Interview Tips

Do your home work!  Before the interview find out what you can about the company, and the job.  The Internet is often a good source of information.  Also, it's OK to call current and past employees and ask about the organization.  Rest assured, they will be doing reference checks on you.  You can do reference checks on them.

 

Do your home work!  Have a list of questions ready.  Ask meaningful questions about the job duties, your future with the company, your boss, how your job fits into and contributes to the bigger picture.  Ask about challenges you might face if you get the job.  Don't ask frivolous questions like what time do we start in the morning and how much vacation do they offer.

 

Dress appropriately.  Figure out what you would likely be wearing day to day if you get the job, and dress ONE level more professional than the job requires.  For example, If you will wear jeans on the job, wear dress pants to the interview.  If you will wear dress pants and a golf shirt on the job, wear a suite to the interview.  Don’t wear a suite and tie to an interview for a job where you will likely wear coveralls on the job.  Always be clean and tidy.  When in doubt err on the side of more formal rather than less.

 

Be on time.  Allow yourself ample time for traffic, parking, construction, flat tires and to get lost.  A job interview could be one of the most important meetings you will attend this year, and could influence your career path.  When you are late for a job interview it is a HUGE strike against you.  Don't be late.

 

Be prepared with examples of how you did what you did.  Many recruiters ask "Behaviour Descriptive Interview" questions.  That is, they ask for specific examples of what you have done in the past.  Try to anticipate what they might ask about and have examples of success stories ready to drive home the point. 

 

Be ready to discuss how much money you will expect to be paid.  If you can, ask around to determine what others doing the same job are getting.  Also, try to find out what others with similar skills are getting paid.  Anticipate this question and have an answer ready.

 

Take a few copies of your resume with you to the interview.  Also have your reference list with you. 

 

Don't panic.  If you have been invited for an interview, it's likely that the employer has already determined you have the skills required to do the job.  The interview is to get to know you.  Relax. Be yourself.  Use the meeting to get to know them.