PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW:
Knowing what to expect and preparing for the interview is critical. Always remember that the purpose of any interview is to get all the facts and most importantly, work towards getting an offer! I have outlined below several items for you to consider:
Research the Company – visit their website, research the company on-line and speak to people in the industry. Also thoroughly review the position information and review the company’s bio or LinkedIn profiles of the individuals who you will be meeting with.
Prepare a portfolio of information appropriate to present in a first interview. We have found over the years that in addition to telling someone what you have done, showing them leaves a nice impression. Suggestions include:
- Copy of Resume
- Brag book, documents that you have prepared (stack rankings, letters of recommendations, reviews, copies / pictures of awards, trophies, etc.)
- Keep in mind what the hiring manager is looking for. Think of materials to bring to the interview that will demonstrate your skills and accomplishments in these specific areas.
Prepare and take along a list of questions. This accomplishes two (2) things: The first is simply that a list will serve as a reminder of the questions and important points that you wanted to discuss during the interview. Secondly, having a prepared list of questions truly demonstrates your interest level in the opportunity. It shows that you put thought and effort into preparing for the interview. Some questions could include:
– Why are you looking to fill the position?
– Why do you like working for this company?
– Tell me about the culture and why it’s a great place to work?
– Opportunities for advancement?
– If there is something about this company you would like to fix, what would it be?
– What are the biggest challenges I will face coming into this role?
– How do you see your top reps manage their territory compared to an average rep?
– How does your company make money? Tell me about your customer base; tell me about your supply base; tell me about your distribution channels.
Turn off your cell phone.
Try to get the interviewer talking first. Ask questions specifically about this position. Questions could include: What skills are most important to the hiring manager in finding the person who will be filling this position? What are the challenges or goals that the hiring manager wants this person to overcome / achieve? In thinking about the company’s best employees / top performers, what skills / traits do they have that set them apart from the other employees? Employers often reveal some skill-set, responsibility or function that is critical for this position. Listen carefully and then be very deliberate about citing specific examples of how your professional experiences align with the “Hot Buttons” that the hiring manager reveals.
Your answers to questions should be clear and to the point. The conversation should be a balanced exchange of information with no one side doing the majority of the talking.
Maintain good eye contact.
Talk about your accomplishments and achievements. Discuss achievements that have made or saved your employer(s) money. Also, think of past accomplishments that are in-line with what the hiring manager is looking for this person to attain.
How to dress for the interview: Remember – first impressions are lasting. Conservative and professional dress is critical. Keep in mind the company’s culture. However, even if the company is more casual, you are better off being over-dressed. Other misc. items to remember: little to no perfume / cologne and for women conservative skirt length, make-up and nails.
Communicate a strong interest level in the opportunity: If you like what you have heard in the interview, make certain to let the interviewer know that you are interested. Also ask them what the next step will be and their timing.
Lastly, follow up with a well written thank-you letter / email reiterating your interest level and abilities. (Remember to spell check and proof-read carefully.)
WHAT TO AVOID DURING AN INTERVIEW:
– Failing to do any research on the company so you are unable to answer the most basic question: “Tell me what you know about us?”
– Making your first question; “What does the job pay?”
– Showing up under-dressed, looking disheveled, and chewing gum
– Arriving clearly hung over, sick and smelling like booze
– Taking calls and/or texting during the interview
– Showing up late
– Trash-talking a former employer
– Swearing
– Telling the employer what you think they are doing wrong in their business model without being asked for their opinion
– Saying ah/um/like too often
