7 Steps to a Winning Interview

Interviewing is like dating. You must show an interest in the company, its people, and the problem that will be solved by hiring you. You should dress professionally, be well groomed, smile, and treat everyone with the same respect, as would the president of the company. It is a “golden rule” thing, “Do unto others…” you know, and it feels good. NEVER, say anything negative about a previous boss, company or situation. Be prepared to respond to the age-old, “So, tell me about yourself…” Keep your response short. They are not after your life’s story, just who are your professionally.

Develop a Relationship, Listen, Be Interesting and Ask Questions

  1. About the Company
    • “Please tell me about your company”
    • “How and where did it start?”
    • “Is the company traded publicly or is it privately held?”
  2. About the People
    • “How long have you been with (use the company name)”
    • “Where did you start?”
    • “What do you like most about (use the company Name)?”
    • “Do you have a hobby?”
    • “Where are you from originally?”
    • “Where did you go to school?”
  3. About the Job
    • “What are the duties & responsibilities of this position?”
    • “If I do a good job for you in this position, where could I go from here?” This shows that you are interested in a career and that you intend to be a real contributor.
    • Take a tablet and write down the answers. This says, “I respect what you have to say.”
  4. Be a Problem Solver
    • “This is what I can bring to the table …” Provide qualitative & quantitative results of your latest project, assignment or problem to solve.
    • Match your skills and experience with the problem your interviewer is trying to solve.
  5. Avoid Discussions of Money or Benefits
    • When you are asked, “how much will it take to bring you on board?” Try this response, “I am sure that you will be fair with my compensation and benefits.”
    • Do not give up the relationship building process by sticking to this step. Have an answer.
  6. Ask for the Job
    • “Do you feel that I have the qualifications to do a good job for you in this position?” Stop, look & listen for the whole answer. Are the words and body language a match?
    • If the answer is yes or even maybe, say with gusto, “GREAT! I am very interested in this position and working for you and (use the name of the company). What is our next step?”
    • Identify the next step and say, “I am available on the 1st. Or is the 15th better for you?” As much as possible, use the “alternate choice approach” form of questioning. IE: “Is this better than that for you?” This works well when you are selling yourself & going for the close.
  7. Call your recruiter, Ray Haley at (719) 598-9600 with the answer to “What is our next step?”