Interviewing Tips

First, realize that your goal on the interview is NOT to get the job. Your goal is to get a SECOND interview. Most jobs beyond entry level require two interviews. You want to get to the next level by doing GREAT on this interview.

Go to YOUTUBE. Search on job interview. There are dozens of clips I use in class that can help you with the interview.

Dress well. I'm not sure what kind of job you're interviewing for, but dress clean, pressed, tucked, shined, and possibly a tie and coat. Get a haircut. Shave. Brush your teeth.

Have a firm handshake. Look him or her in the eyes and say "I'm very glad to meet you, Mr. Jones (or whatever their name is... REPEAT THEIR NAME when you shake their hand.... It'll help you remember it.)

Take a nice notepad and pen. Google the company. Do your homework.

Write THREE questions on your pad that you intend to ask. One should be about the company's past.... ie. "What did you do before you started with ABC company?" or "What was the greatest challenge ABC company had to overcome to thrive today?"

One question should be about the present. ie.. "Has the economy had a negative impact on ABC the past two years?" or "How does the Boeing expansion impact your business?"

One question should be about the future. ie.. "Do you have plans to open another location, or is your company strategy to expand at this site?"

VIP..... DO NOT ask questions about pay, benefits, vacation, or ANYTHING that pertains to how the company can help YOU..... You want for them to see how YOU can help their company. Trust me, they'll tell you about pay, benefits, etc. when they make a decision. If you ask at the first interview, it looks like "It's all about ME."

At the end of the interview, you can ask what the next step will be. You may ask if it will be OK for you to call or should you wait for their call (they'll ALWAYS say that they'll call you.)

OK, here's the KILLER thing you can do that will set you apart from everyone else.

They will ask "Why should we hire you?" Answer......" Because I approach my job as a career and not just a paycheck. I have S.M.A.R.T. goals. That means they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. For example, my goal in being here today is to convince you and the leaders at ABC company that I'm worthy of a second interview within the next week. I prepared for the interview, studied your company, and believe I have the TRANSFERRABLE skills you need for this position. I can transfer not only my values of hard work and integrity to ABC company, but I also bring the communication and technical skills that it will take to be successful."

If you practice THIS answer, you're in. No one else (unless they've been a prior student of mine) knows the code words like SMART, TRANSFERRABLE, INTEGRITY, SUCCESSFUL. But you better believe the HR manager or boss who is interviewing you knows ALL those words and is looking for people who can bring them to his or her company.

Good luck!

Ray Snyder, MBA, L.H.D.

Business Professor

Undergraduate - Business 101, Management 101, Business Ethics 220, Managerial Communications 270

Graduate - Managerial Ethics 620, Executive Leadership 650, Executive Communications 670

Ray A. Snyder

Professor of Business and Management

Trident Technical College

Exhortations, Inc.

Executive Development