Please use this as a guideline to help you prepare for your interview.  While there are many correct ways to answer interview questions we hope these tips will help you provide a positive favorable response to all questions asked.

 

1)      Focus on the Positive not the Negative.

 

You will most likely be asked the reasons for leaving your prior job or jobs.  It is very important that you focus on the positive reasons for this change and never say anything negative about a prior company or manager.   It is easier than you think to come up with a positive reason.   For example, lets say the manager you worked for was controlling and lacked ability technically thus leaving you frustrated and forced to look elsewhere for job satisfaction.   You could throw blame at this individual and focus on the negative reasons you are looking for change.  Or you could think of the opposite environment where a manager wasn't controlling and had strength technically.  For example, I am looking for an opportunity where I can learn from a good mentor and strong technical leader while using my existing technical skills and knowledge to make decisions that will have a positive impact on the company.

 

You should also have thoughts in mind as to why you made each career change and how that was an overall part of your career strategy.

 

2)      Put yourself in the Manager's Shoes.

 

It is important to stop and ask yourself, “If I was the Manager of this department what would I be looking for in a candidate?”  You should try to base your answers on the Manager's needs and your skills and abilities that would help the Manager achieve their objectives.  For example, let say you have strength as both a Trainer and Help Desk Support Specialist.  If the open position is for a Help Desk Support Specialist and you talk about how much you love the Training part of your current job, then the odds are you won't be asked back for a second interview.   In fact you shouldn't be interviewing for this position in the first place.   The manager will be looking for someone who likes working on the help desk and is focused on that career path.

 

3)      Never ask a “What's in it for me?” question.

 

During most interviews you will have an opportunity to ask questions.  Please ask questions based on the company and the opportunity, not on what is in this for you.  The right time to start asking questions about the benefits, compensation and working hours is after they have made you the offer !   At that time, the choice is yours.   If you ask questions that are perceived as self-centered, a manager will feel you are more interested in what this job will do for you, versus what you can do in the job and for the company.  Stay focused on their needs and your needs will be answered in due time.

4)      Do your Company Research.

 

So you are thinking what kinds of questions should I ask an employer during an interview?  Most companies have web sites and company information that will allow you to research the company so you can ask appropriate questions.  Look for company growth, direction and use of technology to achieve those goals.  Ask questions that pertain accordingly especially if you have experience in an area they are heading.  For example, you see or hear that they are planning to move their office to a new facility during the upcoming year.  You may ask about that move and if they would like to hear about the role you played in helping your prior employer move.

 

5)      Proper Attire and being Punctual for the Interview.

 

You should always dress up for an interview even though the current dress code may be business casual.  If for some reason you cannot go to your current work dressed for an interview and will not be able to change, please inform the employer in advance so they are prepared for your casual attire.  It is still better to try and change even if it means allowing extra time to get to the interview.

 

You should try to be punctual but not too early.   It can be viewed as inconsiderate to announce yourself 30 minutes early for an interview.   If you arrive early, please wait until a few minutes before the appointment before going into the company.   Even worse is to be late !  So get directions, allow for bad traffic and if for some reason you are still going to be late please be sure you have the phone number and call to explain your situation.

 

6)      Presenting your Financial/Salary Requirements.

 

In many interviews they will ask your required salary.   For as many companies that won't hire someone willing to work for less money than they are currently making, just as many will hire them, so how do you present yourself to cover both extremes.  Companies don't like vague answers so you need to answer the question but leave the door open.  You should know the salary range prior to going in for the interview and be prepared to answer accordingly.   For example, you could answer, “While money is important to me, as I have financial obligations just like everyone else, it is not the most important factor I am considering for this career move.  I was/am making $60,000 at my latest/current position but am open to consider a range between $50000 and $ 60000.”   NOTE:  If the range is way below your current earnings, you may want to clarify why you can work for significantly less.

 

7) Honesty