Job Interview Tips
First impression is the key of an interview success. You don't get a second chance to make the first impression impressive.
How Would You Prepare Yourself?
1. Learn about the company, the position and the people. Learn in advance as much as you can about a potential employer's business from their website.
2. Think of how best to communicate. Think about the best ways to describe your experiences and the projects you will present to interest, relate to and influence the people you are going to meet.
3. Prepare your portfolio/presentation materials. Think carefully about showing design work done much earlier in your career. To many potential employers, especially those who are not designers, older work simply looks dated, and this may work against you.
4. Rehearse. Ask your friends, colleagues or others whose judgment you trust to listen to your presentation and to tell you how you can improve. Ask them what they would want to know about people who are interviewing for positions with their companies
5. Get directions and travel specifics. Ask your recruiter for driving or any other travel directions if necessary, even if you will be taking a taxi airport.
Tips for the Interview
6. Be early. Plan to arrive at your appointment 15 to 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Planes and trains can be late and traffic can be unpredictable
7. Use waiting time wisely. If you must wait, use the time wisely by refreshing your memory. Read your resume and the materials the company provides about themselves in the waiting area. Be interested in your surroundings. Don't listen to a discman.
8. Mind your manners. Be nice to everyone, even receptionists and parking lot attendants. Make as many friends as you can throughout the interviewing process. Say "please" and "thank you" more frequently than usual.
9. Set up a "give and take" situation. Establish a balance between talking and listening. Do not try to dominate the conversation. Do not over-explain, pontificate or "lecture" to the people you are interviewing with. Be a sympathetic listener. Ask open-ended questions designed to draw out people so you can learn about them and how you may meet their needs.
10. Be genuine, interested and enthusiastic. Get comfortable with the people you are interviewing with as soon as you can. Be lively and expressive. Never speak in a monotone. Don't be afraid to laugh and smile. Make eye contact continually. If you are interested in the company, ask questions, especially about the position and performance objectives. If you are asked about your salary requirements, give a range, and be sure the information is consistent with what you told the recruiter.
11. Confidential information. Never reveal confidential information about past employers or projects you have worked on.
12. Communicate simply. Always use simple language that is easy to understand. Speak slowly and clearly but in a natural manner to ensure that you are understood. Avoid jargon, trite expressions and cliches.
13. Follow up. Call your recruiter immediately after your meetings while everything is fresh in your mind and give him/her your feedback and impressions. Remember to send "thank you" notes to everyone you met.
Personal Presentation
14. On the morning of the interview:
How Would You Prepare Yourself?
1. Learn about the company, the position and the people. Learn in advance as much as you can about a potential employer's business from their website.
2. Think of how best to communicate. Think about the best ways to describe your experiences and the projects you will present to interest, relate to and influence the people you are going to meet.
3. Prepare your portfolio/presentation materials. Think carefully about showing design work done much earlier in your career. To many potential employers, especially those who are not designers, older work simply looks dated, and this may work against you.
4. Rehearse. Ask your friends, colleagues or others whose judgment you trust to listen to your presentation and to tell you how you can improve. Ask them what they would want to know about people who are interviewing for positions with their companies
5. Get directions and travel specifics. Ask your recruiter for driving or any other travel directions if necessary, even if you will be taking a taxi airport.
Tips for the Interview
6. Be early. Plan to arrive at your appointment 15 to 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Planes and trains can be late and traffic can be unpredictable
7. Use waiting time wisely. If you must wait, use the time wisely by refreshing your memory. Read your resume and the materials the company provides about themselves in the waiting area. Be interested in your surroundings. Don't listen to a discman.
8. Mind your manners. Be nice to everyone, even receptionists and parking lot attendants. Make as many friends as you can throughout the interviewing process. Say "please" and "thank you" more frequently than usual.
9. Set up a "give and take" situation. Establish a balance between talking and listening. Do not try to dominate the conversation. Do not over-explain, pontificate or "lecture" to the people you are interviewing with. Be a sympathetic listener. Ask open-ended questions designed to draw out people so you can learn about them and how you may meet their needs.
10. Be genuine, interested and enthusiastic. Get comfortable with the people you are interviewing with as soon as you can. Be lively and expressive. Never speak in a monotone. Don't be afraid to laugh and smile. Make eye contact continually. If you are interested in the company, ask questions, especially about the position and performance objectives. If you are asked about your salary requirements, give a range, and be sure the information is consistent with what you told the recruiter.
11. Confidential information. Never reveal confidential information about past employers or projects you have worked on.
12. Communicate simply. Always use simple language that is easy to understand. Speak slowly and clearly but in a natural manner to ensure that you are understood. Avoid jargon, trite expressions and cliches.
13. Follow up. Call your recruiter immediately after your meetings while everything is fresh in your mind and give him/her your feedback and impressions. Remember to send "thank you" notes to everyone you met.
Personal Presentation
14. On the morning of the interview:
- Take a shower or bath. Use deodorant.
- Wash your hair.
- Brush your teeth, and use mouthwash, if necessary. Carry mints or breath spray in case you need it before your meeting(s).
- Clean your nails.
- Use after-shave or fragrance sparingly.
- Play uplifting music that makes you feel good.
- Exercise if you are nervous.
15. Dress appropriately.
• In most situations, clothing should be neat, natural and not attention grabbing. The focus should be on your mind and work, not your outfit.
• If you are not sure about proper interviewing attire, ask your recruiter or the assistant of the person you are going to meet about the dress code of the company. Unless told otherwise, athletic shoes may not be appropriate for an interview.
• Use jewelry sparingly. Don't wear anything that makes noise.
(Content sources: http://www.ritasue.com/ and http://www.ndsu.edu/career_center/)
posted by Shawon @ 5/27/2006
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