Successful Interviewing
Before you interview for a position, learn as much about the position and the employer as possible. Our Search Consultants will discuss a good portion of this information with you. Always conduct your own research as well.
Prior to the interview, our Search Consultant will prepare you by offering interviewing tips and suggestions, company information and a description of the hiring manager’s style and personality. The reason he/she does this is to better prepare both parties for the interview. When this is done properly, both parties feel more comfortable when they meet. You can then concentrate on the opportunity itself and if it is of interest to you.
Questions to ask
After you have studied the company, make a list of questions to ask the employer:
- Why is this position available?
- What training programs are available to the person in this position?
- What are your expectations and goals for this position in the first 90 days? In the next year? Long term?
- What obstacles must be overcome for the person in this position to succeed?
- How will my performance be evaluated?
- What opportunities are there for growth in the next 12 months? Two years? Five years?
- What growth do you anticipate for your organization in the next 12 months?
At a minimum, ensure that you ask questions to satisfy your understanding of these three main questions.
- What does the company want to accomplish when filling the open position (job duties)?
- Are you capable of doing it (does your skill-set match)?
- Do you want to do it (does the position provide challenge and opportunity you desire)?
Questions you may be asked
Consider the following when preparing to answer the following questions that the employer is likely to ask:
- Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer in the professional realm only. Review your past positions, education and other strengths.
- Why are you interested in this position? Relate how you feel your qualifications match the job requirements. Also, express your desire to work for the employer.
- What are the most significant accomplishments in your career? Identify recent accomplishments that relate to the position and its requirements.
- Describe a situation in which your work was criticized. Focus on how you resolved the situation and became a better person because of the experience.
- What do you know about our organization?
- How would you describe your personality?
- How do you perform under pressure?
- What have you done to improve yourself over the past year?
- What did you like least about your last position?
- Are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) company?
- What is your ideal working environment?
- How would your co-workers describe you?
- What do you think of your boss?
- Have you ever fired anyone?
- What was the situation and how did you handle it?
- Are you creative?
- What are your goals in your career?
- Where do you see yourself in two years?
- Why should we hire you?
- What kind of salary are you looking for?
- What other types of jobs/companies are you considering?
Learn about Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts.
The first step to furthering your professional career through CPSG begins here. Submit your profile or contact us to discuss your needs and how we can support your career objectives.
