| I have interviewed a couple hundred people over the | | | | Know something about our company and business. |
| last year and noticed some alarming trends. These | | | | We know you won't know everything, but look up a |
| trends are costing people money and jobs and most | | | | couple key facts to show us you want to work here |
| of these are very easy to correct. Here are some of | | | | and are a quick study. |
| the secrets to a successful job and sales interview. | | | | Take notes. If we ask a two part question, please |
| We have compiled this information because many | | | | remember the second part or write it down so you |
| candidates did not receive an offer, or received a | | | | don't have to ask us to repeat it. The best way to |
| reduced offer, due to a few key elements overlooked | | | | respond is to write down the first part and answer the |
| during the interview process. | | | | second part first, if applicable. This way you will only |
| Some points seem obvious but individually, or | | | | have to write down one part of the question because |
| collectively, they cost the candidate money or the job | | | | the second part should be fresh in your mind. |
| offer. Lets take a look at them so you are better | | | | Write down everyone's name and position, particularly |
| prepared the next time you go on an interview. | | | | if it a panel interview. This way you can address |
| Be on time. Chances are very good that we have a | | | | answers to different function leads. Use the persons |
| full day scheduled so please be on time. It doesn't hurt | | | | name in your response. This will make us more |
| to be early to complete any necessary paperwork | | | | receptive to your answers. |
| and be prepared when we are ready for you. | | | | A General Manager is typically looking for different |
| Please show up with a resume'. Don't assume that just | | | | qualities in a candidate than a person from Human |
| because you applied for the job on line and attached | | | | Resources. The most successful candidates address |
| your resume that "the panel" will all have a copy. Bring | | | | responses to both groups. If you do this you will |
| at least three or four copies to be safe. | | | | separate yourself from other candidates. |
| Be positive during the greeting. The interview should be | | | | Be prepared to ask us one or two questions at the |
| you at your best. Do not discuss anything negative or | | | | end of the interview. It shows that you are interested |
| personal, keep it business. If you do not have a positive | | | | in advancing your career and care about where you |
| attitude at the beginning of the interview we doubt | | | | work. This also shows that you have a standard that |
| you'll develop one if we hire you. | | | | we need to live up to. You might also be able to gauge |
| Look us in the eye and greet us with a firm hand | | | | our interest level by our response. |
| shake. That will show us you mean business. Right or | | | | Tell yourself that you are the best at what you do |
| wrong, our first impression of you will usually dictate | | | | prior to entering the interview. It will build confidence |
| the tone of the interview. If we are not impressed with | | | | and put you at ease. |
| your greeting it will be very difficult to change that | | | | Smile and be yourself. It shows confidence! |
| perception during the remainder of the interview. | | | | And most important...have fun! |