Interview Tips and Etiquette
 

Hi GCers-

I have interview on Valentine's Day for a job that I really, really want. Do you all have any interviewing tips for me? Any interviewing rules of etiquette?
Thanks!

My best advice is this: Interviews are like a first date. You want to look good and be bright, positive and enthusiatic and confident without arrogance. Give off the slightest hint of desperation and you're outta there. Last part might not apply to you but it's what I had to keep telling myself after getting laid off last year and being almost willing to anything I could get..

Be honest.

I'm not sure what kind of position this is but especially if it's professional, post-grad....

Do research on the company. Visit their website or find other info about them. One thing my manager is always impressed with is a knowledgeable applicant. It shows that you really are interested in the company!

Bring extra copies of your resume (on nice resume paper). They might not have your resume right there with them and it might be helpful to them (if they don't have it) to keep another copy or use it as a reference point in the interview. I know that on several interviews last year I needed extra copies for HR, etc.

Have a list of questions (maybe 3 or 4) that you would like to ask the interviewer. They will typically ask if you have any questions atthe end of the interview. Having a list (in your head) again shows that you are prepared and have put thought into the interview. You will know what is appropriate based on the type of job you are seeking.

You might want to check out a book about interviewing. I know it sounds cheesy but I checked out a book from the library last year when I was interviewing since it was really the first time I had done this (for a professional, post grad position). I think I got "The Interview Book" but there will be several to choose from. These books will provide sample questions that will probably be asked of you and will also give you some sample questions that might be appropriate to ask the interviewer. For the sample questions, don't psyc. yourself out but it is a good idea to start thinking about some of the answers in advance. You don't want to sound "rehearsed" but you'll want to know a general direction in which to go. Things like "where do you see yourself 5 years from now", "How would you handle a conflict w/another employee", etc. Give concrete responses if you can...it's much better to illustrate how to handle something then speaking in the abstract (at least from the interviews that I've helped conduct).

Wear a suit if you have one (you can never be "overdressed"), keep the makeup and hair simple yet professional. Get a good night's sleep the night before and RELAX. :)

I'm sure you will do wonderfully on your interview. Let us know how it goes!

I think the interview went pretty good. The woman who interviewed me said she was really impressed. Unfortunately, she doesn't do any of the hiring...she just does the interviewing. She said that she was going to highly recommend me to her bosses. I find out next month if I am picked to get a second interview.

When I was going on job interviews, my dad told me to tell the interviewer that 'I know everything'. I guess he thought that I would look stupid and not worth the hire. Also, I figured they wouldn't waste time and resources training me. Isn't that like lying anyway? Don't the interviewers know when you are BSing?

I also have a question for my fellow GCers. When an interviewer asks you about your weaknesses, how do you handle it? How do you answer that? Do you tell the truth or just brush it off? Just wondering!

:eek: :rolleyes: :confused: :mad:

Turn a weakness into a strength. Say something like, "I'm a huge perfectionist. I always want something done perfect and I spend so much time on things trying to make it perfect."

Something to that effect. That's what my father told me anyways.

It really depends on the interviewer. Some folks will still fall for that "weakness that is really a strength" thing, but most folks recognize if for what it is. What may work better is to take a true weakness and say what you have done, are doing to overcome it. "I've found that my writing is still very college/essay oriented instead of business oriented. Now, when I write memos I make sure I go through them with a fine tooth comb to edit our unnessary words and phrases." or something like that.

Another note, most large companies are now using behavioral or situational interviews and do not ask questions like "strengths and weaknesses." They want to know what you have done in the past, so they will ask questions like

"Tell me about a time where you had to take a leadership role in a project."
"Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a coworker or a classmate."
Walk me through the steps you take to organize your day/self.

While it is common to pause before you answer these types of questions (most people need to think of an example), it would probably be helpful for you to think of some of your shining moments at previous jobs or school so you will be prepared. Good luck!

Spit in your hand prior to the handshake.

-Rudey
--It's a really good way to introduce yourself.

This is what baffles me!
 

Here are the situations that I have now! First off, I don't have a f*cking clue as to write a cover letter to go with my resume. I had written one that was mass produced: fill in the company address and contact person, the date of the ad and the position. I know that it isn't the right thing to do, but what could I do to make each one different from the other.

Secondly and I know that I am totally guilty in this department: writing thank you letters after the interview. I rarely write one and I really don't know how to write. Also, I feel that it hasn't worked for me (the ones that I wrote), since I didn't get the jobs anyway!

Any advice?

:eek: :o :rolleyes: :confused: :mad:

I've always been told to ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS send a thank-you (or also called a follow-up) letter.

It's just a nice way to let the employer know you appreciate them taking the time to speak with you, and also a way to re-emphasize your high points that you think would be valuable to the company for the position you are applying for. In addition it's also a way to let them know you're still interested in the position and are interested in the company.

I always send my thank-you letters within 24 hours of the interview.

Sometimes even a follow-up call could work. Once again, it's a nice way to thank them for their time, and let them know you are still very interested.

As for the cover letter, mine are usually about the same, but I do change it up every time I apply for a different position.

Depending on the job, I will usually add things like I'm a very energetic person who enjoys working with others... which is true, but I would think if the job requires you to constantly be working with others, it would be nice to let them know that is something you enjoy doing so they won't just look at my resume, but also the fact that I like being around other people.

When you're writing a cover letter, it also wouldn't hurt to show you know something about the company. Don't go overboard but just enough to show that you know who the company is, what they do, so it doesn't sound like you just picked them out of the phone book! (one of my profs used to always tell us this!)

Another interview advice related question that I want to ask. How would you tackle that question 'Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years down the road?'. When I went on interviews, I would answer it in one way and one interviewer took as 'I didn't know what I want'. Any advice would be appreciated! I also would like to know what you think about this question.

:confused: :rolleyes: :o :eek: :mad:

As far as the "where do you see yourself in 5 years" question, I think the interviewer(s)' trying to get a feel for how motivated you are within the company. Are you looking to move up in the company? Do you know what might be available to you? Are you leaving in a year to travel abroad?

I hate answering this question, though. Because inevitably what I want to be doing in 5 years is traveling European beaches :p

I would answer it honestly. Meaning if you really want that position, you say something along the lines of "I hope to be in x position, and to have improved ________ within the company, etc." If you want to move up, you say so, but not "I want your job" lol. If you hope to be elsewhere, then say something like "I hope that my experience as a ___ with your company will be helping me in my pursuit of ___" (but make it open enough that you could still be w/ the company).

I had an interview on Thursday. She and I had been communicating through e-mail. She asked me to send my resume through e-mail. So, I sent my Follow-up/Thank you letter through e-mail too. Do you think that was the proper thing to do?:confused:

While not technically improper, I think you will get extra points by sending a note through snail mail. Think of it this way. It takes little effort to shoot off "happy birthday" email to a friend, but when they take the time to actually send you a card...that seems to mean a bit more.