PREP FOR AN INTERVIEW
This would be a typical interview prep letter that I would send to one of my candidates prior to an interview. We would then discuss this in a prep meeting so that they would feel comfortable and prepared for the interview.
Rick Zabor
Congratulations on getting to the interview stage. Whether the interview is a telephone or face to face interview, this is your chance to explore a career opportunity and to impress others with your ability to do a job well.
Good interviews take some preparation and effort. Ultimately the interview may be as important to your career as getting an advanced degree as the interview can be a direct link to your career advancement! For this reason you should do everything that you can to prepare and conduct the interview as you plan. This letter will help you prepare for your interview.
Keep my cell phone number handy. Rick Zabor cell 678.571.4221 . Please call me for a debrief after the interview. If for some reason you are unable to make the interview please call me prior to missing the interview and I will make arrangements. If you don’t receive the interview phone call within 15 minutes of the planned time please call me and I will make the arrangements and find out why the call was missed.
DETAILS ABOUT YOUR INTERVIEW
Type of Interview:
When/ Where:
Visit their website to get a greater appreciation for the company :
Job Description:
This interview will be with ________
EXPECTATIONS FOR A PHONE INTERVIEW:
- The purpose of the first phone interview is to determine if you and the interviewer want to invest more time pursuing each other for a potential career match. The outcome is usually a 2nd interview or a pass. Both parties have to agree to move forward for a 2nd interview to take place.
- Usually will last 20 – 30 minutes
- Gives the interviewer an opportunity to introduce themselves and the company, the details of job and some expectations, and then ask questions about your background and direction.
- Gives you an opportunity to thank them for the interview, ask specific questions about the opportunity and the company, AND to show how your past experiences have prepared you for the opportunity.
- Make sure that you understand the opportunity and expectations and then show how your past experiences have prepared you for accomplishment even if the interviewer is not skilled in bringing this out. You must do this in a diplomatic manner.
- There should not be a discussion of vacation time or other benefits.
- In closing ask what the next step will be and thank each other for the time.
EXPECTATIONS FOR A FACE TO FACE INTERVIEW:
- All the same as the phone interview except that the meeting will last from 1 – 4 hours and you should meet multiple people that are somehow involved in the hiring process. Each person you meet will have a different perspective of the opportunity and you should ask questions to get a complete understanding of the opportunity.
- First impressions are important and you should dress in appropriate business dress.
- You should get a tour of the work area and equipment and see other workers.
- You should get detailed information on company Benefits offered.
- You should be asked deeper questions about your experience and skills. You may even be given the opportunity to demonstrate your skills or solve a problem.
- In closing shake hands warmly and ask what the next step will be and thank each other for the time.
SOME QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY BE ASKED AND THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- know your resume thoroughly and be prepared to support your statements with detailed information.
- What was your most important accomplishment at _____________ and why?
- What was your biggest challenge at ___________ and how did you overcome it?
- Describe your reporting structure at ___________?
- Why do you think this opportunity may be a good fit for you?
- What was a typical day on the job like at ____________?
- What do you think that you’d like to be doing in ## years?
- Why are you looking for a new job? Why are you looking for a change? What’s wrong with your current position?
- What are your strengths? What are your areas to improve?
- What are your compensation expectations?
- What do you need to move forward with this opportunity?
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SOME QUESTIONS THAT SHOULD ASK
- How would you describe the position and the key expectations associated with it?
- Are there any obstacles that make it difficult to meet the expectations?
- Who does the position report to and who might report to the position? Get reporting structure at several levels.
- Describe a typical day for the position?
- Where will the work be done (location) and what tools might I expect?
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DO’S AND DON’T CHECKLIST
–DO Speak clearly and with energy. Give thought to your answers and work to show with examples how your experience and ambition will help you succeed in the position.
–DO find a quiet, comfortable interview space to conduct your phone interview without distractions or interruptions. DON’T conduct a phone interview while driving a car or in any situation that won’t allow your full concentration
–DO conduct yourself as the Professional. Keep focused on gathering information that will help you show how your skills and experiences are a good fit for the position.
–DON’T talk negatively about past employers, companies, or co-workers.
–DON’T talk about your personal life other than to show how you can meet the expectations of the position.
-DO use Professional communication techniques. Don’t use slang, inappropriate language, or speak negatively about other companies or individuals.
THE MONEY QUESTION:
If you are asked the money question here is a suggested way to answer:
Tell them what you're currently earning but avoid stating a salary you'd accept. For instance, if asked what you're earning, say something to the affect "I'm currently at $___K, and if we are interested in each other I would consider your best offer ". Or, "Thanks for asking. While money is an important part of my decision making process I am really more interested in opportunity. I'm currently at $___K, and if we are interested in each other I would consider your best offer "
THE CLOSING
The closing of the phone interview is very important. Usually you can tell that it is coming when you hear comments like " do you have any other questions?" Finish up by thanking the interviewer for his or her time and then summarize your interest and ask "what is the next step?"
Good luck in your interview.
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