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Power Interviewing
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The four main steps to a successful interview are:
- The Resume.
- Research and Preparation for the interview.
- Pre-Interview checklist.
- Handling the interview.
- Following up after interview.
The Resume
 | Generally, they should be 1-2 pages. |
| Use Black/White and ensure there are no spelling or grammatical
errors. |
| Use as few acronyms as possible. |
| Your personal information (name, address, phone, email) should be at
the top of the first page. |
| If Education is a pre-requisite of the position, give it prominence
at the beginning of the resume. |
| Your work experience should be listed with the most recent first. |
| The name of the company, where it is located, what the company does,
the position you held and the dates you were there is important
information. |
| Write a couple of sentences explaining your responsibilities and
your achievements. Express your sales achievements in quantifiable
terms when applicable. |
| Include special skills, interests, hobbies and personal development
courses & seminars. |
Research and Preparation
| Go to the company's web site and get an understanding of their
business. |
| If there is no web site, get information directly from the company
or a library. |
| Research their competitors to get a feel for their industry. |
| Take a trip to the company before the interview if you are unsure of
exactly where they are located. |
| Prepare several questions about the company/position that show your
interest in their growth and potential. |
Pre-Interview Checklist
| Company knowledge. |
| Dress appropriately making sure you are neat, shoes polished, etc. |
| Copy of resume. |
| Memorize your questions. |
| Know your strengths, why you want this position, why you want to
work for this company. |
| Reference List. |
| Note Pad in a folder. |
The Interview
| Make friendly comments about the office, pictures, and plaques to
establish a friendly atmosphere. |
| Listen carefully and answer questions directly. Let the interviewer
take the lead. |
| Sell yourself when the time is appropriate; tell them why you would
be a good fit for the position. |
| Ask the interviewer what they are looking for and try to relate this
information to your life and work experience. |
| Know where you would like to see your career in 3-5 years. |
| Be comfortable and ready to talk about all your work experiences,
which you preferred and why. |
| Ask your questions. |
| Never ask about money, vacation or benefits on the first interview
unless the interviewer addresses these issues. |
| It is better not to mention a dollar amount. Stating what you are
currently earning is a safer route. |
| Show enthusiasm and make sure the interviewer knows you want the
position. |
| Ask where they are in the interviewing process and when a decision
will be made. |
| Take a business card so that you have all the information when
following up. |
Follow-up
| A Thank You call or email to all interviewers. |
| Call your recruiting consultant for updated information. |
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