Interview Tips

Self Evaluation

How you perform at an interview is crucial. The following will enhance your performance and success. It is important that you conduct an in-depth self-evaluation. First, define your career objectives and structure a presentation that shows you in the best light. Remember, companies don’t just hire skills they also look for a culture fit as well.

Ask yourself these questions: Am I a team player, a loner, ambitious, a self-starter? Am I a good listener, a good communicator? Am I a leader, or a follower? What job would I enjoy and be really be good at? Now list your strengths, skills and attributes. Construct this list carefully so that in an interview, you will be composed and ready to describe the positive impact you can make to the company.

Interview Preparation

Research the company, visit its Website and prepare a list of relevant questions to show your interest in the company. Learn its products and who are its competitors?

You will be asked a variety of questions and you may be taken by surprise. Have your answers ready and be prepared for questions about yourself, questions on your current position and the job you’re applying for. Questions like: What do know about the position? What is your major weakness? What can you contribute? Why should we hire you? What do know about us? What are your career goals? Tell me about your boss. Being prepared will give you the confidence to perform well.

The Interview

There are basic rules for a successful interview. You must strive to present yourself in the best possible light. You must stand out from the other interviewees in a positive and effective manner.
Your objective is: to be invited back for a second interview.

Here are some important things to remember: Arrive early to be on time. Shake hands firmly and sit up straight. Dress conservatively, maintain eye contact and smile when appropriate. Ask your questions, focus on your achievements and show enthusiasm. Expand on your CV, bring extra copies and don’t talk money. Thank the interviewers and if you like what you see, ask for the job.

The Follow-up

You are in a competitive situation. There are those who sit and wait for the telephone to ring and those who make the call. It is the pro-active person with the best follow-up who will stand the best chance of getting the offer.

Send a thank you letter to the people you met, express your strong interest in the position and mention any specific points that came up in your conversation. Thank them for their time and tell them you look forward to meeting them again. You might even telephone them.

The Dangerous Counter Offer

Take a look at this situation: You have enjoyed your time with your current employer but now you’re ready for a change. You have accepted an excellent offer from another company and now you will have to meet your boss to hand in your resignation.

Suddenly you have caused a problem. Your boss is amazed that you don’t see how your goals and aspirations can be met by staying in your current job. Be careful, a counter offer is coming!

You are a little confused, somewhat anxious, maybe feeling a bit guilty and uncomfortable. This is natural so what are you going to do?

Know the Risks

Before you accept a counter offer be sure you understand what is involved: By handing in your notice you have given your boss a real problem. Not only is he embarrassed, but you have questioned his managerial abilities.

He and his boss will instinctively feel that you are blackmailing them into giving you a better deal. This is natural, so remember that any promises made by them now, are given under duress. You have become a marked person; your loyalty in their eyes no longer exists. You are a risk; you are resented and can no longer be trusted.

Over 90% of people who accept a counter offer, have left that company within six months!

Some Questions to Ask Yourself

Suddenly your boss now offers you a substantial salary increase – why is this? Might it be they’re buying time until they find your replacement? Doesn’t it make commercial sense to increase your salary if they’re going to fire you in six months anyway? They would still be better off than doing without you?

Or, could it be your next review coming early? Why are you suddenly so valuable? Will this new offer really change any of the concerns you had about the job anyway? Why did you start exploring the job market in the first place?

If you accept the counter offer, relationships will gradually change. Can you handle the resentment? Do you really want to lose the job you have already accepted?

Make These Commitments

To accept a counter offer will damage your career. Your current job will be in jeopardy! Try this alternative:

If your current job has problems, try to resolve them before exploring the job market. Your boss may be able to put things right. If you receive a new job offer, consider all aspects before you accept. If you do accept, make a commitment to resign and not accept a counter offer.

When you resign, do it decisively. Move to your new career on a positive note. By resigning in a professional manner, you will gain the respect of past and future employers. Don’t discuss your new job it will only cause aggravation. Resign on the basis that this is a new challenge and you need to move on. Thank him for his help and the experience you have gained. Tell him you want to leave on good terms and that you'd appreciate him respecting your decision.