CAREER STRATEGIES - THE INTERVIEW

Interview Preparation
Once your Emerson Personnel Group representative schedules an interview for you with a prospective employer, it is important that you are well prepared. Good preparation instills confidence and boosts your ability to conduct an impressive interview, and eventually receive an offer.

We're back to the strategy of "Selling Yourself." You may be a master in your chosen profession - absolutely brilliant in your job performance. But if your interview style is perceived to be less than dazzling, the position will go to someone with stronger interviewing skills.

Get the Facts
Learning about the interviewing company will help you prepare your strengths and achievements effectively and increase the odds that the job will be yours.

It's no surprise that people are pleased that you're aware of who they are and what they do. That's another reason why it's smart to prepare yourself with specifics about the interviewing company. Know the nature of their business, office locations, all their divisions and number of employees. The Internet and libraries are excellent sources to gather necessary information.

Make a list of questions you'll ask during the interview. Remember, the interview is an exchange between you and the interviewer. Be prepared to answer and ask pertinent questions. Through this interrogatory process, you'll discover whether the position provides the compensation and opportunities for advancement you require.

Some probing questions you may ask, include:

• What are the position's primary responsibilities?
  (Compare with the information provided by your Emerson Personnel Group representative.)
• Why is the position available? (Newly created, vacated, termination?)
• What type of learning curve is expected? Who will train you in the new position? How long?
• What are you looking for in the person you hire for this position?
• Who else will you interview with? (If anyone.)
• How soon do they expect to make a decision?
• What role does this position play in the growth of the company?

The Tricky Questions
If your resume reflects a lot of "job hopping," you'll probably be asked about this. A positive explanation is both plausible and appropriate. Stress the attractive / beneficial aspects of each move. (Better opportunity, higher salary, office closer to home, flexible time was offered.) Keep the focus on your seizing an opportunity, without appearing to lack loyalty or dedication. This is tough, but it can be done.

You may be asked about the "worst" position or boss you've had. It's always best to phrase your answer positively. For instance, if a previous supervisor tended not to follow through or delegate well, you should emphasize that you learned to get the information you needed to accomplish the task.

You may be asked about your ability to deal with stress and conflict? Answer that during any long-term working situation conflicts inevitably occur, but good communication can resolve problems to everyone's satisfaction. Explain that stress can be part of everyday life in a work environment. Mention practical ways that you alleviate stress through exercise, hobbies, etc.

We know we don't live in a perfect world. But when it comes to interviewing, the fewer negatives the better. If you've had an unpleasant boss in the past, or, the company's work environment was difficult, it's best left unsaid or neutralized.

Also, try to avoid salary discussions during the first interview. Your Emerson Personnel Group representative will coach you on the difficult salary questions throughout the interview process.

The Right Answers
During your interview, you'll be asked a wide variety of questions. Be prepared for some surprises and, maybe, some curve balls. Anticipate the following questions and try to write down a few thoughts on this work sheet to ensure that you are confident in answering questions during your interview.

The Interview
Once your Emerson Personnel Group representative has secured an interview for you, it's up to you to sell yourself to the prospective employer. As a result of your diligent preparation and rehearsal, you should feel totally confident and prepared for your interview presentation.

The following are just a few things to keep in mind before and during the interview:

• Your physical appearance is as important, initially, as your interviewing skills and credentials. Dress attractively, but conservatively, even if you tend to be more flamboyant normally.
  
• Men should wear a well-tailored, solid colored suit, preferably dark blue or gray; solid neutral shirt; striped or solid colored tie; dark, well-polished shoes; solid black or navy socks. And, don't forget to get a good haircut.
  Women should wear a business suit or tailored dress with a jacket; medium-heeled, closed pumps and hose in a neutral color. Avoid frivolous jewelry and have your hair done in a conservative style. Remember, first impressions count.
• Be punctual. Arriving five or ten minutes early is fine, but no earlier. If it seems you'll be late, even if it's only five or ten minutes, be sure to call with an explanation. If it's feasible, make a test run to the interview location before your meeting. Check out the parking facilities, correct entrance to the office, etc. If your interview is during rush hour, allow for extra travel time.
• If you complete an application before the interview, remember that salary shouldn't be discussed until after an offer is made. Leave that section blank.
• When the interviewer greets you, offer a smile, a firm handshake (not a knuckle-breaker, of course) and look him/her straight in the eye. Making eye contact establishes your confidence.
• Elaborate. Your resume is the "sales tool" that got you the interview. The interview is your opportunity to expand upon your resume's information and sell yourself. Say enough to get your point across without over answering.
• Don't inquire about benefits (vacation time, benefit plans, bonuses, etc.) on the first interview. You should concentrate your discussion on the position's responsibilities and future growth potential. The interviewer will mention benefits when he/she feels it is appropriate.
• If you're offered the position and it meets your expectations, accept it! If you're ambivalent, don't refuse the offer outright. Thank them enthusiastically and ask for some time to consider. This will give you time to think about it and to discuss any concerns with your Emerson Personnel Group representative. Your Emerson Personnel Group representative can often negotiate in your favor on conditions, which might prevent you from accepting the offer.
• If you're not offered the position at the interview, be realistic. Frequently, other people must be consulted, before the offer is extended. Or, the hiring official may want to discuss your candidacy further with your Emerson Personnel Group representative. Also, other candidates may be scheduled for interviews, and the hiring official may want to complete that process before making a decision.
  

Follow up
After your interview, follow up immediately with a letter to the interviewer(s). Whether you've been offered the position or are still under consideration, this serves to strengthen your position in terms of professionalism.

The letter should convey thanks for the opportunity to interview plus emphasize your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Include any thoughts about the position's responsibilities and what contributions you can make that may not have been discussed in the interview.

Close your correspondence by stating that you look forward to further discussion about the opportunity. If a second interview was mentioned, say that you'll follow up with a phone call within a couple of days to schedule that meeting. Mail your letter the same day or day after your interview.

In addition to composing your "thank you" note, it's very important to contact your Emerson Personnel Group representative. He or she has been doing most of the legwork for you, up until the interview stage. Immediately after the interview, call your Emerson Personnel Group representative to provide comprehensive feedback on how the interview went. This will give your Emerson Personnel Group representative an accurate recap to help strategize a follow-up approach with the hiring official.

Your Emerson Personnel Group representative will coordinate the hiring process by arranging any subsequent interviews, salary negotiation and relocation requirements, establishing a starting date, and resolving any open points in terms of questions on either side of the process.

Work closely with your Emerson Personnel Group representative and follow the advice given and the procedures suggested. These strategies can be your key to a more successful and satisfying professional future.