On Site Interviews

  • Always be most professional in dressing -remember it is better to be a little over dressed than underdressed! Wear a business suit.
  • PLEASE BRING enough copies of your resume for as many interviewers as you will meet. Have a copy of your resume for yourself and use it as your navigational tool. throughout your interview. Keep it on your lap and look at when necessary.
  • Study your resume the night before. Remember you are the package and the salesman. No one knows your experience like you and no one can explain it like you!
  • PLEASE BRING a note pad to take down important information- sometimes this is an immediate deal breaker that shows a candidate did not prepare.
  • A firm handshake and good eye contact is essential. Stand up every time someone new enters the room and don’t SLOUCH!!
  • Demonstrate sincere interest in your interviewer. Ask them questions!
  • Actively listen and focus on questions asked. Follow-up with a question when applicable.
  • Describe your experience that is relevant-know your experience/resume.
  • Ask questions about the position not the benefits or vacation. There will be time for that later.
  • Do not discuss salary. Money is an awkward subject and we will handle that for you.
  • Elaborate when answering questions, don’t say yes/no!!!!
  • Focus on questions. Golden rule: if you start to repeat yourself, you’re rambling.
  • Let other’s praise you (my last review said that my strengths are…)
  • If asked to qualify your skills on a number scale, qualify your answer (I would rate myself an 8 because….).
  • Practice polite manners.
  • At the end of the interview ask “do you see anything in my background that would prevent me from doing this job?”
  • Always close your interview by asking, “what is the next step?”
  • Always ask for business cards so you can write your Thank you notes. Write them the next day!!
  • Please call us immediately after the interview so we can be informed and assist you in your decision.
  • Check out the company website to learn more about their business.

These are general tips to get you thinking about the interview process.

Some interviewing essentials are simple:

  • Dress appropriately. Your consultant will tell you what to wear to make the best impression in a particular company’s environment. In general, interview attire should be professional and conservative. Men and women should wear business suits or sharp business casual outfits and. Jeans are worn only if ok’d beforehand. Be tasteful with your jewelry. Leave most of the hardware at home. Be clean and neatly groomed. Turn your cell phone off.
  • Arrive for the interview 15 minutes early. Relaxes you and shows interest in the client and gives you time to complete the necessary paperwork. It also gives you time to get a feel for the company’s environment and relax. . Bring a resume.
  • Complete the application in detail and be truthful. Fill in the form neatly and completely; don’t write “see resume”. Never misrepresent your education or work experience. Present only the facts. Think of the application as the first assignment the company is giving you. Be sure to do it right! Companies refer to the application for background checks and if something is misrepresented this could stop the hiring process on the spot. If you are unsure about exact dates of employment or compensation put “approximately” next to the information.
  • First impressions are important! The outcome of many interviews is decided during the first ten seconds of the introduction. Create a good impression with the following:
    * Firm handshake * Good eye contact
    * Smile * Enthusiasm
  • Say: “Hello! Nice to meet you. Thanks for taking the time to see me.”
  • This is important: Try to begin the interview by having the client explain the position. People will usually lead off with the duties and responsibilities that are the most important. Then, you should respond with the details from your background and experience that fit this particular position. So, begin by saying something like this:
  • “I really appreciate the opportunity to meet with you today. Could you tell me more about what you’re looking for in this position?”
  • During an interview, your body language is as important as your verbal language.
    • Sit up straight. Lean forward slightly. Maintain eye contact and smile! This shows alertness, confidence and interest. Never cross your arms over your chest or lean back and slouch in your chair.
    • Politely refuse offers of coffee or sodas. This is a business interview, not a social occasion, and you don’t want to be distracted.
    • Be aware of the client’s body language and what it tells you. If you see the client shuffling papers, fidgeting, or looking out the window, etc., stop talking and ask: “What else would you like to know about my qualifications for this position?”
  • Always talk in terms of the available opportunity. Show as many similarities as you can between your background and what the client is looking for. Educate the client on what it is you do and how it matches up. The client is asking: “Does this person have what it takes to be successful in this position”. Keep it concise and to the point. USE EXAMPLES. Your objective is to help the client form a mental picture of you successfully performing the job.
  • Throughout the interview, speak clearly, listen closely and show interest. When the client says something that requires an answer, comment, smile or nod…REACT!
  • Emphasize what you can do for the company. Some clients ask broad questions like “Tell me about yourself.” Don’t answer questions like this by talking about your childhood, family, or personal ambitions. Instead, mention specific accomplishments that show your abilities and determination to succeed in THIS job. Your answers should tell the client why you would be an asset to the company, not why you need a job.
  • If you are interested in the position, say so. For example: “From everything we’ve talked about, I’m excited about this opportunity and believe I can get the job done. Can you picture me being a successful member of your team?”
  • If the answer is yes, say: “Great! What is the next step in the process?” However; if the client expresses reservations, address those specific issues and talk about your experience as it relates to those issues, or (if you don’t have the specific experience or education), your eagerness and ability to learn quickly.
  • At the end of the interview, stand up, smile, and offer a firm handshake and say: “Thank you for seeing me today.”
  • Because human relations skills are more important than technical skills in the interviewing process, it is most important that you project an enthusiastic, professional image right from the start. From the moment you walk in, the client will be evaluating you on a variety of levels…including your appearance, your personality and the way you express yourself. Remember, people want to work with people they like. As a candidate represented by us, we will prepare you in advance to make the interview a success. You’ll need to put our advice into action, smile, be friendly, and get the job offer!
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