Before Your Interview
Research the
company. Know the basics
about the company, its
lines of business,
clients, recent news,
and the people you will
be meeting.
Prepare questions in
advance. Make a list of
questions that cover any
information about the
company and job position
you could not find in
your own research.
Take time to mentally
prepare. Most
interviewers ask the
same standard questions.
Think through your
answers to "Tell me
about yourself" and "How
would you rate yourself
on . . ." Be focused and
alert by getting plenty
of rest the night before
and by reviewing your
research, questions and
answers on the morning
of the interview.
Be on time. Tardiness is
usually interpreted by
the interviewer as
evidence of a lack of
commitment,
dependability, and
professionalism.
Relax. The interview is
a two-way conversation.
The interviewer is
seeking to make a good
impression on you, just
as you are seeking to
make a good impression
on him or her.
Show an interest in the
people and surroundings.
Your interview really
starts the moment you
walk in the door. Make
allies with the
receptionist and take
advantage of the wait
time to peruse articles,
awards or publications
posted in the reception
area.During Your
Interview
Be positive. Show
openness and make others
comfortable by leaning
into a greeting with a
firm handshake and
smile.
Show self-confidence.
Make eye contact with
the interviewer and
answer questions in a
clear voice. Work to
establish rapport with
the interviewer.
Listen. Communication is
a two-way street. If you
talk too much you will
probably miss cues
concerning what the
interviewer feels is
important.
Reflect before answering
a difficult question. If
you are unsure how to
answer a question, you
might reply with another
question. For example,
if the interviewer asks
you to tell them about
yourself, try answering
with "Sure. Where would
you like me to begin?"
This tactic also gives
you time to formulate an
answer to unexpected
questions.
Show you want the job.
Display your initiative
by talking about what
functions you could
perform that would
benefit the
organization, and by
giving specific details
of how you have helped
past employers. Present
your skills by
describing the
Situation, Task, Action
and Result (STAR).
Explore the position.
Acceptable off-the-cuff
questions include
subjects such as job
function,
responsibilities, team
structure, and
supervision. DOs
and DON'Ts
Never make negative
comments about current
or former employers.
Do not ask questions
that raise red flags. Do
not ask questions about
money. The employer
already knows what
you're making and what
you're looking to make
in your next move. If
asked, just reply,
"Money, the company and
my position are all
important. I will give
careful consideration to
your best offer."
Beware of too many
questions about
benefits. Focusing on
your compensation and
benefits at this point
may cause the
interviewer to think you
are more interested in
helping yourself than in
helping the company. If
you must ask such
questions, make sure the
interviewer understands
why.
Avoid negative body
language. An interviewer
wants to see how well
you react under
pressure. Specifically,
avoid these signs of
nervousness and tension:
Frequently touching your
mouth, nose, or glasses
Biting your lip
Tight or forced smiles
or posture
Swinging or tapping your
foot or leg
Folding or crossing your
arms
Slouching or shifting in
your chair
Avoiding eye contact or
rolling your eyes
After Your Interview
Ask for the job. Simply
say, "This is an
exciting opportunity for
me and one in which I
know I will excel. What
are the next steps?" End
the interview with a
handshake and thank the
interviewer(s) for their
time.
Remember the 30/30 rule.
Call your COMSYS
recruiter 30 feet or 30
seconds, whichever comes
first, after you leave
the interview.
Send a thank you note.
After the interview,
send a brief letter or
email to thank the
people you met. Remember
the 3 B's: Be sure to
send one. Be bright. Be
brief.
Be ready to make a
decision. If the
interview went
particularly well, don't
be surprised if they
offer you the job on the
spot. If you have all
the information you
need, be prepared to
accept or negotiate an
offer immediately. That
way you can reaffirm
your commitment to the
company.
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