Global Staffing Associates

The interview is your opportunity to reveal the experience behind your resume. While many people get nervous about interviews, remember that the interview isn’t a “test” that you need to pass – it’s an opportunity for the hiring manager to get to know you, and for you to determine your interest in the position and the company.

Before the interview, thoroughly research the company. Investigate their website for information about their products and services, mission and/or vision statements, and recent press releases. Use search engines to find news about the organization, their customers, and their competition. Knowledge of the company demonstrates your interest, shows that you’ve done your homework, and may provide insights that allow you to better respond to interview questions.

Interview basics

While many interviewees worry about not being able to answer tough questions, it’s often the little details that undermine an interview. Be mindful of these items:

◦Punctuality: Arrive early. If you’re unsure of the office location, drive there a day or two beforehand to ensure your timing is correct. Being late, searching for an address, and struggling to find parking adds unwanted stress to the situation.

◦Presentation: Dress conservatively, in clean, professional clothes. Even if you know that the company has a casual clothing policy, look sharp. You want to be remembered for what you said, not for what you wore.

◦Preparation: Know your interviewer’s name, title, spelling, and pronunciation. Because you may be interviewing with two or more people, have extra copies of all relevant documents, including extra resumes, reference lists, portfolio material, and whatever else you may need.

The interview is a conversation

An interview isn’t an examination with right and wrong answers -- it’s a conversation. Some candidates get so concerned about their own answers that they forget several important aspects of good conversations:

◦Ask questions: You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Thoughtful questions demonstrate your interest in the company or job.oorly of previous supervisors, coworkers or companies.

And remember to Relax.....