Interview Guide

Best Practices we believe are worth reviewing before your next interview!

Preparation for the Interview

Preparation is the most essential step towards having a successful interview. The better prepared you are, the more confident you will be.

Prepare an outline of the 10 most important points you want to convey. Include relevant skill set and experience, industry knowledge, what might differentiate you from other candidates, etc. Your goal is to do a great job selling ourself appropriately throughout the day.

Dress professionally for the interview. The interviewers will have a copy of your resume, but bring a few extra copies.

BE SURE THAT YOU KNOW THE FOLLOWING:

  • Exact time and location of the interview.
  • Interviewer's correct title and pronunciation of his or her name.
  • Specific facts about the company history, products and services. Know current events of the company.
  • Facts about your present or former employer as you will be expected to know a lot about a company for which you have worked.
  • Details about your background and experiences presented on your resume.

Interview Techniques

Make sure you know and understand the job description. Be prepared to provide specific examples of experiences and skills that demonstrate the traits and experiences required of the job.

You will be assessed for your strengths and weaknesses. Specific personal characteristics will be evaluated, such as aptitude, stability, motivation, attitude and maturity.

Prepare some questions to ask the interviewers. Focus on career development, projects, culture etc. Stay away from questions on benefits and salary. Ask pertinent questions such as:

  • What are your expectations of the person in this role within the first six months?
  • How does this firm differentiate its culture from its competitors?

Some Interview Do's and Dont’s

DO:

  • Arrive a few minutes early.
  • Greet the interviewer by his or her title and surname.
  • Shake hands firmly.
  • Be as charismatic as possible; it is important that you demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
  • Be a good listener as well as a good talker.
  • Smile and show your personality while remaining highly professional
  • Maintain good eye contact throughout
  • Follow the interviewer's lead but try to obtain a full description of the position early so that you can relay your appropriate skills.
  • Make sure that your strengths get across to the interviewer in a concise, factual and sincere manner.
  • Turn off your cell phone.
  • Be prepared to specify your required salary or range if asked.

DON’T:

  • Drone on. Answers should be concise and to the point.
  • Answer questions with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Explain yourself whenever possible.
  • Lie. Answer questions truthfully.
  • Make negative remarks about your present or former employers.
  • Inquire about salary, holidays, bonuses etc. at the initial interview.

Be Prepared to Answer Questions Such As

  • Why did you choose a career in Finance, Health Product Development?
  • What kind of job are you seeking?
  • What is your technical experience?
  • Why would you like to work for our company?
  • What do you want to be doing in your career five years from now?
  • When was your last salary review?
  • What interests you about our product/service?
  • What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?
  • Which job did you enjoy the most and why?
  • What have you done that shows initiative in your career?
  • What are your major strengths and what are your weaknesses?
  • What does 'teamwork' mean to you?
  • What is your management style?

Closing the Interview

Reinforce your interest level in the opportunity and the company.

Thank the interviewer for the time spent with you. Shake hands firmly.

After the Interview

Send “thank you’ notes/emails to people you met. It’s always a good idea to check with your recruiter first!