Interview Tips

90% of hires are based solely upon the interview, according to a Harvard Business Review study. In fact, 63% of hiring decisions are made within the first 4.3 minutes of an interview (courtesy SHRM). So, the interview is probably the most important part of the hiring process. And that’s why you need to spend time with your personal recruiter to better understand whom you are interviewing with and the issues that you will be talking about during the interview.

You always need to “take temperatures” because people have minds and they’re changing them constantly. You need to listen to what they don’t say. Being prepared for an interview is vital. The following preparation tips are effective for conducting a positive interview.

Things To Remember:

• People have to buy you before they buy from you.
• People hire and accept candidates emotionally first and justify them logically later.
• People hire and accept emotionally first and justify logically later.
• Know your technology, but think PEOPLE.
• The decision to hire is made in the first 5 to 10 minutes of the interview, with the remaining time spent justifying that decision.

Candidate Preparation:

Please take these notes to the interview and practice both the anticipated questions that may be asked and your answers to those questions. Be sure to practice these steps out loud to yourself before the interview.

• What are the duties and responsibilities of the position I’m applying for? This is an excellent icebreaker question for the hiring manager and a great start to a successful interview.
• What percentage of my job is dedicated to administration, supervisory, and technical tasks?
• What is the number one priority I have to complete before I leave each day? Why?
• What are the production or sales goals? What obstacles would prevent me from reaching my goals?
• What are the short and long term goals set for the person in this position?

Be sure to have questions of your own prepared for your interviewer. Questions should be written out in advance, avoiding the topic of compensation and benefits (at least for the first interview).

If the question of salary is brought up a very good response is “I would like as much as the position will pay” OR “I am currently making $_____. Although I would like an increase, I don’t know enough about the opportunity to answer that fairly”). Be very careful that you don’t short yourself. Be sure to keep in mind your base salary, bonus program, stock options, gain sharing programs, performance bonuses, benefits, etc.

And remember, ask for the job! “I haven’t interviewed in a while, what is the next step? Can we conclude our business today if all goes well?” Summarize what you’ve done that ties in with the new position and ask, “Do I have the qualifications you’re looking for?” Then, remain silent for an answer. If the interviewer says, “I’m looking at other people,” you say, “How do my qualifications match the people you’re considering.” Your #1 priority is to receive an offer, if this is a position that you desire, your #2 priority is to know the next step. ALWAYS SEND A FOLLOW-UP LETTER.

After you leave the interview, it is very important that you call us immediately!