Showing posts with label Interviewee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interviewee. Show all posts

Interview Tips - Do & Don't

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  • Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
  • If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. Don't attach your resume unless you're told to do so.
  • Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it.
  • Project energy and enthusiasm. Smile and shake hands firmly.
  • Wait until you're offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times.
  • Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately. Look the hiring manager in the eye while speaking.
  • Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments that relate to the position.
  • Be sincere and truthful while focusing on communicating your specific professional achievements that relate to the accounting or finance job opening.

Interview Don'ts

  • Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.
  • If you don't understand a question - or need a moment to think about it - say so. Never pretend to know something or someone when you don't.
  • Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to be convincing.
  • Don't make negative remarks about present or former employers. When explaining your reasons for leaving, communicate your rationale professionally.
  • Don't over-answer questions. If the interviewer steers the conversation into controversial - or even illegal - topics, try to do more listening than speaking. Keep your responses non-committal.
  • Don't inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development than in a specific salary.

 

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INTERVIEW TIPS: Preparation and the interview:

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1. Prior research of the company you are interviewing with is encouraged.

2. Plan on arriving 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time.

3. Bring an original copy of your resume plus extra copies to the interview.

4. Upon Meeting your interviewer greet him/her with a firm handshake, using the interviewer's last name. If you are unsure of the pronunciation, ask the employer to repeat it.

5. Follow the interviewer’s leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and duties to you early in the interview. This will help you to associate and match your background, skills and accomplishments to it during the interview.

6. Practice good poise. Keep your hands and feet still. Don’t lean or slump on the interviewer’s desk, touch anything on the desk, read or appear to read anything that may be exposed on the desk.

7. Expect some small talk about the weather, sports or current events. Be informed by reading a daily newspaper.

8. Wait until the interviewer asks you to talk about yourself before you present any of your prepared information. Be sure to be attentive and listen when the interviewer wants to talk.

9. When you are asked questions, respond accordingly being brief, positive and articulate. Don’t be afraid of pausing, but avoid long pauses. Speak clearly, project your voice, conveying confidence and enthusiasm.

10. Look at the interviewer’s face during your conversation. Don’t stare, but maintain comfortable eye contact.

11. When the interviewer makes the request, “Tell me about yourself”, limit yourself to a 1 to 2 minute answer. Focus on your background and a few professional and personal accomplishments. Think “highlights”.

12. Stress your achievements. For example: sales records, processes developed, systems installed, etc.

13. Provide enthusiastic feedback, as it can enhance your chances of being further considered.

14. Never be critical of your past employer or colleagues. Alternatively, focus on the positive aspects of that experience.

15. Be prepared to answer questions such as:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Tell me about your background and accomplishments.
  • What are your strengths?
  • In what areas do you need further development?
  • How would you describe your most recent job performance?

16. Answer questions where possible with an explanation, instead of with a "Yes" or "No", and by speaking in terms of the position. Emphasize what you can do for the company. Mention specific accomplishments that show your abilities and determination to succeed in this job. Your answers should tell the employer why you would be an asset to the company, not why you need a job.

17. When asked about strengths, make sure they are related to the position for which you are being interviewed.

18. When asked about where you need development, reply and identify the action steps you are taking to improve in these areas.

19. Never bring up salary. Allow the interviewer to request the information, if he or she so chooses. Then, disclose your base salary, plus any other perks, bonuses or overtime that is part of your overall compensation. Do indicate that there is some flexibility for the appropriate career move.

20. Also, be prepared to show your interest by ASKING pertinent questions about the company's overall goals and how you would fit into the organization, such as:
What would I be expected to accomplish in this position and by when?
How do you think I would fit into the position and the company?


Closing the interview:
1. Don’t overstay your welcome. Be alert for when the interview is over and indicate your level of interest and enthusiasm.

2. If you are interested in the position, let the interviewer know. If you want the position, say something like: “I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen here today; your company, its products and the people I’ve met. I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position.”

3. If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don’t let your discouragement show. Once in a while, an interviewer who is genuinely interested in you may seem to discourage you as a way of testing your reaction.

4. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration. If you have answered the two questions, “Why are you interested in this position?” and “What can you offer?”, you have done all you can.

5. Be prepared to provide a list of three references who can vouch for your abilities.

"Nothing is worth more than this day." Goethe

 

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