FPC - Preparing for an Interview

A successful interview is dependent upon preparation, presentation and follow-up. In much the same way you would 

prepare for an exam, preparing for an interview will enable you to both positively answer questions and actively participate in the interviewing process. Showing insight, demonstrating how you "fit in" with an organization and following through post interview will significantly increase your chances of securing an offer. Your FPC recruiter will help you prepare for the interview by reviewing the following steps.

Assessing Your Personal Inventory

Anticipate what you are likely to be asked, and prepare your answers. Being able to specifically detail your accomplishments is very important, making sure to convey your strengths and special skills. Make a list of your personal strengths and abilities. Familiarize yourself with the list, but don't deliver a memorized presentation. Identify your life goals and be ready to demonstrate how the prospective position relates to them. Remember that your interviewer may probe about long-term commitment, so if you know where you want to be five years from now, you'll be able to answer confidently. In anticipation of questions about any weaknesses, explain how you might convert these into strengths in a different setting. For more information on the type of questions an interviewer might ask, see "Not Your Father's Interview: How to Prepare for Situational and Behavioral Interviews."

Researching the Company

Find out as much as you can about your prospective employer. Your FPC recruiter will help you understand the organization and its products, services, clientele and competition. If time permits, obtain a copy of the company's most recent annual report. Also consult reference books such as Dun & Bradstreet, Moody's Manuals, and Standard & Poor's Corporation Records. Trade and industry publications may also be helpful in giving you that extra margin of information, which shows that you took initiative.

Preparing Your Questions

Asking questions about the company is an excellent interview technique. Such questions as "What will be most important for me to accomplish?" and "Why is the position open?" not only show the interviewer your interest, they give you information to help you proceed with the interview. You should also make inquiries about the company's current status and future growth plans. Do not ask questions about salary, benefits, vacation and the like. However, if you are asked about salary requirements, simply state your current earnings and your openness to a reasonable increase.

Dressing for the Interview

Your appearance will provide a first impression, even before you shake hands. Attire, haircut, manicure and personal hygiene are essential in presenting the most professional appearance. Although many workplaces today permit casual attire, you should always dress in a professional manner for the interview.

Men:

• conservative business suit in black, dark blue or charcoal gray

• white or pastel shirt

• conservative or moderate tie

• avoid sport jackets, summer attire and open collars

• shoes should be lace ups and well-shined

• carry a planner or professional pad

• avoid briefcases, as they can become cumbersome

• avoid excessive cologne

• remember to shave or trim facial hair

Women:

• suit and blouse or tailored conservative dress or pants suit

• avoid slacks or jeans (designer or otherwise) and large shoulder bags

• shoes should be closed-toe and well-shined

• carry a planner or professional pad

• avoid briefcases, as they can become cumbersome

• avoid excessive makeup, jewelry and perfume

Count Down to the Interview

A day or two before the interview, call your FPC recruiter to confirm the time of your appointment, and get the spelling and pronunciation of the hiring manager's name. Get directions to the location, especially if it is in an area you don't know. You may even want to rehearse getting there the day before, so you'll know the directions exactly. Review your recruiter's notes regarding the company, job and interview process. Plan to arrive a few minutes early for your interview. Punctuality makes a good impression, so allow extra time for traffic delays. If for some reason you are running late, call your FPC recruiter immediately to let him or her know that you will not be on time. You consideration will be appreciated. When you arrive, it may be necessary to complete an application, whether or not you have submitted a resume. On any questions regarding salary requirements, it is advisable to answer "open" or "to be discussed."

Now that you know the steps to take before your interview, read on

Preparation for the Interview:

You worked hard to get an interview, you researched the company and you presented yourself well to the hiring manager. You left the interview feeling confident. Now what?

There are important professional steps you need to take whether you left the interview feeling like this would be the right next step in your career or not. If you want the position, you need to make sure the hiring manager knows you do and is strongly considering your qualifications and potential contribution. If you don't feel this is the right position for you, make sure you have appropriate closure with the company to keep your professional reputation intact. Following are important steps you need to take if you do want the position:

Follow-up Steps

Interview Assessment

The interview assessment is your analysis of how the interview went.

• Right after the interview, grab a pen and pad and write down what you think went well, and what you think needed some more clarification while it's fresh in your mind

• Write down things you wish you had said, or questions you may have that you didn't ask.

• You'll need this information for your follow up correspondence.

If you are working with a recruiter call them soon after your interview:

• Report how the interview went while it's fresh in your head

• If you want the job, your recruiter can help position you as the leading candidate, so they need to know what you think impressed the hiring manager during the interview. For example, if the hiring manager was interested in hearing more about your writing skills, furnish samples to your recruiter so they can provide them to the interviewer as a follow-up reinforcement.

• If you don't want the job, the recruiter can help you bring the opportunity to closure and consider you for other positions.

Thank you note

It's pretty standard knowledge that a thank you note is a vital part of the interviewing process, but what is unclear is what should be in the note. Merely thanking someone for interviewing you does nothing more than show that you are polite. What you want to do is reinforce why they need to hire you.

First things first, make sure you have the correct spelling and title for everyone you met with. It is acceptable to send your letter via email for quickest delivery or you can mail it as long as you send it right away so they receive it before they have made a decision. Make sure you either type the letter with a handwritten signature or that you have clear handwriting that the stationary is professional with a matching envelope.

Here's how to do it:

• Send a letter for each person you met during your interview.

• Personalize and customize each letter to relate to that particular interview.

• Express interest in the position – enthusiasm and passion for the position is a strong selling point. The assumption is that since they brought you in for the interview, you have the qualifications on paper. The interview is to gauge your personality fit with the company and just as important, your passion and excitement for the position. That is what makes you stand out from other candidates.

• Reinforce what you can contribute to the company. Remember that the interviewer wants to know what you can do for them. Discussing quantifiable results you have produced for previous employers gives them a greater ability to project your potential contribution than just a solid employment track record and great personality.

• Highlight additional information regarding a question you feel you didn't answer strongly enough. It's okay to say "upon further reflection..." or "In thinking back on the interview, I'd like to provide clarification on...." It shows that you are reflective and thorough.

• Always close the letter with the next step in mind such as "I look forward to the next step in the process, let me know if I can provide additional information about me that will help move the process forward."

• Don't forget to include your contact information.

• Keep the letter concise and use bullet points where appropriate.

• If you were referred to the company by someone you networked with, also send a thank you letter to them to let them know about the interview. They may even follow up on your behalf with the interviewer.

Follow up call

• Assuming at the end of the interview you asked when you can expect to hear something, you will know that if you haven't heard anything by then, it's an appropriate time to follow up.

• If you are working with a recruiter, check with them to see if they or you should make a follow up call if you haven't heard back yet.

• If you are independently interviewing, and you don't have an expectation of when you should hear back, place the follow up call to ask where in the process they are haven't heard back a week after your last contact. At that time, you should have something specific to say. Ask if they need to know any additional information to help with the decision-making process and reiterate your interest.

Getting the interview was an accomplishment. Presenting yourself as a strong candidate at the interview was another. The last thing you want to do is drop the ball before closing the deal. Follow up on every interview with as much professionalism as you showed to get the interview and you are sure to impress.