Interviewing Tips - TalentPool Search

Research the website. Know: what the company does, about the people who you will meet, who is their competition, what is the position print off relevant information, highlight points of interests. Put this in your portfolio with prepared questions (see below).
Have the address, directions, phone numbers (we will supply).

Fair or not, everyone remembers your initial presentation.
Dress: Conservative-Conservative-Conservative
Wear a suit (navy blue, black, dark conservative colors with light colored blouse/shirt), closed-toe shoes and socks/hose
Never wear perfume/colognes or scented lotions (could be allergic)
Light make-up and nail polish
Conservative jewelry
If you smoke, don’t smoke on the way to your interview. Non-smokers will find the smell of smoke offensive.
Take your portfolio with notepad and pen for notes and a few copies of your resume.
Be punctual! Arrive 15 minutes early (not earlier or later)
Fill out the application neatly and completely-do not write “see resume”
Write “flexible” or “open” where asking for desired money or position

Firm, professional handshake; eye contact, relax.
Be positive-don’t say ANYTHING negative
Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses (demonstrated ability to learn quickly and desire to grow and develop your skills)
Smile and speak clearly and slowly when answering questions
Do not speak poorly of any person or company

Ask interviewer what attracted them to the company and why they like working there.
Do not talk about money (50/50 chance of quoting too low or too high), vacations, benefits, etc.
- If the hiring manager pursues a money discussion with you, state your last W2’s and current base (no more, no less) and that you are open to a fair offer based on your skills and your experience. You can say “to make a job change you would want to move forward financially.”
Ask proactive questions: recruiter will help you with targeted questions
- “What can I do to immediately make a difference and make a positive impact on your team?”
- “What are the most critical projects or issues that you would like me to tackle when I start in this position?”
- “Tell me about your best employee.”

Often times the difference between you getting an offer and someone else getting it is who asked for the job! (Close)
Vocalize your interest. Examples:
- “I’m very excited! Do you feel I have the qualifications that you are seeking?”
- “I am confident that I’m the right person for the job.”
- “Do you have any concerns about my ability to do a superior job for you? Is there anything about my background or skills that may concern you?”
- “What is the next step in the process?”

Identify skills and experience that the interview is seeking, then draw parallel examples from your past experience and/or skills
Speak to your accomplishments. If you work on a team, speak of your team’s accomplishments AND yours too. This is not the time to be modest.
If in sales/sales management, draw accomplishments parallels to numbers (sales dollars achieved)

Be sure to get business cards from everyone you meet.
Send individual “Thank You” emails to each person with whom you have met.
Call me within 30 minutes of leaving your interview. If the manager calls and asks for your feedback, I want to be able to give it to him/her.

“Yes, I want this job!” or “Yes, I want to go to the next step!”
Or
“No, this is not the right opportunity for me.”
“Maybe, I’ll think about it or let you know” shows indecisiveness and will automatically knock you out.