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In-person
interview tips |
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Make sure you
are not late to the interview.
If you are late, there is a high probability you will not
get a job offer. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the
interview. If you have a long drive, consider arriving much
earlier to account for traffic and traffic related accident
delays. It is always better to error on being early than
late. If you are travelling to another city or state,
consider arriving the night before.
Be sure you know the location of the interview.
Look up the address on the Internet and print both the
directions and the map. Google maps and MapQuest are both
good resources.
Be appropriately dressed for the interview.
First impressions do count, and your appearance will leave a
lasting impression. Unless instructed differently, you
should dress in professional business attire. Take
appropriate shoes and safety gear if you are going on a
plant tour. Business casual should be appropriate.
Take 5 copies of your resume with you.
If you meet with other individuals, you can then leave a
copy of your resume with them. This shows you are well
prepared. Be sure the resumes are professional looking.
Plain white copy paper is fine, just be sure there are no
folds, tears, wrinkles, etc.
Take 5 copies of your professional references list.
You should have a minimum of 4 references on the list, with
2 or 3 being former supervisors. Make sure you have
contacted your references recently to confirm that they will
provide you a positive professional reference.
Other documentation to take with you:
Two forms of ID (typically your drivers license and Social
Security card)
Applicable professional licenses and/or certifications
DD214 / Discharge documents
Employment / travel visas, etc.
Be personable and enthusiastic.
Smile and show enthusiasm for the position during the whole
interview process. Happy, enthusiastic, personable people
have been proven to be more successful in all aspects of
life. Lack this and you are almost assured not to receive a
job offer. Make sure that you show you are interested in all
aspects of the job.
Sell yourself for the position.
Comment on your similar experiences. Comment on how you like
new challenges. Mention how much you like this type of work.
If you have letters of recommendation from former
supervisors, bring them along and sell the interviewer on
those recommendations. Tell them how much you would like
this position.
Let the interviewer manage the interview process.
Be attentive to the interviewer's time. Many interviewers
have a limited amount of time to talk with you, ask their
questions, and field your responses. Many candidates do not
receive an offer simply because they talked too much.
However, be sure to open up and fully answer all questions
to give the interviewer a good idea of your personality and
knowledge, but dont overdue it. Again, be attentive to the
interviewer's time.
If you have questions, save them for the end of the
interview.
Most of the time your questions will be answered during the
interview process without you having to ask them.
Avoid asking questions on your interview regarding pay or
benefits.
The appropriate time to discuss this information is when an
offer has been made to you. If the interviewer asks you
questions regarding this, answer their questions, but try to
avoid getting into a negotiation on money. A good response
is, Im negotiable, depending on the total compensation
package. Or, "money is not the most important thing to me;
I would like to look at all aspects of the position."
Make sure you collect the names of your interviewers and
their contact information.
Business cards are a great way to get this information.
After the interview, you can then use that information to
email a thank you letter, expressing your interest in the
position and thanking them for their time in meeting with
you. |
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