Interview Tips-from Jamie at TEKsystems

Jamie is a great client of mine.
She is an expert and wonderful person besides being a great recruiter!
I've asked if I can publish her words of advice and she said...yes!
Thanks Jamie!
Ev
A Heck of A Nice Guy


I thought you would like this..
You are asked "Tell me about yourself" your only response should be "Where would you like me to begin?" Reason: Maybe they want to know about you as a person, maybe they want to get to the nuts and bolts of your professional experience - this response gives you the direction to take.

Verbal Communication – Please speak slowly, clearly and concisely. This will be the only opportunity you have to win this job.

When the job/position is being described to you TAKE NOTES.
Reason: when the interviewer has finished you can respond point-by-point.
"That's great because as you can see from my resume I have..."
You are letting them know you have exactly what they are looking for. You might want to think about some projects that you've used the technologies they're looking for and be prepared to give examples of how you used each technology and/or skill.

Yes, and - No, but...
When/if you are asked if you have a particular skill set make sure to elaborate.
FOR EXAMPLE:
"Do you have business requirements modeling experience?"
"Yes, and since I've used it extensively for more than 4 years I feel it is one of my strongest skills"
"Do you have experience with business requirements modeling?" No, but I've used processes that are similar such as..." or "No, but other process have been used on my projects."

Achievements/Challenges:
Think of two professional achievements and two challenges that you've had and be prepared to talk about them - how you were able to achieve them and overcome the challenges. If you can, think of projects you've had that have used the same technologies the client company uses.
Caution: Be well-rounded not one-sided. Think of examples where you worked independently AND within a team. You don't want to portray that you work best independently or that you can't work independently. Same with teamwork.

Questions - have some prepared!! Here are some suggestions.

1. What will I be doing my first week/month?
The interviewer will be visualizing you at the desk doing the job.

2. Based upon what you know of me so far, how do you see me fitting in?
Again, the interviewer will be visualizing you in the chair and at the desk.

3. What are the goals of the team/department/company?
When you get the answer be prepared to answer (for example),
"Great! I believe my experience/background will be valuable in
helping you achieve those goals." or "Great! You will find that I'm the kind of person that will do what it takes and is valuable in reaching goals on time!"

4. Have I provided enough information for you so that you feel comfortable with me being able to perform this position?

General INTERVIEW PREP:
• 33% of bosses know within the first 90 seconds of an interview whether they will hire someone
• Having little to no knowledge of the company is the most common mistake made during interviews (see: How To Plan Ahead for the Interview)
• 67% of bosses say that failure to make eye contact is a common nonverbal mistake
• When meeting new people, 55% of the impact comes from the way the person dresses, acts and walks through the door
• 65% of bosses indicate that clothes could be a deciding factor between two almost-identical candidates (see: What To Wear To An Interview)
• The number one question most likely to be asked is: “Tell me about yourself”
• The number one most common mistake at a job interview is: failing to ask for the job

Jamie (Schroeder) GarancisProfessional Recruiter at TEKsystems