Interviewing

“It ain't braggin' if you can back it up.” Dizzy Dean

Before you interview for a position, learn as much about it and the employer as possible. Talk to the search consultant, conduct research on the Internet, visit the library and tap into industry contacts. Develop a business plan that you would implement in the new position. Candidates that present a plan of action for the first 90-days on the job are much more likely to win the position.

Questions To Ask

After you have studied the company, make a list of questions to ask the employer:

• Why is this position available?
• What are your goals and expectations for this position?
• What obstacles must be overcome for the person in this position to succeed?
• How will my performance be evaluated?
• What opportunities are there for growth in the future?
• What growth do you anticipate for your firm in the future?
• What training programs are available to the person in this position?

Questions You May Be Asked

Your search consultant should be able to give you a good idea of the hiring authority's personality, his or her typical interview demeanor, and a few important questions that the employer is likely to ask:

• Tell me about yourself.
  Keep your answer in the professional realm only. Review your past positions, education and other strengths.
• Why are you interested in this position?
  Relate how you feel your qualifications match the job requirements. Also, express your desire to work for the employer.
• What are the most significant accomplishments in your career?
  Identify recent accomplishments that relate to the position and its requirements.
• Describe a situation in which your work was criticized.
  Focus on how you resolved the situation and became a better person because of the experience.
• What do you know about our organization?
  Provide a short overview of what you learned in your research and why that appeals to you.
• What did you like least about your last position?
  Be sure to not be critical of your current or past employers.
• Are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) company?
  Make sure that your reason is not frivolous. Explain how your decision fits in your overall career plan.
• What are your goals?
  Keep your answer limited to career goals that can be addressed by this opportunity.
• What kind of salary are you looking for?
  It is best to describe your current compensation and explain that you are looking for a package commensurate with your experience.
• What other jobs/companies are you considering?
  Briefly describe similar opportunities that you are pursuing. Make it clear that you are interested in their opportunity.