The Job Interview Process

Every good interview consists of mutually shared information between you and the interviewer; in order to make a high quality decision. Both you and the interviewer will use this information to make quality decision. Information is shared through:

• Questions you are asked by the interviewer
• Questions you ask the interviewer

Interviewing Principles

Know yourself and review your accomplishments. Tell what you have done and what results you have produced. Give specific examples. Be prepared to give additional examples beyond the points made in your resume.

Dress appropriately, neatly and conservatively. Attend to every element of personal grooming, head to toe. Be on time. Arrive fifteen minutes early so you will be relaxed, and will have time to complete an application before you are scheduled to meet with the interviewer.

Be polite and personable to everyone you encounter. This includes chauffeurs, doormen, guards, security personnel, servers as well as assistants and secretaries. Employers hire people they like, and their assistants and secretaries like.  Often, the less qualified person gets a position over a more qualified one who does not seem to care how he or she treats others.

Let the person interviewing you indicate where you should sit, and avoid leaning or placing anything on their desk.

Avoid showing signs of nervousness - foot tapping, drumming fingers, etc. Relax.

Listen to the interviewer and get on the same wavelength. Try to read the interviewer. Be alert to body language. If he or she wants details, provide them. If the person is interested in ideas or concepts, focus accordingly. Follow the lead the interviewer provides.

Focus on your accomplishments, experiences where you have made a contribution or difference, produced results, and shown the ability to overcome problems.

Demonstrate enthusiasm, interest, and confidence. Arrive rested, prepared, and open to new possibilities.

Project optimism, but don't promise what you cannot deliver. You will do your best, so let your record speak for itself. Avoid talking too much. Keep answers to a maximum of one to two minutes. Let the interviewer jump back in with a question to keep the conversation interactive.

Take the positive view of things. Modesty can be seen as weakness. You should neither boast nor apologize; simply state the facts. Reframe your mistakes as valuable learning experiences. You can usually reshape a difficult question to allow a credible response.

Never talk to an interviewer about personal problems. To discuss your problems will weaken your case. To discuss the interviewer's problems may prove embarrassing if you are hired.

Avoid premature salary discussions. Do not speak about compensation until your value has been established. Do not appear primarily concerned with salary and benefits. These will be negotiated at an appropriate time - after the offer is made.

Be an interested listener and observer. What you say will be relevant and meaningful to the interviewer. Watch for signs of confusion, agreement, or strong interest, and respond accordingly.

Concentrate on the idea of making a contribution in a team environment. Competence alone does not sell. You must be seen as a person who will be productive in a compatible way.

Follow the interviewer's pace, building interest toward your objective. If the conversation falters, ask questions that delve further into areas in which the interviewer has shown interest.

Maintain confidentiality of past employers and be understanding of any difficulties the employer may have had, including those which caused you to leave. You may be talking to your future employer, and you are demonstrating how much consideration you will show to them at some future time.

Ask to exchange business cards, if possible (in order to secure correct spelling, title, telephone number, etc.)

Above all, be yourself, and not what you think someone else expects you to be. Maintain your dignity and self-respect.