Atlanta's Finest Staffing

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
The thirty minutes to an hour that you spend with an interviewer will determine your chances of obtaining the job you want. This information, combined with the guidance provided by your Atlanta's Finest Staffing Consultant, will give you practical information on how to conduct yourself during an employment interview.

PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW
PREPARATION is the first essential step toward a successful interview. It is important to:

1. Know the exact PLACE & TIME of the interview, the interviewer’s full name, the correct pronunciation and his/her title.
   
   
2. Find out specific facts about the company and position being offered from your Atlanta's Finest Staffing Consultant. This will enable you to ask pertinent and intelligent questions during your interview. Another excellent source of information would be to visit the company’s website.
   
   
3. Remember that an interview is a “two-way street.” The employer will try to determine through questioning whether you are right for their position.  But be prepared in advance for questions you wish to ask during the interview to determine if this is the company for you.
   
   
4. Suggested areas for your questioning purposes:
   • A detailed description of the position
   • Reason the position is available
   • Training program if applicable
   • Advancement potential
   • Next step in interview process

• Search out your strong and weak points
• Evaluate your qualifications, skills and intellectual qualities.
• Determine your attitudes, aptitudes, stability, motivation and maturity.

Some “do’s” concerning the interview…

1. DO plan to arrive a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is NEVER excusable.
2. DO greet the interviewer by his/her last name. If you are not sure of the pronunciation, ASK. Shake hands firmly. SMILE!
3. DO LISTEN.   
4. DO look directly at the interviewer when speaking or listening. EYE CONTACT IS VERY IMPORTANT!
5. DO follow the interviewer’s leads, but try to get a description of the position and your duties early in the interview so that you can relate your background, skills and accomplishments to the position.
6. DO make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Stress ACHIEVEMENTS.
7. DO speak with confidence and enthusiasm.
8. DO ask relevant questions. The interview is your opportunity to learn about the position and company as well as to present yourself as a qualified, interested applicant.
9. DO complete in full any application presented at time of interview. 
10. DO always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity. It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of jobs – rather than only one. If you like what you hear…ASK FOR THE JOB!

1. DON’T smoke even if the interviewer smokes and offers you a cigarette. NEVER chew gum.
2. DON’T lie. Answer questions accurately, frankly, and succinctly.
3. DON’T answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no.” Explain whenever possible. Tell those things about yourself which relate to the situation.
4. DON’T ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.
5. DON’T “over answer” questions. If a controversial subject arises, respond honestly, trying not to say more than is necessary.
6. DON’T inquire about SALARY or BENEFITS on the initial interview. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you have been earning, but stress more interest in opportunity that in a specific salary.  (However, your Atlanta's Finest Staffing Consultant will inform you of salary range and benefits before your interview).

1. Why did you apply for this particular position?
2. What do you know about our company?
3. Describe your previous work experience.
4. What specific skills will you bring to this job? 
5. Describe your weaknesses.
6. Will you be able to work our normal hours?
7. Are you willing to work flexible hours and overtime, if needed?
8. How do you spend your spare time? What are your hobbies?
9. What kind of recommendation will you receive from your previous employers?
10. Do you have any long range goals or plans?
11. What kind of salary do you expect?
12. Do you have any questions about the company or position being offered?
13. Why do you think you should be selected for the job?

1. Poor personal appearance. Example: Inappropriate dress, lack of good grooming, poor posture, etc.
2. Inability to express thoughts clearly – poor diction or grammar.
3. Lack of interest and enthusiasm – passive and indifferent.
4. Overemphasis on money – interest only in salary.
5. Evasive – makes excuses for unfavorable factors in record.
6. Lack of confidence and poise – nervousness.
7. Condemnation of past employers.
8. Poor eye contact.
9. Limp handshake.
10. Failure to ask questions about the job.
11. Lack of tact – maturity – courtesy.
12. Persistent attitude of “What can you do for me?”
13. Lack of preparation for interview resulting in the ability to ask intelligent questions.

1. If you are interested in the position, ASK FOR IT! Say something like: “Thank you inviting me to meet with you today. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity and I’m confident based on my skills and experience, I can step right in and do an excellent job in the position you’ve described. 
   
   
2. Don’t be discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer may want to communicate with his/her office first or may be interviewing more candidates before making a decision.
   
   
3. If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don’t let your discouragement show.
   
   
4. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration. If you have answered the following two questions:
   • Why are you interested in the position and…
   • What can you offer…
   ..You have accomplished your goal.
   
   
5. If you would like to receive an offer, write a letter thanking the interviewer, expressing your interest and restating briefly why you think you can make a strong contribution to the position. Because time usually is of the essence, we would suggest you send an email, if possible, rather than depending on the postal service. 
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