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1.
BE PREPARED |
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Interview preparation is one of the most important
aspects of a successful job search. Before each interview,
Enterprise Search Associates (ESA) will provide you
with detailed information on the company and the available
position. However, you should also be prepared to:
- Explain
in depth who you are and what motivates you.
- Conduct
your own research on the company.
- Present
yourself as the right person for the job
- Discuss
how your accomplishments, background and experience
will benefit the company.
- Explain
your past career moves and why you are interested
in making another change.
- Be
positive and make sure your career-move explanations
show foresight and planning.
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Avoid making negative remarks about your previous
job(s) or manager(s)
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| 2.
MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION |
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Initial impressions are made within the first 20-30
seconds of an employment interview. You can make a
positive first impression if you:
- Bring
a smart attaché case or a professional binder
and a fine quality pen.
- Start
the interview with good eye contact and maintain
it throughout the interview.
- Wear
professional business attire, preferably a dark
blue, gray or black suit with understated accessories.
- Make
sure your clothing is meticulously clean and color
coordinated.
- Create
a more polished appearance by being well groomed
with neat hair and newly-shined shoes.
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| 3.
BE ENTHUSIASTIC. |
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Being enthusiastic about your work, the company
and its projects shows the interviewer that you are
a viable candidate. During the interview:
- Be
confident about your abilities and promote them.
- Don't
be afraid to give detailed information about what
you can do when responding to questions.
- Whenever
possible, anticipate questions and be forthcoming
with answers.
- When
you claim a skill, back it up with on-the-job examples
and be persuasive.
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| 4.
EMPHASIZE YOUR STRENGTHS. |
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Almost every interview follows a basic pattern
with the person conducting the interview trying to
determine your strengths and weaknesses. You'll want
to:
- Talk
about your strengths in terms of teamwork and projects
you are proud to have worked on.
- Project
strength of character and strong work ethics (ie:
goal oriented, flexible, committed, persistent,
self-motivated, ambitious, hardworking, finish projects
on time and on budget, good listener, dedicated,
intelligent, multi-tasking, work-well under pressure).
Use these adjectives for examples.
- Address
the interviewer's chief concerns (ie: if an HR Manager
conducts the interview you might want to emphasize
your interpersonal skills; if you are interviewed
by a Technical Manager you might want to emphasize
your technical skills).
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| 5.
TURN YOUR AREAS TO IMPROVE INTO STRENGTHS. |
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Employers look for people who know their own limitations
and are interested in self-improvement. You can turn
your needs of improvement into an advantage for the
company like saying things as:
- "I
am a perfectionist, I have trouble with priorities
so I often work long hours. But I am reading a book
on time management."
- "I
haven't had much experience in that particular technology,
but I am interested in learning more about it.".
- The
key to answering questions that address areas of
improvement are to back them with what you are doing
to improve.
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| 6.
ASK QUESTIONS. |
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It is important for you to leave the interview
with a good understanding of the job and company.
Also, asking questions shows you are interested in
the position. Make a list of general questions to
ask during the interview, such as:
- What
are the responsibilities of this position, and what
are the most important?
- What
results are expected of this position?
- What
characteristics are you looking for in a candidate
for the position?
- What
opportunities and problems are associated with this
position?
- What
are the goals of this company and department?
- What
support is available for me to meet these goals?
- Are
there any projects currently in motion?
- What
is their history and status?
- What
type of training do you provide?
- Why
is this position open? Replacement or expansion?
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| 7.
DON'T DISCUSS SALARY. |
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If you state a salary figure that is too low or
too high, you may not be considered for the position
at all. For Enterprise Search Associates to negotiate
the best possible compensation package for you, it
is absolutely essential that you do not state salary
requirements. Instead:
- Focus
on the opportunity and say you prefer to leave the
question of salary open for now.
- Tell
them what you are currently earning and that you
are negotiable.
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| 8.
ASK FOR THE JOB. |
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The close of the interview provides a chance to
sum up your qualifications and ask for the job. You
can use this opportunity to:
- Ask
the interviewer how well your qualifications fit
the company's needs. "I really like the position
do you feel I am a fit for the position?"
- Address
anything that was missed to reinforce your candidacy.
"What is your assessment of my skill set for the
position".
- Express
interest in the position and a desire to proceed
to the next step of the hiring process.
- Close
the interview by ASKING FOR THE JOB. Most people
do not do this. Tell them you like what you see
and what is the next step. Express interest. The
offer is in their court until you get it. GO
FOR IT!!!!
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| 9.
WRITE A THANK YOU NOTE AFTER THE INTERVIEW. |
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This simple courtesy goes a long way towards making
a favorable impression. Your personal, handwritten
note should:
- Always
thank the interviewer for their time
- Reiterate
your interest in the company.
- Should
be brief and well written.
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| 10.
READ A BOOK. |
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There are many good books to help you better understand
the interview process and give an edge over the competition.
We recommend:
- "How
to Turn An Interview Into A Job" by Jeffrey G. Allen
- "What
Color Is Your Parachute" by Richard Bolles
- "Dress
for Success" by Molloy
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