Being prepared for an interview is vital; the following preparation is very unique and effective in conducting a positive interview!

 

Things to remember:

• People have to buy you before they buy from you.
• People hire and accept emotionally first and justify logically later.
• People are most sold by your conviction rather than by your persuasion.
• Know your technology.
• The decision to hire is made in the first 5 to 10 minutes of the interview, with the remaining time spent justifying that decision.

 

Candidate Preparation:

Please take these notes to the interview and practice the anticipated questions that may be asked and your answers to those questions. Be sure to practice these steps out loud to yourself before the interview.

• What are the duties and responsibilities of the position I’m applying for? This is an excellent icebreaker question for the hiring authority and a great start to a successful interview. What percentage of my job is dedicated to administration, supervisory, and technical? (This should equal 100%.)
• What is my number one priority that has to be done before I leave each day? Why? (Priorities are personal.)
• What are the production or sales goals? What obstacles would prevent me from reaching my goals?
• What are the short and long-term goals set for the person in this position?
• Have questions for the hiring authority. Questions must be written out before the interview, while avoiding the topic of compensation and benefits for the first interview.
• Salary – this is a trap question. MJM will be glad to negotiate for you! You’d be advised to inform the interviewer that you’d prefer MJM handle that part of the negotiation process, but if pushed, a good response would be “I am currently making $_____, and although I would like a salary increase, I honestly don’t know enough yet about this opportunity to answer you candidly at this point.” Be very careful that you don’t short yourself, and keep in mind the collective base salary, bonus program, stock options, gain sharing programs, performance bonuses, benefits, AND any geographic cost-of-living adjustments!
• Ask for the job! “I haven’t interviewed in a while, what is the next step? Can we conclude our business today if all goes well?” OR, summarize what you’ve done that ties in with the new position and ask, “Do I have the qualifications you’re looking for?” Then remain silent for an answer. If the hiring authority says, “I’m looking at other people,” you say, “How do my qualifications match the people you’re considering.”

 

Your #1 priority is to receive an offer if this is a position that you desire. Your #2 priority is to know the next step. After you leave the interview, it is very important that you call us immediately to give us your feedback so we are able to continue the process in your behalf with the hiring manager.

ALWAYS SEND A FOLLOW-UP LETTER!