General Interview Preparation/Overview
The goal of the interview is to get the job offer! Ambrion has had the experience of taking thousands of candidates through the job search and interview process. Based on this experience we know what companies and hiring managers are looking for from candidates during the process. Whether you are a senior executive who has interviewed many times, or you are preparing for your first job search, it can be hard work. Preparation is the key to success. The following overview will help you properly prepare for the interview process:
Understand that you will be extended an offer or passed over based upon a hiring company’s perception of you during the interview process. Whether the process consists of one interview or ten, the hiring company makes a decision mostly based upon how they perceive you during the interview process. Creating the right perception, and understanding how to do so, is vital in determining whether or not you will receive the offer.
Your Ambrion recruiter will be an excellent resource in preparing for upcoming interviews. Utilize them! Recruiters can “set the stage” for the interview as a recruiter will have inside information that is not typically available to a job candidate. Ask questions of your recruiter or schedule a meeting with him/her to discuss the interview process in person. A quick “study session” will go a long way in securing the position!
Navigating the interview process is an art. Learning to navigate this process successfully can be learned. Ambrion has worked with hundreds of companies and thousands of interviewing authorities and know what works and what doesn’t during this process. It is up to you to fully leverage and trust this resource.
Use the Internet and other resources to find out as much as you can about the job, culture and hiring manager prior to your interview, and throughout the interview process. Media, such as annual reports, trade journals, company website and your network of professional associations can all provide useful information. Get a written job description whenever possible, and make sure you have a thorough understanding of the position including a breakdown of duties, responsibilities, and expectations of new employees.
Be prepared to answer and ask questions! Writing out and verbalizing answers to common interview questions will help curb nervousness. In addition, always have a list of prepared questions to ask prospective employers.
Be prepared to talk about yourself. This can be uncomfortable and can lead to overly wordy or very short explanations so be prepared. This is your opportunity to sell yourself by giving specific examples of strengths and accomplishments.
Relax – the more prepared you are for an interview, the more confident you will feel and the
better you will perform!