing so will certainly give you an edge over any of the other finalists who didn’t bother to send thank-you notes.
14. Follow Up Afterwards
Don’t let your interview be the last they hear from you. If you follow up afterwards, you’ll help them remember who you are, and make sure your resume doesn’t fall into the abyss of the forgotten. Send a thank you note after your interview, and a short email later on to check in if you haven’t heard back. Take into account how you’ve been communicating with them so far, though, as different modes of communication may be more beneficial. If you have a follow up interview, be sure to nail that too.
15. If You Don’t Get Hired, Find Out Why
Not every interview will be a winner, sadly, even if you do everything right. If you don’t get hired, the best thing you can do is find out why and apply that knowledge to your next round of interviews. Look back on your interview and think about what you could have done better, whether it’s avoiding the “overqualification” trap or just simply using better grammar. There are any number of reasons someone might not hire you, and all you can do is use this round as practice for your next interview
