From the moment you arrive, the employer will begin evaluating you on many levels - appearance, personality, interpersonal skill,
energy, attitude, communication, leadership, etc. It will be vitally important for you to distinguish yourself in some positive
way from all other candidates. First, let's touch on the basics... then we'll go deeper to help develop "your story".
Timing is Everything
Do not be late; it is a critical mistake. If possible, drive to the location a day or two before the interview, so you'll know
exactly how to get there, where to park, how much time to allot for travel, etc. Arriving early makes a good impression and allows
you time to unwind and complete any required paperwork.
Dress for Success
Let basic good taste be your guide. Research how people in your field dress and assemble an appropriate outfit. High tech,
entertainment and other "creative" industries often have a very relaxed dress code, so check with the Recruiter or HR for a
recommendation if you are in doubt. Impeccable grooming is more important than the "perfect" outfit. Skip cologne/perfume and go
easy on the jewelry.
Have on Hand
Driving directions, along with phone numbers and name of the people you'll be meeting are essential. Bring several copies of
your resume/cover letter, a notepad and pen, list of professional references and examples of your work - such as demo reel, writing
samples, programming code - as long as the information doesn't breach confidentiality of your previous employer.
Body Language
The first few moments of the interview are the most important. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake, make eye contact and smile.
Prepare a couple of topics for small talk in advance if that helps to make you less nervous. To develop rapport, speak clearly, listen
closely and show interest. Sit up straight, lean forward slightly and maintain good natural eye contact.
Be Engaged
Take an active role in the interview. If the interviewer has not done so, ask him to describe the job. Listen carefully and relate
your experience as closely as possible to the position requirements. Ask meaningful questions and emphasize what you can do for the
company.
Salary
On the application, answer the salary question as "open" or "negotiable". Discuss salary only after the employer mentions a figure.
You might respond to a direct question about how much you're looking for by stating your interest in the position along with the
expectation that you will be compensated fairly based on your qualifications for the job.
Say "Thank you"
At the time of the interview, thank the employer for taking time to meet with you. Then, follow-up in writing, stating once again
why you want the job and why you think you can contribute to the company. Remember to collect business cards from all you meet.
Prepare your "Short Stories"
This is a very important part of the interview process. Vivid word pictures will stay with an interviewer much longer than a
general, broad statement. Select experiences that demonstrate your skills and that are in some way relevant to the type of position
for which you are applying and develop your stories using the STAR technique below. Once you've prepared your "short stories", practice
telling them to friends and family.
S -- SITUATION - Describe the SITUATION.
T -- TASK - Describe the TASK to be performed.
A -- ACTION - What ACTION did you take?
R -- RESULTS - What were the RESULTS of your actions?
Behavioral Interviewing
The idea behind behavioral interviews is the belief that the best way to predict future behavior is by determining past behavior.
Some behaviors that employers attempt to measure in this way include: initiative, organization, teamwork, flexibility, problem solving,
motivation and leadership. You can also use your "short story" technique to help prepare for this type of interview.
Here are a few sample questions you might consider or be asked:
- Describe a situation in which you recognized a potential problem as an opportunity. What did you do?
- Tell me a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a problem?
- Tell me about the most creative idea you've ever had?
- Tell me about the co-worker with whom you get along the least?
- Tell me about a time you were assertive and it backfired on you? What did you learn?
- Describe a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What were the circumstances and what did you learn from the experience?
Questions for Employers
An interview is a two-way street. Be sure to research the organization and go in prepared to ask questions. It indicates to the
employer your level of interest in the company and position. Good questions might include the following:
- What are the opportunities for personal and professional growth?
- How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
- Describe a typical day on the job.
- What kind of qualities are you looking for in your new hire?
- What makes this company or organization different from its competitors?
- What characteristics does a successful person have within this company or role?
Interviewing is like almost everything else - the more you do it, the better you become. Last, but not least, if you want the job...
ask for it!
