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May-June 2008 Issue Preview!
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Get the Offer: Surefire Interviewing Skills
By Mark Krajnik
It’s just around the corner. The one. The job you’ve been waiting for. Now what?
You know you can do the job; lots of candidates have the qualifications. But can you “do” the interview? To get the offer and thus the dream job, you need to not only do well in the interview, you need to ace it. They need to know you’re the one.
So, what to do before the interview? One word…prepare. Interview preparation is broken down into three basic areas:
Pre-interview preparation
During the interview
Post-interview follow-up
Let’s start with your initial preparation.
Pre-Interview Preparation
First and foremost, before the telephone or on-site interview, you must do your homework! Know where the new company is today, where they’ve been, and where they are headed.
The World Wide Web
Start with their company website: Review the details surrounding their business philosophy, mission, values, products, people, news releases and career areas. Print out specific areas that you may have questions about. Highlight key topics, products and newsworthy insight then bring your research with you to the interview.
Next, put on your “Google goggles.” Look through at least ten pages of hits to uncover news, information and details. If you have the names of the Hiring Managers, Google them as well. Review www.hoovers.com to get company information. If they are a publicly-held company, review their 10-K financial reports, and, if there is time, order their Annual Report from their web page or by calling a toll-free number.
Any information that you can find and review is an asset as you begin your journey to getting that offer.
What to wear?
First of all, ask yourself, “How do I want to be remembered?” Women can’t go wrong in business attire. A dark suit (pants or skirt), light blouse (ivory or white), understated make-up, no perfume, closed-toed shoes and a conservative hairstyle. For men, a dark suit, crisp white shirt, contrasting tie (red or gold preferred), polished black shoes, black socks, no cologne and a good haircut. And your Mother was right about cleanliness. Nobody likes bad breath, body odor or dirty/chipped fingernails. So, basic good grooming is key. Be yourself, but remember that you can never make a second first impression.
My questions
The interview is (or, at least, should be) a two-way street. Both sides are trying to find a fit. What questions do you need answered before you accept an offer? Think carefully, and then write them down. Keep your questions specific to the company and your new role. Be certain to ask any question that is important for you to know the answer to before you accept an offer. Do this prior to the interview date, and rehearse your questions. Avoid the “what’s in it for me?” attitude (i.e. salary, vacation, and bonus). Save these questions for the Benefits Coordinator or a Human Resources Representative. Be certain to get a complete understanding of what your position entails. This is without a doubt the most important information to be exchanged in the interview.
Here are some important Do’s and Don’ts:
Don’t cross-examine the Hiring Manager(s).
Do ask questions requiring an explanation. Questions which can be answered with a “yes” or “no” are conversation stoppers.
Don’t interrupt when the Hiring Manager is answering your question.
Do ask job-relevant questions: responsibilities, the company, products, services, and people.
Do ask about your potential peers, subordinates, and superiors.
Here are some specific questions for you to ask during the interview:…
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