FACE TO FACE / IN-PERSON INTERVIEW

Objective

The objective of the In-Person interview is to get the company to make you a job offer. The In-Person interview allows you to learn those things you need to know about the position, interviewer, and the company so that you can make an intelligent decision about the job.

Preparation

Research the company

• Use the internet to find any recent news stories about the company (growth, mergers, awards, etc)
• Know the company's products and services.

This will give you information that you can use to ask questions of the interviewer(s).

What to bring to the interview?

• 3-4 copies of the resume that was supplied to the company
• List of References. 3-5 people who can vouch for your work experience. These can be former or current supervisors, peers, subordinates, vendors, etc. You should provide name, title, contact information, and relationship to you. Consult with these references for their approval and to ensure that their remarks are positive.
• Pen and pad of paper. We recommend a bi-fold portfolio, where you can put the copies of your resume and reference information.
• Bring directions to the interview location as well as the interviewer's phone number in case you're running late.
• Bring along your recruiter's phone number to give immediate feedback after the interview.
• Leave any cell phones or pagers in your car.

The Interview

Arrival at the interview

• Arrive no earlier than fifteen minutes before the interview (but no later than five minutes prior to the interview).
• Allow adequate time for traffic, parking and a last minute appearance check. If possible, scout out the location the day before the interview to avoid last minute problems.
• If asked, complete an application. (In some instances the clients will send an application prior to the interview. If this is the case, have this filled out upon arrival.) Complete the application in full and leave no blanks. Do not write "see resume" as a response to any application question. Respond to "expected salary" questions as "open" and "current salary" questions truthfully. List references if requested, your recruiter's name should be your response to any "referred by" questions.

A typical sequence of events are:

• Interview with Human Resources (general questions. review of the company and their benefits.)
• Interview with the immediate supervisor and peers.
• Interview with the hiring authority (manager, etc.).

Shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.

Maintain a high energy level. Sit up with back straight. No coffee (to spill) and no smoking.

It is to your advantage if a subject of mutual interest arises, but do not fake knowledge. Be yourself. Poise, confidence, and self-respect are of great importance.

The interview should be a two-way conversation. Ask questions of the interviewers. This shows your interest in the company and the position, and enables you to gather the right information to make an intelligent decision afterwards. The questions you have prepared can be asked to the different people you see.

Remember that the objective of the interview is to obtain an offer. During the interview, you must gather enough information concerning the position to make a decision.

Attempt to get business cards from each person with whom you interview. This will help you afterwards when you send thank you notes.

Conclusion

If you are sincerely interested in the position and are satisfied with the answers given, you should ask the interviewer if he/she feels that you are qualified for the position. This gives you another chance to review points that may need clarification. Illustrate confidence in your abilities and convince the interviewer that you are capable of handling the position successfully.

Ask for the job.

Make a positive statement about the position. Emphasize that this is exactly the type of opportunity you've been looking for and would like to be offered the position. Ask when you should expect an answer.

Afterwards

After the interview has been completed, call your Recruiter and give them feedback. Share the following information with them:

• With whom did you speak? Names and titles.
• What was the content of the discussion?
• Did you discuss salary?
• Are you interested in pursuing this opportunity any further?
• What did they say about next steps?

Send a note/email to each person that you interviewed with thanking them for taking the time to speak with you. Reiterate your interest in the position and the company as well as your ability to do the job.


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