Interviewing Tips

Phone Interviewing

• Practice before you get on the phone

• Have your resume in front of you to review your skills/qualifications quickly

• Have pencil and paper ready for note taking

• Do not take other incoming calls

• Try to have your background clear of any noise like dogs barking or kids crying or fighting. Especially, turn off Radio's or TV's

• Speak clearly and don't interrupt the interviewer

• If you don't know - just be honest and say you don't know or don't recall and get back to them with an answer. Don't try to make up answers or have long pauses of "uhs" or "ums"

• Remember to thank the interviewer for their time and immediately after hanging up - write a brief note by mail or email.

Face to Face Interviewing

• Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and smile

• Come prepared with paper and pencil for note taking

• Don't chew gum

• Maintain eye contact

• Be prepared with knowledge of the company or important facts about the position you are interviewing for

• Be specific about your employment history and remember your facts on dates and names.

• Stress your skills or situations where you used your skills to benefit the company or assist the customer

• Maintain a pleasant, friendly attitude and be respectful of the interviewers title or position

• Be prepared with specific questions

• Follow up with a personal thank you by mail

Questions to Ask

• Keep your questions focused to the position - Would you describe the responsibilities?
• How would you describe the working environment?
• What are typical working hours - is there overtime expected?
• Based on my qualifications - do you think I am qualified for the position?
• How soon do you expect to fill the position?
• When can I expect to hear back from you?
• Is there anything else that you would like to know or that I can answer for you to give you a better idea of my skill level?

Dressing for the Interview

• Even if the job you are interviewing for is construction or industrial related and very casual - be sure don't show up with wrinkled or dirty clothes
• Make sure your clothes are clean and neatly pressed, shoes should be free of dirt or mud and hands and nails should be neat and well trimmed
• Wear limited jewelry, perfume/cologne and basic solid colors
• Hair should combed and well styled and always shave or have your beard/mustache well trimmed