Interview hints from a recruiter

Each interview is special and you don't get a second chance at their first impression. Doing it right the first time is spot on essential. Whether it’s your first-ever job interview or your millionth (seems like), here are some suggestions to set up that positive vibe and maybe land your dream job.

Before the Interview

Prepare and research. Understand the company's needs and expectations by researching their history, administrator’s names and titles (especially of whom you are interviewing with), main products and even their competitors. You will be able to hold your own in an interview conversation with this information. You don’t want your interview to be a one way street, you can ask questions if the timing seems right.

Prepare a résumé that sells you and actually says what you think it does. Your interviewer is asking herself these basic things: Can this person do the job, will they understand the company atmosphere and will they stay?

Practice answering interview questions with a friend (or in front of a mirror). Anticipate and practice answering questions until you comfortable talking about your skills and expectations and past employment. Never be shy about this in an interview. Memorize some tidbits to add to each job description you list on your resume. The interviewer will be listening avidly. They want to know how you added value for each past employer. Never, ever bad talk a past employer or colleague at an interview. If you really don’t know why, then call me.

The interview

Because ‘Successful and Positive’ is your name...

You plan right and arrive early. Phone if you might be late (don't be).

You arrive at the interview office alone. If you get a ride, have them leave you at the entrance and wait somewhere else.

You introduce yourself, state who you are interviewing with, the open job title and your appointment time.

You are friendly and patient while you wait. Read a magazine or go over your resume again. (please no cell phone conversations, music or games – put cell on silent before you enter the office)

You know that the interviewer may come out personally to greet you. They will form a first impression. Shake hands firmly, greet him/her by name and introduce yourself. Remain standing until you're invited to sit.

You are positive and enthusiastic. Remember, send out good vibes. Maintain confident eye contact without staring.

You have prepared and have brought extra copies of your resume, personal work samples or portfolio if appropriate, an extra pen and your personal and professional reference list.

Good to know, but I hate the negativity of every 'DON’T do this' list made. You already knew all this, right?

Don't fidget with your clothes, hair or jewelry. Confidence matters.
Don't smoke or chew gum even if invited to do so. You don’t yet know the work atmosphere.
Don't argue or tell the employer your troubles. TMI.
Don't stress your need for the job repeatedly. Desperate never sells at an interview.
Don't use slang or profanity. Really, no one ever told you this?
Don't place your handbag or briefcase on the employer's desk. Respect the space.
Don't gossip or tell jokes. They are looking for a good fit employee not a new friend.
Don't sell yourself out of a job by saying negative things about yourself, peers or past employers. Do unto others, etc.
Don't focus on wages, benefits or vacation. We all have the need to know but it will work into the conversation later in the interview or in subsequent interviews.
Don't mention personal or financial problems (health, family, etc.). Unless you need an EEOC accommodation and you think the employers needs to know that immediately. BTW, an employer cannot legally ask you many personal questions but it is fair game if you volunteer the info.
Don't be afraid to smile! Less stress and more confidence!
Avoid refreshments during the interview. Nervousness and shakily clammy hands are the norm, do you really want to remember your table manners right now too?

And, now you are ready for the actual interview. This is one sample of The Grilling to expect:

So, why don't you tell me about yourself?
Remember that volunteered too personal information can be used against you in the interview stage. Stick to professional alignments.

Tell me about an objective in your last job that you failed to meet and why.
Tricky and nicely done. Instead tell about how you met deadlines, overcame odds etc.

What has been your most significant accomplishment in your career? Talk about the career high point you are most proud of.

Think back to your last review. What did your supervisor say needed improvement? Wow, hate this question. To be candid or not? Not, I think. They are going to run a background check anyway and get all the dirt from your past employers, let them do the work don’t volunteer anything detrimental.

Why are you seeking a position with our company? Resist the urge to say “because I need to work?” Remember your research about the company and state a logical reason you want to work for this particular company.

Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last job?) Honesty is best, remember they are going to do an employment history check if they haven’t already done so. Just don’t elaborate, save time for answering better questions.

Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from now? S
uch a popular question at interviews. Be honest, unless you see yourself retired and then sort of don’t mention that.

What do you like the most/least about your current (previous) job? Focus on the positive whenever you can.

How do you define success? They are not asking for the Merriam-Webster definition. They want to know what your goals are and if you think the job is a priority and if you are well balanced in your personal and business life.

Now it’s your turn to ask questions, but only if you feel the timing and the interviewer’s attitude toward you is right.

·        Why did the person in this position leave?
·        What would you like done differently by me if I get the job?
·        How would you describe the work atmosphere here?
·        What is the most important things you would want me to accomplish?
·        How many candidates are being interviewed for this job?
·        What are the company’s goals for the next few years?
·        When are you looking to hire?
·        I've really enjoyed our meeting. I am very interested in this position. What is the next step for me?

Afterwards, analyze the whole interview for yourself, do a self-evaluation.

How was your interview performance? Note what went right and think about the areas that need improvement.

Send a thank you card, letter or email. This is an expected vehicle to express your appreciation for the interview and to re-emphasize your qualifications and interest for the position. Remember, top of mind.

Follow up with the employer in a few days to see if the job is still open. They will probably not communicate with everyone who interviewed that the position has been filled.

Continue your job search until you get a firm job offer.

Still Good Advice

Interviews. You gotta love 'em, no matter which side of the desk you find yourself sitting at.

I ask every new employee at A1 Best Staffing: "Be candid with me. I want to place you in a job that is a good fit for both of us. I won't judge you and I won't put you in a job that you aren't qualified for. Will you really talk to me? What you tell me today, right here, will help us both in the long run."

And they do, tell me. Followed by the plaintive cry temp recruiters hear so often - "I'm here because I can't find a job. Why don't I ever get called back after the first interview? But they seemed so interested, what did I do wrong?" My standard answer -  "Maybe you didn't do ANYTHING wrong. Maybe it's more what you  didn't do."

I place temp, temp to perm, and direct hires through A1 Best Staffing. Most of our temps don't interview with the client, we are trusted to provide the best candidates and we do. However, our direct hires, unlike temps, always interview first. We are sometimes asked to be a client's HR Agency - to screen and skill test, then send a few hand picked candidates for interviews.

So, of course I want to make sure our candidates ace the interview. To be chosen for the job, they have to stand out and step forward. My advice to them for that important interview? This article continues to sum up what our clients expect from top candidates, even now in 2013.  

4 Essential Questions To Ask At The End Of A Job Interview
By Amy Fontinelle | Investopedia – Tue, Sep 25, 2012 11:14 AM EDT

"I am always surprised how some interviewees tend to trail off towards the end of an interview instead of finishing strong and leaving a lasting impression," says Zachary Rose, CEO and founder of Green Education Services, a green jobs training firm in New York City. Whether you're a senior preparing for campus recruiting or a recent graduate still hunting for a job, here are the top questions experts recommend asking at the end of a job interview to leave a great final impression on hiring managers and establish yourself as a top candidate.

"Is There Any Reason Why You Wouldn't Hire Me?" 
Kelsey Meyer, senior vice president of Digital Talent Agents in Columbia, Mo., says, "A recent candidate asked, 'If you were to not offer the job to me, what would be the reason?' This was extremely straightforward and a little blunt, but it allowed me to communicate any hesitations I had about the candidate before he left the interview, and he could address them right there."
"This one question is something I would suggest every single candidate ask," adds Meyer. It lets you know where you stand and if you need to clarify anything for the interviewer. "If you have the guts to ask it, I don't think you'll regret it," she says.
Rachel Dotson, content manager for ZipRecruiter.com, says, "All too often you hear about candidates leaving an interview and thinking they aced it, only to get a swift rejection email soon after. Take the time while you're face-to-face to ask about and dispel any doubts that the hiring manager has." Make sure a key asset of yours hasn't been overlooked.

"As an Employee, How Could I Exceed Your Expectations?" 
Michael B. Junge, a staffing and recruiting industry leader with Irvine Technology Corp. in Santa Ana, Calif., and author of "Purple Squirrel: Stand Out, Land Interviews, and Master the Modern Job Market," says that one of his favorite interview questions is when a candidate takes the lead and asks, "If I were offered this position and joined your company, how would you measure my success and what could I do to exceed your expectations?"
"The question shows confidence without being overly brash, while also demonstrating that you have an interest in delivering positive results," Junge adds. What's more, the answer you receive can reveal what the interviewer hopes to accomplish by making a new hire, and this information can help you determine whether to accept the position if you get an offer.
"How Could I Help Your Company Meet Its Goals?"
Dotson also suggests job candidates ask the interviewer, "How does this position fit in with the short- and long-term goals of the company?" The response to the short-term side of the question gives you further insight into your potential role and helps you tailor the remainder of the discussion and your interview follow-up, she says. "Second, by bringing up long-term goals, you are telling the hiring manager that you're there for the long-run, not just another new grad that is going to follow suit with her peers and job-hop every six months," Dotson says.
Junge also recommends that interviewees ask, "What challenges have other new hires faced when starting in similar roles, and what could I do to put myself in a better position to succeed?" He says few students or new grads will ask this question because most haven't witnessed failure. To a hiring manager, this question demonstrates maturity and awareness, and if you're hired, the answers can help you avoid the pitfalls of being new.

"What Excites You About Coming into Work?" 
Murshed Chowdhury, CEO of Infusive Solutions, a specialized staffing firm in New York City, suggests that candidates ask the interviewer, "What excites you about coming into work every day?"
"This is a role reversal question that we often suggest candidates ask," he says. People love the opportunity to talk about themselves, so this question provides an excellent chance to learn about the hiring manager and find ways to establish common ground. "This is also a great opportunity for the candidate to determine whether he/she is excited by the same things that excite the hiring manager to see if the culture is a good fit," Chowdhury adds.

The Bottom Line 

Although it is important to provide a great first impression to a potential employer, as well as acing the basics of a job interview, closing the interview strongly is just as important.
"Prove to your interviewer that you want this position and you are in this for the right reasons, not simply to fill your day with something to do," Rose says. Ask these questions before you leave, and leave your potential new employer with a great impression.