TIPS ON INTERVIEWING

1. Know some basic facts and philosophies about the company.

2. Know why you are interested in working with the company and in the capacity for which you are   interviewing.

3. Know what skills you have to offer the company.  Be able to substantiate your skills with experience.

4. Carefully consider your answers to possible value-oriented, as well as, factual questions.

5. Prepare several questions to ask the interviewer.  Make your questions specific and relevant to the position and/or company.

6. Take with you information that may be asked for on an application.

7. Be prepared.  Don't overlook anything in preparing for the interview.

8. Dress professionally in keeping with the standard of the field you are working in or entering.

9. Arrive a few minutes early to your appointment.  Call ahead to be courteous if some emergency keeps you from arriving promptly.

10. Meet the interviewer with a firm, friendly handshake.  Maintain comfortable eye contact and body language, and smile…smile…smile…

11. Establish an easy but professional rapport.  Be conversational.

12. Explain why you want to work for the organization and what you have to offer in direct and understandable terms.

13. Be flexible, eager to learn, open to new ideas.  You have a lot to contribute right now, but you also have more to learn.  Do not try to be an "instant manager or expert" in a new company.

14. Be assertive, but not aggressive.  When asked a general question, be prepared to take the lead and highlight specific qualifications.

15. Give examples.  Substantiate your skills with specific achievements

16. Be precise.  Avoid the "I want to work with people" syndrome.  What types of people do you want to work with, under what conditions, what specifically do you want to do with people, how do you work with others, what have you accomplished in the past, etc.

17. Be honest.  If you can't answer a question, say so – with an explanation.

18. Don't volunteer negative information about yourself or others.  If asked about any weakness, answer truthfully, and then show how you are making efforts to overcome it.  Highlight your strengths.

19. Express continued interest in learning more about the organization.  Show that you have done your research homework, and ask follow-up questions based on this research and information.

20. When the interviewer ends your meeting, leave with a warm handshake and a THANK YOU.

21. If an offer has been made and you decide not to accept it, be certain to let the employer know as soon as possible.  Be prompt in writing a one page THANK YOU letter expressing your appreciation for their time.