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How to get hired: job interview tips from an interviewer
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It’s a tough job market out there so when you finally get an interview you’re excited ... and nervous. What can you say to the interviewer that will help you to get the job you want?
I asked Lynn DiDonato, Consulting Director of Human Resources for Hitachi Power Systems America, Ltd. to share some interview tips from her experience as an interviewer. Some of these may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at the number of people that don’t follow them.
Lynn said that to start with, applicants should always be on time (don’t arrive more than 15 minutes early) and be prepared to complete an employment application including contact information for references. Also, it’s important to realize that what you say to the receptionist will get back to the hiring manager so don’t grumble to the receptionist that you hate filling out these applications.
Here are several other tips from Lynn:
- Turn off your cell phone or beeper.
- Always dress in business attire even if the office is corporate casual attire.
- Find out information about the company prior to your interview. Visit the company's website and search for articles and press releases written about or by the organization.
- Be focused…listen to the question at hand and address it directly. Don’t go off on tangents or give long winded answers. Simply answer the question with appropriate detail.
- Ask questions and be engaged in the interview. Have 3-5 prepared questions for the interviewer. If you are ever really stuck, ask the interviewer, “What do you like best about the company and your job”.
- If possible, bring samples of your work that you are proud of or a portfolio.
- Don't hesitate to ask the interviewer when they will make a hiring decision or what is there time frame for a decision
- Always close the interview by expressing thanks and appreciation for their time.
- Ask for a business card from all interviewers so you have their contact information for thank you notes. Send a hand-written thank you note as soon possible after the interview; generally within 1-3 days.
Lynn also has a few good suggestions for what to avoid:
- Never talk negatively about previous work experiences or supervisors; it can give your prospective employer a bad impression of you.
- Try not to focus on money and benefits.
- Do not be indifferent to HR – if you don’t impress the HR manager, you don’t get passed on.
It’s difficult to know what will impress hiring managers, however, by following these suggestions, you have a better chance of coming across in a positive way and moving to the next step of the interview process.
Laura Browne is the author of Why Can’t You Communicate Like Me? How Smart Women Get Results at Work and Raise Rules for Women: How To Make More Money At Work. She offers individual business coaching sessions and success workshops for companies.
Go to www.RaiseLady.com for more information or contact her at Laura@LauraCBrowne.com.
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