Ten Steps to the Successful Interview
 by Bonnie D. Monych, CPC Founder & President
     
 Step One—Schedule the Interview

  
 
  • Did you know that the last person interviewed is hired 55.8% of the time?
  • Did you know that the first person interviewed is hired only 17.6% of the time?
  • Did you know that the worst day to interview is on Monday?
  • Did you know the worst time of the day to interview is late afternoon?
  • Be proactive in scheduling your interview.  Do not be afraid to suggest other days and/or times.  Be pleasant and friendly and communicate your interest but take advantage of the above data, you can maximize your chances of getting the offer!
     
   Step Two—Preparation 
Did you know that the average person spends only 2.5 hours preparing for an interview and many even less? Is this you? Preparation is KEY to having a successful interview. Here are the primary elements in preparation:
  • Research the company thoroughly
  • Make sure that you know who you are interviewing with, their name(s), title(s), correct spelling of their name(s), and any other information you can gather about them.
  • From your research, try to identify the company’s issues, problems and needs and plan to sell to those.
  • Plan how to dress.  When in doubt always dress conservatively. Remember you are expected to look like you are there to interview no matter what the company dress is.  Business casual does not apply to you! Don’t forget grooming.
  • Plan to be on time.  Arrive early, 15 minutes is correct.
  • Review your resume just before the interview.
  • Be enthusiastic.  If you need to listen to motivational tapes on the way to the interview, do it. Companies won’t make an offer to anyone who is perceived as not excited about the opportunity.
  • You must have a positive frame of mind.  You must expect the best to receive the best.
 		 
     
 Step Three—Maximizing the Interview

  
 
Make the interview count by:
  • Practice Interviewing
  • Be healthy
  • Repeat the interviewer's first name frequently during the interview
  • Initiate every response positively. Never answer, “No, but. . .”
  • Be truthful.
     
   Step Four—Understanding the Interviewer's Perspective 
Research shows that successful companies look for certain personality traits regardless of the type of position for which you are interviewing.

Let’s look at Personal Traits:
  • Drive: someone who gets things done.
  • Motivation: Desire to contribute.
  • Communication Skills: Ability to listen, collaborate and express ideas.
  • Team Player: Works well with others, ignores personal wants for the good of the group.
  • Confidence: Self assured, but not too boastful.
Now let’s look at the Professional Traits:
  • Reliability: Capable of following through without constant supervision.
  • Honesty/Integrity: Takes responsibility for actions, both good and bad.
  • Pride: Does the job to the very best of ability.
  • Dedication: Committed to meeting deadlines.
  • Analytical skills: Ability to look at all sides of a situation.
  • Computer skills: Not afraid of computers; computer literate.
  • Listening skills: Ability to listen actively without interrupting.
  • Adaptation skills: Views change as a normal, healthy, and expected condition of life.
Now your job is to make sure you demonstrate those traits that you possess during the interview. Always be aware of the intangible qualifications you bring to the table.


  
     
 Step Five—Handling the Pre-Interview Jitters 

  
 
  • What is the cardinal rule in interviewing? YOU MUST NOT BE LATE! Since most people worry about this, one of the things that I suggest is to always make a TRIAL RUN. Drive to the interview site the day before at the same time of the day that you will be driving the next day. This way you will know if there are traffic issues (not in our city!), construction detours, parking challenges etc. You will know exactly how much time to allow as you must arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
  • Ask to complete the paperwork (applications) ahead of time and bring them with you. It can be very de-motivating to attempt to complete an application in the lobby as you wait.
  • Remain standing in the lobby so that you will be ready to greet the interviewer with a solid handshake and eye to eye contact.  Don’t forget to SMILE.
     
  continue to steps 6-10