Preparation

Some of the best preparation is to review the job description, and know your resume.
Hiring managers typically ask questions relating to the following five categories…

1. Background
2. Skills
3. Personality
4. Knowledge of the job
5. Future aspirations and goals

They want to assess your overall qualifications, competency for the job, understanding of their industry, what motivates you and how/if you will fit in at their company. They also almost always ask what your strengths and weaknesses are, and if you are currently employed, why you are leaving. Follow these preparation tips for interviews.

• Formulate answers for stressful and difficult situations involving possible current and past employers and co-workers in a tactful manner.
• Do not prepare general responses. Memorize answers in STAR (Situation/Task, Action, Result) format.
• Part of being prepared means knowing not only about the job, but the company itself too. Research and be able to recall the company’s history, mission statement and culture.
• When given the choice of your interview time, always select the earliest time offered.
• Take a test drive, plan to be fifteen minutes early and know your parking options. You want to know where you are going, and always have cushion time for emergencies. A wise schedule to follow is arrive fifteen minutes early, walk in the door/check yourself in the bathroom at ten and be seated waiting at five.
• Have contact numbers in your cell phone, and call if you are going to be late.
• Have extra copies of updated resume printed out and secured in a padfolio.
• Make sure you have cleaned out the briefcase or purse you may bring along to the interview. Make sure to also tidy up your car because you never know if your interviewer or recruiter may walk out with you.

Check out our tips on Appearance too!