*** HELPFUL HINTS FOR A WINNING INTERVIEW ***
Do Your Homework
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Carefully review the company's website and the job specifications (if they are available).
What to Bring to the Interview
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Directions to the interview (do a dry run prior if time permits)
A few copies of your resume
A pen
At least two job references. Be prepared with a full company name, address, supervisor's name and job title and company phone number.
Let your references know that you are giving out their names so they will be prepared to receive a call. Ask your references what they will say about you when called by a potential employer.
Preparing for Questions
Prepare, and practice in advance, answers to typical questions that interviewers ask. Some examples of questions to be ready for are:
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What are your strong points?
What are your weak points?
Tell me about yourself.
What would your current or previous supervisor tell me about you?
What are you looking for in a job?
What are you looking for in an employer?
Why should I hire you?
Who was the most difficult boss you have ever worked for and why?
What was your most stressful day on the job and why?
Why do you want to work for this company?
The Interview
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Arrive ten minutes early.
Let the receptionist know that you are early and that you don't mind waiting.
The Application
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Fill it out COMPLETELY and print clearly.
Never write, "see resume."
Under the section "Salary Requirements," write "open" or fill in a salary and write "flexible" or "negotiable."
Always be enthusiastic !
Elaborate on the answers you give but stay on the topic. Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Remember that the interviewer is trying to get to know you.
Ask the interviewer about the company and the job.
Avoid asking about the salary, company benefits, or hours unless an offer seems forthcoming.
Volunteer your strong points.
Let the interviewer know when you are available to start. Find out when they might want to fill the position and then let them know that you could arrange to be available.
Refrain from using the word "advancement" if asked about your goals. Talk about your hopes to stay with the company long-term, and take on more responsibility down the road.
Ending the Interview
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Let the interviewer know you are interested and explain why. A good time to do this is when you are asked, "Do you have any more questions?" Tell the interviewer when you are available to start and say you hope to be hearing from them very soon.
Send a follow-up thank you letter immediately after the interview.
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