Facing an Interview

Ritesh Soni
Facing an Interview.. A presentation by Ritesh Soni 1

Stress!!
Only a fool would tell you that looking for a job isnt stressful. And it would take an even bigger fool to tell you that interviews will not produce stress. After all, youre in an unfamiliar setting, meeting strangers, risking your ego, and about to embark on a conversation that can affect the rest of your life.

Confidence

What Interviewers Look For?

Competence Credibility

STEP 1

Employers Web Sites

News Sources

Best place to see the company as it wants to be seen Check the annual report, look for press releases Look for the head of R&D

Find general interest web sites to see what they say about this employer Find hometown newspapers on-line to read about this employer Read these for new products, find its place in the industry If you belong to a professional organization go to its directory
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Trade Journals

Research Sources

Get vital statistics and independent perspectives on the employer from On-line resources Look at financial data, list of competitors

Industry Directories

STEP 2

Know the job description: connect your background to the job Have a thirty second introduction ready Prepare 3-4 key points Prepare answers to common Questions Practice out loud in front of a mirror Do a mock interview
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STEP 3

You Never Get a 2nd Chance to Make a First Impression Eye Contact How? Facial Expression
Body Postures/ Gestures How? Listening Silence How? Handshake
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STEP 4

RESPOND, dont REACT (dont make excuses, focus on strengths) Be Brief and To-the-Point Rule of Three (show your skills, experience, competence)

 What would your supervisor tell me about you? Tell me about a recent mistake youve made on your job and how you handled it. What are your strengths? Weaknesses? What are your future goals? Why should we hire you? Why do you want to leave your current job? What is your ideal work environment?
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STEP 5

Take Your Time / Relax / Breathe Follow-up on issues raised (due to listening)

Reference your research / homework

 Whats the process for filling the position?

Whats the culture in this office/dept? Whats the biggest challenge right now? What do YOU like best about your job?

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STEP 6

Critique Yourself (easy does ittheres good news) Send a Thank You note (next day) Set follow-up reminder (1 week)
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YOU

EMPLOYER

JOB

Your Interview Goal

To fully understand the job To match your skills, experience and knowledge to the critical aspects of the job To demonstrate that you are a good fit

Employers Interview Goals

To assess your knowledge, skills, abilities To evaluate your fit with the job and the organization To hire the best candidate for the job
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 wear a conservative suit clean and polished shoes make sure that socks or hose match suit clean, manicured fingernails neat hair Be aware of nervous habits
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 wear excessive jewelry, cosmetics, or fragrance smoke during or prior to interview draw attention to pierced or tattooed body parts
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 Extra copies of your resume Copies of transcripts List of questions to ask List of references
Notepad and pen Business cards Portfolio, if appropriate
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 Answer questions from the employers perspective Maintain positive attitude; show enthusiasm Keep answers as job-related as possible Don't ask about salary/benefits during the first interview Never say anything negative about a previous employer or job Ask each interviewer for a business card at the end of the interview
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