The DOs and DON'Ts of Interviewing

 

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW DO

  • Research the organization, including its annual reports, promotional literature, Web sites and press releases. This will save you from having to ask basic questions about the organization, and demonstrates that you are serious about joining that company.
  • If your resume does not contain the most up-to-date information, prepare a new one (see Top 10 Tips ) and give it to your Placement Coordinator prior to your interview so the client will have it at the interview.
  • Prepare answers to typical questions ahead of time, such as
    - Explanations for possible gaps in your resume
    - What you have to offer the organization your greatest strengths
    - How you overcame particular challenges in the past
    - What your supervisor would say about you in a reference
    - Why you have done contract work in the past (if you have done so)
  • Prepare questions about the job for which you are interviewing, such as
    - What does a typical day in this position involve?
    - How much contact with management/ supervisors/ senior staff is there?
    - How is the organization structured?
    - How does this position fit into the organization's overall structure?
    - What are the greatest challenges/ opportunities in this position?
    - Outside of the department, with who does the holder of this position work?
    - What new projects has the department/organization undertaken this year?
    - Where do you see this organization going in the next year?
    - How many people are you interviewing for this position?
  • Know your strengths and weaknesses, and how they might apply to the position.
  • Inform your PCHS representative of any possible conflicts you might have with the position vacations or days off you will need during your first three months of employment, money issues, etc.
  • Dress in a dark, conservative suit and be prudent with regard to make-up, perfume or jewelry.
  • Plan to spend at least one hour per person you are meeting at the company. Should you have limited time, let your PCHS representative know in advance.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW DON'T

  • DON'T have any spelling or grammatical errors on your resume.

DURING THE INTERVIEW DO

  • Arrive on time or no more than ten minutes early, but never late.
  • Use a firm handshake and look into your interviewer's eyes. Greet your interviewer with confidence and repeat his or her name, for example, "Good morning, Mr. Jones" or "Hello, Ms. Smith, it's nice to meet you."
  • Listen carefully to the questions being asked and think about your responses to be sure that you are answering the specific question. If the interviewer poses a vague, open-ended question (such as "Tell me a little about yourself" ), politely respond, "Where do you want me to start?" If the interviewer remains vague, you should use this as an opportunity to highlight something in your professional career that demonstrates your strengths and abilities, as they would relate to the job.
  • Get an understanding of the overall goals of the position and organization, day-to-day responsibilities and work environment by asking specific questions.
  • End the interview by asking, "Based on our discussion, is there anything that would prevent me from moving on to the next step for this position?" This is your opportunity to gauge the interviewer's interest in you. Then find out when they expect to make a decision.

DURING THE INTERVIEW DON'T

  • DON'T talk excessively. The interview is also a chance for you to learn about the position and see if it is right for you. Asking smart questions also creates a better impression than giving the interviewer unnecessary background on yourself.
  • DON'T feel the need to state everything you have learned from researching the company and the interviewer. Make use of the information as necessary.
  • DON'T say anything negative about past employers. You may give the impression of being negative yourself.
  • DON'T ask about money or benefits on the first interview. If you are asked how much you currently earn, you should give a number that includes all bonuses, raises, etc. If asked how much you would require to consider the position, you might say, "I am currently earning $--. I am looking for an increase, but at this point I am flexible. I prefer to negotiate through my PCHS representative." Or you might say, "It is my understanding that salary is something that you work out directly through PCHS." If you did not arrange your interview through PCHS, entertain competitive offers - but never give an actual number.
  • DON'T dwell on your negative qualities or experiences. End the interview on a positive note: focus on how you have addressed a problem or what you have learned from a mistake.
  • DON'T leave without asking questions to get a better understanding of the position and the organization's environment.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW DO

  • If your interview was arranged through PCHS, you should immediately contact your PCHS representative and discuss your interest level. Remember: if the client is considering you and they call PCHS, and you have not called after the interview, that may indicate to the client that you are not interested in the position.
  • Return any phone calls from the employer. Even if you choose not to accept the position, respond out of courtesy.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW DON'T

  • DON'T send a letter to the organization without first showing it to your PCHS representative.
  • DON'T call the organization directly, even if they have given you a business card. Contact your PCHS representative with any questions or comments .