Preparation is critical for the achievement of a successful interview. The primary purpose of an interview is to secure an offer. You are only in the driver’s seat once you secure an offer; prior to the extending of an offer, you are simply a candidate. Therefore, before you interview, you need to prepare.
Preparation
Understand the culture/environment of the organization you wish to join. You should research the corporate culture as thoroughly as possible prior to your first interview. There are many research methods available to you:
1. Visit the Company’s Web Site.
Many companies have established a presence on the World Wide Web (WWW). Typically, you can gain valuable information with respect to a company’s products and services, benefits, history, and values.
2. Research Newspaper Articles.
Most metropolitan papers have a site on the WWW. Visit these sites and search for articles that reference the company.
3. Obtain Marketing Materials.
Many companies will send you various corporate publications if you simply call and request information.
4. Network
Ask friends, family, and associates if they know anyone who works or has worked at the organization. Networking is your best resource for getting the real scoop.
Know your background. Sounds simple enough, but many interviewees actually read from their resume during an interview. This is a red flag to interviewers; it suggests that the candidate does not remember or is not comfortable with his stated responsibilities, achievements, and work history.
Bring multiple copies of your resume to the interview. Even if you have hand delivered your resume to the company, it is important to bring fresh copies with you to the interview. Never assume that the recruiter and/or hiring manager will dig it out before you arrive. Additionally, if you are asked to meet unscheduled company representatives, you will need a fresh copy for each person.
The Interview
Make a positive impression in the first five minutes. When first meeting the interviewer, be friendly, be alert, and give a decent handshake. Be aware of your body language and speech patterns. Make sure that you present yourself in a way that is comfortable to the interviewer. If the interviewer speaks slowly and deliberately, do not rush your responses. If the interviewer leans forward to make a point, do not slouch as you respond. In other words, ensure that you and the interviewer are on the same non-verbal page.
Be clear and concise with your answers. Follow up the points you have made with relevant examples of your accomplishments. When you have finished your answer, STOP TALKING! Although silence can be uncomfortable, further comments will probably be redundant or off topic.
If you don’t know it, you can learn it. You will often be asked about skills that you have not yet developed. If you have been requested to interview, the interviewer already believes that you can do the job. Therefore, when these questions arise, discuss your ability to quickly acquire new skills and become productive; use examples.
Do not focus on money. Every interviewer asks about your reasons for leaving past and present positions. Your answer should never focus exclusively on money. It is a big red flag for the interviewer (how long will you stay and at what cost); it also does not speak volumes about your character. Do not take this the wrong way, money IS important. However, it should not be your only motivation for change. Acceptable reasons include: developing new skills, increasing responsibilities, location, etc.
Always have questions prepared. It is important to prepare questions for the interviewer. It reveals a greater level of interest. Thoughtful questions are also an indication of how well you will do the job. However, do not ask questions that have already been answered or that add no value to the conversation. If nothing else seems relevant, you may ask: "Are there parts of my experience that you are unclear about, or would like me to explain in more detail?" Closing questions will clearly demonstrate your interest level. It is appropriate to inquire about the next step in the interview process and decision dates.
Always send a thank you letter. The letter should clearly outline your interest and your ability to succeed in the new position. It may also address any remaining open issues from the interview. Carefully proofread this letter. Typos and grammatical errors could cost you the offer!!
Good luck on the interview!!!作者: sweety 时间: 2004-11-21 09:17 PM 正在慢慢消化！嗯！作者: 网普科技 时间: 2004-11-21 09:19 PM
