How to nail your upcoming job interview

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - So you finally got that call back and have scheduled a job interview. Good work.

But don't think that it's smooth sailing from here. You want to impress your potential future employer, so communications expert Ann Byars provided some interviewing tips. Here is what she had to say:

Have with you: a portfolio containing resume, cover letter, reference list, awards/achievements, degree(s) and transcripts, licenses or continuing education certificates, three letters of recommendation, work samples; note pad and two pens, list of ten questions, company research, drivers license and social security card, list of assets and how they directly apply to the position, all contact information for former employers (in the event you need to complete an application).

Dress professionally and pay attention to grooming and neatness. Make sure your outfit is clean and pressed, fits well and is appropriate for the position.

Arrive 10 minutes early.

Be pleasant to the receptionist.

Turn the cell phone OFF (not to vibrate).

The first 30 seconds are the most important – the handshake, your appearance.

Make direct contact about 80 percent of the time; if there is more than one interviewer, flow your eye contact to all of them.

Use their formal name.

Speak loudly, clearly and confidently with a moderate rate of speech.

Take notes – use these later in the day as you compose your thank you letter.

Sit up straight and lean in.

Smile!

Be honest and positive.

Talk about what you will do for them.

Use words and phrases you found in the job ad – tailor your answers to specifically what they are seeking.

NO: gum, crossed arms, insulting past employers, smoke, talk of sensitive subjects (religion, age, politics, sexual orientation, marital or parental status). Money should be brought up by them, not you.

Relax! They want to see the real you – this is a communication, not a performance.

During the interview, give concise, direct answers to their questions that include specific examples of successes from your past and how they can directly relate to success in this job. Familiarize yourself with the “top 50 job interview questions.” Print out the questions and your answers and use it as a study guide prior to each interview.

Classic job interview questions include:

1. Tell me about yourself
2. What is your most significant accomplishment?
3. What is your greatest strength?
4. What is your greatest weakness?
5. How do you handle stress?
6. What are your career goals?
7. Tell me about your best/worst supervisor
8. Why should we hire you for this position? What can you do for us that others can’t?
9. Why do you want to work here?
10. Why did you leave your previous job?
11. Tell me about a time when……; this question has many possibilities and it falls under the “behavioral interview” category. It is based on the assumption that our past behaviors will dictate our future behaviors. You should have a list of 10 workplace scenarios when you have shown initiative, succeeded, etc. and be prepared to share.

Be positive and proactive in all of your answers. Show initiative and a willingness to learn, and have an upbeat tone.

Questions you should ask a potential employer:

Make sure you have thoroughly researched the company and have gathered all available information about the position for which you are applying. Interviewing is a two way street. Here are some questions you can ask:

1. How would you describe a typical day/week in this position?
2. Is this position new? If not, why did the last person leave?
3. How would you describe the responsibilities of this position?
4. Who does this position report to? Will I have the opportunity to meet him/her?
5. What is the company’s management style?
6. How many people work in this department? How is it structured?
7. What qualities are you looking for in an employee in this position?
8. How is success measured in this position?
9. What is the typical schedule for this position (days, hours, etc.)?
10. What other information can I provide for you?

Talking money:

Unless the salary/rate is mentioned in the job ad, it will most likely not be brought up by the employer in the first (screening) interview.

As a person being interviewed, you should NOT be the initiator of this conversation. You should, however, know a reasonable range based on the following:

1. The job market
2. The industry
3. The position
4. The geographic location
5. Your education
6. Your experience level in this type of position

Know what your bottom line is based on the above qualifying factors. When they ask, offer a range and ask what they would consider to be reasonable. Money talk is best left until it is determined that you are the right person for the position and you have a full understanding of the responsibilities, and then negotiations are expected. Remember, it’s not all about the actual salary.

Benefits packages such as insurances, tuition reimbursement, overtime, profit sharing, performance bonuses, etc. are often as important. If they ask what you made in your previous similar position, be honest in your answer.

Your self promotion in ONE minute: (for the “tell me about yourself question”)

Name: “My name is Bob Smith.”

Seeking/Objective: “I am actively seeking a mid-level management position in Warehousing/Distribution for a mid-sized company.”

Education: “I hold a bachelors degree in Facilities Management with a minor in Fleet Management from Ferris State University, and I recently completed a Manufacturing Operations Management certification, also from Ferris.”

Experience and Accomplishments in the field: “I have worked for 10 years in the distribution field, mostly recently supervising 150 people in a facility that generates $5 million weekly in sales, dispatching 50 trucks daily. Last year, my shift had both the highest production AND highest accuracy rates in the company.”

Personal attributes: “Attention to detail in a high-pressure, fast moving environment is my specialty. I communicate efficiently and effectively to ensure the customer receives their product on time and as ordered, in return maximizing profits for my employer.”