Interview techniques - before, during, closing and after the interview
Before the interview
Know yourself, your goals or see a career coach
Before searching for a new position or going on a job interview you should have a good understanding of:
your personal goals,
your traits,
your characteristics
and your interests.
This is an important first step and key to ensuring a successful interview.
If you are unable to answer these questions, you may want to schedule some time with a CareerNet Coach and complete the CareerNet Assessment Suite tools, consisting of:
NetAssess
and Career Interest Profile
These tools will help you determine possible career options that you may want to consider. A CareerNet coach can assist you with some key tools in this process.....Career Action Plan, Fit For You Card, your Resume and much more!
Key recommendations
create some questions that you would like to ask during the interview. It is fine to take these with you to the interview.
rehearse your opening and closing.
if applying for a specific job posting, ensure that you/manager have agreed & documented an availability date. (indicates your eligibility to move into your next role).
when applying for a position, complete the job news posting and send your resume to the hiring manager via notes referencing the job posting number and job you are applying for.
if your interview is in person, print off a copy of your resume to take with you (never assume the manager has printed it)
Tip: extensive preparation is key to a successful interview!
Before meeting with a manager explore these
who's who in their organizational structure, do you know anyone in the department?
be aware of reporting structure and senior management
consult internal websites
find out if there are any key projects underway
analyze the position requirements and skills required for the posted position and do a self
evaluation of your level of proficiency of these skills
anticipate questions you may be asked during the interview and develop potential answers
practice, practice, practice. It may sound corny, but practice answering those questions in front
of a mirror, with a CareerNet Coach or even a close friend
learn anything you can about the person or persons interviewing you that may be helpful
in your discussions with them
have a discussion with your manager to determine if they have positioned you at all with the
interviewer i.e. providing work history/background with them
Tip: The key here is that the more you know about the area, the better prepared you'll be in answering
questions!
The Position Reference Library
Position Reference Library: describes all position requirements or job descriptions in the company by using these headings:
skills
traits & attributes
contribution/leadership
impact on business/job scope
Review the relevant career path and job family to determine what you have and how you can sell yourself in relation to the job!
Tip: ALWAYS remember to confirm the interview logistics (the address, correct time, any
special entrance, is parking provided or do you have to pay, any special dress code, etc.). Be prepared, cool and on time versus late and flustered!
Communications and tips
Upon arrival:
turn off your cell phone/pager before entering the interviewer's office!
dispose of any chewing gum before the interview - you want to speak clearly!
be well groomed in professional attire and professional attitude!
be confident – you're there to sell yourself.
During the interview
Greeting the interviewer
offer a firm handshake – not one that's bone-crushing nor one that is limp.
wait to be offered a seat – don't just take one.
smile – you're glad to be there!
be happy, up-beat, and enthusiastic.
Key points to ensure success
maintain eye contact
watch that body language! At all times avoid crossing your arms over your chest – this implies close-mindedness. Also, leaning backwards or turning away from your interviewer can be perceived as a sign of defensiveness or apathy.
Use positive body language
raised eyebrows – shows interest and alertness
lean forward – shows interest
occasional head tilt – shows you are listening
open palms – perceived as "honest",
have a copy of your resume handy! Never assume the interviewer has already read before
it's okay to take occasional notes....take your own pen and paper, don't doodle or tap the pen on your paper or desktop
use the interviewer's name frequently when answering questions - "Well Bob, when I....."
think before you talk…it's okay to pause and reflect, and it's okay to either ask for clarification on the questions that you are being asked or reiterate the questions prior to answering
try to avoid using acronyms, your interviewer may not be familiar with them
if given a question that could cover a broad range, suggest something like "Well, I've worked in a lot of different areas, would you be interested in hearing more about my experience in ….?" Follow-up the explanation with "How close is that to what you're looking for?"
avoid the "No" word! When asked if you have experience in a given area, it's better to draw upon similar experiences. Interviewer tune out after hearing the word "No."
be prepared to discuss how your efforts have benefited your previous or current department or team..
it's okay to use the "It depends" answer…and try to help your interviewer understand why
listen.... when describing your experiences, relate to comments heard earlier - going on an interest interview prior to your real interview will really help out!
never challenge your interviewer or place them in a defensive position
Answering questions
Convey confidence and enthusiasm by sending these messages:
"I know what I am doing and can do"
"here is what I bring to the table"
"I can be trusted to come up with a game plan to ensure success"
Your opening statement
Use a few sentences summarizing who you are and how you developed the competency's required for this position. include:
some personal details (rather than just work experience)
a brief description of the competencies you possess which suit the position exactly.
a bridging question at the end of your opening statement, e.g., "Would you like more details?" Or a bridging statement, e.g., "That's what has brought me to apply for this position".
Assure the interviewer that you have the ....
- have the right skills & technical qualifications
- have the traits and attributes for the position
- fit in with the customer and other team members
Use work experiences whenever possible. However, other experiences that demonstrate that you are the best person for the position are hobbies, volunteer work, community involvement, etc.
Tip:
Different interviewers have different interviewing styles. They may not ask you about yourself, but tell them anyway...set the tone
for for the interview by telling them why you're the right person for the position.
Closing the interview
Gain clarification
on any areas that have been discussed pertaining specifically to the job itself and
any "fit for you" areas of key importance to you and relevant to the position you are applying for.
Ask your interviewer
if he/she has any concerns about your ability to do a great job. (it may be your only opportunity to address any misunderstandings or any perceived gaps in their understanding of your experiences and their expectations of the job)
ask how the interviewer feels you compared with the others
ask how you will be notified (when the interviewer will be making a decision?)
Offer more information
offer to address any additional questions that may arise after the interview. Provide your phone number or e-mail address.
if interested, be sure to indicate your interest and why you feel you would be the best candidate.
close by saying you would welcome the opportunity to work with their team, and look forward to hearing from them soon. (If meeting in person, be sure to once again use a firm handshake in closing).
finally, thank the interviewer for their time.
After the interview
Phone or e-mail a thank you
Within 24 hours you should again thank the interviewer for their time either by phone or e-mail and comment that you enjoyed your discussion, are definitely interested in the position, and look forward to hearing their decision shortly.
Tip: After each interview it is good to keep a log of how the interview went and what you learned from
the experience. This will help you with any future interviews. Some things to think about:
Keep a log/ reflect on the experience
reflect on how you did during your interview, so that you can learn from your experience.
did you have an effective opening?
what went well?
what would you do differently next time?
what questions were tough for me? How would I answer them differently next time?
did I ask enough questions during the interview? What questions should I have asked?