Selling Yourself: Interview Tips and Techniques
In a job interview you are the salesperson and the product. And every salesperson knows that for the sale to be a success, they must be prepared and confident.
Preparing for the Interview
Today's technology makes it easy and "punch button" to do research on whatever employer you are interviewing with. Just about every company today has a Web site. If you do not have their web address, utilize a search engine with one or two main words of the company's name and it will usually come up. If not — as they say — when in doubt, ask.
Besides Web sites, there is the old fashioned way of calling and requesting company literature, or annual reports to be mailed to you. You can never have too much information!
Now is the time to be especially current on industry journals, newsletters, and publications. Your personal network of fellow local and national association members can be particularly valuable at this stage of a job search. Memberships look good on a resume, and you fill also find that your membership directory or personal networking can lead you to other employees — past or present — of your prospective employer. The more informed you are, the more confident you will feel, and the better you will communicate.
Here's a sobering thought: Every time you do not prepare for an interview you are competing with someone who did. All factors being equal, who would you hire?
References
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An interview portfolio keeps you organized in a somewhat
uncomfortable, nervous setting. Folders with clear plastic
pocket inserts are great for flipping through and illustrating
certifications, reference letters, commendations, special
training, etc. The object is simply to have your papers neatly
arranged for handy reference. The format below can help you
organize your list of references. 1. First Reference (most recent) |
The first thing to remember about references is to be sure you have asked your references for permission to use their names prior to handing out your list. The last thing you want is for a reference to not really remember you or to be caught off guard and go into this important phone call without any advance thought.
If you have prior military background, research and obtain a military reference — it will carry a lot of weight. Even if it seems impossible to track down, your career is worth it.
What about the age old question of letters of reference versus a list of references to an interview? The answer is both: professional letters of references from past employers or supervisors can only enhance your marketability if they are done properly and presented well. Letters should always be on the company's letterhead and be uniquely written for you. Prior to leaving a position (assuming it was under good terms), always ask for a letter of reference. These letters should be in a business portfolio with additional copies if requested.
Please remember that letters of references do not take the place of a list of references. The list is part of your general strategy to make yourself easy to hire in every respect. If you make life easier for your prospective employer, you create the impression that you will also be easy to work with and easy to manage and supervise.
Your reference list should be on the same color and bond of paper as your resume (and cover letter when utilized). This gives the clean professional look you should maintain for interviewing. There reference list should have the complete heading with similar fonts and size as your resume complete with your name, address, phone number, email, etc. Next comes the title "References" with two subtitles underneath: professional and personal.
You should never make the employer figure anything out. They don't have the time, and normally won't take the time to do it. Employers feel that they have "checked" you out satisfactorily if you have at least three professional references. Professional references are past employers or supervisors — someone you have actually worked under, preferably in a related technical position. The proper layout of each reference is as follows:
NAME (John Doe)
Title (Technical Director)
Company Name (Mr. Tech Computer Comp.)
Full Address (1000 Main Street)
City,State, ZIP (Microsoft City, MO 00001)
Company Phone: # (000) 333-4444
For personal references, use professionals in the community, i.e., business owner, lawyer, doctor, minister, etc. The best personal reference would be someone known and respected by the employer. Two or three will suffice, and use the same layout that you used for professional references.
NAME (John Doe)
Profession (Technical Director)
Full Address (1000 Main Street)
City,State, ZIP (Microsoft City, MO 00001)
Company Phone: # (000) 333-4444
Many companies have formal reference forms they mail out to your references so it is important to list complete addresses.
Interview Attire
Even though today the "professional casual" look is very acceptable, especially in the technical industries, job seekers should hold themselves to a higher standard. If you are successful in the interview, you can enjoy the same privileges that your prospective colleagues enjoy. Be patient. If all goes well, you will soon be able to dress down yourself.
A business suit in conservative colors is bet, i.e., black, navy blue, dark gray, etc. Accent pieces such as a tie or blouse should have conservative patterns or pastels for blouses. Shoes should be dress shoes, not too casual. Jewelry should be subtle and understated, not flashy or distracting. Keep in mind this is not a fashion show or a "trendy " event, but a serious business transaction. Hair should be neat, trim and professional. For men long hair still gives off the air of a nonconformist which, to some employers, translates as a non-team player. Facial hair is acceptable as long as it is neat and trim.
It is human nature to make snap judgments based on first impressions. Everyone does it; it's only human. Let your first impression "make" you, not break you.
Ten Interview
Techniques
1. Take a deep breath and relax! You are relaxed because you are ready. Here's why:
- Your resume, reference sheet and portfolio (see inset) are all uniformly coordinated and organized.
- You look conservatively polished and professional.
- You have researched the company, the position, and are abreast of the industry and its technology.
- You feel confident and are in control of this scenario.
If you find interviews difficult — or even if you don't — consider a practice interview with a friend. Prepare as much as you need to in order to be relaxed on the big day.
2. Take the Initiative. When entering an interview, you make the first move to introduce yourself with your hand out for a firm handshake. Your handshake should always be firm whether you are interviewing with a male or female. This body language demonstrates that you are enthusiastic and interested in being there. It also demonstrates confidence and integrity.
3. Maintain Direct Eye Contact. Looking away to gather a thought is normal, but other then that, maintain eye contact throughout the interview. This demonstrates confidence, honesty, interest level, and enthusiasm.
4. Adjust Your Responses Appropriately for a Human Resources interview vs. a Technical Interview. When interviewing with Human Resources, your technical background responses can be stated in more general terms. When interviewing with a Technical Manager or Department Head your responses need to be as technically detailed as possible.
Human Resources normally looks for character personality traits to see how well you would fit in the organization or in front of clients. Though that is a concern for managers as well, they tend to focus on whether or not you can technically handle the position.
5. Maintain Your Focus. Interview responses should be responsive to the questions asked. Avoid the temptation to ramble on about everything you might feel is important in your background. If you keep this in mind, you will normally hit that question head on every time with a related response. Respect for the interviewer's time translates into a healthy respect for the needs of others — that makes you a desirable employee.
6. Back Up Your Response with an Example. About 90% of the interviewing candidates respond to a question without backing those statements with examples of proof. Examples add tons of credibility and aid the interviewer in visualizing your capabilities.
7. Keep It Positive. When asked why you left a certain company or position always explain it in a positive sense. Negativity makes the interviewer uncomfortable and concerned that perhaps you might be that way in their organization. Example: You didn't leave because you hated your boss; you left to pursue greater growth opportunities.
8. Never Bring Up Money or Benefits! This discussion should not even take place until an offer has been made and the negotiations have begun. If you bring these topics up, the interviewer may feel you are more concerned about the money or benefits, then the position/opportunity itself. Your interviewer could become leery that if they were to hire you that you could be the type to be swayed elsewhere for more money or better benefits.
If they bring up salary, understand it is used as a screening tool — to see if you are in their ball park or budget, or if you are realistic about the position and/or your background. In responding, never give a figure — it rarely helps your situation, but normally hinders it or takes you out of the running all together. Example: Don't say that you expect to make $30,000. Say that you expect to be compensated in line with industry pay scales.
9. Speak Up When the Table is Turned. Ninety-nine percent of the time the interviewer will ask at the closing of an interview session if you have any questions. Psychologically what has just taken place is that the interviewer just turned the table and the ball is now in your court. This is your opportunity to ask any specific questions about training, certifications, etc. But this is also your chance to add achievements or related experience that did not have the proper opening to be brought up earlier. And it's a terrific chance to leave whatever lasting impression you want to leave.
10. Assume They Want You.
- Ask if additional copies of your resume would be helpful. Hand over your reference sheet and letters.
- Inquire about the next step in the hiring process.
- Thank the interviewer for his or her time and express interest verbally and then follow it up within twenty-four hours with a written thank you. This has two purposes: it reinforces your interest and your consideration for your prospective employer.
Source: Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology: Volume 33 / Number 5, September/October 1999, p. 431-433