Candidate Interview Preparation Guide

Interview Preparation
The most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second
chances to make a great first impression.
Google the Company!
Not being able to answer the question "What do you know about this company?" might just end your quest for
employment, at least with this employer. Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a
mission statement are available in an "About Us" section on most company web sites. Review it ahead of time, then print
it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory.
Read the Job Description
It is imperative that you review the job description and the skills requested. Be able to articulate how your experience fits
the need and how you can add value.
Know what your Resume Says
Bring an extra copy of your resume and insure it is the same version the recruiter submitted to the hiring manager. If
there is a question contact your recruiter and they will send you the version used. According to a recent study, one of the
most common reasons employers gave for not hiring an applicant, is due to the candidate’s inability to fully explain the
contents of his or her résumé. It is therefore of paramount importance to be able to discuss in detail every item listed on
one's resume, and if possible to give examples where appropriate. It is very important to familiarize yourself with your
resume. Know what your resume says and use it as a tool to sell yourself to the hiring manager. Not being familiar with
the details of your résumé can be disastrous.

Interview Day
Dress for the Job or Company
Confidence and ability is not only shown through the spoken word, it is demonstrated through how you look and your
body language as well. This means that you could boast all day about your skills, but if you do not look the part, you are
not as likely to be taken seriously - especially in a job interview where it counts the most. Take the time to look and dress
the part, and it will go a long way toward completing the picture for the interviewer. In every case, it is always better to
be overdressed.
Be On-time
It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to fifteen minutes early. If need be, take some
time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going.
Know the Details
Read and familiarize yourself with your resume, job description and company information before entering
the office.
What not to Bring
Believe it or not, a recent candidate for employment, who, by the way, didn't get the job, didn't hesitate to answer his cell
phone when it rang during an interview. Leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the building.
Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of
references. They don't belong at an interview.
Arriving
In most cases you will be directed to the security or reception desk where you will ask for the manager. Insure you are
courteous to the attendant. Managers often have relationships with those who sit up front.

The Interview
Introductions
It is important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. It is, however, most
important to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence,
sit after the interviewer has sat down, engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know
you are interested in the position. Insure you do this before you even answer any interview question.
Practice Good Nonverbal Communication
Insure you demonstrate confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake.
That first impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending - to your interview.
 Stay Calm
During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not sure what's been asked and
remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure to fully
answer the question.
Listen
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you
are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the
person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace. Make sure you listen to
the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond.
Communication Skills
Insure you speak slowly and clearly articulate your responses to questions. Do not allow your mouth to run ahead of
your brain.
Answer the Questions
When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past
behavior. Do not be afraid to share projects that have gone awry, but be sure to follow it up with what you did to get the
project back on track. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss
an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.
Do Not Talk Too Much
There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn't
need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply
answer the question.
Insure You Talk Enough
It's really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. I remember a couple of
interviews where I felt like I was pulling teeth to get any answers from the candidate. It wasn't pleasant. So, even though
you shouldn't talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can.
Badmouthing Past Employers
Your last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job and couldn't wait to leave? Even if
it's true don't say so. Stay Professional. It's sometimes a smaller world than we think and you don't know who your
interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don't want the interviewer to think that you might
speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren't the best.
Don't Be Too Familiar
The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity
should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask
questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.
Don't Be Cocky
Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence and arrogance. Even if
you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too
reserved.

Ask Questions
At the end of the interview you will usually be given a chance to ask any questions. When asked if they have any
questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer! It is extremely important to ask questions, not only do they
allow the interviewee to acquire more information but they also demonstrate your interest in the position and company.
The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview and asking for additional information

Closing
When the Interview is Complete
Insure you thank the manager for his time. In most cases the manager will advise you as to when he will make his
decision. If he does not define that fact, it is perfectly acceptable to ask. Let the interviewer know that you think you
would be a good fit for his or her team and look forward to hearing from him soon.
Contact Your Recruiter
Provide your recruiter with the feedback and details immediately after your interview so we can follow-up with the hiring
manager
18 Things To Bring With You On A Job Interview

1) Several hard copies of your resume. You never know if you will be meeting with extra people. Also, many hiring
managers forget to print out your resume in advance. Having a clean copy shows you are prepared. Just make sure it's in the
latest format. Here's a video on what recruiters look for in resumes today.

2) Only one bag. This one is more for the ladies, but can apply to men as well. Don't drag in a big purse along with an even
bigger computer bag. It looks cluttered. Select one simple bag that can neatly hold all your items. It should be sturdy and
something you can easily slip on and off your shoulder so both your hands are free.

3) Plain, professional notebook. You may find yourself needing to take notes. (FYI you should always ask permission
before doing so.) You want a nice, clean notebook. Nothing over-the-top or childish.

4) A couple of pens. You may not be the only one in need of a writing utensil. If the hiring managers suddenly find
themselves short of a pen, imagine how much they'll appreciate your providing one. Especially, when you can say, "You can
keep it, I brought extras." That shows preparedness.

5) Professional image. There is a famous quote by Doris Day: "People hear what they see." When dressing for an
interview, we must make sure that our hair, makeup, jewelry, attire, and shoes are sending the right message. Stay clear of
anything that is outdated or over the top. Keep the colors in check. The focus should be on you and what you have to say, not
on what you're wearing.

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

6) Winning personality. Companies like to hire individuals who are enthusiastic about the idea of working for their firm.
Bring your best smile and an energetic attitude. I'm not suggesting you change who you are, but you do really need to make
an effort to show that you want the job. I'm not suggesting you act desperate, just that you let them know you truly are
interested.
7) List of questions to ask the employer. At the end of the interview you will most likely be given an opportunity to ask
questions. This is your chance to shine! Do your homework on the company and come up with at least half a dozen questions
you can ask that relate to their business and their plans for growth and profitability. The questions you ask will show just how
focused you are on adding value to the organization. Remember, you will only get hired if you can prove that you can save or
make enough money to justify the cost. These questions are a way to show your experience level and commitment to the
organization. In short, the right questions can prove you're the right candidate for the job!

8) Set of good references. If the interviewer asks you for your references, that is the buying signal. It means they are
interested in moving you along in the process. You want to be able to provide those references on the spot. Type up the
name and title of each individual and their relationship to you. List their appropriate contact information as well. Having this
available will show the employer that you are confident in your professional reputation and the information those references
will share with them.

9) Mental preparation. Nobody should ever "wing it" in an interview. You should study the typical questions that get asked
and prepare your answers. They should be supported by fact. Being able to provide examples of accomplishments as a way to
validate your answers is vital. Hiring managers often use behavioral questions as a way to determine if you are a fit for their
company. These questions involve you giving long answers explaining how you would handle a particular situation so they can
see how you might react in their own environment. Preparing for these difficult questions can make the interview go more
smoothly because you will be more relaxed and feel more confident.

10) Cell phone that is turned off. Do not answer your phone during an interview. In fact, turn it off, or even better, leave
it in the car. The fastest way to be eliminated in an interview is to use your phone. Nothing is more disrespectful of an
employer's time. Using your phone during an interview gives the impression that you do not really want the job.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

11) Bottle of water, cough drops, tissues and hand sanitizer. Sometimes, we can get a tickle in our throat, an
unexpected cough, or sneezing fit. Having these items readily available in your bag make it easy for you to take care of them
and get back to the business of the interview.

12) Shoes that are meant for walking. You never know if a job interview will include a long walking tour of the facility.
While I don't suggest you wear sneakers, be sure to wear attractive shoes that will allow you to keep up with the employer as
they provide a tour of the building.

13) Steady eye contact and a winning smile. Most hiring managers say they can tell within just a few minutes whether
or not they will hire the individual they meet. Body language, facial expressions, eye contact, and hand gestures tell a lot
about you in those early moments of the interview. Even if you aren't the most expressive individual, solid eye contact and a
genuine smile will convey the positive attitude they are looking for. You want them to get a sense that you are likable. They
want to feel like they could get along with you in the office on a day-to-day basis. Bringing a warm smile and looking into their
eyes will help them see you are a good fit.

14) The facts, and only the facts. It is very important that you not lie in an interview. If there are difficult moments from
your past, you must be able to talk about them in a calm and objective manner. For example, if you've been fired or laid off,
you should be able to articulate how you have grown from the experience. Lying, or deflecting questions in an interview can
always be seen. Employers will not call you back if they get any sense that you are withholding the truth.At the same time, be
sure to keep your emotions in check. This is business. If you act too emotional or share your feelings towards former
employers in a way that is anything other than professional, you will be eliminated.

15) Examples of your work. This is particularly important if you are in a field that requires you to show design elements.
You never know when an employer might want to actually see examples of the work you mentioned in the interview. I do not
suggest you bring large quantities, but rather just a few simple examples that you could share and store in your small pack.
You should only offer these when they ask for them. Once again, it shows preparedness.

16) Business-of-one mentality. You are not an employee, you are a potential vendor to this organization. They are
making a very expensive purchase of services. You are one of many potential suppliers of those services. When you recognize
that you are a business-of-one, you can approach the interview with the right mindset. This is a potential customer that you
must listen carefully to and provide as much detail and reassurance as you can with respect to their purchase of your services.
You do not want to be a pushy salesperson. Instead, think of yourself as a consultant who is there to eliminate a problem and
alleviate a pain. Focus on explaining how your skills and abilities will do the best job at making their work lives easier. That's
what they're paying for!

17) Long-term relationship strategy. You should go into this interview assuming you won't get the job. Instead, look at it
as an opportunity to start to build a strong relationship with a future potential employer. While you may not get the job this
time, if you do a great job in the interview, you could be considered for future opportunities. So, do your best to earn their
trust and make new friends. Consider following up with each person you met after the interview and invite them to connect
with you on LinkedIn. Think of them as colleagues that you hope to do business with some day. Seeing the interview as just
one step in the process of building a strong working relationship will help you feel more relaxed and will also yield better
results in the long run.

18) Belief in yourself. You must have confidence in you and your abilities if you wish to prove to an employer you are the
right candidate for the job. Yes, there are other individuals competing for the same role, but you deserve this opportunity as
much as they do. Be proud of your skills and don't be afraid to talk about yourself. Many of us have been raised to be humble,
so the idea of discussing our accomplishments seems awkward. But you must sell an employer on the fact that you 100%
believe you can do this job better than anybody else. They will see right through you if you lack the confidence they need you
to have. Would you buy something very expensive from a salesperson who gave you the impression they didn't believe in
what they were selling? Of course not! So, recognize your talents and don't hold back from sharing them in the interview.