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Some tips for a successful job interview
Q:Dear Norma: In the past, I have always been hired for jobs because someone has known my skills and approached me. I have never interviewed for a job except as a formality. I am now leaving a job after 10 years and have applied for a position in a related field. I am nervous about the process. What should I know about interviewing that would help me be successful? Do you have any suggestions for negotiating a salary? — D.J.
A:Dear D.J.: Take heart, you gained the interview because the company sees your potential. You are not interviewing as an expected asset so relax and respond with confidence, a positive attitude and even a little humor. The last thing you want to do is appear negative, insincere or uncertain.
Before your interview, do your homework. Find out as much as you can about the company and the position. Check the Web site. If you like this company, prepare yourself by having in mind a clear understanding of your strengths and accomplishments. Be able to demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your work performance such as how you alone, or as part of a team, increased performance, saved the company time or money, increased profits or productivity, or created and/or implemented programs or systems. Provide examples that show how your skills would fit the position and the company’s goals. Always present your selling points to reflect the employer’s buying points.
Know how you will answer if asked why you want to leave your current job. You might say that after 10 years you need a new challenge or even though it was a great fit, you feel the need for a change and are excited by the chance for new experiences and professional growth.
Salary negotiation should ideally take place at the end of an interview, preferably after securing a job offer. Research salaries for positions comparable to the one for which you are interviewing. You can go online for salary information published by the U.S. Department of Labor, or Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other helpful sites are http://www.salary.com or the salary guide on http://www.monster.com.
Keep in mind that companies aren’t interested in your financial needs. They want to hear what you can do for them. Show how the skills, talent and experience you have will benefit them financially by either increasing their productivity or revenue or saving them money. If the interviewer asks what your salary expectations are, you can give a range. Another tack is to know what your bottom line is and give a range between that figure and a higher amount.