bEfoRe, duRiNg & aFteR

bEfoRe, duRiNg & aFteR INTERVIEW




bEfoRe INTERVIEW

* Make sure there is no confusion about where you are supposed to go for the interview. If necessary, get a map or make a practice run to the place so you know how long it will take to get there.

* Research the company. You should know exactly what they do before you go in.

* Make a list of common job interview questions and figure out how you can best answer each one.

* Make a list of questions to ask the company. You can ask about the company itself, the company's customers, the position, and the people you will be working with.

* Practice your job interview with a friend or family member. Ask them to critique your answers afterwards.

* Record your practice interview sessions with a video camera so you can critique yourself later on. Pay special attention to your posture and body language.

* Determine your availability. The interviewer may ask you when you can start the job.

* Determine your bottom line. Will you accept the job if the pay is low? What about benefits? Interviewers often ask how much you expect to make.

* Be prepared to be tested during or after the job interview. Nowadays, many companies do drug testing. It's probably a good idea to clean out your system if you can't pass naturally.

* Wear something that fits you well, looks nice on you and is job interview appropriate. No short skirts, t-shirts, flip-flops or other casual clothing. Unless you wear a tux or an evening gown, you can't be overdressed.

* Use the restroom before you go. There's no telling how long the interview may last.

* Don't douse yourself in perfume or cologne. Some people have sensitive noses. A shower and deodorant is sufficient.

* Don't wear fur or jewelry that might be offensive to someone else.

* Don't smoke in the car on the way or on the interview premises. Again, some people have sensitive noses.

* Make sure your breath is fresh. Dragon breath never makes a good impression.

* Spit your gum out before you go into the building. It is harder to talk and smile with gum in your mouth.

* Show up at least 10 minutes early--15 minutes is even better.





duRiNg INTERVIEW

* Greet every single person in the room with eye contact and a handshake. Be sure to treat everyone from the receptionist to the CEO equally.

* Shake hands firmly, but not too firmly. You're a job interviewee, not a father meeting his daughter's boyfriend.

* Control your voice when you speak. Talking too loud is obnoxious. Mumbling is annoying.

* Don't use slang when you greet people. 'Hey, how ya doin'?' is not a proper greeting in a formal setting.

* Don't be a space invader. Try to stay 36 inches away from everyone at all times. People have boundaries and nobody likes their space invaded.

* Be conscious of your posture when sitting or standing. Try not to slouch or look too stiff.

* Don't sit down anywhere until you are asked to. When you do sit, don't fidget. It makes you look nervous.

* Keep hand talking to a minimum. It is okay to make gestures while speaking, but it is not okay to look like a mime while doing it--unless you are interviewing for a job as a mime. Then it's acceptable.

* If you are given water or something else to drink, sip it. Gulping and chugging a beverage is unattractive.

* Smile and nod your head on occasion when being spoken to so you don't look like a mannequin.

* Try to look interested when people speak--no matter how boring they are.

* Keep answers short and to the point. Nobody wants to listen to you babble.

* When you do answer a question, don't start out with words like 'uh' or 'um.'

* Do your best to sound confident when you speak.

* Remember to maintain eye contact throughout the job interview. Looking away while someone is talking will make you seem disinterested, shy or shifty.

* If you are being interviewed by multiple people, try to look at them all while talking. Nobody should feel left out of the conversation.

* Ask questions! You're at an interview, not an interrogation. Employers will expect you to have at least one question about the job, the company or the people you will be working with.

* Don't look at the clock or your watch at any point during the interview. It makes you look like you'd rather be somewhere else.

* If you are left alone in a room, don't do anything you wouldn't do in front of a group of people. You might be on camera.

* This should go without saying, but we'll say it anyway: Don't flirt with anyone you meet on the day of your job interview. You have no idea who you are hitting on or how it might impact your chances of getting the job.





aFteR INTERVIEW

* When the job interview has ended, you should shake hands with everyone once again and thank them for their time.

* If you are still interested in the job at this point, now is the time to say it. Tell the employer you want to work with the company and hope you will be considered for the position.

* If you are absolutely sure you are NOT interested in the job after the interview, you might want to mention that too. Whatever your problem is with the position, the company may be willing to resolve the issue.

* Ask your interviewer when a decision will be made and whether or not you can follow-up at a later date. This way you won't be sitting by the phone or making a pest out of yourself for no reason.

* Send a thank you note to your interviewer(s) immediately after leaving the interview. This can be done via snail mail or email. The thank you note should be short and to the point.

* Send a thank you note to the receptionist or anyone else who was helpful but not directly involved in your job interview.

* Go home and write down everything you can about the interview. Take special care to note what went well and what didn't. If you don't get the job, this information could prove very helpful later on.

* Don't be afraid to follow-up. If the interviewer said you would hear something in a week and you don't, there is nothing wrong with initiating the contact yourself. Just remember to be polite when you call--no guilt trips.

Do & DoN'T

Do & DoNT

What To Do....

* Do express yourself clearly with a strong voice and good diction and grammar.

* Do pay close attention to your personal appearance; dress to your advantage.

* Do make concrete goals in planning for your career.

* Do offer a firm handshake.

* Do look the interviewer in the eye (but don't stare him or her down).

* Do fill out applications neatly and completely.

* Do have as much knowledge about the industry, employer, and position as
possible.
* Do take criticism gracefully.

* Do equip yourself with a strong knowledge of the company.

* Do have prepared questions about the employer and position.

* Do display a sense of humor.

* Do display self-confidence.

* Do bring a pen and small notebook with you to the interview.

* Do remember the interviewer's name and use it during the interview.

* Do take time to think before answering difficult or unexpected questions.

* Do take an extra copy of your resume and a list of references with you to the
interview.

* Do follow-up with a thank-you note restating your interest in the position.

* Do contact the employer by phone if the interviewer does not contact you one
week after the time from which he or she indicated you would be notified.








What Not To Do....

* Don't be overbearing, overaggressive or conceited.

* Don't show a lack of interest or enthusiasm.

* Don't emphasize money as your main interest in the job.

* Don't expect too much too soon - be open to the idea of starting at the bottom
and working your way up.
* Don't make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record.

* Don't condemn past employers or institutions of education; keep comments
positive.
* Don't display a marked dislike for schoolwork.

* Don't be indecisive.

* Don't display intolerance or prejudice.

* Don't interview unless you are interested in the job...don't just "shop
around."

* Don't be late to the interview.

* Don't state specific geographic restrictions.

* Don't contradict yourself in responses.

* Don't take notes during the interview - jot down your notes immediately after
the interview.

* Don't forget: YOU control the content of the interview.

* Don't glorify your past experiences - getting into a job for which you are
under qualified is not recommended.

* Don't assume that all employers will be delighted to hear of your plans for
graduate school.

* Don't smoke, chew gum, etc. even if offered or if the interviewer does so.

Standard Questions & Answers during Interview

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What did you most enjoy about your last job?
3. How would your colleagues or supervisor describe you?
4. What can you offer us that other people cannot?
5. What about this job attracts you? What is unattractive?
6. How long do you see yourself with us?
7. How would you describe an ideal working environment?

Standard interview questions might not seem difficult, but your answer to each should be polished and sharp. Craft responses and practice them before your interview so that they roll off your tongue when you face the interviewer. Effective responses answer questions honestly, positively, and briefly, highlighting important qualities and accomplishments that are relevant to the position at hand. Give examples to illustrate and corroborate your statements when possible. Your responses should work together, making connections between what you have previously done, the available position, and your goals.



Tell me about yourself.
Ineffective: I am a hard-worker who is good with numbers. After I worked as a financial analyst for a few years, I decided to go to law school. I just finished and now am looking for a new challenge.

Effective: I began developing skills relevant to financial planning when I worked as a financial analyst for three years. In that role, I succeeded in multiplying the wealth of my clients by carefully analyzing the market for trends. The return on the portfolios I managed was generally 2% more than most of the portfolios managed by my company. My initiative, planning, and analytic skills were rewarded by two promotions. As the manager of a team, I successfully led them to develop a more efficient and profitable strategy for dealing with new accounts. My subsequent training in the law, including tax law and estate law, gives me an informed view of what types of investments and charitable gifts would be most advantageous for your clients.


What did you most enjoy about your last job?
Ineffective: I liked lots of things-the people, the challenge, the rewards. Sometimes we had to work long hours, but it always seemed to pay off.

Effective: Of the many things that I enjoyed, I would say that the strategic aspects of my job most energized me. I liked setting concrete performance goals for myself and finding ways to meet them. I similarly enjoyed analyzing markets for trends and identifying when would be the most beneficial time to enter or withdraw from certain funds. When I was a manager, my team and I developed a new approach to accounts that became a standard for the company. Strategizing gave my work a sense of tangible direction and accomplishment.


How would your colleagues or supervisor describe you?
Ineffective: I guess they would say that I am a hard worker who is successful.

Effective: My supervisor and colleagues have described me as a dependable worker. My supervisor has appreciated that I prioritize tasks and manage my responsibilities so that she can rely on me. My bosses tell me I have a sixth sense for markets and I learn new information and procedures quickly. These skills account for my two promotions in three years. My boss was also impressed by how I was able to lead my team.


What can you offer us that other people cannot?
Ineffective: I have a unique combination of skills. I also really want the job.

Effective: I have a track-record of multiplying wealth through investments and developing strategies with teams. Since I have a JD, I also know what legal parameters and loopholes affect families and individuals planning their finances. My CFA training not only shows that I will succeed in the CFP courses, but also gives me a broader view of why financial plans work as they do. Since I am organized and self-motivated, I will add value to the company without requiring much tending and supervision.


What about this job attracts you? What is unattractive?
Ineffective: I like that it is in the field I am targeting. I don't like the commute that it will require.

Effective: As I evaluate my skills and goals, this job maximizes on both. I will be able to merge my knowledge of law and markets while strategizing for the sound financial future of clients. Since this is a small company, I imagine that there will be opportunity for increased responsibilities and challenges. I share the values of the company. I am not eager to do much data processing, but the position is very attractive.


How long do you see yourself with us?
Ineffective: I don't want to make any hasty commitments, and I like to keep my options open. Maybe I will be here for one year, maybe for five. It depends.

Effective: I see myself here as long as we both think that I am contributing to the vitality of the company while still being grown through challenges.


How would you describe an ideal working environment?
Ineffective: A laptop and cell phone on a beach sound ideal to me. Short of that, I would like an environment in which I am able to work as I please, without much supervision.

Effective: It is important to me that my company has clear objectives and strives for success. Similarly, I like having colleagues whom I admire for their skills and perspectives. When communication is clear between colleagues, our energy becomes synergy. In addition, I find that I flourish when given discretion after having gained the trust of my supervisor.