Preparation

• Learn about the company and the position you are interviewing for. Most companies have a website that you can research before the interview.
• Review your qualifications for the job and be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the companies needs. Have your facts ready!
• Be ready to answer broad questions, such as “Why should I hire you?”, “Why do you want this job?”, and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• Practice an interview with a friend or relative.

Personal Appearance

• Dress conservatively and professionally.
• Have a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance.
• Do not chew gum.
• Remove all facial piercings and tongue rings prior to interview.
• Do not wear heavy cologne or perfume.
• Try to avoid smoking before hand to avoid heavy cigarette smell.
• Be businesslike, approachable, and confident in your appearance.

General Pointers for the interview:

• Try to arrive 15 minutes early.
• Learn the interviewer’s name and title.
• Greet the interviewer by name and a firm handshake.
• Use good manners with everyone that you meet.
• Relax and answer each question concisely and honestly. Do not over explain.
• Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Eye contact shows interest and confidence. It is one of the most important aspects of nonverbal communication.
• Use proper English – avoid using slang.
• Be positive!
• Greet the interviewer: “Thank you for meeting with me. I’ve been looking forward to meeting with you.”
• Demonstrate your interest in the position by asking questions about the company and the position. Write the questions down ahead of time. Some questions you may ask:
  • “Could you summarize a day in this position?”
  • “What traits do your successful employees have in this position?”
  • “What are your company’s short term goals?”
  • “Long term goals?”
  • “Why do people enjoy working here?”
• Focus on achievements relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Remember that communication is a two way thing so don’t talk too much and do not interrupt when the interviewer is talking.
• Be enthusiastic!
• Prepare a 1-2 minute summary of your background. Practice it. After your summary say, “_______ at Lexicon Staffing told me about the position, but I would like to hear more.” This will defer the conversation to the interviewer.
• Be ready for traditional questions:
  • What are your strengths?
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • Where do you see yourself in three to five years?
  • What are your two top accomplishments?
  • Why should we hire you?
• Never ask about salary, fringe benefits, or time off. Let the interviewer lead into these areas of discussion.
• Know what you have to offer, prove what you can do and sell yourself!

End the interview positively:

Don’t just fade away. Here are some key questions to ask your interviewer:

• What in my background would you like to know more about?
• What is the next step?
• What, if anything, would prevent me from moving to the next step?
• Ask for the job. Let them know you want the position!
• Remember, you want the interviewer to know you are interested. If there are two equal candidates, the one who asks, gets!
• Thank the interviewer for their time and shake their hand.
• Remember you never get a second chance to make a first impression!
• Try to relax and be yourself.

Good Luck!