Candidate Resources : Interview Tips

The key to a successful interview is preparation.  Keep in mind the following objectives when preparing for your interview.  It is important to note that many companies will conduct a telephone interview as part of the initial process.   It is important to treat the telephone interview with the same importance and prepare as much as you would for an in person interview.

Know yourself: In order to know yourself, you must be able to do the following:

• Describe what you want in a career/employer
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses
• Identify your goals and objectives (short, medium & long term) 
• Be prepared to discuss areas for development in a solution-oriented manner

Know your resume: Be familiar with all the information on your resume and be prepared to elaborate on each topic:

• Career Objectives & Career Progression
• Educational experience
• Skills
• Work Experience

Know the industry: Research to get to know the employer and the industry:

• Company websites
• Alumni/current employees
• Corporate literature
• Newspapers and industry magazines/publications
• Web: CNBC, Bloomberg, etc.

Prepare for the interview day: Plan in advance for your interview day with these simple steps:

• Ensure you have accurate directions to the interview site (test them if possible)
• Submit all required documents prior to the interview, or bring them with you if requested
• Plan the appropriate outfit to present your most professional self
• Prepare questions about the role and company and ask them when appropriate

INTERVIEW DO’s

• Arrive early
• Dress professionally
• Have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact
• Portray a positive image
• Use appropriate language (verbal & non-verbal)
• Ask questions, be “engaged”
• Answer the questions
• Talk about YOU, not others (avoid “We”)
• Summarize
• Understand the next steps in the process
• Relax and be yourself
• Minimize or eliminate distractions, such as background noise and dog barking (phone interviews)

INTERVIEW DON’TS

• Be unprepared
• Show a lack of knowledge of company
• Discuss the following topics:
• politics
• religion
• personal relationships/issues
• Bring up salary on the 1st  interview 
• Bring up benefits on the 1st interview (we can assist in obtaining this information)
• Ask questions like: “What are my chances?”
• Eat, drink or chew gum during the interview

INTERVIEW CONCLUSION
During the closing segment of the interview:

• Thank the interviewer for his/her time
• Find out how and when you will be contacted (usually they contact us, but they may choose to contact you directly.)
• Understand what the next steps in the process will be
• Obtain the interviewer’s contact information
• Send a thank you note after your interview
• After the interview, contact your Shikare Recruiting Manager so that we may get your feedback.