Sioux-Hudson Employment Services 

STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWS

Congratulations, you have an interview! Now it is time to research the organization and the position.

General Company Information

Research the company through pamphlets, brochures, web sites, industry directories or annual reports. You should try and obtain the following information:

< what the company's products or services are

< where the company's market and key customers/clients are

< what the general philosophy of the business is

< their short and long-term financial performance

< plans and strategies for growth and expansion

< key problems and challenges (internal and external)

Not only will this show your interest in the company, at the same time it will tell you where the company is headed. By their financial performance you will be able to tell if this is a stable organization or not.

Job Information

You may be able to obtain the following basic information through the employment department of the organization:

< basic information - organizational chart showing people, titles, reporting relations & functional responsibilities

< job title

< your reporting relationship

< size and scope of position (budget, number of people, etc.)

< detailed job description

If possible you can try and get the following through the hiring manager, human resources department or any contacts that you may have in the organization:

< key challenges and problems that the organization currently faces

< short-term and long-term objectives

< why the position is open

< the ideal candidate's qualities

Company Culture/Work Environment

Through annual reports, newspaper articles and talking to employees of the company you can acquire the following information:

< overall business philosophy of the company (principles, values, beliefs)

< management style (participative, controlling or other)

< profile of your future boss (traits, characteristics, principles, values, management style)

From all of this information, develop a list of skills and traits the employer will be looking for in a candidate. Review your resume and note where you have developed some of these skills (school, work, volunteering, extra-curricular activities).

Now that you have researched the organization and the position you should think about the actual interview.

Get explicit directions ahead of time. If you haven't been there before, take a drive or walk by there to make sure that you know exactly where it is.

Try and predict the type of questions the employer might ask. Sioux-Hudson Employment Services has books pertaining to interviews with questions that are usually asked.

Think about what you would like to know about the job or the company and prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview.

If you did not include references on your resume, type up a sheet with 3 references to hand out at the interview.  Make sure you contact your references and ask them if they will give you a great reference first.

Plan what you will wear to the interview. Proper dress and appearance are very important. If at all possible do not wear blue jeans. Go easy on the jewelry, make-up and perfume/cologne.

Review your resume and sample questions.

Get a good night's sleep!

Leave enough time to get to the interview at least 10 minutes early.

Do a last check of your personal appearance.

While waiting, try to relax by doing some relaxation exercises or deep breathing.

Remember to be polite and friendly to everyone you meet, especially the receptionist or secretary.

When you greet the interviewer give them a warm smile, a firm handshake and make good eye contact.

Wait until you are asked to be seated and then sit in the designated place.

Sit up straight; don't slouch.

Avoid nervous habits (tapping pencil, picking fingernails, frequently adjusting glasses).

Vary the tone and speed of your speech; show energy and enthusiasm (but don't overdo it).

Be concise; try to focus and be straight to the point when you are answering questions.

Do not smoke, chew gum or eat candies.

If you are still interested, tell them.

Give them a value statement and let them know how the company will benefit from having you in the position.

Ask when you can expect to hear from them about a decision.

Say thank you, and leave with a warm smile and a firm handshake.

Give yourself a pat on the back!

Go home and write a thank you letter to the employer, while the interview is still fresh in your mind.

If you do not get the job, ask the employer for feedback on the interview and suggestions on areas or qualifications you would need to develop.

This web site was developed by Diane Martin