Preparing for your next job Interview.
Once your Rice Professional Search representative schedules an interview for you with a prospective employer, it is important that you be well prepared.
Good preparation instills confidence, and boosts your ability to conduct an impressive interview and eventually receive an offer. We’re back to the strategy of "selling yourself." You may be a master in your chosen profession - absolutely brilliant in your job performance. But if your interview style is perceived to be less than dazzling, the position will go to someone with stronger interviewing skills.
Do the Research. Know your Prospective Employer.
Learning about the prospective employer before the interview will enable you to prepare your strengths and achievements effectively, and increase your odds for getting the job. It’s no surprise that people are pleased when you are aware of who they are and what they do. Know the nature of their business, office locations, all their divisions and number of employees.
Using the Internet, this advance research should be simple. If the company is publicly held, check its Dun and Bradstreet listing or Moody’s Directory at the local library. These reference resources can provide comprehensive background information. Make a list of questions to ask during the interview. Remember, the interview is an exchange between you and the interviewer. Be prepared to answer and ask pertinent questions. Through this interactive process, you will discover whether the position provides the compensation and opportunities for advancement you desire.
Probing questions you can ask may include:
- What are the position’s primary responsibilities? (Compare with the information provided by your Rice Professional Search representative.)
- Why is the position available? Newly created, vacated, termination?
- What type of learning curve is expected?
- Who will train you in the new position? How long?
- What are you looking for in the person you hire for this position?
- Who else will you interview? (If anyone)
- How soon do you expect to make a decision?
Be Alert and Ready.
During your interview, you’ll be asked a wide variety of questions. Be prepared for some surprises and, maybe, some curve balls.
- Anticipate the following questions:
- What are your professional goals?
- What do you know about this company?
- What is your major weakness?
- What has been your favorite responsibility in previous positions?
- Tell me about your last boss - how was he/she to work for?
- Are you willing to relocate?
- Why should we hire you?
Seize the Opportunity about your Career Past(s).
If your resume reflects "job hopping." you’ll probably be asked about this.
A positive explanation is both plausible and appropriate. Stress the attractive/beneficial aspects of each move. Better opportunity. Higher salary. Office close to home. Flexible time was offered. Keep the focus on seizing the opportunity, without appearing to lack loyalty or dedication. It is tough, but it can be done!
You may be asked about the worst position or boss you’ve had. It’s always best to phrase your answer positively. For instance, if a previous supervisor tended not to follow through or delegate well, you should emphasize that you learned to get the information you needed to accomplish the task.
You may be asked about your ability to deal with stress and conflict. A good response to this type of question might be: “During any long-term working situation conflicts inevitably occur, but good communications can resolve problems to everyone’s satisfaction.” Explain that stress can be part of everyday life in a work environment. Mention practical ways that you alleviate stress through exercise, hobbies, community involvement, life balance, etc.
We don’t live in a perfect world. But when it comes to interviewing, the fewer negatives, the better. If you’ve had an unpleasant boss in the past or the company’s work environment was difficult, it’s best left unsaid or neutralized.
Making the Interview Process a Success
Once your Rice Professional Search representative has secured an interview for you, it’s up to you to sell yourself to the prospective employer. As a result of your diligent preparation and rehearsal, you should feel confident and prepared for your interview presentation. (read more)
