Ten Principles of Effective Interviewing
By Christina Robertson
| 1. | Know
what you want: what you like to do, your values, and your "ideal"
job. |
| . | |
| 2. | Research, prepare, and practice. |
| 3. | Learn
as much as you can about the position, people you will be working
with, and the company. |
| 4. | Match
what the position and company will require with what you have to offer. Typically, certain competencies are required.
How do you fulfill the key position requirements? |
| 5. | Be
prepared to offer examples of when you demonstrated key competencies. Illustrations should be stated in no more than three or four
sentences and be results-oriented.
For example: "One
of my key strengths is launching new products.
In the past year I directed a successful product
launch which generated more than one million dollars in the first
year and is projected to generate two million dollars annually." |
| 6. | Think
through questions you would not
want to be asked and prepare what you think would be a satisfactory
response. For example,
if you were fired, how would you answer questions such as "Why
did you leave your last position?"
Or, "What kind of relationship did you have with your
boss?" |
| 7. | Know
how to answer questions concerning salary expectations and how to
negotiate salary.
Generally, it is best not to state salary expectations until
you are offered the position. |
| 8. | Be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer that will add to your knowledge of the position. |
| 9. | Be
prepared with references who can represent you to your fullest advantage.
Sometimes it is best to say that you will get back to them
with references after you notify them and check on their availability.
This will give you an opportunity to tell your references about
the position, its requirements, and how they can best market you in
a reference statement. |
| 10. | Know where the interview will take place, be sure you know how to get there, and plan in advance what you will wear. Obviously, be sure to make a good first impression with a firm handshake and proper eye contact. If the interviewer hasn't mentioned the next steps, it's okay for you to ask, "Where do we go from here?" End on a good impression by sending a thank-you note! |