Interviewing Tips

OBJECTIVE

• The main objective of the interview is to pass to the next stage.
• Most candidates disqualify themselves before the company does.
• Interview for the EXACT position you are being presented to.

DO’s

• Be on time. Arrive 15 minutes before the interview, dress professionally, and be well prepared.
• Before the interview, research information about the company, its products, services, performance, vision, management, interviewers, and recent events.
• Before the interview, elaborate a list of additional information you need to know about the company, job, scope, future progression, management style, and strengths/weaknesses of those who held the position previously.
• Bring pertinent information (i.e. dates of employment, names of supervisors, telephone numbers, names and numbers for references). Incomplete applications are the most common disqualifiers.
• The first minute of the interview is the most important, because it gives a lasting impression. Establish rapport, assertiveness, enthusiasm, and motivation.
• After rapport is established, ask if the interviewer can grant you 5 minutes of their time at the end of the interview to ask some questions you have prepared. Make sure you always ask what are the challenges of the position.
• Relax!! When asked questions, focus before answering and give specific answers and examples about your past activities and how you’ve handled particular situations.
• Answer questions in a direct and concise manner. Do not ramble or answer difficult questions unless you have clearly thought-out an appropriate focused answer. It is acceptable to ask for additional time (if needed) to answer a question. For example….”can I take a minute to think about this, I would like to give you a good specific example.” This shows assertiveness.
• Concentrate in the actual position you are interviewing for. Do not interview for any other positions or any future opportunities.
• Call us immediately after the interview to provide feedback.

DONT’S

• Do not mention money. Try to avoid compensation questions during the interview. It is appropriate to comment that BIP (search firm) is handling all salary issues and that BIP should have provided that information prior to the interview. If they insist, you can comment on salary as little as possible. Don’t volunteer information you are not asked for.
• Do not ask excessive questions during the interview. Instead prepare 3 to 5 relevant questions to be asked at the end of the interview.

THE FOLLOWING ARE GUIDELINES TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Why are you searching for a job?
A. Focus on motivation for professional development and attraction to a new company but not negatives of old company. Do not reveal money as a motivation to change jobs. Do not just mention career development as motivation, but explain what specifically career development means to you.

Q. How much do you want?
A. Focus on answering with a general open-ended response. Until you are seriously interested in the job and the company is considering making an offer, don’t identify a specific amount. Comment that BIP is handling all salary issues and that BIP should have provided or can provide that information to them.

Q. What can you tell me about yourself?
A. Focus on specific accomplishments on the job, not on irrelevant personal information. If you use descriptors of yourself always use accomplishments and career progression to support and back up your statements.

Q. What are your strongest skills?
A. Focus on those skills you truly possess and give past specific job examples supporting this.

Q. Why do you want to work for our company?
A. Focus on how you can make a difference not on what the company can do for you.

HOW TO END THE INTERVIEW

• Thank the interviewer for the opportunity.
• Reiterate your interest in the position.
• Focus on how your experience and skills parallel their needs.
• Communicate to the interviewer what you can do for them in the first 3 to 4 months. This is based on the information received earlier regarding the position’s challenges.
• End the interview by focusing on how your experience and skills parallel their needs.
• Show sincere interest and ask about the next step in the process. Ask them for their business card.
• After the interview, write a short thank you note.

About Barbachano International

Barbachano International (BIP) is the premier executive search and leadership advisory firm in the Americas (USA, Mexico, Latin America, & Canada) with a focus on diversity and multicultural target markets.  Outplacement and Executive Coaching services are provided by our sister allied company Challenger Gray & Christmas. Since 1992, BIP and its affiliates have impacted the profitability of over 50% of Fortune 500 Companies.  BIP has been recognized by Forbes as Americas’ Best Executive Search Firms and currently ranks #27 and #3 on the West Coast.  Headquartered in San Diego, California with satellite offices in Florida and Mexico.  As member-owners of NPAworldwide Recruitment Network, we are supported by partner offices in over 50 countries.