Q: What are the keys to a successful interview? A: There are three keys: ENTHUSIASM, TECHNICAL INTEREST, AND CONFIDENCE! First, be enthusiastic! Don't come across as being indifferent. Often a position will seem more exciting when you're driving home than when you're in the interview. Remember, you can always decide not to take the job. Showing sincere interest during the interview will increase your odds of getting an offer.
Second, show your technical interest! Companies hire people who love what they do and get excited by the technical side of the job. Third, be confident! If you're sure of your abilities you'll generate respect. Don't go overboard, though. Q: What should I wear to the interview? A: Don't dress casually. Men, wear a coat and tie. Women, wear professional attire. After you've joined the company you can dress more casually if that's appropriate. Q: Should I bring a resume? A: Yes. Be sure to bring an updated copy of your resume to the interview and read it over before you arrive. Q: How should I answer questions? A: Try to answer all questions thoroughly and completely. If you don't know the answer, just be honest. Most questions can be answered with a short version (20 seconds or so) or a long version (two or three minutes). Use the short version first, then ask if the interviewer would like more detail. You don't want to talk too long on a question, but you want to avoid one-word answers, too. Q: What are companies looking for? A: Companies are looking for team players who are motivated by the opportunity, not just the money. Avoid coming across as a prima donna or using a demanding tone. Q: If I don't like my current job, should I say so? A: Never say anything negative about your current work situation. If you do, it will probably work against you. Q: Can I fudge the facts a little? A: No. Always be honest about your salary, bonus and perks, titles, responsibilities and college degrees. This information is usually verified. Q: Should I bring up money? A: No, no, no! Never bring up salary or perks during an interview. Nothing turns off an interviewer faster. If you're asked how much you're making, answer like this: "My compensation, including bonus, is in the high forties. I'm expecting my annual review next month, and that should put me in the low fifties." If you are asked how much money you need to work for them, say something like this: "I'm looking for the right opportunity. I'm sure if you think I'm the best person for the job, you'll make a fair offer." If pressed, give a range: "I would need something in the low to mid fifties." Q:How should I prepare for the interview? A: Do your homework! Prepare a two to four minute description of your life to answer the question "Tell me about yourself." Start with where you went to college and your first job. Show a gradual increase in responsibilities and accomplishments. Give a brief summary of each position you've held. Spend more time on your latest positions. Write an outline and practice it several times. Prepare a list of five or six key accomplishments as a professional. Write a paragraph for each in a situation-action-solution format. Be specific and quantify your achievement if possible. Use this at home to practice but don't take it with you. Then, in the actual interview, when you get a question like, "Are you creative?" you can say "Yes. Let me give you an example." Q: What are some common questions? A:You can count on being asked most of these: -Why do you want this job? -Why do you want to leave your present company? -Where do you see yourself in five years? -What are your personal goals? -What are your strengths and weaknesses? -What do you like most (and least) about your current company? Q: Any final words of advice? A: Relax. Be positive, open, and candid. Chances are your interviewer is almost as uncomfortable about this process as you are. This isn't a life and death struggle, but you should always do your best to get a job offer. The interview experience is very valuable regardless of the outcome. Q: When the interview is over, what should I do? A: Please call us just as soon as you can after the interview. Let us know how things went. Once we get your feedback, we can report back to the hiring company and then get their feedback for you. Next, write a brief thank you letter to each of the people who interviewed you. Send it off immediately. E-mail is just fine for this, also. The important thing is to get your mail off as quickly as you can.
