Before,During and After the Interview

Print out this page, review it, and keep it handy.

Before

·         Review the firm’s web site for an overview of their product(s) and/or service(s).

·         Reflect upon how the specific opportunity at hand incorporates into the structure of the firm.

·         Review your specific experience and skills in light of the client’s stated need.

·         Note any questions to be directed to either IIT, or to the hiring manager.

·         Verify your current salary level. Base, bonus, prior year W2 amount.

·         Review directions to interview site. Allow ¼ to ½ hour extra travel time.

During

·         Most important – be in a good mood and maintain a smile throughout the interview. Be enthusiastic without being hyper.

·         Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much. Be honest. If yes, remember your weakness. When the interviewer asks you a question, answer it in a couple of sentences. Then follow up and ask “Would you like for me to give you further details about this”. If you don’t do that, you may be spending too much time talking about things the interviewer has no interest in hearing. Interviewer has 20-30 minutes of attention span. Use that time well. Use this time to talk about things the interviewer wants to hear – and not what you want to say.

·         If asked what your current income level is, give the exact amount (base + bonus) or hourly rate. If asked what your income requirements for this job are, the only answer should be, “I’m glad were talking about dollars, but my company IIT handles those discussions for me. If asked in an employment questionnaire, enter “open” for the dollar amount.

·         Keep in mind that the only reason that the manager is speaking with you is that he has a problem, and thinks that you are the person that can make his problem go away.

·         Try to find out what the manager’s critical needs (hot buttons) are, and keep these in mind as you address his questions.

·         Frame answers (whether affirmative or negative) in the context of the manager’s specific needs.

·         Be prepared to defend your resume. If you have included areas of limited expertise and exposure, preface answers to questions on such points with the phrase, “I had limited exposure to this technology (or business), but here is what I did…”

·         Trumpet your ability to “get things done” and be an effective team player.

·         If you like what you have heard and seen, be vocal and say this sentence to the interviewer “I know I can do this job and I would love this job. I want to work here”. They would love to hear that level of enthusiasm. Believe us when we say that just saying this one line during the interview will compensate for at least a few mistakes you may have made during the interview.

·         Ask questions. Walk out of the interview knowing the following:

-          Can I do this job?

-          Will I enjoy doing this job?

-          Does this job enhance my career?

-          What do I think of my future manager(s)?

*Obtain a business card (or e-mail address) from each and every person with whom you spoke.

After

·         Note any questions, which you intended to ask, but were not able to ask.

·         E-Mail each individual with whom you spoke and thank that person for the time he spent with you.

·         Call your contact at IIT immediately following the interview at 631-254-8600, and be prepared to answer the following questions:

-          Did the opportunity, which was discussed, differ at all from IIT’s description?

-          With whom did you meet and what did you discuss?

-          Can you do this job?

-          Will you enjoy doing this job?

-          Does this job enhance your career?

-          What do you think of your future manager(s)?