Interview Tips
The successful Interview
The interviewing process starts long before you ever enter the employer's office. What follows are proven suggestions that will help strategise and derive a successful interviewing experience.

The Basics
Research the company in detail by accessing the company's web site and studying the company’s mission, objectives, financials, key personnel and recent news. Read everything you can find on the company and do a very strong due diligence on both the position and the company as it relates to your career strategy.
12 Feet, 12 Inches, 12 Words: A foundation and atmosphere for any meeting is predicated upon the 12 feet when you first see each other, the first 12 inches when you shake hands and look each other in the eyes and the first 12 words said between the two parties. These are key moments and you need to be focused and at your best in this phase of the meeting. We've all heard it said "you never have a second chance to make a good first impression"; well this is a great example of when a good first impression is key to the success of the meeting.
Be prepared to answer: "Tell me about yourself" in a one minute summary statement.

Do not review your resume in that they will have already seen it and it's redundant information and not a prudent use of time as it relates to this meeting. Answer in less than one minute the following points:

• Overall Experience
• Special Skills
• Personal Attributes

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What do you know about our organisation. If you've done your research correctly, you should have no problem answering this one. Be positive.
• Why are you interested in this position? Relate how you feel your qualifications really match the requirements of the job. Also, express your desire to work for that company.
• What are the most significant accomplishments in your career so far? Pick recent accomplishments that relate to this position and its requirements.
• Describe a situation in which your work was criticised. Focus on how you solved the situation and how you became a better person because of it.
• How would you describe your personality?
• How do you perform under pressure?
• What have you done to improve yourself over the past year?
• Have you experienced any failures in your career?
• What did you like least about your last position?
• Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) company?
• What is your ideal working environment?
• How would your co-workers describe you?
• What do you think of your boss?
• Have you ever fired anyone? What was the situation and how did you handle it?
• Are you creative?
• What are your goals in your career?
• Where do you see yourself in two years?
• Why should we hire you?
• What kind of salary are you looking for?
• What other types of jobs/companies are you considering?

QUESTION - LISTEN - THINK - STORY
• Main interview objective = Sell Yourself in terms of direct benefits corresponding to the mission and objectives of the hiring manager and the company
• Use "mini-stories" describing specific situations that quantify experience
• Tell "war stories" that show your victory in times of challenge
• Mirror the interview with accomplishments that fit situation
• Always give specific examples of when and where you have demonstrated certain skills, the quantifiable results and the benefits your experience will provide the company
• Create relevant value in terms of benefits
• Dress for success

DO NOT TALK COMPENSATION!
We cannot tell you an occasion where a candidate has bettered their pay negotiating directly. It's our responsibility to find a "win - win" between you and the company. Should the issue of compensation come up defer to your consultant and say "BLF will act on my behalf and I'm sure you'll make a fair offer."

The Question Section
• Take a notepad with prepared questions, have a minimum of 10 prepared questions to ask each interviewer
• Have questions prepared about company, i.e. products services, background, unique traits, differentiators, problems, successes, failures, future, opportunities, threats
• Get a clear understanding of what the employer expectations are for the position
• Qualify the employer's true needs

Sample Questions Follow:
• What do you want this person to accomplish?
• How do you measure successful performance?
• What are the criteria used in measuring successful performance?
• What are your priorities? In the next 30, 60, 90 days? 1st year?
• What are the company's goals in 90, 180 days? 1st year?
• What do I need to accomplish in the 1st year to be successful?
• What is the biggest challenge I am going to face in next 90 days?
• What is important to you in this position?
• Why is this position available?
• What type of training programs will be offered to the person in this position?
• What obstacles must be overcome for the person in this position to succeed?
• How will my performance be evaluated?
• What opportunities are there for growth in the next 12 months? Two years? Five years?
• What growth do you anticipate for your firm in the next 12 months?

In Conclusion
• Ask the question: "Do you have any concerns with me doing this job?" (This is a critical step in the interviewing process and gives us a chance to ferret out hidden issues, objections and/or receive positive feedback towards receiving the job offer.)
• Ask the question: What's the next step?
• Upon debrief of this interview you will be asked "are you going to be offered this job?" You should know the answer. Don't push your questioning past the point of professionalism but do seek a clear and concise meeting of the minds as it relates to your future business relationship.

Miscellaneous
• Provide information on your background and skills that is verifiable
• Don't assume they know everything about you or have read your resume
• Take along to the interview support documentation to prove what your accomplishments and contributions
• People hire who they like, feel are low risk and have a proven track record
• Show enthusiasm!
• Use good eye contact
• Follow up interview with: "Thank you!" via email, letter, or hand written note
In conclusion, call your consultant within 30 minutes of the interview ending. They must first speak directly with you prior to speaking with the hiring decision maker. One last thing; when it comes time for the in-person interview; just be yourself, stay focused, be smart about what you say, always listen and make the most of this opportunity.