INTERVIEW CLASSES

Getting the Job you want is a key career and potentially life-changing time.

Having some solid interview techniques and skills can make all the difference between you getting what you want or you being disappointed because once again, the interview didn’t go as well as you wanted it to.

Lack of preparation is the biggest, most common mistake made by job seekers when going for a job interview. Interviewing, and presenting yourself well in an interview is a skill; which is good news because preparation and practice will improve your skill level.

Effective preparation for your job interview can make the difference between getting the desired job and rejection.

Your job interview could be either before or following a psychometric test. Employers tend to use the interview as an opportunity for a one-on-one conversation exploring areas that were either identified in your psychometric test results or resume.

There is no one “best” way to prepare for a job interview. However, there are a number of important strategies you can utilize to ensure you enhance your chances of coming through your interview with flying colors.

One of the critical issues in preparing for your job interview is to understand the interview process. Identify a set of questions that you are likely to be asked and prepare great answers to all of them, also prepare a good set of questions that you can ask the interviewer. Remember the interview is your best chance to make a great impression.

Your initial preparation should include research about the organization and the position you have applied for. Ideally, you should also actually practice typical and targeted interview questions. This is where our ‘Interview Preparation Course’ comes into its own. In our course you will:

Learn to identify what the interviewer will be looking for in your job interview

Know how to prepare an effective pre-interview checklist

Understand the typical types of interviews such as screening interviews, telephone interviews, panel/group interviews, behaviorally-based interviews, case interviews, situational interview, and technical interviews.

Learn the principles of an effective interview
Get useful tips for answering tough interview questions
Receive a wide range of sample interview questions, organized by skill and function; with pointers on how to best answer these questions
Understand what you should ask your interviewer
Discover how to effectively close your job interview
Learn how to address potentially discriminatory interview questions

The final preparation includes details of dress and appearance, the importance of knowledge of the location of the interview, what to expect, and protocols for follow-up.

Interview Skills Training

If you’re confident when going on a job interview or asking for a raise or a promotion, you’re one of the lucky ones.

Most people have an anxious time before, during, and after their interviews: anxiety about how they’ll do; anxiety about how they’re doing; anxiety about how they did.

Our interview skills training will help you get to grips with your anxiety so you can actually enjoy the interview process and present yourself in the best possible light. When you can present yourself with ease, you have a much higher chance of getting the job you want.

Once you understand the dynamics of an interview situation (that odd posturing and positioning that can happen in interviews) then you can actually be more ‘in charge’ of the interview arena despite the possible power dynamics.

Whatever is said about having only one chance to make a good first impression at your interview, we believe you have any number of chances to make a good impression even if you fluff the first one.

Learning how to present yourself at an interview, how to dress appropriately, how to tell a good story about yourself, and give relevant examples instead of reciting your CV, will all make you a far more interesting and accessible interviewee.

Always remember interviewing is hard on everyone: they want it to be you! They want their search to be over when you walk in the door. It’s up to you to make sure that happens.

Interview Skills is one area where a little training can go an awfully long way, and our Interview Skills Training is the kind that can last a lifetime. Coaching sessions are highly individualized and tailored to meet your specific needs and concerns. In general, interview coaching sessions will focus on one or more of the following topics:

Interviewing Basics
Body Language
STAR Responses
Answering Common Interview Questions
Answering Field- or Position-Specific Questions

Whether you have several interviews lined up or just want to get a jump start on preparation, we can help get you ready to impress.

Step by Step Job Interview Preparation

When You Get 'The Call'

Things to remember when an employer phones to schedule a job interview:

Be positive and enthusiastic about the opportunity to interview.
If you’re caught off guard, be honest (for example, “Forgive me, but I’ve sent out several resumes this month. Could you refresh my memory about the position you’re referring to?”).
Write down the date and time of the interview you have scheduled.
Write down the Name, Title, and Department of the person you’ll be meeting.
Ask about parking lots or public transportation and where to enter the building – then write it down.
Ask if there is anything specific the interviewer would like you to prepare or bring to the meeting.
In closing, be sure to thank the caller and confirm the interview date and time (for example, “Thanks again, Ms. Lee, I look forward to meeting you on Monday the 16th at 9:00.”).

Before the Interview

Congratulations, you’ve scheduled an interview. Now it’s time to do your homework:

Look closely at the company’s web site to get a feel for its culture, business goals, products or services, financial reports, and challenges.
Search the Internet for news or information about the company. Don’t overlook blogs in your search.
Formulate and practice reciting a clear and concise summary of your unique skills and qualifications that you could deliver in about two minutes. Avoid making it sound as if it’s a “canned” speech. Ad-libbing some of it can’t hurt, as long as you’re clear and thorough.
Prepare and practice answers to typical interview questions.
Make a list of questions to ask during the interview.
Write down examples of past successes that you can discuss in the interview.
Contact your three references and alert them that you’ll be interviewing, so they may get a call.
Look up the exact building location online and print out a map and driving directions or public transportation route, with planned contingencies for possible delays.
Do a “dry run” if possible – physically go to the interview site so you’ll know exactly where it is and how long it will take you to get there (Hint: If it’s a workday, check out what people are wearing as they enter or exit the building).
Plan your attire and accessories and make sure everything is clean. Unless the company explicitly tells you to dress more casually, wear a suit. Present your most polished image; your “real” style can emerge once you’re hired.

Things to Take with You to the Interview

Carry a professional-looking briefcase or organizer that contains all the items you might need during the interview:

Company address and directions.
Bus or train schedule, if applicable.
A photo ID (e.g. passport, green card, driver’s license).
Detailed dates of employment and salary history, if needed to complete the job applications (Note: Don’t provide the salary information unless it’s mandatory.)
Interview agenda with names of interviewers (if they’ve provided one).
List of names and dates of people you talked with already at the company (e.g. recruiter, phone screener, hiring manager).
Name, title, and phone number of the person to ask for upon arrival.
Pen and Paper.
A copy of the job description.
List of at least five questions you plan to ask the interviewers about the company or position.
Three copies of the resume and cover letter you sent to the employer, printed on quality paper.
Three copies of your list of pre-qualified references.
Samples of related work you’ve done in the past.
Food (something small, quick, and filling in case of an extended interview).
Medication, if applicable.
Comb, breath mints, lipstick, tissue, lint remover, or anything else that will help you feel confident and make the best possible presentation.

During the Interview

Don’t forget that you’re creating an impression from the very first smile to the final handshake. Follow these guidelines:

Silence your cell phone and keep it out of sight.
Treat each person you meet in a friendly, respectful manner (i.e., if you’re rude to the receptionist, you can bet the hiring manager will hear it “through the grapevine.”).
Stand and shake hands with each interviewer who enters the room.
Listen attentively and ask questions where appropriate. Take brief notes.
Be prepared to present your “elevator speech” – the short summary of who you are and the value you can bring to the organization.
Present your skills in positive terms (i.e., emphasize your strengths and how they relate to the job).
Ask for a business card from each interviewer, or write down their names and verify spelling (this simplifies follow-up, thank you letters, etc.).
Don’t ask about salary or benefits in a first interview unless the interviewer initiates the topic.
Ask when you can expect to hear from them again.
Ask whether it’s OK to contact them for a status update if you haven’t heard by a certain date they indicate they will take the next step in the process (and ask how they prefer to be contacted).

After the Interview

At this point, most candidates just sit back and cross their fingers. Your best course of action is to remain proactive. Take these steps to keep yourself in the running and add to the favorable image you’ve been building:

Send a thank-you note ASAP (definitely within 24 hours) to each person you interviewed with.
Follow through on any promises you made during the interview (e.g., sending information you said you would provide).
Make sure to contact them on the agreed-upon date to inquire about their decision making.
Don’t give up hope! The hiring process can take many weeks!