To start the New Year we will be posting our frequently asked for series on interviewing. It will be broken down over the next six postings. The breakdown will be:
1- Preparing yourself for the interview
2- Doing practice interviews
3- The most often asked questions at an interview
4- What you should bring up at an interview
5- The dynamics of a job interview
6- Understanding the stresses facing the interviewer
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING UP
PICK UP ON THE CONCERNS OF THE EMPLOYER.
They may be small, simple, obvious ones (e.g., the previous employee was always late) or complex, relating to cutting costs, increasing productivity, improving morale. Show how you can help to promote these goals.
ASK SEVERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COMPANY.
Here is where your research and listening skills during the interview will help. What are the company’s goals; what does it look for in an employee? “I noticed you are remodeling your unit on x street – is there a company-wide renovation plan in effect?” “Are you planning more products like your new x snacks?”
REMOVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT HIRING YOU.
Listen for any reservations the interviewer may have about your qualifications, abilities or personality, and try to answer them in a positive way.
ASK IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN TELL ABOUT YOURSELF.
Make it easy for the employer to hire you.
ASK FOR THE JOB.
“I’d very much like to work for you. What is the next step?”
Other questions to ask are:
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PERSON WHO HAD THE POSITION?
WHAT WERE THE MOST DIFFICULT PROBLEMS FACING THIS PERSON?
WHAT ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES THAT THE PERSON WITH THIS JOB
WOULD NEED TO ACCOMPLISH?
WHAT IS YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE?
WHERE COULD A PERSON GO FROM THIS POSITION?
At the end of the interview, after you have asked for the job (if you are, in fact, still interested), ask what the next step will be and how soon they expect to make a decision. Don’t leave the interview wondering whether you will ever hear from them again.
