Interview Tips
Preparing Before the Interview
- Do your research. Visit the website of the organization with which you are interviewing. Get brochures and reports if possible.
- Review and modify your resume if needed.
- Get solid directions and the day's itinerary.
- Prepare questions that are probing and insightful.
- Dress in a tailored and conservative manner: Dark suit, limited jewelry. Simple is the key.
At the Interview
- Arrive at the interview site about 15 minutes early. Make absolutely sure you are not late.
- Be confident. You are interviewing with this organization because your skills match their needs.
- Be courteous and kind to everyone you meet. Chances are everyone you meet will give his/her input to the hiring authority.
Be positive during the interview. Don't discuss any negatives associated with past positions. Negativity is one of the leading knockout factors for candidates.
- Draw parallels between your past job experience and the opportunity for which you are interviewing.
- Discuss how your skills and achievements will benefit the organization.
- Don't talk about money or benefits. You are interviewing because your requirements fall into the organization's range.
- Continue to ask questions of everyone with whom you interview. People judge your intelligence and your interest by the quality of your questioning.
- If you want to take notes during the interview, come prepared and ask the interviewer for permission.
- Know the next step in the process.
Common Interview Questions
- Tell me about your best/worst boss.
- What are your biggest shortcomings?
- What are your biggest accomplishments?
- Walk me through a biography of your career.
- Why do you want to leave your current situation?
- Describe the perfect work environment?
- What are your strongest attributes/skills?
- What things are you involved in outside of work?
- What separates you from others doing your same job?
- What is your life goal?
- What will your references say about you?
- What kind of student were you?
- What do you need in terms of salary?
- If you were offered the job, when could you start?
After the Interview
- Call your recruiter immediately. This helps us do our job and gives us insight on how to proceed.
- Write and mail a thank you note to the interviewer(s). Remember to send the note to your Recruiter for review before it is mailed.
- Most offers will be extended with an expiration date so walking through acceptance scenarios will be beneficial.
Why People Lose Job Offers
- Lack of interest or enthusiasm
- Negativity involving past situations
- Poor or eccentric personal appearance
- Arrogance
- Lack of confidence
- Failure to ask important questions about the job
- Excuses as to past failures or shortcomings
As with any potential change, it is normal to be hesitant or a bit nervous as you enter the interview process. We at TRAK welcome the opportunity to research and prepare with you to ensure that your visit is a positive experience.
