Preparing for the Interview
Preparation is an important part of a successful interview. Following are some "winning ways" that can help you reach your goal:
- Find out as much as you can about the position, the company and its expectations. Ask a BPR Personnel staff member to share his or her knowledge of the customer with you. In most
cases, he or she will be able to tell you about the customer's work environment, expectations and work attire, as well as provide details about the particular position for which you are interviewing.
- Think about the special skills or characteristics you can bring to this position that will help the company achieve its objectives. (i.e., What value can you bring to this position?)
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Mentally review your past achievements and goals. Be prepared to provide specific examples from your past work that illustrate how you achieved your goals. Participate in the interview by
asking questions that explore pertinent issues. (e.g., "Can you tell me about the challenges an employee in this position will face?") |
Be prepared to offer examples from your background that demonstrate characteristics such as: ˇ self-confidence
ˇ communication skills
ˇ leadership
ˇ energy and motivation
ˇ initiative and flexibility
ˇ responsibility
ˇ interpersonal skills
ˇ problem-solving ability
ˇ professional demeanor
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positive ("can-do") attitude
Consider all your experiences-work, community and volunteer involvement, running a household or coaching Little
League. The skills and abilities you've developed may relate to the position you're seeking. Remember to demonstrate characteristics such as self-confidence and energy throughout the interview.
Making a good first impression.
The outcome of the interview may be heavily influenced by the image you present during the first few minutes. To be successful, you need to project a professional, competent and
enthusiastic image-in other words, you want the interviewer to feel like you belong in the position and would be an asset to the company. The following checklist will help you prepare:
Dress.
Clothing should be appropriate for the position you're seeking. Attire must fit well and be clean and neat. Shoes should be polished.
Grooming.
Clean hair and fingernails are important. Hair should he styled in a business-like look. Avoid excessive make-up, jewelry or cologne.
Handshake.
A moderately firm handshake is appropriate and projects confidence without being overbearing.
Posture/body language.
Send the right message by standing straight, moving confidently, and sitting up and slightly forward in your chair.
Enthusiasm and eye contact.
Show your enthusiasm by making eye contact and maintaining an interested expression, nod and gesture in moderation; excessive body movement can distract and annoy the interviewer.
Listening skills.
Listen carefully and ask questions or make comments as appropriate, but avoid interrupting the interviewer. Be
prepared for questions that are designed to catch you off guard. Some interviewers use these questions to test your honesty or get past standard answers you may have prepared In advance.
Communication skills.
Good grammar and articulate speech are an important part of making a good impression, If this is an area where
you're weak, work on it-practice, take classes, get coaching. The skills you develop will help you in the interview and be an asset throughout your life.
Things to avoid.
Do not smoke or chew gum during the interview. Do not make negative statements regarding previous employers.
