"Executive Networking
in the Food Industry"
INTERVIEW TIPS
This page was created to help the job applicant become more prepared for the interview process. It was NOT designed to help the applicant 'fool' a hiring authority but rather help him eliminate the 'should of…could of…would of…' from the process. The valued employee, who has stayed with a company for several years, is usually a little 'rusty' in remembering the steps of the interview. On the other hand, the 'job hopper' usually does very well in the hiring process and needs very little prep help.
Whether you are meeting the employer for the first time over the phone, or are on your final face-to-face interview, it is important to present yourself honestly and professionally at all points during the interview process. The two main goals of any interview are to:
* Convince the employer that you can make a positive contribution to their organization; and
* Convince the employer that you will be a compatible member of their team.
If not prepared, an interview can be a very stressful situation. You want to be yourself while showing how your capabilities meet the needs of the employer. These proven interviewing practices can help the interview go smoothly.
FOR PHONE AND FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWS
PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW
Thorough preparation is vital to any interview. Surveys show that managers often decide whether to hire or not hire within the first five minutes of the interview. This gives you only 300 seconds to make a favorable impression. Sound preparation is key to making that first impression a great one.
Research the Employer. Learn as much as you can about the company, its products, its finances and its operations. Company research can help you come up with questions for your interviewer. The questions you ask based on this knowledge will demonstrate your interest in the company’s business and that you are taking this opportunity seriously.
Practice Answering Questions. Anticipate the questions you may be asked and practice your responses. Practice makes perfect. In order to avoid rambling, be sure to have clear, concise answers prepared to some of the common questions used by interviewers.
In addition, behavior-based interviewing is becoming more common. Based on the premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future performance, be prepared to answer questions that explain specific examples of your work experience, including definable actions and results. Determine your chief skills and strengths and be prepared to recall specific instances where you have successfully used those skills. Click here for some examples of these types of questions.
Prepare Questions to Ask. Interviews should be a two-way conversation. You must ask questions and take an active role in the interview. This demonstrates the importance you place on your work and career. Asking questions gives you a chance to demonstrate your depth of knowledge in the field as well as to establish an easy flow of conversation and relaxed atmosphere between you and the interviewer.
We recommend you have five (5) quality employer- or industry-related questions written down that you can take with you to the interview. You want to discover the real needs of the interviewer. Some of your questions should evolve from the company research you’ve done in preparing for the interview. The questions should be positive and kind in nature, ones where you may be interpreted as a person who is able and willing to help. You do not want to appear as though you are cross-examining the interviewer. Also, be sure to ask open-ended questions which encourage your interviewer to give more than a “yes / no” answer.
Click here for some examples of critical questions you may want to ask. Do NOT ask about money, benefits, paid holidays, etc. Questions about what the company will do for you can be misinterpreted. This is not the time to ask these types of questions. The proper time will come after the face-to-face interview.
Items to Have With You. You should have the following items ready at your interview location:
* A file containing the information from your employer research.
* A fresh copy of your resume, which will allow you to easily answer questions about your past experiences.
* A notepad and pens/pencils to take only brief notes that will help you remember your conversation.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Answering Questions. To make the best use of your time, follow the interviewer’s lead, but don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer to detail the position so you can relate your background and skills to their needs. Make sure you convey your “success” points in a factual, sincere manner, reinforcing how important you would be to the organization. When answering questions, make your point quickly, using only enough detail to solidify your competence.
It is your responsibility to present yourself accurately and positively through both your answers to the interviewer’s questions and the questions you ask the interviewer. Specific points to keep in mind are:
Whether you are meeting the employer for the first time over the phone, or are on your final face-to-face interview, it is important to present yourself honestly and professionally at all points during the interview process. The two main goals of any interview are to:
* Convince the employer that you can make a positive contribution to their organization; and
* Convince the employer that you will be a compatible member of their team.
If not prepared, an interview can be a very stressful situation. You want to be yourself while showing how your capabilities meet the needs of the employer. These proven interviewing practices can help the interview go smoothly.
FOR PHONE AND FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWS
PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW
Thorough preparation is vital to any interview. Surveys show that managers often decide whether to hire or not hire within the first five minutes of the interview. This gives you only 300 seconds to make a favorable impression. Sound preparation is key to making that first impression a great one.
Research the Employer. Learn as much as you can about the company, its products, its finances and its operations. Company research can help you come up with questions for your interviewer. The questions you ask based on this knowledge will demonstrate your interest in the company’s business and that you are taking this opportunity seriously.
Practice Answering Questions. Anticipate the questions you may be asked and practice your responses. Practice makes perfect. In order to avoid rambling, be sure to have clear, concise answers prepared to some of the common questions used by interviewers.
In addition, behavior-based interviewing is becoming more common. Based on the premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future performance, be prepared to answer questions that explain specific examples of your work experience, including definable actions and results. Determine your chief skills and strengths and be prepared to recall specific instances where you have successfully used those skills. Click here for some examples of these types of questions.
Prepare Questions to Ask. Interviews should be a two-way conversation. You must ask questions and take an active role in the interview. This demonstrates the importance you place on your work and career. Asking questions gives you a chance to demonstrate your depth of knowledge in the field as well as to establish an easy flow of conversation and relaxed atmosphere between you and the interviewer.
We recommend you have five (5) quality employer- or industry-related questions written down that you can take with you to the interview. You want to discover the real needs of the interviewer. Some of your questions should evolve from the company research you’ve done in preparing for the interview. The questions should be positive and kind in nature, ones where you may be interpreted as a person who is able and willing to help. You do not want to appear as though you are cross-examining the interviewer. Also, be sure to ask open-ended questions which encourage your interviewer to give more than a “yes / no” answer.
Click here for some examples of critical questions you may want to ask. Do NOT ask about money, benefits, paid holidays, etc. Questions about what the company will do for you can be misinterpreted. This is not the time to ask these types of questions. The proper time will come after the face-to-face interview.
Items to Have With You. You should have the following items ready at your interview location:
* A file containing the information from your employer research.
* A fresh copy of your resume, which will allow you to easily answer questions about your past experiences.
* A notepad and pens/pencils to take only brief notes that will help you remember your conversation.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Answering Questions. To make the best use of your time, follow the interviewer’s lead, but don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer to detail the position so you can relate your background and skills to their needs. Make sure you convey your “success” points in a factual, sincere manner, reinforcing how important you would be to the organization. When answering questions, make your point quickly, using only enough detail to solidify your competence.
It is your responsibility to present yourself accurately and positively through both your answers to the interviewer’s questions and the questions you ask the interviewer. Specific points to keep in mind are:
Be factual in your answers. Never lie, mislead, fudge or say anything that you cannot absolutely support.
Try to avoid giving only yes/no answers. Only answer the question, but expand your answers in order to give the interviewer relevant details regarding your competency, strengths and abilities. Include in your answers names of individuals with whom you worked who could verify your performance -- names that the interviewer could call and check.
Answer questions thoroughly but precisely. Preparing your answers before the interview will help you avoid the mistake of rambling and saying too much.
Always try to respond with a positive answer. Avoid negative remarks about past jobs. There may be unfavorable factors in your background. Do not make excuses or be evasive for them; simply try to put them in a positive light. Remember, honesty is the best policy.
Listen for and use "buzz" words. Every company has them. Incorporate these buzz words in your answers.
Closing the Interview. At the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions. Most of your questions should have been asked throughout the two-way dialog of the interview. You may still have some unanswered questions, and your recruiter can follow up on these.
Your goal during the close of the interview is to discover any objections the interviewer may have. The questions you want to be sure to ask are:
* What concerns do you have about me for this position?
* How do I compare with the other candidates?
Depending on the interviewer’s answers to these questions, you will have an opportunity to address and alleviate the concerns and highlight why you are the better candidate over your competition.
Never close the door on an opportunity. Always conduct yourself as if you were determined to get the position you are discussing. Make sure that the employer realizes that you are interested in the position. Do not play it “cool”. If you are interested in the position, state directly that you can do the job and give the reason(s) why you can do the job. As the interview is coming to a close, confirm that the employer knows why you are interested in their company and what you can offer them.
Before you end your conversation, try to set a specific date when you can further discuss this opportunity with the employer. You always want to be a catalyst in keeping the interview process moving forward.
Finally, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and considering you for the position. Let them know you enjoyed learning more about the company and the opportunity. Tell them it looks like a great opportunity, and that you look forward to hearing from them. Always leave a positive impression even if you may not want this particular job; you may have some future contact with the employer and/or the company.
Your goal during the close of the interview is to discover any objections the interviewer may have. The questions you want to be sure to ask are:
* What concerns do you have about me for this position?
* How do I compare with the other candidates?
Depending on the interviewer’s answers to these questions, you will have an opportunity to address and alleviate the concerns and highlight why you are the better candidate over your competition.
Never close the door on an opportunity. Always conduct yourself as if you were determined to get the position you are discussing. Make sure that the employer realizes that you are interested in the position. Do not play it “cool”. If you are interested in the position, state directly that you can do the job and give the reason(s) why you can do the job. As the interview is coming to a close, confirm that the employer knows why you are interested in their company and what you can offer them.
Before you end your conversation, try to set a specific date when you can further discuss this opportunity with the employer. You always want to be a catalyst in keeping the interview process moving forward.
Finally, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and considering you for the position. Let them know you enjoyed learning more about the company and the opportunity. Tell them it looks like a great opportunity, and that you look forward to hearing from them. Always leave a positive impression even if you may not want this particular job; you may have some future contact with the employer and/or the company.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
The interview process does not end once you hang up the phone or leave the building. The following items will help solidify a successful conversation and open the door to the next step in the interview process.
Immediately After the Interview. Call your Executive Network Inc. recruiter with your feedback on the conversation. Refer to notes you took during the interview to give him/her your impression of the company and the position so that he/she has this information before the interviewer calls. Include any concerns or unanswered questions you may have about the opportunity so your recruiter can follow up on them for you.
The Day After the Interview. Be sure to send a thank you note to the interviewer. This is a good way to keep your name at the forefront of the interviewer's mind. The note should express you sincere thanks for the interviewer’s time and consideration of you. You may also include a brief summary of what you can offer the company and reiterate your genuine interest in their company.
The interview process does not end once you hang up the phone or leave the building. The following items will help solidify a successful conversation and open the door to the next step in the interview process.
Immediately After the Interview. Call your Executive Network Inc. recruiter with your feedback on the conversation. Refer to notes you took during the interview to give him/her your impression of the company and the position so that he/she has this information before the interviewer calls. Include any concerns or unanswered questions you may have about the opportunity so your recruiter can follow up on them for you.
The Day After the Interview. Be sure to send a thank you note to the interviewer. This is a good way to keep your name at the forefront of the interviewer's mind. The note should express you sincere thanks for the interviewer’s time and consideration of you. You may also include a brief summary of what you can offer the company and reiterate your genuine interest in their company.
After you have spent an adequate amount of time to absorb the above information, you are ready to move onto:
GOOD LUCK!
“Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity.”
is a nationwide, full-service Executive Recruiting Search Firm who specializes exclusively in management solutions for all disciplines in the Food manufacturing industry.
“Executive Networking In The Food Industry.”
