A 10-Point Checklist to Make Sure You Are Ready for the Interview

You can never be too prepared for an interview! The time you spend preparing will be worth it when you interview for your DREAM JOB!

Make sure that you have these 10 Points covered and you are on your way to INTERVIEW SUCCESS!

1. You have spent the time to prepare a fantastic RESUME. One which really SELLS YOU to the prospective employer and one that truly represents you honestly and POSITIVELY!

2. You have the right clothes to wear and have made sure that your shoes are shined and your clothes are neat, pressed and conservative! The only way I have ever seen anyone overdressed for an interview was when I once hired a Secretary for our company, and she was just getting started in life- had nothing professional prepared, and so she wore her best dress- one you would wear on an evening out! As I recall, it was silver and sparkly! We luckily were not only looking at what she wore, but who she was! We did give her a chance and she did a great job!

So skip the evening wear and dress in professional BUSINESS attire. If you don’t own a suit, get one! If $$ is an issue, there are great consignment shops where you can find some excellent deals, and get something almost brand new! It is worth the investment!

3. Prepare a two minute PRESENTATION OF YOU!

What are you bringing to this prospective employer? Why should they want to hire you? What are your FEATURES AND BENEFITS?

Take the time to think of your attributes and turn them into positives for your future employer!

4. RESEARCH the prospective employer! Check all sources that you can- newspapers, industry publications, search engines, Job Boards- their website!

5. PRACTICE AND PREPARE ANSWERS for the questions you will be asked. The Most Commonly Asked Questions Are:

a. Why do you want to work for our company?
b. Why should we hire you?
c. What did you like/dislike about past jobs?
d. Why did you leave past jobs?
e. Why are you interested in this position?
f. Why did you choose your college or major?
g. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
h. What are your weaknesses?
i. Take the time to think of answers that sell you to the employer. Try to turn any negative into a POSITIVE!

6. PREPARE FOR THE SALARY QUESTION! Over the years, about 90% of my client companies would always bring up the salary question. The most effective way to answer this question is to reiterate what salary you are currently at and ask for their top offer! It is always best NOT to mention a specific figure-keep your answer general and NEGOTIABLE until you find out the entire package; which may or may not include benefits, expense account, mileage, bonuses, commissions, etc. BE HONEST- many times prospective employers will verify your salary-either before or after an offer of employment is extended to you.

7. Think of possible RELATIONSHIP BUILDING TOOLS that you can use- what might you and the Interviewer have in common? What could you bring up that would be industry related and impress the Interviewer with your knowledge or experience?

8. PREPARE QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER!

The Top 6 Questions to always ask are:

a. Why is the position available?
b. What qualities are you looking for in the individual that you hire?
c. What goals are you looking for the person to accomplish?
d. Does your company have a policy of promotion from within?
e. How many people have held this position in the past several years? Were they promoted or did they leave the company?

And the top one to always ask:

How long have you been with the company? What do you like the most about your position and the company itself

9. Prepare your CLOSE! The most important goal on your interview is to CLOSE THE INTERVIEW FOR THE OFFER! Show confidence in yourself by reiterating the BENEFITS that you could bring to their company if they hired you! As your interview winds down, this is the time to CLOSE. You could say for example:

“I am confident that I could do a great job for your company? Are there any obstacles you see that would prevent me from moving on to the next step in the interview process” or even as direct as “ I am extremely impressed by what your company has to offer- When can I start?”

10. TAKE ACTION! You are now ready for the real work- YOUR JOB SEARCH! Obviously read your newspapers, or the newspapers of the area you wish to relocate to. Get on the internet- there are many different Job Boards available- too many to mention!

Contact Recruiters in your industry, and attend Industry meetings where you could network with others! Tell everyone that you know that you are looking (of course, not your current employer).

Either email, hand-deliver or send your resume with appropriate cover letters to companies that interest you. They may not have an opportunity for you today, but you never know what the future holds!

Wendy Ahlheim
www.recruiterstips.com

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