Navigation Resume Tips Interview Tips (Part1) The Do's (Part2) The Dont's (Part3) Q&A Prep (Part4) In Conclusion... (Part5) Counter Offer	Resume Tips » The Do's (Part2) Nationwide personnel specialists serving the Engineering and Architectural community Tips for a successful interview THE INTERVIEW...Things you should do We strongly believe that applicants at all levels should be very well prepared, and that with preparation and the right technique, they can control the direction and pace of any interview. 1. DRESS WELL A blue suit is still the best compromise in view of all the types of people you will meet. Worn suits, frayed shirts, and shoes with holes in the won't help you. The same holds true for women who wear heavy make-up and mod clothing. Shaded glasses and dress which is out of the ordinary are becoming somewhat more acceptable. Solid blue or white shirts are still your best bet. Most of all, wear clothes that fit. Also, don't forget the obvious; use a mouthwash and deodorant, and go easy on the after-shave or perfume. In general, most people do best by dressing conservatively and trying to appear as relaxed, neatly groomed and successful as possible. Remember, your clothes talk for you before you open your mouth, In short, make sure you look and act like a winner. 2. GAIN CONTROL In order to take control of an interview, you must avert the superior-to-subordinate relationship that carries through most interviewing situations. You'll need to be socially gregarious and assertive...without being obnoxious. You'll also want to appear learned, charming and diplomatic. You can avoid intimidation and can satisfactorily establish the tempo of most interviews by assuming the role of the one who initially asks the questions. We recommend that when people meet an interviewer, they give a firm and enthusiastic handshake, and then initiate the discussion. One way to do this, for example, would be to start by complimenting a person on something in his office, and subsequently raise a question about the object on which you have commented. 3. SPEAK CLEARLY When you are asked questions you should be brief but positive. Watch your speech, speak slowly, articulate as clearly as possible and avoid "and...ah's" or other verbal slips. 4. USE A SOFT SELL Always underplay your need for a new job, and always use the soft-sell approach. You'll be on your way to an offer when the firm starts recruiting you. 5. BE TRUTHFUL You should do your best to tell the truth, and be as forthright and consistent as possible. If there are some negatives in your background...don't volunteer the information. However, if you are asked a direct question about a negative situation, tell the truth without being defensive or feeling abnormal. You'll need to develop your own approaches for handing them in a delicate manner. Ask your recruiter for help with this! 6. CALM YOUR NERVES If you are high-strung or inclined to nervousness, try to exercise every day and get 8 hours sleep. This age-old prescription still works wonders for people who need to control their nerves. 7. BE PROFESSIONAL Maintain your professionalism at all times. If your dignity is abused, then close the interview and go on the better things. 8. IMAGE YOURSELF At all times you should project ambition, enthusiasm, and confidence, However, you will need to control your ambition in line with your estimation of each situation. Before you go to an interview, you should plan on projecting and image of yourself which is tailored to the requirement of the specific position. In addition to the general qualities related to your occupational field, you would usually be wise to convey three very important image qualities: sincerity, a dedication to achievement, and a high energy level. 9. EMPHASIZE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS Wherever possible you should gear your comments to potential contributions relative to sales, profits, cost reduction, new innovations or growth. 10. BE READY FOR THE PERIODS OF SILENCE When there is a period of silence, you should have questions you are prepared to raise about the field or industry for which you have answers. The object in doing this is to create an opportunity which will enable you to demonstrate your knowledge and relate your past experiences which are relevant to the solution of their problems. 11. PROTECT YOUR PRESENT EMPLOYER Always protect the confidence of your present employer and do not be overtly critical of your existing situation. Any breach in this area will quickly close out your opportunity. This is because the potential employers will assume that someday you'll do the same thing to them. 12. USE FLATTERY Always be prepared to say something which will indicate admiration for certain achievements of the organization or its top management. In the interview situation, a brief amount of flattery will help. Over do it, and it will work against you. 13. PROJECT GOOD HEALTH If you are asked, you should state that your heath is excellent. 14. BE A GOOD LISTENER Make sure that you are a good listener, extremely observant, and that you learn something about your interviewer's interests and background. You may wish to use this information in your letter which will follow up the interview. Being a good listener also means that you'll be able to ask good questions. And by all means do not interrupt your interviewer. Take notes and ask questions when it is your turn. 15. QUESTION THE INTERVIEWER One of the easiest ways to impress people is to ask intelligent and penetrating questions about the firm and the position. Areas for possible exploration include the following. Find out what happened to the last person in the job, and if possible get his name. Identify how many people have had the same position and where they have gone. The tip-off is heavy turnover. Determine the company's method for handling budgets and purchase orders. If they make it difficult for people to get paper clips, chances are they won't delegate much authority in other areas, In order for you to succeed, you obviously need the opportunity to fail. Learn about the chief of the company. many companies directly reflect the personality of the top man and their presidents may like to promote people like themselves. Ask about the organization's negative factors. Find out how ling the interviewer has been there and see what he says about his own experience. Find out if they hire friends and relatives. Are the qualified? If not, nepotism can be a real monster! When the interviewer has briefly covered a subject of interest you should never hesitate in asking him to further expand, define or describe. If a situation begins to stall, you can always raise questions about any subject by merely asking who? what? when? where? why? and how? Celebrating our 32nd year serving the Engineering Field An enterprise can never be planned and carried on without abilities of skilled people."- John Adams, 1786 Copyright © 2005 The Shupack and Michaels Group, Inc. All rights reserved.