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Interview Tips
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Consider the following when preparing for an interview.  BE PREPARED!

DO the following in an interview:

  • DO dress in acceptable business attire;
  • DO research the company prior to your interview;
  • DO shake hands firmly;
  • DO maintain good eye contact with the employer;
  • DO have references prepared;
  • DO arrive on time or a few minutes early;
  • DO ask for the job at the interview's conclusion, if you're interested.

DON'T DO the following in an interview:

  • DON'T make derogatory comments about your present or former employers;
  • DON'T answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Offer an explanation for your answer;
  • DON'T inquire about salary, bonuses, vacation, etc. unless you are positive the employer in interested in hiring you;
  • DON'T use inflammatory language;
  • DON'T smoke, even if the interviewer does;
  • DON'T chew gum.

Questions to ask the employer include:

  • Detailed description of the position?
  • Reason the position is available?
  • What type of training program is there for the position?
  • What are the major company objectives/growth plans?
  • What is the next step in the interview process?
  • Ask for the interviewer's business card (follow up later with a thank you note).

Questions you may be asked by the employer:

  • Why are you leaving your present job?
  • What kind of work environment do you feel you work best in?
  • What are your career goals?
  • What do you like best/least about your present job?
  • What is your biggest strength/weakness?
  • Give an example of a good/bad decision you've made recently;
  • What are your salary requirements? (a good answer here is "I'm presently earning $_______".
  • What interests you most about the job we have?
  • Why should you be considered for this position?
  • How would you describe your personality?
  • How do you rate yourself as a manager?
  • How do you think your subordinates/peers would describe you?
  • What skills or qualities are important for dealing effectively with customers?
  • Give me an example of when you had to deal with an internal/external customer who had unreasonable demands.
  • Describe some situations in which you wished you'd acted differently with someone in your work group.