Interviews

Recently a client hired me to screen applicants for an Office Manager position she was looking for.  I interviewed a handful over the phone.  If you get the interview, keep the following in mind.  You only have one chance to make a first impression.

Tip 1:  When you receive an email back requesting a time for an interview, be gracious and offer to call the interviewer.  Assuming the interviewer will call you can come across as arrogant.

Tip 2:  Do your homework.  If possible, find out specifically what the organization stands for.  Research the website and keep in mind what position you are applying for.  One interviewee thought she was applying for a position in New York, went on about how she wanted to work in New York.  The position was located in Northern Virginia.

Tip 3:  Salary.  When applying for a job, know what minimum salary/hourly wage you’ll accept.  If asked, communicate that to the interviewer.  Answering that you haven’t thought about it wastes both parties’ time.  Reluctance in answering doesn’t show confidence.

Tip 4:  Talk less.  Many of the applicants launched into the interview with way too much personal information.  Listen to what is actually being asked.  Answer the questions concisely, if the interviewer wants additional information, she will ask.

Tip 5:  Be on time.  Simple, but not regularly followed.

Tip 6:  Over qualified.  Read the advertisement carefully.  Understand what you are applying for.  If you are clearly over qualified, state up front why you are applying for something that does not align with your experience.  One applicant, who was clearly over qualified, indicated he was going back to graduate school and wanted a less demanding job – a great reason.  Others went on and on about their extensive experience, which indicated they were interested in a completely different position.

Tip 7:  Be deliberate.  Apply for those positions that you are truly interested in.  Applying for anything and everything to see what might stick is a waste of your time and energy.

Do you have any other tips to share?  What has been your experience?  Leave your comments below.

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