Interview Tips

It never ceases to amaze me that some interviewees don't seem to know even have a clue how to interview. These are very basic tips, but please, if you're going to take the time to go to an interview, follow them.

1) Be on time (or about 15 minutes early is even better). It wouldn't kill you to plan to get there early, make sure you have found the place, and then hang out at a nearby Starbucks or McDonald's so you arrive about 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. The last candidate that I interviewed even told me that she drove by our office the Sunday before the interview to make sure she could find it. (She got bonus points for that.) :) If traffic is bad or something and you find you are running late, call to let the interviewer know you are running late. Make this call BEFORE you are late.

2) Plan to fill out an application completely. Bring anything you need to fill out job history, reference contact information, etc.

3) Do your homework about the company. Look at the company's website. One candidate, when asked what he knew about our company said, "Um.......uh..........I think........you do construction or something like that." I'll just say, "Um..........no bonus points for him." The same candidate that I mentioned before who drove by the office on a Sunday also mentioned during the interview (without me asking) some things she read on our website. Again, bonus points for her.

4) Do your homework about yourself. Think about your knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in relation to the job, the company, and the industry. Be prepared to explain how yours apply to the job, company, and industry if your previous experience is not an exact match. For instance, before my current position, I never worked in the construction industry, but I was prepared to discuss why and how my previous experience applied to it. Think about your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the job ahead of the interview and be prepared to discuss them.

5) Don't ask anything related to what's in it for you. I.E. Don't ask about salary or benefits until they make you an offer. The interview(s) is(are) to convince them to make a job offer to you. Then you ask what's in it for you (politely and professionally). However, it is a very good idea to ask some questions. This shows the interviewer that you are interested. You do want to find out about the job, the company, the culture, etc., so you can assess whether it would be a good fit for you. Personally, I don't mind at all when candidates ask me about the salary or benefits. For one thing, I love to talk about our benefits, because they are so cool. However, I know that some interviewers are very turned off by it.

6) Be honest. State things as positively as you can (while still being honest). Smile. Show confidence, but not arrogance.

Again, these are basic tips, but they are very important. They can make the difference in whether or not you are offered the position. You not only have to be qualified for the position, but you have to convince the interviewers that you are the best candidate for the position.