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Search Job – Final Interview

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The interview is the last step of the job search. Depending on how well or badly you did in the course of the interview, you will be hired or you will hear, in effect, "Don't call us, we'll call you." It doesn't matter how slick your resume is, how experienced or competent you may be, or how well you know the vice-president, if you fail the interview, you fail to land the job.

Recognizing this, you should make every effort to project an image of the kind of person the interviewer is looking for to fill the position. Knowing what that image is will get you halfway through the door.

The following discussion is distilled from the author's many years of experience sitting on the other side of the desk from hundreds, if not thousands, of job applicants.



•    What to Do Before the Interview

You've been called for an interview scheduled for tomorrow. What can you do to prepare for it? You should have been doing most of your preparation some time ago, when you first began your job search, namely: assessed your skills, strengths and weaknesses, and memorized a few descriptive sentences about each. You already know the field you wish to work in, the intermediate job, and the ultimate goal. The resume and cover letter have already gone out, and your references and testimonials are neatly tucked into your job portfolio. Days ago, you filled out and mailed the application form.

But there's one thing you can't do until you know the identity of the firm: you should investigate, discreetly of course, the person who will be conducting the interview. Normally, a couple of phone calls will accomplish this for you. Try to unearth as much information about him or her that you might bring up in conversation. You flatter the interviewer by mentioning any relevant fact: an article he or she may have written, a recent promotion, election to office in a professional association. Not only do you flatter the interviewer, but you also prove to him or her that you have done your homework, establishing yourself as a resourceful person.

Dress the Part

How much weight does an interviewer give to appearance? It's hard to say, but of this you may be sure: Your appearance makes as much of an impression on the interviewer as your credentials. Long after you have left the office, your appearance will be remembered, your words forgotten.

No matter what position you may be applying for, you should dress as though you are applying for a front office job. If you're looking for a job as a press operator, don't come to the interview in work clothes. And don't overdress, either! If you dress so fancily that it makes you uncomfortable, it will do the same for the interviewer.

Keep this in mind when choosing your wardrobe-avoid extremes.

Be on Time

Not only does tardiness annoy the interviewer, who may be a very busy person, but it also forces you to apologize almost with your first breath. Apologizing puts you in a subservient position immediately, and the rest of the interview will suffer.

Plan to arrive at least half an hour before the scheduled interview. If all goes well and you haven't been held up by traffic, turn in at a coffee shop and relax for the next twenty minutes. If you have not eaten, have something light so you won't be distracted by hunger pangs. While you're relaxing, review the assets you have previously memorized.

At five minutes before the time, present yourself to the receptionist. Arriving too early puts pressure on the interviewer, which will be resented. As in all things, timing is of the essence.

•    What to Say and Do in the First Minute

Now comes the moment when, in all likelihood, a decision will be made whether you are a viable candidate for the job-the moment when you are face-to-face with the interviewer. There are two things you do-you stick out your hand, and you say something.

Whether you are a man or a woman, a handshake tells a great deal about you. Most probably, the interviewer has stood up behind the desk as you approach. Walk right up and take the offered hand, looking the person straight in the eye and smiling.

Avoid either a bone-crushing grip or a limp handshake. A firm handshake is best.

The interviewer already knows your name, but it doesn't hurt to repeat it. Say, "Hello, I'm Jay Stillwell (first and last name). It's a pleasure to meet you." Present yourself straightforwardly and with dignity. Show your respect for yourself, the interviewer, and the job being discussed.

Get Inside the Interviewer's Head

Once the introductions are over, you must strive to stay on the same level as the interviewer, technically and intellectually. Here are some tips that may help:

•    TRY TO LIKE THE INTERVIEWER

Everybody has good points that we can like. As you look over the interviewer, think to yourself, "There's a really kind person under that gruff exterior." Or, 'This is someone who really knows the job." If you genuinely like someone, you will exert an influence, and before you know it, you have established a mutual respect for each other. From the interviewer's point of view, it's difficult to hire someone you dislike, regardless of qualifications.

DEVELOP ENTHUSIASM

You can show your enthusiasm by expressing an interest in the company, the job, and the latest developments in printing. If you have done your homework, you can bring up some facts you have learned about the company at this time. Don't overdo it, though; and don't appear falsely eager. State what genuinely interests you. The interviewer knows that enthusiasm for the job, the company, and the people we work with is a valuable, and scarce, quality in employees.

BE FAMILIAR WITH THE JARGON OF PRINTING

One indicator of how advanced you are in your field, regardless of the technology, is your familiarity with the words and phrases in common use. Jargon is useful in all fields-it would take a lot of words to describe baseball's double play, for example. Study the glossary, Appendix E, if you are not already familiar with the words.

ADMIRE SOMETHING ABOUT THE INTERVIEWER...WITH CAUTION

Without giving the impression of currying favor, an expression of admiration is appropriate if it is sincerely felt and well deserved. Don't admire the person's taste in clothes-that's too personal. Admire instead the interviewer's professional accomplishments, if you know them beforehand, such as a well-written article or the quality of a printed sample on the wall.

DON'T LIE

Lying will get you nowhere, because lies about previous experience or education are easily checked for accuracy-and they will be checked. If you don't know something, offer an honest admission and clearly state your willingness or aptitude to learn.

Questions You Will Be Asked

It's impossible to predict exactly what questions you will be asked during an interview, but here are a number of questions (and possible answers) that are popular with interviewers.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR US?

Your answer: "Because I have done some research on your company, and I believe you offer me the kind of opportunity I want to advance myself technically. I like your pre-press department and the state-of-the-art equipment you use. And I especially want the challenge of four-color work, which you do a lot of."

IF WE HIRED YOU, WHERE WOULD YOU WANT TO BE TEN YEARS DOWN THE ROAD?

Your answer: "Vice president in charge of production." (Aim high-you won't hit anybody.) If the interviewer is the vice president in charge of production, so much the better. However, don't cite a job that would be on a higher level than the interviewer's. And don't say flat-out, "Your job," because that is threatening.

APART FROM MONEY, WHAT WILL YOU EXPECT TO GET OUT OF THIS JOB?

Your answer: "The satisfaction of doing a job well and gaining some recognition. I believe that I can bring to any printing job my ability to do things right. I am a stickler for exactness, and the type of work you do requires my kind of accuracy."

WHY SHOULD I RECOMMEND YOU FOR THE JOB?

Your answer: "I know you're looking for long-term relationships with your employees, so I'm the person you would want. I'm a steady, dependable worker and I won't be job hopping."

DESCRIBE THREE ACHIEVEMENTS IN YOUR SCHOOL OR WORK CAREER

Careful! Your answer should have been prepared in advance for this one, a favorite of employment professionals. The achievements you think most noteworthy could tell a lot about you. Some safe achievements: election to some office in a student or professional association; straight A's; completion of a four-year course in three; perfect attendance; first-place award in speed typing, design competition, debating, 4H, or similar contests; special accomplishments on the job that increased your company's production.

OUR COMPANY INSISTS ON PUNCTUALITY. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?

Your answer: "I developed the habit in school to get to my class at least 10 minutes before the bell rang. It gave me a chance to organize my thinking. That would not be a problem with me." If punctuality has not been your strong suit in the past, don't say so directly. Instead, just respond, "Being at work on time is simply part of the job, and I would want to arrive and settle in before the workday begins."

HOW DO I KNOW YOU'RE THE KIND OF PERSON YOU SAY YOU ARE?

Your answer: "Here are my references. I think you can believe what they say if you would take the trouble to call them."

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Your answer: "My strengths lie in the areas of ______ and _______. I did well in both in technical school. However, I didn't do so well in ______ and ______. (I can't draw a straight line; I'm not good at foreign languages.)" Be honest about your weaknesses, but don't leave the interviewer with the notion that you're hopeless. Follow up with, "But I'm working on it." Sometimes you can even cite as a weakness a quality an employer might view as an asset: "I'm a real perfectionist."

ARE THERE KINDS OF PEOPLE YOU LIKE OR DISLIKE?

The interviewer will pay careful attention to your answer, because it has many implications. You be just as careful with your answer. "Basically, I like everybody, unless a person proves to be untrustworthy." Your likes and dislikes reflect your own worthiness.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WORKING AGAINST A DEADLINE?

Your answer: "I'm used to deadlines. In my previous job, I never missed a deadline in four years." Be truthful, and state your case simply and directly to get the point across that you are dependable. If you have blown deadlines in the past, don't volunteer this information (but don't deny it if you're directly asked). You could honestly say, "I know that deadlines are important, and I understand that I would be expected to meet them."

TELL ME ABOUT THE BOOKS YOU HAVE READ RECENTLY,ANY MOVIE YOU HAVE SEEN, AND THE KIND OF MUSIC YOU LIKE

This question is designed to look at your personality, tastes, or intellect. If you haven't read any books lately, be truthful. If you say you have read some, the interviewer might ask you to name them. Just put your best foot forward. If you regularly read nonfiction, see only the best movies, and have an interest in music, any music, be sure to say so. If you subscribe to professional or trade magazines, or read other material that relates directly to your work, mention it. If these sorts of cultural activities don't appeal to you, try to mention what does: "I don't see a lot of films because I like to spend my spare time working on my car (or tending my garden, or sewing, or doing volunteer work in the community)."

Questions That You Should Ask...and Not Ask

After you and the interviewer have chatted for a while and the interview is almost at an end, the interviewer often will ask, "Do you have any questions?" Assuming that you already have been given the details of salary, bonus, hours, vacation, and similar items, this is an opportunity for you to evaluate whether the job is really what you are looking for. To find out, ask some searching questions.

WOULD YOU MIND TELLING ME ABOUT THE PERSON I WOULD REPORT TO?

You'll want to know the person's name, title, and how many people report to the same person. You also would hope to find out what kind of person the supervisor is, prior to a face-to-face meeting. There's nothing like advance planning.

WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP DOES THE COMPANY HAVE WITH ITS EMPLOYEES?

If the relationships are good and mutually respectful, the answers will be straightforward. If the answers appear contradictory or vague, chances are that relationships are strained. There must be a reason.

DO I RECEIVE ANY EXTRA COMPENSATION FOR SUPERIOR JOB PERFORMANCE?

This tells the interviewer that you are setting your sights above and beyond the ordinary performance of duty.

HOW HAS THE COMPANY PROGRESSED IN THE PAST YEAR?

Good question, because it reflects your interest in the company's welfare, instead of just your own. Also, if the company is on the ropes, you may have to be looking elsewhere for a job.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD NOT ASK

Try to avoid "why" questions-they can be very hard to answer and the interviewer may resent them.
The strategy of your questioning mainly is to advance your image in the eyes of the interviewer. Asking astute, intelligent questions will help to impress the interviewer that you are a serious contender for the job.

Using a Portfolio

If you have a portfolio of samples of your work, this is your show-and-tell act, following your conversation with the interviewer. Keep the portfolio out of the way during the interview. At the appropriate moment, you can say something like, "May I show you some samples I have assembled here?"

You should try to stand alongside of the interviewer while you turn the pages, and comment on the samples. You should have rehearsed relevant and useful items to point out as you slowly turn the pages. If the interviewer has a comment, pause in turning the pages while you respond.

When the interview is ended, offer to leave the portfolio behind, but make a definite appointment for retrieving it. This gives you a chance at a second interview-a sure sign that things are going your way.
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