Job Seeker Resources

1. Know yourself

Honesty is the best policy when it comes to interview preparation. Ask yourself where you see your career headed, what kinds of things you want to get out of your next job, and what your strengths and weaknesses are.

2. Package Your Positives

When you can recite your strengths in a clear and concise manner, you make it easier for employers to see what you bring to the table. Analyze your specific accomplishments at your previous position and be ready to provide statistics to back them up. Bring work examples to the interview if they’re applicable to the position you’re applying for.

3. Package Your Negatives

It may seem difficult to identify and explain shortcomings at a previous job, but doing so may leave a positive impression on your next employer. When someone asks about your weaknesses, remember to explain how you learned from your mistakes and took measures to improve your work. This shows an employer that you are willing to admit failures and strive to improve in your career.

4. Learn About the Opportunity

Before an interview, there are some things you should know about the position and company before speaking to the hiring manager. Research the size, location(s) and sales volume of the company, as these are topics that may come up during the interview process. Learn whether the business is a division of a larger company or a standalone company. Understand the responsibilities of the position and find out whom you will be reporting to if hired.

5. Bring Questions

Questions are an important part of the interview process — not only for the employer but also for the interviewee. Prepare a list of questions to ask during the latter part of an interview to show that you are curious about the position. These questions should be open -ended in order to stimulate a two-way conversation with the employer. You may decide to ask about training opportunities, teamwork on the job, performance evaluation methods, travel considerations or simply what a typical work week looks like.

6. Arrive Prepared

When it’s time to meet a potential employer, it’s important to have all the things you may need for the interview. Limit yourself to one handheld item, such as a briefcase, purse or portfolio. Use this item to store pens, a notebook, copies of your résumé and a page of references. Don’t forget to proofread your documents, as it only takes one spelling error to leave a negative impression.

A phone interview is often a job candidate’s first interaction with an employer, so it’s important to make a great first impression. Use the opportunity to “sell yourself” and get the employer excited about meeting you. If you are interviewing for a contract position, the phone interview may be the only interview you will have.

There are a variety of interview settings, including group and individual interviews, so it’s important to be prepared for every possible scenario. Whatever the format, remember to listen closely to the questions being asked. It is acceptable to ask for clarification when you don’t understand a question, or even take a short pause to formulate your answer. One way to fill the silence when you’re thinking of an answer is to repeat the question back to the interviewer, as it is a sign of excellent listening skills.

Your responses should be specific and concise. When possible, use hard numbers for things like cost savings and revenue generated. It’s best to avoid nebulous phrases or hyperbole when describing your accomplishments. Specific examples of achievements will go a long way, but be truthful with your answers — interviewers can usually identify when someone is being dishonest. That being said, no employee is a master of everything. When you don’t have the skills required, tell the employer that you are willing to put in the effort to learn them.

Fielding questions about salary requirements can be tricky, since it is unlikely that you can guess the exact amount the employer has in mind. When you utilize our services, the employer will already have your salary history on file, so you can base your answer on your career trajectory (usually no more than a 15% increase) if necessary. It’s often best to avoid conversations about salary altogether unless the employer broaches the subject. You will want to use as much time as possible during the interview discussing your value to the company so they see you as an investment rather than an expenditure.

It is better to overdress than underdress for an interview. Imagine that the company’s most important customer is visiting, and dress how you would on a day like that. This means wearing professional attire, even if it’s not something you’re used to. Break out that suit and tie if you want to make a positive first impression.

Besides nice attire, it’s essential to groom yourself properly before an interview. Take a shower, clean your fingernails and style your hair as you would for any important meeting or event. Go easy on perfumes or colognes (or better yet—skip them entirely), as the smell can be distracting or even cause an allergic reaction. Convey a positive attitude, be mindful of your body language, and last but not least, be polite to everyone you meet at the company. You never know who will speak to the hiring manager about their interaction with you.

An interview can end in several ways: You may be offered a job, you may be invited to a second interview, or you may receive no further instructions at all. If you are interviewing for a contract position through STS, the employer will wait to extend a job offer until they have spoken with our staffing experts. We will work with the employer to determine the billing rate and payment terms if they want to hire you. We will use our expertise to get you the best contract possible.

On your way out of the interview, remember to tell the person you spoke with that you enjoyed meeting them. Lastly, ask what forms of communication you can expect to receive in the coming days.