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The Interview

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Employers look for three things when interviewing candidates:

• ATTITUDE
• APPEARANCE
• COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Remember your first impression is very important! You never get a second chance at a first impression. This is important whether you are making a cold call, filling out an application, interviewing, or just sending a resume to a blind ad.

PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW

The key to a successful interview is being prepared. If you are prepared for the interview it will help you to think clearly and you will be less nervous.

Be sure to research the company prior to your interview. This can be done through local newspapers, the local library, Chamber of Commerce, Dun & Bradstreet, or through the Manufacturer's Directory. Determine exactly what the company is looking for and then gear your resume, research, and questions towards the position.

• You should have at least ten questions prepared prior to the interview about the company or the position.
• Never use salary or benefits as part of your questions.
• Just because you have prepared ten questions don't feel that you need to ask all ten, especially if the interviewer has already covered that subject earlier in the interview. Watch to see how the interview is proceeding when the question time arises.

  • If the interviewer seems pressed for time you might only want to ask two or three important questions.
  • If the interviewer is at a calm pace, you might want to ask several more questions.

Be sure to have several copies of your resume with you, whether you are filling out an application, or going for an interview. If you interview with more than one person, each should get a copy of it.

• Your resume should be of high quality and professional looking with no mistakes or typos.
• Your resume should always be up to date, therefore be sure to redo your resume with each addition of work history.
• It should be done on a good white or ivory bond paper--other colors may distract the interviewer.

  • Never use a plain photocopy of your resume and never ask the interviewer to make a copy of your resume.
• Any letters of recommendation or school transcripts can be copies. Make sure to have enough on hand, however...
• Do not bombard the interviewer with dozens of Letters of Recommendation. Ask the interviewer if they would like the copies and limit it to only a few which pertain to the position for which you are applying.

As you may be asked to fill out an application, be sure to have all of your former work history including:

• Dates
• Names and addresses of previous employers
• Supervisors
• References

Deletions or incomplete information on an application will cause the interviewer to question your abilities.

Dressing appropriately for the position is extremely important. If a candidate looks perfect for the job, the tendency of the interviewer is to assume that he or she is a good match. Remember - Appearance is one of the first three things the interviewer looks for.

• For tips on what to wear for the interview, see our section "DRESSING FOR SUCCESS". Whatever you decide to wear, pay attention to detail. Be sure it is clean and pressed, and there are no tears or loose buttons. And you should feel comfortable in it.
• Never smoke during and interview (or even just prior to it). If you chew gum or use a mint to freshen your breath, be sure to discard it prior to entering the interview.
• Turn off your Cell Phone. In fact turn it off BEFORE you enter the building. Your full attention is expected and it would be very inconsiderate to have to stop the interview for you to answer your phone.
• If you have gotten a ride to the interview and they have to wait for you, please ask them to be considerate also. What they do - WILL reflect on YOU! They should also refrain from cell phone calls in the office (they should leave the building to take the call). If they are waiting in the car for you, ask them to NOT play their radio loud while they are waiting for you.