Hughes And Associates, Inc.

Interviewing Tips for the Professional Candidate

The phone interview is the first verbal contact with a company. This is a time for information exchange as well as both parties feeling each other out. Proper matches not only include the match of your background to the position's needs but also a match (gel) of your personality to that of the hiring manager as well as the company as a whole. The company already has a predetermined idea of the personality for which they are looking; therefore there is no way to prepare in this area.

Phone interviews should not be taken lightly. Be sure to project a very positive attitude toward your personal and career portions of your life as well as towards your job search. During your period of search, make sure you have an answering machine and a very professional and articulate message on the answering machine. If the company has not spoken to you as of yet, a poorly and amateurish answering machine message, may turn a company completely off before the process begins. When the interview call does happen, be prepared. Make sure you have pen and paper ready and take notes. Be sure and write down who calls, his/her title, what you discussed- basically write down all pertinent information. If a personal interview is offered, this information you write down will become invaluable and give you clues to what to expect during the face to face interview. When you first know which company or companies are interested in you, do your homework. Find out as much information as you can about the company and its office or its operations' location. Some good reference publications include but are not limited to: Thomas' Register of American Mfgrs.; Standard & Poor's Corporation Records; Dun and Bradstreet's Fitch Corporate Manuals; The Company's Annual Report; etc. Make a written list of questions that you would like answered and commit them to memory so that you can easily remember them during any of the interviews, Sometimes many of the questions will be answered through written material given to you by a company representative prior to your actual interview with the hiring manager. It is, however, a very good idea to ask the questions again of the hiring manager for a couple of reasons: It shows interest by you in his/her company; you get an answer from a different perspective which is from the person who could end up being your boss; it is important to get all the information you can from all sources available no matter how redundant it might seem at the time. This information is necessary for you to determine if the opportunity allows you the growth and progression you desire.

GOOD QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER ASKING:

1. Ask for a detailed synopsis of position.

2. Why it is vacant? How Long has it been vacant?

3. What is the growth potential of the position - both short term and long term - for you.

4. Ask for the company's future projections - for this location - for the company overall.

5. What training programs does the company have available to new hires as well as the other employees?

6. Ask questions about company's management philosophies.

7. Performance evaluations - ask how are they conducted and how often.

8. Ask about organizational structure above and below the position.

9. What is the first responsibility that would be assigned to you in the position?

10. Ask why one should consider working for this company? What does it offer someone at your level, now and in the future!

QUESTIONS THAT THE COMPANY MAY ASK YOU

1. What do you know about our company?

2. Why are you interested in us and what do you have to offer us?

3. What can you do for us that someone else of your expertise and background may not be able to do and how long would it take you to be able to make a valid contribution?

4. What types of positions interest you?

5. What are your salary expectations? Immediate and projected for the future?

6. What previous contributions have you made that stand out?

7. What are your goals both professionally and personally?

8. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?

9. Can you take orders? Can you give orders?

10. What are your hobbies?

11. How is your health?

12. How would you describe yourself?

13. Can you work on your own with little or no direct supervision?

14. What other "types" of positions are you considering?

15. Why are you considering a career change?

16. Why should we hire you?

17. Can you work under pressure or with deadlines?

18. Why do you want ? (type of job for which you are interested)

19. Why did you choose your present career?

20. Why haven't you secured another position before now?

21 What interests you most and least about the position we have?

22 Are you or could you be a good manager?

23 Are you a good leader? Why?

24 Describe your personality?

25 What other "specific" positions are you currently considering?

26 What is your biggest goal in life?

27 What is the worst thing that we can find out about you?

28 How do you handle and perform routine work?

29 If you come to work for us, would you be willing to transfer if the Company needed you to do this?

30. Give examples of your own initiative and imagination.

31. Name your outstanding qualities.

32. Do you have any questions?

33. If we offered the position to you right now, what would you say?

Arrive on time. This is a must. If you are running late for any reason, make sure you phone the company of this as soon as possible. Bring a list of references that you personally have recently contacted to make them aware of the possibility of someone contacting them. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of any transcripts and diplomas to the interview (they will be needed by any company that does hire you anyway ). Your appearance should be your best, that's what the company is looking for. You don't want them to think, "if he looks like this for an interview, how will he look for normal day to day activities?" They assume they are seeing the best "you" during the interview. Do not wear perfume/cologne or use it sparingly. It is always good to brush your teeth prior to an interview. Your hair should be clean and well groomed. If you are a smoker, make sure you have clothes on that are free of smoke smell. Be prepared to fill out some paperwork. It may be an application, personality or technical tests, or most anything the company feels is necessary. Be sure and shake hands "Firmly" with everyone you meet and greet them. A "wimpy" hand shake is a bad first impression. During an interview, sit upright in the chair. Do not ever smoke during an interview even if the interviewer asks if you would like to. Also look the interviewer in the eye - this is a key that even the most inept interviewer looks for. Never answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no" answer. The only way the interviewer can get to know you is if you talk with him/her. Always give specifics

without rambling on for too long and never lie. Do not ever make bad remarks about your former or present company or boss. This will get you exited from any interview very quickly. Use the phrase "difference in philosophies" or something similar.

Remember, the manager is not likely to be a "professional" interviewer. When the interview lags or is straying from discussing necessary topics, it is you that must re-direct the conversation. This can help make or break whether you end up getting an offer or not. Go into the interview determined to come out of it with an offer whether you plan to accept or not. If you receive an offer, you can say yes or no to it. If you don't receive an offer, the company has said no and you had no choice in saying anything. Before leaving an interview, be sure and tell the interviewer that you would like an offer. Remember, this in no way commits you to taking it. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and the opportunity to talk with him/her. Make sure you know the interviewer's full name and how to spell it (as well as title). It would be best to get a business card if possible. If you go through the Personnel Dept. first, you can get this information ahead of time and write it down. Always carry a current copy of your resume with you. Have pen and paper with you (out of sight) in case it is needed. Never write notes during an interview. If you go to lunch, never have an alcoholic beverage even if it is offered. Make sure that each interviewer realizes all your good points but do not over sell yourself. Be proud of your accomplishments but do not act conceited. Show eagerness and interest in the position, nobody wants to hire a dull, uninterested person. If salary is discussed, you can and should inform the company of your current salary. Tell them that your desired salary level is something commensurate with your level of experience within their company. Inform them that you are confident that you know your performance will allow you to be at or above competitive salaries after being employed by any new employer after a certain length of time.

At the end of the interview, make sure you reiterate why you qualify for the job, how you can fill the needs of the job, and make sure you ask for the job. Be courteous and tactful to everyone-you never know who will be asked to evaluate you, sometimes even secretaries. Offers usually come out within 2-3 weeks unless there are unusual circumstances. All evaluations must be reviewed, references checked, and salary packages have to be determined. Normally a verbal offer is extended by phone with the written offer to immediately follow. Also, never say "No" without taking some time to think and review, even if you feel sure that the answer is No. After you have evaluated the offer and its ramifications from all angles, then you can make your yes or no decision. After the interview, make sure to write down all details concerning the interview: the job, its description, its responsibilities, growth potential, the names of all the persons you met, etc. As soon as possible, send a short letter to each interviewer thanking them for their time and the opportunity to visit with them concerning the available opening. Make sure you reiterate your interest in them and the position and again ask for an offer. Make sure your letter, although brief, should be perfect in every respect; grammatically, spelling, form, punctuation, etc.

We realize that everything we have mentioned seems simple and we have spent many hours trying to make the information as simple as possible. However, no matter how simple it sounds, all of the steps and information is very important. We can not stress that too much. We could have provided a lot more information and advice, however, we felt that we had already included at least 90% of the essentials and an individual can only remember so much during the interview process. You are not a Professional interviewee, however, with the enclosed information and with practice, you should be able to get enough offers to secure a new satisfactory career opportunity.

		The Phone Interview
		The phone interview is the first verbal contact with a company. This is a time for information exchange as well as both parties feeling each other out. Proper matches not only include the match of your background to the position's needs but also a match (gel) of your personality to that of the hiring manager as well as the company as a whole. The company already has a predetermined idea of the personality for which they are looking; therefore there is no way to prepare in this area. Phone interviews should not be taken lightly. Be sure to project a very positive attitude toward your personal and career portions of your life as well as towards your job search. During your period of search, make sure you have an answering machine and a very professional and articulate message on the answering machine. If the company has not spoken to you as of yet, a poorly and amateurish answering machine message, may turn a company completely off before the process begins. When the interview call does happen, be prepared. Make sure you have pen and paper ready and take notes. Be sure and write down who calls, his/her title, what you discussed- basically write down all pertinent information. If a personal interview is offered, this information you write down will become invaluable and give you clues to what to expect during the face to face interview. When you first know which company or companies are interested in you, do your homework. Find out as much information as you can about the company and its office or its operations' location. Some good reference publications include but are not limited to: Thomas' Register of American Mfgrs.; Standard & Poor's Corporation Records; Dun and Bradstreet's Fitch Corporate Manuals; The Company's Annual Report; etc. Make a written list of questions that you would like answered and commit them to memory so that you can easily remember them during any of the interviews, Sometimes many of the questions will be answered through written material given to you by a company representative prior to your actual interview with the hiring manager. It is, however, a very good idea to ask the questions again of the hiring manager for a couple of reasons: It shows interest by you in his/her company; you get an answer from a different perspective which is from the person who could end up being your boss; it is important to get all the information you can from all sources available no matter how redundant it might seem at the time. This information is necessary for you to determine if the opportunity allows you the growth and progression you desire.
		Questions To Consider
		GOOD QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER ASKING: 1. Ask for a detailed synopsis of position. 2. Why it is vacant? How Long has it been vacant? 3. What is the growth potential of the position - both short term and long term - for you. 4. Ask for the company's future projections - for this location - for the company overall. 5. What training programs does the company have available to new hires as well as the other employees? 6. Ask questions about company's management philosophies. 7. Performance evaluations - ask how are they conducted and how often. 8. Ask about organizational structure above and below the position. 9. What is the first responsibility that would be assigned to you in the position? 10. Ask why one should consider working for this company? What does it offer someone at your level, now and in the future! QUESTIONS THAT THE COMPANY MAY ASK YOU 1. What do you know about our company? 2. Why are you interested in us and what do you have to offer us? 3. What can you do for us that someone else of your expertise and background may not be able to do and how long would it take you to be able to make a valid contribution? 4. What types of positions interest you? 5. What are your salary expectations? Immediate and projected for the future? 6. What previous contributions have you made that stand out? 7. What are your goals both professionally and personally? 8. What are your strengths? Weaknesses? 9. Can you take orders? Can you give orders? 10. What are your hobbies? 11. How is your health? 12. How would you describe yourself? 13. Can you work on your own with little or no direct supervision? 14. What other "types" of positions are you considering? 15. Why are you considering a career change? 16. Why should we hire you? 17. Can you work under pressure or with deadlines? 18. Why do you want ? (type of job for which you are interested) 19. Why did you choose your present career? 20. Why haven't you secured another position before now? 21 What interests you most and least about the position we have? 22 Are you or could you be a good manager? 23 Are you a good leader? Why? 24 Describe your personality? 25 What other "specific" positions are you currently considering? 26 What is your biggest goal in life? 27 What is the worst thing that we can find out about you? 28 How do you handle and perform routine work? 29 If you come to work for us, would you be willing to transfer if the Company needed you to do this? 30. Give examples of your own initiative and imagination. 31. Name your outstanding qualities. 32. Do you have any questions? 33. If we offered the position to you right now, what would you say?
		The Personal Interview
		Arrive on time. This is a must. If you are running late for any reason, make sure you phone the company of this as soon as possible. Bring a list of references that you personally have recently contacted to make them aware of the possibility of someone contacting them. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of any transcripts and diplomas to the interview (they will be needed by any company that does hire you anyway ). Your appearance should be your best, that's what the company is looking for. You don't want them to think, "if he looks like this for an interview, how will he look for normal day to day activities?" They assume they are seeing the best "you" during the interview. Do not wear perfume/cologne or use it sparingly. It is always good to brush your teeth prior to an interview. Your hair should be clean and well groomed. If you are a smoker, make sure you have clothes on that are free of smoke smell. Be prepared to fill out some paperwork. It may be an application, personality or technical tests, or most anything the company feels is necessary. Be sure and shake hands "Firmly" with everyone you meet and greet them. A "wimpy" hand shake is a bad first impression. During an interview, sit upright in the chair. Do not ever smoke during an interview even if the interviewer asks if you would like to. Also look the interviewer in the eye - this is a key that even the most inept interviewer looks for. Never answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no" answer. The only way the interviewer can get to know you is if you talk with him/her. Always give specifics without rambling on for too long and never lie. Do not ever make bad remarks about your former or present company or boss. This will get you exited from any interview very quickly. Use the phrase "difference in philosophies" or something similar. Remember, the manager is not likely to be a "professional" interviewer. When the interview lags or is straying from discussing necessary topics, it is you that must re-direct the conversation. This can help make or break whether you end up getting an offer or not. Go into the interview determined to come out of it with an offer whether you plan to accept or not. If you receive an offer, you can say yes or no to it. If you don't receive an offer, the company has said no and you had no choice in saying anything. Before leaving an interview, be sure and tell the interviewer that you would like an offer. Remember, this in no way commits you to taking it. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and the opportunity to talk with him/her. Make sure you know the interviewer's full name and how to spell it (as well as title). It would be best to get a business card if possible. If you go through the Personnel Dept. first, you can get this information ahead of time and write it down. Always carry a current copy of your resume with you. Have pen and paper with you (out of sight) in case it is needed. Never write notes during an interview. If you go to lunch, never have an alcoholic beverage even if it is offered. Make sure that each interviewer realizes all your good points but do not over sell yourself. Be proud of your accomplishments but do not act conceited. Show eagerness and interest in the position, nobody wants to hire a dull, uninterested person. If salary is discussed, you can and should inform the company of your current salary. Tell them that your desired salary level is something commensurate with your level of experience within their company. Inform them that you are confident that you know your performance will allow you to be at or above competitive salaries after being employed by any new employer after a certain length of time. At the end of the interview, make sure you reiterate why you qualify for the job, how you can fill the needs of the job, and make sure you ask for the job. Be courteous and tactful to everyone-you never know who will be asked to evaluate you, sometimes even secretaries. Offers usually come out within 2-3 weeks unless there are unusual circumstances. All evaluations must be reviewed, references checked, and salary packages have to be determined. Normally a verbal offer is extended by phone with the written offer to immediately follow. Also, never say "No" without taking some time to think and review, even if you feel sure that the answer is No. After you have evaluated the offer and its ramifications from all angles, then you can make your yes or no decision. After the interview, make sure to write down all details concerning the interview: the job, its description, its responsibilities, growth potential, the names of all the persons you met, etc. As soon as possible, send a short letter to each interviewer thanking them for their time and the opportunity to visit with them concerning the available opening. Make sure you reiterate your interest in them and the position and again ask for an offer. Make sure your letter, although brief, should be perfect in every respect; grammatically, spelling, form, punctuation, etc. We realize that everything we have mentioned seems simple and we have spent many hours trying to make the information as simple as possible. However, no matter how simple it sounds, all of the steps and information is very important. We can not stress that too much. We could have provided a lot more information and advice, however, we felt that we had already included at least 90% of the essentials and an individual can only remember so much during the interview process. You are not a Professional interviewee, however, with the enclosed information and with practice, you should be able to get enough offers to secure a new satisfactory career opportunity.


	Hughes And Associates, Inc. 3737 Government Boulevard, Suite #304-B Mobile AL 36693 251-661-8888 timohughes@aol.com © 1999 Hughes And Associates, Inc. All Rights Reserved