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1. PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW.
As soon as you are told of the appointment, look up the company on their website. Learn as much as possible about the history of the business, key personnel, recent achievements, etc. Who is their competition? How are recent trends affecting the company? Take two copies of your resume with you-one to give the interviewer if requested and the other for your use when filling out the application to ensure dates worked, companies' names and addresses will correspond. Take your list of references' names, titles, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses with you. (see section regarding references on resume preparation section).
2. DRESS APPROPRIATELY.
You should wear clothing that is appropriate for the job you are applying for. In most cases you will be safe if you wear clean, pressed, conservative business clothes in a neutral color. For your interview, do not wear jeans, collarless shirts, sandals even if employees wear casual attire. Nails should be neatly groomed, hair clean and neat, makeup light and natural looking. Avoid too much jewelry-no bracelets that clang, and no visible body piercings other than small earrings (for females). Keep perfume or aftershave at a minimum.
3. BE ON TIME.
A good first impression is vitally important. If you arrive late the prospective employer will have a negative impression from the start. If necessary, take a trial run to find the best route, time needed to get there and parking facilities. If you are more than 15 minutes early take a walk outside or just wait in your car. Take your cell phone and our phone number in case there is an unavoidable traffic tie up. We will call the client and explain the situation. If you are a smoker, do not smoke during the trip to the company or while waiting. The smoking odor lingers and can be the wrong way to start off.
4. BE PROFESSIONAL.
Shake hands firmly with the interviewer and never call him or her by their first name unless asked to. Be sure you know the correct pronunciation of the interviewer's name. (Ask us if there is a question about this). Make good eye contact, answer questions fully, but avoid excessive talking or appearing unresponsive and disinterested. Sit slightly away from the back of the chair (about ¼ inch).
Avoid nervous habits such as tapping your pencil, playing with your hair, or covering your mouth with your hand. Watch such language as "you know," "ah," "stuff like that." Don't smoke, chew gum, fidget, or bite your nails.
Maintain good eye contact and speak with confidence. Relax and take a deep breath.
5. RELATE YOUR EXPERIENCE TO THE JOB.
Use examples of experiences to indicate that you have the personal qualities, aptitude, and skills needed at this new job. Show that you are hard working, honest, dependable, loyal, a team player, and mature.
6. Be Honest.
Do not overstate your accomplishments or exaggerate on your experience.
While it is important to be confident and stress your strengths,
it is equally important, to your sense of integrity, to always
be honest. Dishonesty always catches up with you. Sooner
or later, someone will verify your background.
7. Focus on What You Can
Do For the Company.
Do not ask about benefits, salary, or vacations until you are offered the job. Don't suggest you are more interested in just gaining experience than doing the job.
8. SHOW INTEREST IN THE INTERVIEW
You will probably be asked if you have any questions. If you think of something during the interview, this is the time to ask. If nothing in the interview needs to be answered, have one or two questions prepared beforehand to show your interest. The questions might be:
- Is this a newly created position?
- What will be the next step in your applicant search process? Will there be a second interview?
- What advancement opportunities does this position offer?
- What would be my first project if I am hired?
- When will a decision be made on the successful candidate?
9. Maintain Good Eye Contact.
Look people in the eye and speak with confidence. Your eyes reveal
much about you; use them to show interest, confidence, poise,
and sincerity. Relax and take a deep breath. You are relating
to another person, not giving a speech to a large crowd.
10. END THE INTERVIEW ON A POSITIVE NOTE.
Finally, make certain you close the interview on a positive note.If you are interested in the job tell the interviewer.
Thank the interviewer for his or her time, shake hands, and say
that you are looking forward to hearing from them.
11. AFTER THE INTERVIEW.
As soon as you leave write yourself a note-be sure you have the full name, correct spelling and title of interviewer and company address. (If necessary call us and we will supply them). Use your cell phone or nearest pay phone and call your DiCenzo recruiter to tell him or her about the interview and if you are interested in the position. Finally, write a note to the interviewer, thank again for the time and relate how you feel your experience would fit with the available job.
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