Interviewing Basics
Please note: Employers can access personal emails that are sent/received on employer computers so please consider this when using company computers for personal business.
Please let us know, if we haven’t covered non-competes, if you have a non-compete with your current/former employer that could affect your potential employment with the client you are interviewing with.
Always always always always always tell the truth. Never never jeopardize your integrity and reputation. (Last year 6 people had offers withdrawn because they lied with 2 lying on the employment applications regarding compensation and 1 lying on the resume by not including all employers, no matter how long they were an employee.)
Also, always present yourself most professionally by dressing in a suit (let me know if you cannot wear a suit so I can let the client know; grooming properly (shaving, not wearing too much cologne or perfume, etc.). Two people this year did not move forward because of mistakes in this area. If it is appropriate to explain personal matters (i.e., divorce, losing a friend or loved one, etc.), please try not to be too emotional as this could be considered unprofessional. Three people did not move forward because of this year.
Use the golden rule as a guide to your actions with everyone (us, the employer, etc.) We ask that you let us know as soon as you begin to think that you might get an offer so we can alert those we are working with of this. Everyone loses if respect and courtesy are not used and everyone keeping everyone informed so there are no surprises is a part of this.
Begin the interview with small talk. Be very proper and become more relaxed as you become familiar with the interviewer.
Once the interview begins or as part of small talk, ask the interviewer, "What did you like about my background on the resume." This question is based on research from the book, "Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade as discussed here.
Ask the interviewer to explain the position to you even though you have the job description. By doing this, you learn about the position, the communication style of the interviewer and you show respect to the interviewer by listening. As an alternative or in addition to this, consider asking the interviewing what the interviewer liked and what were the interviewer's concerns about your resume.
At the end of the interview ask this, "What reservations do you have about me being successful in this position." If you can, also ask this question, "How does my background fit compared to the ideal background." Another variant of this question is, "Have I said anything in this interview or given you any other reason to doubt that I am a good fit for the role?"
Ask about where you are in the process and the next steps. If the next step is scheduling another interview (“book it danno” (as in Hawaii Five-O), set up the interview on the spot.
If asked about what compensation it would take for you to accept a position, consider saying something like, "of course compensation is important but what is more important is the opportunity to make a difference, growth, learning, working with great people (pls add what is important/meaningful to you) and that if comp is fair, you'll probably be ok with it.” Eight people this year have not gotten offers or were offered what they said and declined because, upon reflection, the compensation they gave was too low.
We recommend you email and/or snail mail a thank you note. It is the truly professional thing to do.
Best Practices
Using the job description for which you are interviewing and your resume, make notes about your responsibilities and accomplishments in prior positions that PROVE you are more than qualified for the items on the job description. Also, record your selling points/edge relative to the position and make sure this is communicated to the interviewer at least three times before the interview ends.
5 Common Interviewing Mistakes - Video or Article - View the video or read the article by clicking on Video or Article to the left.