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Introduction:
Being prepared for an interview is vital. The more you know about the company and the job for which you are applying, the better impression you will make. This is your first meeting, and the position, as well as future promotions, may depend on your presentation. It is important that you show your confidence and determination.
The Candidate Preparation:
The initial interview should be considered a fact-finding mission. It is important that both parties give and receive as much information as needed to make a decision. Following are some basic questions that could be asked in order to obtain such information. For more tips and information, please see the interview package listed above.
Have questions for the hiring authority. An interviewer will be impressed by serious, probing, carefully thought-out questions. Good questions may indicate that you are ready for a position of much greater responsibility.
- What are the duties and responsibilities of the position? This is an excellent icebreaker question a great way to start the interview.
- What is the number one priority for this position?
- What are the short and long term goals set for the person in this position? What obstacles exist?
- Don’t discuss salary in the first interview. Keep in mind that this is a fact-finding mission for both parties. If the question of salary is brought up, some good responses are: “I would need to look at the entire package, including benefits” OR “I am currently making $_____, and I am not interested in making a lateral move. I don’t know enough about the opportunity to answer that fairly.” Be careful that you don’t short yourself. Be sure to keep in mind your base salary, bonus program, stock options, gain sharing programs, performance bonuses, benefits, etc.
- Ask for the job! Ask the interviewer what the next step is in the process. You can also summarize what you’ve done that ties in with the new position and ask if your qualifications match with what he/she needs.
