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SUMMER 2003 JOBDANGO NEWSLETTER
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INTERVIEW PREPERATION
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Do Your Homework
Little things can set you apart from other candidates. Research the company you will be interviewing with. Many companies today have Web sites. Visit their Web site and read up on the company history, structure, products, and services.
Know Your Experience
Make sure you are able to talk about your roles and responsibilities, the projects you've worked on, and their benefits or results.
Dress Appropriately
An interview is a professional business meeting; dress conservatively in accordance with the dress code for the company. You can always dress down later. Standard conservative dress for men consists of a dark business suit, white shirt, conservative tie, and shined shoes. For women, a dark suit or dress with matching shoes is appropriate.
Be Ten Minutes Early
Nothing bothers a busy manager more than waiting for a candidate who is late. It also makes for an awkward start to the interview.
Greet with Confidence
Enthusiasm, together with a self-confident smile, will go a long way toward establishing the best first impression. Stand when greeting your interviewer, and give a firm handshake. Make eye contact. Model your posture, intensity, and speech patterns after that of the interviewer. Break the ice with a universal topic; avoid controversial issues. Remember that your interpersonal skills are just as important as your technical skills.
Your MissionSecure an Offer
It is your job to effectively present your skills and experience to the interviewer and to show how they relate to the open position. If anything comes up during the interview that may be an issue, just make a note. You can address any concerns you may have with your Associate after the interviewin most cases, any concerns you have about the opportunity can be resolved.
Get Your Questions Answered
Make sure you get any questions you may have about the position, responsibilities, or company answered during the interview so that you can determine if this is a good opportunity for you.
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THE DOS AND DON'TS OF AN INTERVIEW
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DO Play Detective
If the client does not begin by describing the scope of the project or responsibilities of the assignment and what skills and attributes he or she is looking for, ask! Make sure you understand what is important to the interviewer about the position before you begin discussing your background, skills, and experience.
DO Ask the Right Questions
Come with prepared questions, and take notes during the interview. Most interviewers will give you an opportunity to ask questions. Asking informed, open-ended questions shows your interest in the company and in the assignment.
DO Sell Your Skills
Match your skills to the client's problems and concerns. Pay close attention. Present a logical, concise description of your experience that matches the client's need. Describe your functional duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Discuss hardware and software environments.
DO Have a Positive Attitude
Managers want to work with people who are interested in working at their companies and on their projectspeople who have a positive and upbeat attitude and who ask good questions.
DO Keep Responses to the Point
Be a good listener and be interested. Stay on track, and be direct and concise with each answer. Then stop. Most interviewers have a number of pre-set questions they wish to cover in a limited amount of time. Don't over-explain.
DO Gain Agreement
Answer the client's questions openly and honestly, being positive about yourself and your skills. Translate experiences you have had into benefits the client will gain if he or she selects you for the position. Ensure you have communicated well with the client and that you are able to fulfill the client's expectations by saying, "Based on the description of the opportunity and what's required to be a success, I am very excited about this opportunity and feel I am very qualified to assist you. How do you feel?" You might also ask: "How do you view my role on this team?"
DON'T Ask the Wrong Questions
Don't ask about vacation or sick time. Don't ask about benefits. This information will be provided to you later and is not appropriate during the first interview. Asking these questions gives the impression that those issues are the most important to you.
DON'T Discuss Compensation During an Interview
Don't get into specifics about compensationthere are many variables involved in achieving compensation that's fair to you and your employer. The proper and appropriate way to answer the question about money is to say, "Mr./Ms. [Interviewer Name], I am currently making [your present compensation]; however, what is most important to me is the opportunity and the company. Based on what you have shared with me so far, I am really interested in this opportunity. If you are interested in me, I would like to entertain your strongest offer." If they insist on discussing it, provide a range, not a specific number.
DON'T Use Negative Comments
Keep an open mind during the interview, and wait until after the visit to make a decision about the opportunity.
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FIRST MONTH ON THE JOB
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Starting a new job is an exciting and challenging time. During your first few months on the job, you'll get to know your new employer, learn more about what's expected of you in your new position, meet many of your colleagues, and better understand your new company, its product and service offerings, and its customers.
During this time, your employer will also be learning more about youyour areas of strength, your special talents, how you work with your colleagues, your ability to meet deadlines, and so on. To help you make the most of your first three months on the job, we've developed these tips:
Don't be afraid to ask questions
Everyone understands that you are learning about the company and your job.
Learn what criteria your performance will be measured by
The most common reason for falling short of early success and satisfaction in a new position is the failure to understand what management expects of you. Meet with your direct manager during your first week to clarify and document what will be expected of you during the first several months.
Set expectations for your job
Ask your supervisor what your responsibilities are and how your performance will be measured. Also, help your supervisor set expectations about you. Don't work until 10:00 p.m. every night for the first two weeks unless you intend to do so all the time.
Be solution-oriented
As a fresh pair of eyes, you may be able to identify some opportunities for improvement within the company. But don't go in criticizing the company or the people who run it; be positive and politically astute.
Meet with your manager
If your expectations are not being met, make sure you bring this to your manager's attention. Put your thoughts and concerns on paper, and approach your manager. Usually there is a communication breakdown somewhere that can be identified and worked out through a meeting.
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Copyright © 2003 Jobdango, Inc.
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