Interviewing Skills: 3 Objectives to Win the Interview

Homework:

Make sure to do your homework before the interview.  I remember I prepared so well for a client interview once that they asked me how I knew so much, not just about the company, but also about the person interviewing me.

Simple – I did my homework! I researched the online and got the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly on not only the company, but also the people I would be talking too.  No longer do you need to be in the dark about the interview.  Some places to look for information:

Company Website:  Of course – this is the first place.  But I don’t mean just browsing over their website, I mean reading it in depth.  Make sure to go to every single page of the website.  Get to know the players and who is at the top or who is the head of your division.  Read all the articles in the website.

Google the Company: Find out about ratings and past history.  See if you can find out anything specific regarding the area that you are being hired for. Look for news items pertaining to the company or department.

10-K:  If the company is large enough and public, they should have a 10-K which is an annual report put out by the SEC showing the companies financial stability.

Personal Info:  Simply Google the names in the company or who you are interacting with – this will be the easiest way to find out information.  Look them up on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.  You name it — I guarantee you will find out something about them.  The last time I did this I found that the person interviewing me was actually out looking for a job himself!  Rather interesting…but a secret best left untold!

Practice:

Yes – practice, practice practice.

Go online and review as many websites as you can about different interviewing techniques.  There is everything out there from standard interviews to behavioral interviews, to tests to be taken.   Leave no website unturned!   Spend many hours on this part.  It is imperative that you have the interview down to a science.  They may request a phone interview first – great!  Treat it the same as in person.  Always be positive!   Never ever provide negative information about a prior employer or a prior experience.  There is usually a favorite question that they will as like “What are you not good at doing?” Make sure you have your answer down pat.  Make it simple – and definitely nothing that affects your job.  Don’t forget why you came there!  Not to air dirty laundry – no one likes it and no one wants to hear it!

Arriving:

Always arrive at least 20 – 30 minutes ahead of schedule.  Sit in the lobby and listen.  Listen to the receptionist.  Watch the people walk in and out.  Does the atmosphere seem to be positive?  Are people smiling and saying hi to you.  Or are they distant and everyone has their head down.   It is critical to take all of this in well ahead of time and do not discount what you see and hear.  This is the first test the company needs to take for THEM to remain on your radar.

You are also interviewing them don’t forget!

Holly has more than 30 years experience in company and business management. The core value and mission of her company, U-Connect, Inc., is service above self. She is also a well-known keynote speaker, corporate trainer, and expert on entrepreneurship.  Her book Entrepreneur YOU is available in hard copy or eBook through Amazon.com.

Tags: Interviewing Skills

Category: Interviews & Resumes