Interview Pointers

The first impression you make with a prospective employer will be the most important, it will have a direct impact on the decision of whether or not to hire you as their employee.  Employers want a qualified candidate that is enthusiastic about the position.   You must possess the qualifications if they have asked you for a personal interview.  The interview is to gauge your personality, confidence, communication skills, and to verify the information presented in your resume.

Preparing for the Interview

Research the company as much as possible.  Review their web site as well as any other information available to you.   Understanding what the company does and how they do it will allow you to ask intelligent questions during your interview and to show your enthusiasm.   The interviewer has already done their research about you from your resume and references, you should be equally prepared.

Bring your research with you to the interview.  If you must wait in the lobby before the interview, this will give you time to review the information.   Make sure to bring a current and crisp copy of your resume to the interview.  Never assume one will be available.

Try and get contact information to send a thank you note after your interview. Find out any information you can about the interviewer before the interview.  Understanding his/her role in the company can help you get a feel for what will be asked of you during the interview.   Preparation is a notable sign of success.

The Morning of the Interview

Make sure you get enough rest.  Getting enough rest will allow you to be alert for the interview.  Plan your morning activities the night before so you are not rushed or forgetful of anything.  Pick out your clothes the night before and have them ready for the morning.   Examine them to ensure they are in presentable condition.

Make sure you are not hungry or thirsty before entering the interview.  Eating breakfast is also a great way to stay alert during an early morning interview. Hunger might make you nervous, or anxious without you even realizing it.

Dress Code

Always wear a business suit to your interview.  It doesn’t matter if your interviewer wears jeans and a T-shirt, you must present the correct attitude.  If you dress professionally, it shows you are willing to take the time to make a good impression.   Make sure your attire is clean and recently pressed.  Wear a conservative style; you want to promote a feeling of confidence, not arrogance.   Do not wear overpowering cologne or after-shave and make sure you are well groomed.  The first thirty seconds of the interview play a very important part.

Getting to the Interview

The most important thing to remember about going to an interview is NEVER BE LATE. Even if you suspect you might be late, call ahead and notify your staff recruiter at Nadine Bocelli & Company, Inc. – New York Legal Staffing, Inc.  as soon as possible.  Some problems are unavoidable and employers understand that, but not calling to let them know only shows a lack of responsibility.   Showing up early for the interview is always better than being late, so the best plan is to leave early to allow for unexpected delays.

Make sure you have adequate directions and have reviewed them thoroughly.

At the Interview

Bring photo ID to enter the building. When you meet with the floor receptionist let him/her know who you are and whom you are here to see. Be polite, as the comments from the receptionist may play a part in the overall first impression of the interview.

When you meet your interviewer, introduce yourself in a confident and professional manner, and thank your interviewer for taking the time to speak with you.  Always address the interviewer by their formal name unless they instruct otherwise.

During the Interview

The interviewer is attempting to understand who you are as a person as well as confirming your background and areas of expertise.   One thing to remember is that you are also interviewing the company.  You must get a feel for the personality of the company and it’s employees from this interview.  The job might be a perfect position, but the attitude of the company might not be right for you.  The interview is a chance to test the waters.

• Always be honest during the interview.  Most interviewers are professionals and know how to get to the truth.  Remember, they have experience on their side, so honesty is always the best policy.
• Always address the interviewer directly.  Look them in the eyes and smile when you answer their questions.  Keep your attention on the interviewer, otherwise it may be perceived as disinterest.
• Be aware of your posture and how you are speaking.  Remember your professional impression.
• Answer questions about your experience completely, as it relates to the position you are applying for.  The interviewer does not want to know your general history; they want to know how your history will assist them.    Think before you speak, make sure you completely answer the posed question without going off on a tangent.
• Ask questions of the interviewer when you want clarification or information about the company.  Remember, this is your chance to learn about them.  It is typically better to wait until the interviewer is finished asking their questions to pose your own.
• Do not speak poorly of past employers or indicate if there were any problems with them in the past.  Problems in the past can be viewed as faults of your own so try not to bring them up.
• Do not ask about salary or benefits during the initial interview, this is a discussion for after an offer of employment is made.  If the interviewer brings up the subject of compensation requirements, be honest.

Concluding the Interview

Always leave the discussion with a positive attitude.  Remember to call your staff recruiter at Nadine Bocelli & Company. – New York Legal Staffing, Inc. following your interview.