Interviewing Do's And Don'ts: Candidates

The following tips will help you have a more productive and comfortable interview.

Do

• Know the logistics – Time, location, interviewer's name and position title.
• Preplan your day so that you are not rushed, preoccupied or lack sleep.
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Being late to an interview is never excusable.
• Be professional. Smile, make eye contact and maintain good posture.  This starts at the front door.
• Remember, your interview may actually start in the parking lot or lobby.  Your potential employer and their employees are watching.
• Ask questions. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation.
• Clarify questions. Answer the interviewer's questions as specifically as possible. Relate your skills and background to the position requirements throughout the interview.
• Give your qualifications. Focus on accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
• Anticipate tough questions. Prepare to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.
• Listen. Concentrate not only on the interviewer's words, but also on the tone of voice and body language. Once you understand how the interviewer thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to establish a better rapport.
• Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one. Dressing up is better than dressing down. 

Don't

• Don't answer vague questions by responding based on assumptions. Ask the interviewer to clarify or focus questions so that you provide responses that are on the mark.
• Don't interrupt the interviewer. If you don't listen, the interviewer won't either.
• Don't be overly familiar, even if the interviewer is.
• Don't ramble. Overlong answers are not received well.
• Don't lie or embellish facts, accomplishments or qualifications. Answer questions truthfully.
• Don't express resentment. Avoid derogatory remarks about present or former employers.
• Don’t wear perfume or cologne. The interviewer may not share your tastes and the risk of having an overwhelming fragrance ruin the interview is very real.
• Jewelry -- less is more.
• Don’t discuss salary and other needs at the first interview.  You and your Search Consultant will discuss these items prior to your interview. 

Closing the Interview

By asking good questions you can reduce post-interview doubts. If you feel that the interview went well and you want to take the next step, you should express your interest to the interviewer by asking: "After learning more about your company, the position and responsibilities, I believe that I have the qualities you are looking for. Do you see any issues or concerns that would lead you to believe otherwise?"

This is an effective question because it opens the door for the hiring manager to be honest with you about his or her feelings. If concerns do exist, you may be able to create an opportunity to overcome them, and have one final chance to dispel concerns, correct misconceptions, sell your strengths and end the interview on a positive note.

A few things to remember during the closing process

• Make sure that you have thoroughly answered these questions during the interview: "Why are you interested in our company?" and "What can you offer?"
• Express appreciation for the interviewer's time and consideration and ask for a business card so that you can correctly address a Thank You letter.
• Don't expect an offer to be made or a specific salary to be discussed during your first interview.

Follow-up

After your interview, follow-up is critical. When you get in your car, immediately write down key issues uncovered in the interview. Think of the qualifications the employer is looking for and match your strengths to them. Note these and any other questions or concerns that you will want to discuss with the Search Consultant.  Call your Search Consultant as soon as possible after the interview to discuss your thoughts, questions, impressions and interest.

Finally, make sure to write and send a Thank You letter no later than 24 hours after the interview.

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.