Document Part 1:
Interview Techniques
How to Interview and Get an Offer
Your technical skills got you the interview, but your people skills will get you the offer. People fail to obtain offers for any number of reasons. You must sell yourself by making the best possible impression. The best performance on an interview will produce the highest offer. Performing at the highest level during an interview requires extensive preparation which is explained on the following pages in detail.
I. Preparing for the Interview
A. Background/Experience
• List skills and abilities and prioritize them in order of importance in relation to job description.
• List accomplishments and match each accomplishment with the associated skill/ability.
• Understanding the job responsibilities and duties is important in preparing your background experience. Make an effort to understand the job description and the profile of the person the Company is looking for prior to discussing your experience.
• If the interviewer puts you at a disadvantage by asking you about your background before describing the job, you should say, “I would be glad to tell you everything about my background, but I’d like to present my experience focusing on your current needs. The Search Group gave me a brief overview about the position. Would you mind spending a minute and describe the duties and responsibilities of the position so that I can get a clearer picture?”
• In discussing your experience and background, the main objective is to be focused and not too detailed in your presentation. Do not present your background by job, but rather by your experience and function to meet the job requirements.
• Presentation of background/experience should be around 3 to 5 minutes (depending on level of experience) in the format of a functional resume. During the first 2 to 3 minutes, cover as many of the hiring manager's hot buttons as possible. In the final 1 to 2 minutes, summarize all remaining areas of your experience you consider relevant.
• After presenting your background, take 30 to 40 seconds and tell the hiring manager all about yourself personally (where you grew up, married/single/divorced, children, interests outside work, etc). This is information the hiring manager wants to know, but in some cases, can’t ask. This is where the chemistry starts, so make sure you show you have a good sense of humor.
• In concluding your background experience, tell the hiring manager, "I know I've been somewhat general in explaining my experience. Would you like me to be more specific in any area, or do you have any questions about my background." This lets the hiring manager focus on his/her areas of interest.
B. Questions to Ask
Make a list of 10 to 12 questions addressing the company and the position (samples at the end). The company questions should be solid, business oriented issues addressing organization structure, profitability/growth in last 3 years, future growth, acquisitions, computer systems/software, etc. The position questions should be relevant and probing such as: what special projects or problems does this job have; what is most important to success in the position; who will you be interfacing with. Do not ask about money, benefits or working hours.
To make sure that every person you speak with during the interview understands that you are inquisitive and interested, you should select 5 to 6 of your best questions and ask them of everyone. “A few of these questions I addressed to ‘whoever you previously interviewed with’, but I’d also like to get your opinion.”
C. Questions to Answer
Prepare and script out answers for various questions including the following:
• Why are you looking for a new position?
NOTE:
No matter why you are looking, stay positive.
• Long-term goals.
Examples:
o A position that would continue to challenge my current skills in (JOB DESCRIPTION), with increased responsibility, opportunity for advancement, and work in a team oriented environment that would allow me to contribute to the goals of the company/department long-term.
• Where you want to be in 3 to 5 years?
Examples:
o After I become comfortable and proficient in the position of (JOB TITLE) at (COMPANY) I would like to take on added responsibilities, have more a voice in management decisions and advance into a position wherever (COMPANY) feels my skills and abilities will fit best.
• Strengths?
Examples:
o Technical Skills: accounting, financial reporting, financial analysis, etc.
o People Skills: ability to get along well with co-workers, clients and motivate staff.
o Career motivated, team player, goal oriented, will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
• Weaknesses?
NOTE:
o Never give a personal weakness, they all have a negative side. State a professional weakness. It's not a reflection on you, but rather reflects a lack of exposure that is no fault of your own.
Examples:
o I’ve never worked with this software package …
o I’ve not worked in this industry …..
Be sure to follow up with, But I’m confident I could make the transition because of … (notes on this to follow)
• Why should I hire you?
• What was your most challenging project/engagement/position?
See list of interviewing questions on page 4.
NOTE:
• If you do not understand what the hiring manager is asking you, don't be afraid to ask for further clarification of the question. If you think you may not have answered the question completely or correctly, don't be afraid to say "I'm not sure I interpreted your question correctly, did I give you the information you were asking for -or-, can I offer any further information?"