Paul May & Associates
Providing Recruiting Services for over 30 years.
Please refer your friends and coworkers. We have clients that need great talent.
Good luck with your interview process. We hope this information is helpful for years to come. We have a
wealth of information here. I’ve included some short preps as well as some good detailed preps, including
STAR interviewing, and various articles that will get the brain and interview juices flowing.
If an interview is a competition, he or she who asks the best questions wins.
Click here for more Paul May Associates Interview Tips ( Interview tips, STAR Method Interviewing,
Short prep tips)
Interview tips article is below and STAR is online ( Make sure you check out STAR tips
My goal (and hopefully your goal as well) is to for you position yourself in the best possible light in
relation to this opportunity, in case you want to advance.
To do that you will need to build a bridge between what their needs are and what you can do. The first
step is asking good questions about their current situation: What their goals are, what they need to have
happen and what their day to day challenges are, and then position yourself as best as possible in relation
to what they have going on.
Call me as soon as you wrap up It is important for me to know your interest level before I speak
with them regarding feedback.
Have some questions prepared, but also develop and ask questions during the interview.
Remember to position yourself as the person who can do the things they need, if that is the case.
Imagine how you look through the lens of the viewer. This is the best time to overcome any objections
they might have.
Take a moment and review these points and the link as well as do your own research on the company and
the tools needed for the role.
Things to read: (please do):
Click here for more Paul May Associates Interview Tips ( Interview tips, STAR Method Interviewing (
must know this), Short prep tips)
Must read: Answering the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question-Your Guarantee for Making an Impressive
Interview First Impression by Jeff Skrentny, CPC/CTS, ATMG/CL
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1d41j8h5avlmxgj/TMAY_Interview%20Prep.pdf?dl=0
5 Points to Demonstrate During Interview
1) You will never have to repeat things to me
2) I will give 100% through the completion of the projects
3) I try to create a positive work environment
4) I take criticism well and am easy to instruct
5) I am a loyal employee and never talk about my company and do my best to support it’s goals and
missions.
BE PREPARED
Interview preparation is one of the most important aspects of a successful job search.
Be prepared – Quick check list –
Please prepare a list of questions on your notepad and have a printed copy of the Job Description in front
of you for either onsite or phone screen.
Do your research, use LinkedIn connections to see who you’re interviewing with so you can make a
connection. People like people that know about their company and accomplishments – And people hire
people they like too. Make sure you look at the website, videos and have information about the company.
You will get asked. People want to hire people who are interested in their company not just a job.
If the question comes up “Where else are you interviewing?” Answer ” I am passive, or I would like to
keep those organizations confidential at this time, I am sure you can understand.”
If the question of money comes such as ” What do you wish to make” or “What are you looking for” –
refer this topic to your recruiter if you want but the interview team should be fully aware of your desired
pay. Tell them you’re in the salary range and flexible. You are a person that likes to see the overall offer
package as salary is just a part of your compensation and other areas matter such as benefits, education,
work/life balance, all factor in.
BE ENTHUSIASTIC AND CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITIES Enthusiasm sells. Be energetic and
upbeat. Show enthusiasm by the caliber of your listening skills and questions, not the amount you talk. :-).
Do not say anything negative about your current employer or past employers
If a question comes up that you might not know the answer to, stop and think for a minute and think of a
relatable experience and say ” I have not done that exactly but I have done…….which is closely related do
you agree.”
At the end of the meeting try and phrase these two questions –
1) Can I add value to your organization, or How do my qualifications fit the position you are looking for.”
do you feel I have the qualifications to fit this role?
2) What is the next step and when will it take place?
This makes the employer evaluate your background right there and now. You can then cover anything
missed and don’t forget to ASK FOR THE JOB ( I like this role and would be very interested in moving
forward if you are). The close of the interview provides a chance to sum up your qualifications and ask
for the job.
Address anything that was missed to reinforce your candidacy. ” I may not have that experience, but I am
sure I can learn it.” Express interest in the position and a desire to proceed to the next step of the hiring
process. ” I am very interest in this position because (try and mention some reasons) and I look forward to
working with you in the future. Who else do I need to meet with to help with your decision?”
Think over your accomplishments, skills and experience and how they will benefit the company. Write
these down, make some notes, and know what you want to say.
Be able to explain your past career moves and why you are interested in making another change. Make
sure your career moves explanations show foresight and planning. Avoid making negative remarks about
your previous job(s) or manager(s). This will only hurt your chances of getting hired. Don’t be bitter. Be
professional.
MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION
Our research shows that initial impressions are made within the first minute of an employment interview.
You can make a positive first impression if you:
Bring a fresh copy of your resume. Your resume should be outstanding.
Bring a smart attaché case or a professional binder and a fine quality pen.
Start the interview with good eye contact and maintain it throughout the interview. Eye contact is key.
You will benefit greatly from looking them in the eye.
Wear professional business attire, preferably a dark blue, gray or black suit with understated accessories
and jewelry. Make sure your clothing is meticulously clean and color coordinated. Shoes polished.
Create a more polished appearance by being well groomed with neat hair and nails (go ahead and treat
yourself to a haircut or a manicure before the interview).
Make sure you have a firm handshake.
Being enthusiastic about your work, the company and its projects shows the interviewer that you are a
viable candidate. During the interview:
Be confident about your abilities but not egotistical. The “I can do everything” approach will not score
you any points.
Don’t be afraid to give detailed information about what you can do when responding to questions. Make
sure you answer with more than just a yes or no. Respond to a question with information or possibly a
follow up question.
Whenever possible, anticipate questions and be forthcoming with answers. Some examples of this are:
(Know that these are coming…)
Q: Tell me about yourself?
A: Very open-ended question. Try and find out more what the interviewer wants to discuss, then touch
upon points that emphasize your background. Should include interest, hobbies, and kind of work you
enjoy. Keep it 2 minutes max. If you are prepared you will be able to do this smoothly and concisely.
Q: What kind of work are you looking for?
A: You are looking for precisely the kind of work the employer is offering (but don’t say that if it isn’t
true). Repeat back in your own words what the employer has mentioned. If the employer hasn’t described
the job at all, say, “I’d be happy to answer that, but first I need to understand your requirements.
Q: Can you explain your job history?
A: Make sure you have logical business reasons why you left your companies (more $$ doesn’t cut it).
Ideally to advance your skills or position.
- When you claim a skill, back it up with on-the-job examples and be persuasive.
EMPHASIZE YOUR STRENGTHS
Almost every interview follows a basic pattern with the person conducting the interview trying to
determine your strengths and weaknesses.
You’ll want to:
Talk about your strengths in terms of teamwork and projects you are proud to have worked on.
Project strength of character and strong work ethics (ie: goal oriented, flexible, committed, persistent,
self-motivated, ambitious, hardworking, finish projects on time and on budget, good listener, dedicated,
intelligent, multi-tasking, work-well under pressure).
Address the interviewer’s chief concerns (ie: if an HR Manager conducts the interview you might want to
emphasize your interpersonal skills. On the other hand, if you are interviewed by a Technical Manager
you might want to emphasize your technical skills).
TURN WEAKNESS INTO STRENGTHS
Employers look for people who know their own limitations and are interested in self-improvement.
Mention a weakness and then stress its positive aspect, e.g., “I don’t like to be over supervised, because I
have a great deal of initiative, and I like to anticipate problems before they even arise.”
ASK QUESTIONS
It is important for you to leave the interview with a good understanding of the position and company. You
are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Make sure you can make a good career
decision on whether you want to work for the company after you leave. Therefore, make a list of general
questions to ask during the interview, such as:
What are the responsibilities of this position, and what are the most important?
What results are expected of this position?
What are the limits of my responsibility and authority?
What problems and opportunities are associated with this position?
What are the goals of this company and department?
What support is available for me to meet these goals?
Are there any projects currently in motion?
What is their history and status?
What type of training do you provide?
Why is this position open? Replacement or expansion?
What criteria are used for performance reviews?
Ideally DON’T DISCUSS SALARY
If you state a salary figure that is too low or too high, you may not be considered for the position at all.
Let PMA to negotiate the best possible compensation package for you, it is essential that you do not state
salary requirements. Instead: Focus on the opportunity and say you prefer to leave the question of salary
open for now. Tell them what you are currently earning and that you are negotiable. “I know you will
make me a fair offer based on what ever the market will bear.”
Email A THANK YOU NOTE.
This simple courtesy goes a long way towards making a favorable impression. Your personal, note
should:
Always thank the interviewer for their time.
Reiterate your interest in the company.
Should be brief and well written.
Hopefully these tips help you do a better job on your interviews. We cannot stress enough how important
it is to be prepared and we want to help you do your best. Please pass these on to a friend. We know it
will help.
Thanks,
Paul May
President
312-925-1294
paul@paulmayassociates.com
