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My Career
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Interviewing Do's and Dont's
What TO DO During the Interview
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.
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. Here are several suggestions:
- Can you tell me more about the projects this
department has worked on over the past year?
- What is your vision for your team/department?
- What challenges do you face in the next three
to six months?
- What is your management style?
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.
It's All in the Attitude
Managers want to work with people who are interested
in working at their companies and on their projects-people
who have a positive and upbeat attitude and who ask
good questions.
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.
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?"
What NOT to Do During the Interview
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 compensation-there
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 speaking/hear with you because I believe there
is opportunity for me with your company, I will
consider your strongest offer.
Avoid Negative Comments
Keep an open mind during the interview,
and wait until after the visit to make a decision
about the opportunity.
When you are asked a question that is something you are not familiar with. Don't
answer with a flat "No." This leaves the answer open ended.
Below are a few examples of how to answer something that your unfamiliar with.
A) I Have not been required to do
anything like that at my current or previous employers,
However I have done something similar: Explain what
it is. Then ask how often you would be required to
do this.
B) I Have not been required to do
anything like that at my current or previous employers,
However this is one of the reasons that I'm interested
in what your company is offering. And if given the
opportunity to (learn, be taught) this I feel this
would be a positive for my background and career.
How often would I be required to do this?
Have questions prepared
Ask the interviewer if you may ask a couple of questions.
Additionally, always express interest in the position.
At the conclusion of the interview, ask the interviewer
what the next step will be.
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