Interview Checklist
Kelly IT Resources wants to help you advance your career objectives. We have spent years questioning countless candidates, and we've learned a thing or two about successful interviewing techniques. Some are old, some are new, but all of them are sure to make the best possible impression on a prospective employer.
Come Prepared
Know yourself—your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. An interview is not the time to wing it. Prepare as much as you would for a presentation to the Board of Directors at your company.
Research the Company
Find out as much as you can about the company through annual reports, newspapers, "Value Line," Standard & Poors, etc. Your effort will show in the interview, and you'll be seen as proactive, hardworking and astute.
Be Well Dressed and Properly Groomed
Appearance is a critical evaluation component.
Arrive 15 to 30 Minutes Early
Punctuality is a subtle clue about attitude and behavior. Tardiness, no matter the excuse, is a major blunder.
Exhibit Enthusiasm
First impressions, positive or negative, dramatically affect the ultimate evaluation. You can make or break an interview within the first five minutes.
Appear Friendly and Outgoing
Smile and say hello to everyone. A positive reaction from the support staff is an important factor in the evaluation.
Be Self-confident
High self-esteem and self-confidence are the hallmarks of the successful individual. With confidence, be able to demonstrate how you have overcome obstacles. There's nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself.
Come Prepared for Key Questions
Practice your responses to all the typical questions, such as "Tell me about yourself" and "Why are you looking for a new position?" How well you speak will have a bigger impact than what you say.
Remain Involved
The most effective interviews are those where an active two-way conversation takes place. Not the typical question-and-answer type. Begin early in the interview to interject your own relevant insight.
Establish Your Worth
Discuss your specific accomplishments that demonstrate a proactive attitude, such as: have you installed systems, done something not required, trained someone, etc.
Know Your Six Key Strengths
Be prepared to discuss in detail and with examples your five or six main attributes. These should be the ultimate reason you get the job over someone else.
Give 1-to-2 Minute Responses
Communication is the key to successful interviewing. A minimum of one to two minutes of well-prepared discussion gives the interviewer insight into your intellect and supports your contentions.
Provide Examples/Details
Support statements about yourself with specific examples. These will provide legitimacy to your claims. Without them, the interviewer won't accept them as valid.
Remain Attentive
Stay alert during the interview. Maintain good eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Be animated. Show high levels of interest and stay enthused. These actions can maintain or generate momentum during the interview.
Don't Be Arrogant
A presumptuous, overbearing attitude will offset the finest abilities.
Ask Probing Questions
A few strategic questions can demonstrate your intelligence, analytical skills and assertiveness. Have these prepared from your research. Avoid superficial small talk.
Be Positive about Co-workers
Don't bad mouth previous positions, companies or employers. No matter how well founded, this implies a negative attitude, typical of those who don't take personal responsibility for their actions.
Clearly State Your Interest
By the conclusion of the interview, state that you are definitely interested in the position and would like to know when the next step will take place. It's best to demonstrate this interest throughout the session. Be careful not to go overboard.
Know Your Objective and End with It
Establish your objective before the interview, like a second interview or an offer. Ask for it if you have not achieved it. Ask a question such as, "do you think my skills match your needs?" This gets straight to the point and, at worse, reveals other obstacles to overcome.
Write Thank-you Notes
This classy final touch shows you to be professional and sensitive, and conveys sincere interest. An excellent follow-through. Send to key decision-makers.