We completed the first step—getting you in the door. That means that technically it looks like there could be a match. The rest is about verifying that, but mainly about chemistry. So, even though you’ve probably done this many times before, a little refresher can’t hurt. (Remember that I’m a mother, so it’s my job to nag a little!) Here are some of the key pointers I’ve learned in my many years as an I.T. recruiter, my experience on the HR side of the table, and my experience teaching The Job Search Workshop at UCLA extension. We both have the same goal—for you to have a successful interview so that “the ball can be in your court”, and you can make the decision as to whether you want to work at the company. You generally get one shot, so let’s make the best of it…….

1. Preparation. You need to get mentally prepared for the interview. This includes reviewing the address and directions to give yourself plenty of time to be on time. You want to check out the company’s website so that you are familiar with what they do, size, etc. You want to think through (maybe even write down) some questions regarding the job, department, future. You should probably pull out your old books and review the technical stuff if you are rusty. You want to make sure your interview attire is ready (dry cleaner, shoe polish, haircut?) Employers generally like people who are prepared. (Wouldn’t you in their shoes?)

2. Arrival. Be on time and no more than ten minutes early. (Being too early makes everyone uncomfortable. They don’t know what to do with you. Besides, waiting is never fun.) Being late is a big no-no. It is often construed as disrespectful. It puts you at a big disadvantage from the word “go”. Of course, this is LA, and there can be unforeseen traffic tie-ups. Please call 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time from your cell or pull of the road (even if it takes an additional 15 minutes) to indicate you’re running late and why. Make sure to be apologetic because you realize how valuable the manager’s time is. Managers will understand if they have proper warning. (By the way, don’t forget to take the phone number and change with you in the car.)

3. Presentation. This is literally the first impression you give the employer so you don’t want to lose points here. Dress professionally. Even if it’s a jeans and T-shirt environment, you want to be in business attire. You are saying, “This is important to me” by the way you dress. Bring an extra copy of your resume too.

4. Beginning the interview. Very often, the first step is Human Resources. While the HR person is often not the final decision-maker or even very technical, he/she may have some input into whether you get hired. If they ask you to fill out an application, by all means do so. Refusal generally puts you out of the running. This is their company policy, and a person seen as “difficult” will not get past the front door. Use your resume to help you quickly recall dates, etc. It wouldn’t hurt to have a prepared reference list so you can fill that section in too.

Key points:

*Fill the application in completely and accurately. It’s their game, so play it their way.*In the salary desired box, write “open”. (You don’t want to be ruled out for your salary requirement. Besides, once they’ve “fallen in love with you”, they might pay more. Also, you may just undersell yourself. I always say “Don’t ask for the kiss before the date!” (If that makes no sense, please call for an explanation!) Never negotiate salary on an initial interview.

*Indicate Andrea Sobel & Associates is representing you if I am sending you in or use the name of one of my associates if they secured the interview for you.

5. Face to face. Whomever you meet, it is important to be courteous. Give a strong handshake, good eye contact; stand up straight, friendly smile. Wait to be offered a seat. Then lean a bit forward (it shows you’re interested), and try to get comfortable. If you can, always think, “Why are they asking me this?” Remember, every employer wants to hire someone who is capable, will fit in with the team, and do a good job. (Basically, make them look good!) The manager will be asking you questions to help determine whether you’ll be a fit.

Key points:

*“Tell me about yourself” and “Tell me about your background” are very common interview questions. You can prepare these ahead of time. Practice with someone or in front of the mirror. (You get to see what you look like.)

*If you tend to talk too much, be conscious of limiting your answers to 3-4 sentences. The manager will ask for more detail if he/she is interested.

*If you tend to be on the quiet side, make sure you don’t answer any questions with a “yes” or “no”. Add at least 3-4 sentences of detail.

*Be a good listener. Sometimes managers do all the talking. Smile and nod. Research shows that if you respond positively, the manager will like you! (Everyone likes someone who will listen to him or her)

*One of the questions will be about why you’re leaving your current employer. Don’t bad-mouth your present situation. Talk about why you want this job. (More responsibility, better technology, location.)

*Don’t get into a salary discussion. Indicate what you are making (base plus bonus) and when you’ll get your next review (if it is soon.) Tell the manager you are looking for a fair offer, but this is about you getting a better position.) Let me negotiate salary.

*Don’t fake it. If you don’t know the answer, it’s best to say so, but add where you would go to get the answer. (Always turn lemons into lemonade.)

*Realize that you will not get all your questions answered on the first interview. You will always have an opportunity to get all questions answered before you take the job, but the manager gets “right of first refusal.” So use the time to sell yourself. (In other words, the point of the interview is to win him/her over.)

6. Closing the interview. Thank the manager for his/her time. Indicate what interests you about the job. (Very important.) Ask for a card. Ask what the rest of the procedure is. (He/she might tell you if you need to meet anyone else or if there are other people scheduled.) Don’t be concerned if you don’t get a lot of information and never press for it. (Asking” how did I do?” is a major no-no!) If you interviewed with several people, it is probably a joint/group decision, and the final person will not be in a position to let you know where you stand. The key is to end on an upbeat note with a positive statement and a firm handshake.

Key points:

*You’ll want to send everyone (especially the hiring manager) a thank you note or email.

*Call me when you get back home (while everything is fresh.) I’ll only be in touch with the manager after I talk to you.

7. Phone interviews. More and more, clients are suggesting phone screens as a quick way to make a quick judgment if they want to interview you. While it is more convenient, it can often be more difficult because you can’t see what kind of response you are getting.

Key points:

* Have a resume at your side so you can quickly state dates, company names.

* Make yourself comfortable. If you are not able to hear the manager clearly, apologize and say so. Allot enough time for the interview. If time runs out, politely state you situation and ask to reschedule.

* Remember that the purpose of a phone interview is a quick screening process. Do not put up any red flags. Be as positive and enthusiastic as possible.

* If English is your second language and you have an accent, phone interviews put you at a disadvantage. You are much easier to understand in person, most likely. Quickly point this out, and suggest an in person ASAP (or avoid phone interviews completely.)

* Do not get into any deep discussions about salary, job description. If the manager brings the interview that way, politely respond that these are the types of topics you prefer to discuss in person.