| Although there's no way to be 100% prepared for a | | | | in a smaller company - or a larger one. Be VERY |
| job interview, a candidate can always feel confident | | | | careful to leave out any tone of desperation! |
| and knowledgeable. Quite honestly, that comes from | | | | #3. What's your biggest weakness? Definitely do not |
| only one thing: preparation. The BEST form of | | | | answer this with a self-deprecatory statement about |
| preparation is to spend the time to learn about the | | | | yourself. This is not the place to be humble. Keep your |
| company in question and to mock interview using as | | | | answer brief and be sure to put feature your |
| many common questions as possible. Investing in a | | | | "weakness" in a good light. For example, "I'm very |
| career coach to go through this process is something | | | | much a perfectionist, but I use that to always make |
| EVERY candidate should do the day that they find out | | | | sure my team's needs are fulfilled quickly and |
| they've lost their job. This will keep them on track, | | | | completely." |
| teach them vital interview skills, and quite possibly get | | | | #4. What are your salary requirements? Be prepared! |
| them a job MUCH faster than someone who doesn't | | | | This question should NOT leave you caught off guard. |
| have all of these tools properly in place. Having | | | | Always try to postpone answering this question until a |
| answers prepared for the common interview | | | | job offer is made. If you used a staffing agent, let |
| questions is vital to a serious candidate. | | | | them handle this for you. But do be prepared and |
| #1. What are you looking for? Don't miss the | | | | know what the salaries are in your industry (you can |
| opportunity in this question! Be ready to talk about the | | | | find this out at and ). If you don't know the budget that |
| job that would be appropriate for you and how your | | | | the company has available, and the interviewer |
| skills would translate to the new employer. Be careful | | | | persists, you can simply ask, "What salary range are |
| NOT to talk about opportunities for advancement - | | | | you working with at this time?" If you're seriously being |
| you could talk yourself right out of the job you are | | | | considered for the job, it's quite likely that they will tell |
| interviewing for. Companies want to know that you | | | | you what their constraints are. |
| have many assets and skills and an enthusiastic | | | | Finally, the question where many candidates falter is |
| attitude about your job, but they don't want to hear | | | | the last one asked by most interviewers: |
| that the position at hand is a "stepping stone" to | | | | "Do YOU have any questions?" |
| something greater. It's far too easy to unintentionally | | | | This is your opportunity to show interest and initiative. |
| imply that their company is also a stepping stone - or a | | | | Be ready to ask specific questions about the |
| quick stop while you find the "right" job. | | | | organization at hand or what to expect in the job. |
| #2. Aren't you overqualified for this position? This is a | | | | Remember, this is your chance to shine. Be prepared |
| tough one. Definitely be enthusiastic about the job and | | | | and use your response to demonstrate how your skills |
| proud of your expertise; don't downplay your | | | | can contribute to the company. Finally, try to have the |
| accomplishments. Instead, share what makes you | | | | right mix of conservative enthusiasm AND a |
| interested in the job at hand at this point in your career. | | | | goal-oriented view of your future. This will take you far |
| For instance, elaborate about applying your expertise | | | | in the hiring process. |
| to a new industry or talk about the upside of working | | | | |