daytonjobs.com | Interview Tips | Enterprise Search Associates
1. BE PREPARED
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.
- Avoid making negative remarks about your previous job(s) or manager(s)
2. MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
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.
3. BE ENTHUSIASTIC
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.
- 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.
4. EMPHASIZE YOUR STRENGTHS
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).
5. TURN YOUR AREAS TO IMPROVE INTO STRENGTHS
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.
6. ASK QUESTIONS
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?
7. DON’T DISCUSS SALARY
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.
8. ASK FOR THE JOB
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!!!!
9. SEND A THANK YOU NOTE OR EMAIL AFTER THE INTERVIEW
This simple courtesy goes a long way towards making a favorable impression.
- Always thank the interviewer for their time
- Reiterate your interest in the company.
- Should be brief and well written.
10. READ A BOOK
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