Interviewing 101: Preparing for the Face-to-Face Job Interview
The phone rings, you answer and hear- “Hello, this is Ms. Jones the Director of Human Resources at Acme Pharmaceuticals. You applied for a job several weeks ago and we would like to invite you in for a job interview. What dates would you be available to come in and visit with us”? After the adrenaline rush has worn off and your elation has dwindled to a manageable level, it is time to consider how to prepare for the big event. I offer some advice that you may find useful.
I highly recommend that when the HR director asks “What dates might you be available for the interview” you DO NOT respond with comments like “Any time” or “How about tomorrow”? Eagerness is an admirable trait but not in this case. It is important to know that this situation represents an opportunity for job candidates to gain some control over or power in the interviewing process. This can easily be accomplished leaving a prospective employer with the impression that you are “busy”. However, you must remember that there is fine line between “busy” and uncooperative or not interested! If you are given a choice of several dates, I recommend that you carefully check your calendar and schedule the interview on a date and at time that is most convenient for you, i.e. you do not have any pressing deadlines or any work-related issues that might heighten your anxiety levels. Once the date and times are firmly established there are few things that you ought to do to prepare for the interview.
First, figure out what you will wear to the job interview. Suits (highly recommended) or sports jackets for men and business attire for woman is required. You will not get a job offer if you are not dressed appropriately for the job interview.
Second, make sure that you bring extra copies of the resume that you submitted with the job application to your interview. Interviewers are typically talking with multiple job candidates and they have an uncanny ability to misplace resumes during face-to-face interviews. It is a plus when a candidate can say to an interviewer “I see that you do not have my resume in front of you, would you like a copy”?
Third, be prepared to answer questions like “Why are you interested in our company” or where do you see yourself in five years” or “What are your greatest achievements….Failures”? Silly as they may sound to you, they are asked for specific reasons. Fourth, always get to the interview early at least 15 -30 min early. This lets prospective employers know that you are punctual and responsible.
Finally, make sure all cell phones, PDAs, Sidekick and related devices are turned off for the ENTIRE INTERVIEW. If possible, I highly recommend that you leave them in your car, hotel room or your briefcase or hand bag (double checked to make sure that they are powerless) before you enter the building in which the interview will be taking place. Ringing cell phones during interviews do not get candidates job offer.
Until next time.
Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!!!!
