In addition to the information below, you may want to read through“FAQ” to help you prepare for an interview.
In-person Interviewing Tips
- Create rapport. This means using eye contact, self assured and showing enthusiasm. The biggest criticism we hear from hiring managers is that applicants don’t show enough interest for the position. Asking questions about the company, department, people and the position is a great way to show interest and to work through any nervousness.
- Before each interview, research the company and gather as much information on the interviewer and what their role is. Listen to their questions and make your answers concise. Remember, you have to keep them interested.
- Dress professionally. First impressions do make a difference in the hiring process. In addition to being clean and neat, suitable attire is essential. For the most professional appearance, the best option for both men and women is always a suit. Men must wear a tie. Hair should be out of the face and conservatively styled, makeup light and professional, and no perfume or cologne.
- Do your market research. Review the company WEB SITE. Review the position specifics and job description. The more you know about the company and the position the better you can customize your answers and attributes. Use the verbiage they use while describing your experience.
- Bring three copies of your résumé to the interview. Fill out applications completely, do not write see resume.
- Never be late!! Arrive ten minutes before your scheduled interview time. This will make a good impression and give you a few minutes to collect your thoughts. Try to relax.
- Be certain to get the name (and proper pronunciation) of the person you will be meeting with, when possible. Greet the interviewer with a firm HANDSHAKE, and direct EYE CONTACT.
- Preparation is key to a successful interview. Tailor your responses to questions by speaking in terms of the specific position. Emphasize how your qualities will benefit the company.
- Listen to the questions and give examples to back up your answers. Be specific and try not to ramble. If you feel you have answered the question – stop, smile at the interviewer and await the next question.
- Be positive, enthusiastic, and energetic about the new opportunity. Be prepared for the following questions: Every question should be answered with the position you are interviewing for in mind.
- Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer brief while focusing on your background – only mention answers relevant to the position for which you are interviewing.
- Let the interviewer know that you are extremely interested in the position for which you are interviewing. Thank the interviewer for their time and express your interest in the position. Be sure to send a Thank You letter to each interviewer immediately following your interview! Ask for a business card to check the spelling of your interviewer(s) name(s) and title(s).
Phone Interviewing Tips
- Tell us about yourself - What they’re really asking: What makes you special? Why should we hire you?Tips: Prepare several selling points about yourself. Give a quick “elevator speech” that overviews your experience and achievements.
- What are your greatest strengths? - What they’re really asking: How do you perceive your talents and abilities as a professional? Will you be an asset to our organization?Tips: Sell yourself. If you don’t promote your strengths, nobody else will. Prepare six or seven responses. Be “confidently humble.”
- What are your greatest weaknesses? - What they’re really asking: How honest are you being about yourself with us? How realistic are you?Tips: Present your weakness as a positive. Don’t talk too long or emphasize your downfalls. Such as, reiterating your expertise in equity, but you do not feel 100% proficient in REIT’s or derivatives. This way it points out a weakness, but will not harm you in the position.
- Why are you interested in working here? - What they’re really asking: How dedicated are you? Do you have a passion for this type of work?Tips: Keep your answer simple and to the point. Stay away from such responses as, “Many of my friends have worked here.” This response isn’t very impressive.
- Why should we hire you? - What they’re really asking: Can you convince us you’re “the one?” Can you sell your “product?”Tips: Make a powerful statement about the value you’ll bring to their organization. Talk about yourself, but be wary of sounding arrogant.
- Where do you see yourself five years from now? - What they’re really asking: Will you only be here for a year before moving on, or are you committed to staying here for awhile? Are you a stable person? Can you set goals for yourself?Tips: Be aware that they might not want to hire someone who will only be around for a year or two. Feel free to say that you have one goal at the moment: to be the very best employee for that particular job.
- What are some of your hobbies? - What they’re really asking: How well-rounded are you? What do you do outside of work that might transfer positively into the workplace?Tips: Emphasize any hobbies or activities that may relate to the job. Help the interviewer learn more about you and perceive you as a person, rather than a job candidate. Therefore, don’t just answer questions, respond to them.
- Would you be willing to pursue an extra license or degree? - What they’re really asking: How is your attitude? How flexible are you?Tips: Tell the interviewer how important professional growth is to you. Understand that the person who will impress the interviewer the most is the one willing to do the extra work.
- What were you hoping we’d ask today, but didn’t? - What they’re really asking: Is there anything special about yourself that you want us to know?Tips: Consider this a “show and tell” opportunity. Use materials from your background to convince them how valuable you’ll be to their organization
- Do you have any questions for us? - What they’re really asking: Are you prepared to ask questions? How interested are you in this position?Tips: List five or six questions on an index card. Ask at least one question, even if all of your prepared questions have been answered. Never say, “No, you’ve answered all of my questions.”
It’s important to sound natural and thoughtful when replying to such questions, saying, “Don’t let your responses sound ‘canned’ or rehearsed. It’s important to make the interviewer feel as though you’ve given serious thought to their question and are genuinely interested in the job.”