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1st Steps In The Hunt: A Free Online Daily for Online Job Hunters

The Object of an Interview is a Job Offer

March 15, 2002

Here's a list of the basics:

Do Your Homework
Find out what you can about a potential employer. Practice your internet research skills.

Practice Makes Perfect
Spend some time before your interview reviewing possible questions with a friend. You will be more confident of your answers.

Additional Practice
CareerTalk provides interviewing tips for a wide range of interviews: Traditonal, Behavioral (Competency-based), Situational, Screening, and Team. Each type of Interview is descibed and advice is given on how to best perform in each setting.

Dress for Success
Be conservative. Dress for the interview, not the job. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Job Searching: Canada with Brian Mairs covers this topic for the Canadian JobHunter. Most applies for all jobhunters. I especially enjoyed his article that begins with: Bathe.

Prep
Be well rested and comfortable before you go to an interview. Eat a good meal.

Be Early
Always be fifteen minutes early. Get good directions or take a drive to where your interview will take place. It's far better to wait outside for a few minutes and compose yourself in order to arrive calm and confident, rather than running in late and out of breath.

Bring a Resume
Bring a copy for each person who will interview you. Have them immediately available.

Be Confident
When the interviewer tells you about the position, relate your skills and experience to their needs. Let them know that you can do this job.

Applications
If you are offered an application, fill it out. Some companies want to see your ability to follow directions, how well you can process handwritten records and your willingness to cooperate by your application. NEVER write "See Resume" on the application.

Impressions
Remember - you want to connect with everyone you meet. The receptionist, assistants and other employees you encounter may be asked if you would fit into the company's workplace after you've left the building.

Be Honest
If there is something that requires discussion, such as your reasons for leaving a position, write in "will discuss."

Money
Keep an open mind. Salary requirements can be "open" for negotiation, allowing flexibility for the right position. There are volumes written on this area. For additional info check out the Career Services Center from the University of San Francisco site. You may also want to refer to Salary.com if you are not sure of the appropriate salary range for a particlular position in a specific region.

Show Interest
A firm expression of interest goes a long way towards getting you that offer. A simple "Thank you for your time, I am interested in being considered for the position" is excellent.

Follow Up
Write a thank-you note to the interviewer, and mail it within 24 hours of the interview. In the thank-you note, state clearly that you feel confident that you will perform that job beyond their expectations, and that you are ready to accept an offer. Your thank-you note could make the difference.

If You Are Offered the Position
If you are offered the position and you want it, accept it. If you are not sure, ask the interviewer for a day to think about it. Set a time and call them back.

Good Luck. The more you interview, the better you get.

- Carrie Baggs