“An organization is only as good as its people.”

The Interview
You are being interviewed because the interviewer wants to hire people - not because they want to trip you up or embarrass you.  Through the interaction that takes place during the interview, they will be searching out your strong and weak points, evaluating your qualifications, skills and intellectual qualities.  They will probably probe deeply to determine your attitudes, aptitudes, stability, motivations and maturity.

Some "DO'S and DON'TS" concerning the interview…

1. Do plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early.  Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
2. If presented with an application, DO fill it out neatly, accurately and completely. DON'T relax and rely on your application or resume to do your selling for you.  Most interviewers will want you to speak for yourself.
3. DO greet the interviewer by surname, if you are sure of the pronunciation.  If not, ask the receptionist or the interviewer to repeat their name.  Give the appearance of energy as you walk.  Smile!  Shake hands firmly but friendly.  Be genuinely glad to meet the interviewer and prospects are excellent that you'll find an extremely interesting person.
4. DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting.  Sit upright and attentive in your chair; look alert and interested at all times.  Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Pay attention and SMILE!
5. Do not chew gum.
6. DO look a prospective employer in the eye while you talk.
7. Do follow the interviewer's leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background, skills and accomplishments in relation to the position.
8. DON'T answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no".  Explain whenever possible.  Tell those things about yourself which relate to the particular job opportunity.
9. DO make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.  Stress achievements.  For example:  sales records, processes developed, savings achieved, systems installed, etc.
10. DON'T lie.  Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as "directly to the point" as possible.
11. DON'T ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers.  Be prepared with a good and logical reason for leaving your present or last position.
12. DON'T "over answer" questions.  The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics.  Since this can be a "ticklish" situation, it is best to answer the questions honestly and simply, trying not to say any more than is necessary.
13. DON'T inquire about SALARY, VACATIONS, BONUSES, RETIREMENT, etc., on the initial interview.  If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you've earned but that you're "more interested in opportunity" than a specific salary.  Your Account Executive will guide you in this area.
14. DO always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing.  Never close the door on opportunity.  It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of jobs - rather than only one.  Remember, you are there to get an "offer".