Questions To Ask After an Interview

Asking a potential employer questions after your interview is often overlooked, but you should never leave an interview without asking at least a few good questions.  It’s always best to prepare ahead of time, so you  know which questions you will ask before you go into the interview. 

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

·         If I were hired, what would be some of my tasks and responsibilities?

·         If you were to extend me a job offer, when would you like me to start?

·         What are the most valuable personality traits the successful candidate would need to do this job well?

·         What are the biggest challenges of the position?

·         How would you describe the culture of your workplace environment?

Questions to avoid:

·         Closed-ended questions that can be answered with  “yes” or “no” – leave it open for a longer discussion and follow-up questions.

·         Questions about salary and benefits – wait until you get the job offer to discuss these.

·         Personal questions – never ask about the interviewer’s personal life unless they initiate a personal conversation.

What You Wish You’d Known Before Your Job Interview: Infographic

 

To view the original infographic, visit http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/90-seconds-interview-hire-you.jpg.

For more infographics from The Undercover Recruiter: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/category/infographic/

Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all heard horror stories of interviews that have gone very wrong.  Here are some common mistakes you should keep in mind (and try to avoid!) during an interview:

Bad Timing

Arriving late to an interview is a definite faux pas, but arriving too early can also be a deal breaker too. Always plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time, but not much more than that. And remember, planning out your route before you leave the house will help you avoid showing up late to an interview.

Unprofessional Appearance

As mentioned before, always wear clean, freshly pressed business-appropriate clothes to a job interview. If you’re a smoker, avoid smoking directly before the interview, in case the potential employer is sensitive to the smell of smoke. It’s also a good idea to forgo perfume or cologne, in case the company has a scent-free policy or the interviewer is allergic. Finally, make sure your shoes aren’t giving the wrong impression.  Wear clean, professional dress shoes that complement your outfit without distracting from it.

Using Cell Phones

You won’t need your cell phone immediately before or after your interview, so it’s best just to turn it off completely while you’re there.  A cell phone ringing or vibrating is distracting to both you and the person you’re meeting with, and looks unprofessional. In some cases, the employer may even feel disrespected.

Badmouthing Former Employers

Speaking poorly of a previous employer tells an interviewer that you will probably do the same to your next one – which could be them.  Avoid telling stories that aren’t relevant to the workplace. Don’t give in to gossip or negativity during your interview – or ever. If asked what you didn’t like about your previous job, answer honestly but professionally. Keep your answer simple and to the point, without turning to gossip or drama.

Interview To-Do List

One week before the interview:

ü  List your strengths, weaknesses and why you want the job on a piece of paper

ü  Research common interview questions

ü  Research the company and take notes

ü  Get directions to your interview destination

ü  Practice the interview and your answers to the tough questions

ü  Buy interview-appropriate clothes if you don’t already have some

ü  Inform your references that you have an interview and they may be contacted

 

Two days before:

ü  Plan your route to the interview, and how long it will take to get there. Will you be driving? Walking? Taking public transit?  

ü  Make sure you have a good understanding of the company based on your research

ü  Prepare the materials you need to take with you to your interview

The night before:

ü  Have your clothes clean, pressed and laid out

ü  Check the weather and adjust your route accordingly

ü  Get a good night’s sleep

The day of:

ü  Make sure to eat a good meal before your interview

ü  Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your interview time 

ü  Leave your phone or any electronics in the car or turned off in your pocket/bag

What to Wear to an Interview

How you dress for an interview can directly affect whether or not you get the job.  Generally, you want to keep your clothing clean, ironed , work-appropriate and conservative.  Neutral wrinkle and stain free clothes are always a necessity for a job interview.  Typically, suits are a go-to for guys, and a business-professional blouse and skirt (no shorter than the knee) or dress pants are perfect for the ladies.  If you are ever unsure about wearing a suit to an interview, do your research or consult with a professor who has worked in the industry for some tips. 

Some simple rules to remember:

·         Keep colours neutral, avoid loud, busy patterns and bright colour.

·         Make sure the clothes are clean and freshly ironed.

·         Make sure sleeves, pants and/or skirts are the appropriate length.

·         Wear minimal jewellery and natural-looking make-up.

·         Always make sure you shoes are shined, clean and in good condition.  

·         Avoid wearing heavy scents (i.e. soaps, colognes, perfumes).

·         Make sure you appear clean-shaven and well-kept.

For more specific information on interview attire, here are a few great sites:

10 Interview Clothing Faux Pas – check out what not to wear to an interview here.

Female Cosmetic Guide – a great guide for hair, nails, make up and jewellery.

Tattoos and Piercings – Some helpful tips for tattoos, piercings and hair colour for job interviews.

Interview Research

Check out this basic checklist of things you should know before going into an interview.  Not only does researching the company beforehand help you be better prepared to answer the interviewer’s questions,  it also shows that you have an enthusiasm for the job and took the time and initiative to research the business.  There are many online resources you can use to research a company. It’s a good idea to start with the company’s website, but don’t forget to also look up news items and current events involving the company. 

Before you go for your interview, you should know:

·       How the company makes money – what is it that the company does exactly, and who do they serve? 

·       How does your experience relate to the skills needed by professionals in this industry?

·       What does the company value?  Are they a community driven organization?  Perhaps they value innovation and technology, or are environmentally conscious.

·       What role does the department you are interviewing for a position in play? What services do they provide?

·       What are the company’s goals, strategies or current projects? Brainstorm a few ways you could contribute to these areas.

To learn more about prepping for an interview, visit this website.