Jay Kerr’s Guide to Interviewing
Before the interview
Before an interview, a company wants to know a little about you through a resume. In the same way, it is important for you to have some preview information about the company’s “resume.”
Take time to do some research about the company, such as its locations, private funding or current financial standing, products or services, and future growth plans. Research is most easily done through their corporate web site and through an Internet search engine. Peruse the site and note their press releases, executive team, and product lines. Write down any questions you have about them and bring them with you to the interview. Showing you did research on the company shows your enthusiasm about the position & company.
Another important way to prepare is to know how to answer anticipated questions such as:
Why are you contemplating a change, and/or why did you leave previous positions?
Your answers should be business not personal reasons.
What do you consider to be your strengths/weaknesses?
Weaknesses can be technical areas you’d like to learn, not character flaws, and what you’re doing to improve them (shows your initiative). A strength can be something you did to contribute your company’s success or your project success (shows your creativity, problem-solving skills, etc.).
What do you see yourself doing in five years? Be ready to explain what you’re also doing to prepare yourself. Also prepare 1 sentence about your career interests (keeping in mind the role for which you're applying))
Who are your references? (Be ready with names and phone numbers of pre-called, professional references who know your work, and are prepared to speak well of you.
Tell me about yourself. This is not an open invitation to ramble.
Prepare one sentence to summarize what you’ve done that is relevant to the job. Prepare two sentences to explain a major accomplishment/impact you made and how it saved your company time or money.
Try to prepare answers to these three questions. They will help you to be able to answer the “standard” open-ended questions that you’ll likely be asked. If you’re doing a phone interview, write your answers down so you can access them easily.
1) 1-2 sentences to summarize what you’ve done before that is relevant to the role you’re interviewing for
2) Two sentences to explain a major accomplishment/impact you made and how it was of benefit to your company's business or the project
3) One sentence about your career interests (keeping in mind the role for which you are applying).
Think of these words when planning your answers:
Action words: I... planned, created, originated, initiated, developed, conceived, implemented, formulated, designed.
Result words: It... led to...; or I... contributed, demonstrated that, saved, reduced, collected, achieved, provided for, increased, shot holes in, evaluated.
Leadership words: I... organized, directed, led, supervised, guided, managed, was responsible for, presided over, coordinated, gave direction to, built.
REHEARSE YOUR ANSWERS!
During the interview
Attire:
Men: For a non-sales/executive level position: wear a sport coat and slacks with no tie, or a shirt and tie at the least. If you are interviewing for a sales or executive level position and/or feel comfortable wearing a suit, that is suggested. Do not wear cologne.
Women: Wear a suit, business-appropriate top and skirt, or dress. Do not wear perfume.
Arrive early for your interview. If, for an unavoidable reason, you will be late, call ahead to let them know. Be aware of your behavior in the parking lot if you are arriving at a glass building. Companies in these types of buildings often look to see how a candidate behaves when they don’t know they’re being watched.
Shake hands firmly with everyone you meet, look them in the eye and smile.
Bring a copy of your resume as well as reference names and phone numbers
If you are asked to fill out an application as well, complete the application form in full detail—never make reference to “see resume,” and leave salary requirements “open.” Be honest about all employment, dates, and hiring/firing situations. Remember that while your resume is not, an application IS a legal document
Begin the first few minutes of the interview by asking the interviewer, “what qualifications are you looking for in a person to fill this position?” The answer to that question will give you great insight into what to share about your experience, education, attitudes and philosophies
Probing Questions to Ask in an Interview:
Asking the right questions will demonstrate your value system, listening skills, sincerity, and how you will take future direction.
Listen to total answers without interrupting. The last five words in a sentence linguistically have the most meat.
Select two or three questions to ask each person who interviews you:
What are some major short- and long-range department/company objectives?
What are some characteristics that are unique about your company or make it attractive from the outside? What gives your product the competitive edge?
In what areas does your company excel or find itself most challenged?
What outside influences affect your company’s growth?
What have been some common denominators of your successful employees? (you can then use this information for the next person you meet.)
What would you add or subtract from the last employee to increase efficiency?
What major challenges will I face immediately coming into the job? What resources and staffing will be available?
Based on what you’ve seen of me so far, where do you think I could contribute the most? Are there any concerns about my ability to do the job?
What is the next step?
Generic questions for multiple interview situation: Tell me about your career at this company. What excites you about working here?
Be positive and enthusiastic about the company, the position, and the interviewer. Nothing turns an interviewer off faster than arrogance, a know-it-all attitude, or apathy on the part of an interviewee. Also, do not bad-mouth your current/former employer or management.
If the interviewer asks you about your salary needs/desires, respond by saying that you are open for the right opportunity. Don’t lock yourself in high or low by mentioning a specific dollar figure or range. If the interviewer presses you, tell him/her: “There is one reason why I’m here today - the opportunity. Based on what I’ve heard, I’d like to entertain your best offer.”
Close the Interview with ONE of these types of statements:
1. Compliment the interviewer on something with regard to his/her personality, enthusiasm, presentation, success or other attributes that you’ve been impressed by.
2. Make a positive comment about the company based on what you’ve previously read and/or learned during the interview.
3. Make a positive statement about your ability to handle the position and reaffirm your interest in it, especially now that you’ve seen the job in person.
After the interview
How to Follow-Up After an Interview:
Call the Kerr Recruiting Group within the day after your interview to give your honest and immediate impressions. If you want the position, we can help you get it. If you don’t want it, we will tell the company for you.
Send a thank you note in any case. Even if it’s not your dream job, you never know what that person’s positive impression might lead to...referrals to other positions within the company or to other companies!
*(See sample thank you letter below) – include specific reasons why you’re interested to show your motivation.
Here’s a sample “THANK YOU” letter you can use to follow up after the interview.
Date
Name
Title
Company
Address City, State, ZipDear Mr./Ms. ,
It was a privilege to have been invited to (Name of Company) to interview for the (Job Title) position. The key persons I met provided ample information about (Name of Company) as a whole.
I am convinced that (Name of Company) is the kind of company I would like to work for—a company with innovation and technical leadership; and with my background and experience, I’m equally convinced that I can make a significant contribution to your organization. I truly enjoyed having the opportunity to interview with you and your colleagues on _(date)____. I was very much impressed by your energetic and talented team. I would be (“adjective”) if I can be a member of the team. (Name of Company) is a (young and dynamic) company and provides an excellent working environment for career growth. I was interested in (Name of Company) before the interview, but became even more interested after meeting (Number) people who all felt that (Name of Company) was the best company in the (Industry) field in San Diego! It is just the type of company I would love to work for.
Once again, thank you for the hospitality you extended to me. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Your Name