An interview is like an exam. Walking in unprepared is like taking a test without studying.
It can be done but you are rolling the dice on whether you will succeed. The more energy you invest in preparing for your interview, the greater the odds are that you will end up with a positive result.
The person you are meeting is not just considering you for this role, but will consider any other possible opening and every other role that may come up in the future. First impressions only happen once. Before you step foot into an interview room, you must know as much about the company and the position as you possibly can. In today’s world of communication, there’s no excuse for lack of research.
After you have studied the company, write out answers to a list of questions a contractor should ask:
- What are the expectations for the person in this role?
- Who is managing the project?
- What is the objective of the project?
- Tell me about the challenges the project faces?
- How will success be measured or judged?
Here are some questions you may get:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Tell me about your best work.
- Why did you leave your last job?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What is your greatest strength?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- What are you currently learning?
Too many people second-guess themselves after an interview. By closing strongly and asking the right questions, you can eliminate the post-interview doubts that tend to plague most interviewees.
If you feel the interview is going well and you would like to take the next step, express your interest to the hiring authority and turn the tables a bit. Try something like the following: “After hearing more about your company, the position and the responsibilities at hand, I am certain that I possess the qualities you are looking for in the (title) position. Based on our conversation and my qualifications, are there any issues or concerns you have that would lead you to believe otherwise?” You have a right to be assertive. This is a great closing question because it opens the door for the hiring authority to be honest with you about his or her feelings. If concerns do exist, this is a great opportunity to overcome them. You have one final chance to dispel the concerns, sell your strengths and end the interview on positive note.
Make sure you answer the following two questions: “Why are you interested in the company?” and “What can you offer?”
Express thanks for the interviewer’s time and consideration. Ask for the interviewer’s business card.
When you leave, immediately write down key issues uncovered in the interview. Think of the qualifications the employer is looking for and match your strengths to them. Also, don’t forget to call your recruiter. Immediate follow-up is critical.
Do’s:
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Late attendance is never excusable or forgotten.
- Listen to the interviewer carefully; this is probably the most important skill you can demonstrate.
- Ask for clarity to be sure you answer the right question.
- Ensure you understand the job and duties.
- Stress the accomplishments you have that are most pertinent to the job.
- Conduct yourself professionally.
- Keep the interview conversational and personable, but not too familiar.
- Be aware of what your body language is saying.
- Smile. Make eye contact. Don’t slouch. Maintain composure.
- Anticipate tough questions. Prepare in advance so you can turn apparent weaknesses into strengths.
- Dress appropriately to make your first impression a professional one. You will never be judged badly for being overdressed.
- Ask questions throughout the interview. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation.
- By concentrating not only on the employer’s words, but also on the tone of voice and body language, you will be able to pick up on the employer’s style.
- Keep your answer direct and to the point. Answers should not be too long or too short.
Dont’s:
- Don’t answer vague questions – get clarification.
- Don’t make something up; it is better to let them know you are unclear on the answer.
- Do not lie. Answer questions as truthfully as possible.
- Never interrupt the employer.
- Don’t smoke, chew gum or place anything on the employer’s desk.
- Don’t answer your cell phone. Make sure you turn it off before entering the interview.
- Don’t be overly familiar even if the employer is.
- Don’t wear heavy perfume or cologne.
- Do not make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.
- If working with a Recruiter, don’t discuss salary or rates, let your recruiter negotiate on your behalf.
Too many people second-guess themselves after an interview. By closing strongly and asking the right questions, you can eliminate the post-interview doubts that tend to plague most interviewees.
If you feel the interview is going well and you would like to take the next step, express your interest to the hiring authority and turn the tables a bit. Try something like the following: “After hearing more about your company, the position and the responsibilities at hand, I am certain that I possess the qualities you are looking for in the (title) position. Based on our conversation and my qualifications, are there any issues or concerns you have that would lead you to believe otherwise?” You have a right to be assertive. This is a great closing question because it opens the door for the hiring authority to be honest with you about his or her feelings. If concerns do exist, this is a great opportunity to overcome them. You have one final chance to dispel the concerns, sell your strengths and end the interview on positive note.
Make sure you answer the following two questions: “Why are you interested in the company?” and “What can you offer?”
Express thanks for the interviewer’s time and consideration. Ask for the interviewer’s business card.
When you leave, immediately write down key issues uncovered in the interview. Think of the qualifications the employer is looking for and match your strengths to them. Also, don’t forget to call your recruiter. Immediate follow-up is critical.