Your Complete
Step 5
Making a good impression during the job interview
Simulate interviews with your friends. Don't recite answers by rote. Try instead to memorize the main points you want to bring up.
At last, you've been selected for a job interview! This is your chance to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job and have something valuable to offer. Being well prepared for the interview will make you feel more at ease.
When an employer calls you to schedule an interview:
- Carefully note the date, time, and place.
- Try to find out how many people will be present at the interview.
- Ask if there will be a written exam or exercise.
A few days before the interview
- Select appropriate clothing. Try to find out how company employees dress and opt for the same dress code.
- Make sure you know how to get there and how long the trip takes. You may even want to make the trip once beforehand.
- Find out more about the company and the job offered. That way, you’ll be more at ease during the interview. Ask yourself questions and come up with the answers.
| What you should know | Where to find the information |
|---|---|
| What are the employer’s or company’s activities? Who are the customers? |
Read the company’s annual report and visit its Web site. |
| What skills is the employer looking for? What duties and responsibilities will you have? |
Review your job search notes. Reread the job offer. For more information on the occupation, consult LMI Online . |
Anticipate the questions and … answers
Anticipate the employer’s questions and be prepared. You will come across better if you are able to respond well to questions. Memorize your résumé so you can clearly describe your education, work experience, and skills. You will be asked a number of precise questions. Here are a few examples:
- Why did you leave your previous jobs?
If you resigned or were fired, avoid mentioning details that could make you look bad. Don’t criticize your former employers. Explain what you are looking for in a new job. - Why do you want to work for our company?
Show that you have carefully selected this company and have the employee profile they are looking for. - What are your strengths?
Mention your qualities as they relate to the job offered. Prepare examples that illustrate these strengths (see Exercise 2). - What are your weak points?
Talk about your weaknesses, but explain what you do to correct them. - Can you work under pressure?
Be truthful, you may be put to the test. If you have no problem working under pressure, mention that pressure motivates you. However, you should specify that, nevertheless, you prefer to plan ahead. - Why should we hire you over another candidate?
Talk about your skills (see Exercise 2) to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. - What salary are you expecting to make?
Avoid bringing up the question of salary and working conditions at the first interview. However, if the employer broaches the subject, have a response ready. To find out more about working conditions and salaries, consult LMI Online. You could also answer, “I am aware that the pay scale for this kind of position ranges from $___ to $___, and, naturally, I would like to be as high as possible on that scale.” This is a positive response that leaves room for negotiation.
Prepare what you should bring along to the interview:
- Your résumé, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. Prepare copies for each person present at the interview.
- A copy of your diplomas and portfolio.
- List of references.
- Paper and a pencil to note the names of people present, the date and time of any subsequent interview, and any other pertinent information.
At the interview
- Be on time. You should even arrive 5 or 10 minutes early.
- Remain calm and self-confident.
- Say “hello” to all the people present at the interview. Introduce yourself and offer a firm handshake and a sincere smile.
- Let the employer or committee members lead the interview. Look them in the eye and answer questions in a firm voice. Take the time to think through your answers.
- Be enthusiastic. Give positive answers by stressing your strengths and skills.
- Listen to questions carefully and, if necessary, ask the employer to repeat them or to be more specific.
- Ask questions. Towards the end of the interview, it is quite likely that you will be asked if you have any questions. Take this opportunity to show your interest in the company and the job offered. Here are a few examples of questions you may wish to ask:
- What has led your company to hire at this time?
- What is the next step?
- How many people work here?
Interview followup
The interview is over. You deserve a break, but don’t put away your job search folder just yet. This is the time to assess the interview. Sit down and go over it in your mind.
- What kind of impression did you make on the employer?
- What were the strengths of the interview?
- Did you have trouble answering any questions?
- Did you manage to highlight your strengths?
- Did you forget anything?
- What’s the next step?
- Did you learn anything new or important about the employer?
The employer's response
It is important to follow up on the interview. If the employer mentioned which day he or she would call, be at home that day to take the call. If you haven’t heard back from the employer, call back at the end of the day to follow up. If the employer didn’t specify the day, wait two weeks, then call the employer to find out when you can expect a response.
If the employer calls to offer you the job, be enthusiastic, thank him or her and mention how much you look forward to joining the team. Now is the time to ask for details on working conditions:
- When do I start?
- Where and at what time should I show up on the first day?
- What is the name of the person I should ask for?
- Do I need to bring any special work material or clothing?
- What will my duties and work schedule be?
- What will my salary be?
If you didn’t get the job, try to find out why. You may wish to reassess and improve your approach.