How We Help:
TalentFuse will help you prepare for the interview by giving you a little information about the position, as well as any background information that will help you tailor your interview answers to the specific needs of the company. For example:
- we'll chat with you to give you an idea of the 'vibe' of the company,
- the personality of the hiring manager,
- the type of personality that the manager has indicated he/she is looking to hire.
The Night Before:
When you know that you have landed the interview, you need to prepare yourself to land the job. Do the following:
- Print out and review the driving directions from your location to the interview location. Make sure that you understand where you'll be going and who you'll be meeting when you get there.
- Learn a little about the company where you are about to interview: stores, products or services, growth and potential
- Prepare to talk about yourself. If an interviewer asks, this is not open invitation to ramble.
- Prepare answers to the following typical interview questions:
- What do you know about our organization?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What important trends do you see in our industry?
- Why are you contemplating a change, and/or Why did you leave previous positions?
- What do you enjoy/dislike about your current job (or last job)?
- Why are you considering leaving your current job?
- Tell me about your greatest failure at work. What did you learn?
- How will you be able to contribute to our organization?
- How long would it take you to become a meaningful contributor to our organization?
- Rehearse answers using action words (planned, created, initiated, developed, implemented) result words (led to, resulted in, contributed, demonstrated, achieved) leadership words (organized, directed, led, supervised, was responsible for, coordinated,)
- Create interview questions for the interviewer.
- What are the short- and long-term objectives of your department?
- What makes a successful employee in your organization?
The Day of the Interview
It is important to wow the interviewer. First impressions are extremely important. This is not the time to wear the funkiest, most high-fashion outfit. Pick out a standard professional outfit, such as a suit. Iron your clothes and make sure that your shoes are clean and shined. Organize the papers that you plan to bring with you to the interview:
Arriving at the Interview
Arrive early to the building, but don't go in too early. Anything more than ten minutes early might be an inconvenience to the interviewer. Whatever you do, don't be late. Shake hands firmly with everyone you meet. Be sure to smile and look everyone in the eye with confidence and a friendly attitude.
The Wow Factor
Attitude is everything. Be flexible, and open minded. Demonstrate that you have high drive and lots of energy. Don't be a know-it-all, and don't be apathetic. Be enthusiastic and energized about the position. Throughout the interview, you should be interacting in such a way as to answer the implicit question "What's in it for me?"
Close the Deal
- When you think that the interview is coming to a close be sure to hit the following points:
- Compliment the interviewer on an aspect of their professionalism.
- Make a positive comment about the company based on what you learned in the interview.
- Make a positive statement about your ability to handle the position.
- Before leaving, be sure to tell the interviewer that you want the job.
After an Interview:
Call your talent agent immediately after an interview to give your honest impressions.
Send a Thank You Email
Send a thank you note via email even if that wasn't your dream job or your best interview. Here's a sample email:
Dear Mr./Ms. _____ :
Thank you for inviting me into (Name of company) for an interview for the (name of position) position.
I am confident that (Name of Company) is the kind of company I would like join. Furthermore, I am confident that, with my background and experience, I can make a significant contribution to your organization.
Once again, thank you for the hospitality you extended to me. I hope to hear from you soon.
Warm Regards,
(Your name)