The Interview!

In an interview, remember that you have just as much power as the interviewer. You are also interviewing them! You should focus on how you and the potential employer can benefit one another.

Research the company, the industry trends, and be able to speak authoritatively. Be able to talk in the prospective employer’s language.

Know that you might be screened and interviewed without realizing it… such as by phone or at job fairs. Employers often use phone interviews as a productive way to weed out candidates. Think about the questions they might ask, and practice how you would answer them.

Prior to the interview, use relaxation techniques... the more relaxed you are, the more confident you will appear.

Bring extra copies of your résumé, references, letters of recommendations, and school transcripts to the interview. Dress professionally, and be aware of your body language. You want to appear alert, energetic, and focused.

Arrive for the interview early. You want to make a great first impression.

Be professional and courteous to everyone you come into contact with… you never know whose opinions really count.

Show your confidence. Show that you work well with others, but also have the assertiveness of a self-starter. Past performance is the best indicator of your future performance. Be able to show your skills and achievements with measurable statistics, and explain how you arrived at them. Confirm that you are both a personable and productive individual by letting them know what you can do for their company.

Show how organized you are by your manner and coordination in handling papers in the interview.

The prospective employer will look at how you communicate and reason. The interviewer may ask you a “brainteaser” question… remember, it is not the answer that they are looking for as much as how you arrived at it. They are looking at how you reason under pressure. Stay calm, collect your thoughts, and respond as clearly as you can. Strong verbal skills are signs of educated and competent individuals.

Be prepared to ask several questions. This indicates that you are intelligent and have serious interest in the position. Training is very valuable within a company. Always ask about the training programs that they may offer. This will facilitate your transition into a new position. Ask about the rate of promotion. The average rate is 18 months to two years. Performance reviews, generally taking place once per year, may include a raise. Inquire whether or not the company pays compensation such as bonuses, stock options, paid holidays, etc.

Pay close attention to the work environment. Listen to the conversations around you… look at the work attire.

Pay close attention to the rate of turnover. If the company has a high turnover, then that is an indication that something is wrong, such as work environment, layoffs, management, or pay.

First and last impressions are crucial. Never forget to show your enthusiasm for the job, while remaining professional, and make sure you are remembered when you leave.

Benefits to take into Consideration

• 401k
• Absent/Sick Days
• Bereavement Leave
• Bonuses
• Childcare Reimbursement
• Commissions
• Company Car
• Credit Unions
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Direct Deposit
• Education and Scholarships
• Fitness Center Membership
• Health Insurance
• Job Sharing
• Jury Duty Leave
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Maternity/Family Leave
• Military Leave
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Pension Plans
• Profit Sharing Plans
• Relocation Expenses
• Stock Options
• Telecommuting

Negotiate your Salary!

In general, salary negotiating is something that managers will be more proficient in than the people they hire. Following are some tips on how to best negotiate your salary:

Do not discuss salary until you have been offered the position. Let the prospective employer bring up salary first.

Know that most employers have a budget, and they will start at the
bottom, in order to have some negotiating room.

Know the fair market value for your position.

Bring your past experience to the negotiating table. Evaluate and
discuss your skills, abilities, talents, and knowledge. Justify your value to their company.

If your previous salary was high, let the employer know the figure.

Do not mention your monetary needs.

Find out how badly the employer needs to fill the position.

Know your bottom line.

Once an offer has been made, remain silent. This will imply that you are considering the offer to be too low. The employer may then raise the offer.

Let the employer know that you are very interested in the position,
but you are hesitating because of the salary.

It is certainly appropriate to respond to an offer within two to four
days.

If the company cannot raise the salary to your satisfaction, ask for other benefits that the company can offer. Or, consider working fewer hours on a consulting basis.

Remember that potential employers like negotiating. It makes them feel that if you can look after your best interest, then you can probably look after the best interest of their company.