The Madison Group

Job Seekers >> Interviewing Tips

Below are some general tips to get you properly prepared for your interview!

> Plan Ahead
Research the company and the position if possible, as well as the people you will meet with at the interview. Review your work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the companies needs. Have your facts ready! Bring a copy of your resume as well as professional and personal references.

> Role Play
Once you have finished studying, begin role playing (rehearsing). Write down answers if it helps to make your presentation more concise. Try to keep your answers to the information your new employer will want to know.

> Dress To Impress
You only have one chance to make a first impression. It is always better to be overdressed than under dressed.

> Don't Be Late
Always keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So be on time at the particular location of the interview. Also, if you are there too early, you can wait in a nearby cafe or shop. Do not check in with the receptionist more than 15 minutes early. And if you are going to be late, then the best option is call them. Also, public transportation may be useless if the traffic is heavy.

> Don't Smoke
Do not smoke for at least 1-2 hours prior to your interview. Smoke smell lingers and can turn off many interviewers no matter how much you have to bring to the table.

> Don't Wear Too Much Perfume/Cologne
While you think your perfume or cologne is a magnificent smell, people have many different preferences. Additionally, many people have allergies to these types of smells.

> Handshake
Don't forget to give a firm handshake!

> Eye Contact
Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest.

> Be Positive
In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers.

> Smile
Everyone wants to hire a pleasant, happy employee. Don't forget to smile!

> Adapt
Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer.

> Relate
Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position.

> Sell Yourself
Interviewing is about selling yourself. The product you are selling is you. Give them reasons to buy. Tell them what you can do for them. Emphasize what you can bring to the company, department and position. Convince them that your product is better than the competition's.

> Be Honest
Be honest with every question. No need to lie about your background and/or skills. If you get caught, then you will definitely lose out. Job interviews are about matching needs. If there is not a good match, then there is no chance of a job.

> Don't Talk Too Much
Always remember that communication is a two-way street, so give them a chance. Also, don't interrupt the interviewer when he/she is talking. Give him/her a chance to talk. One common mistake candidates make when interviewing is talking too much. It is important to listen to the question asked and answer that question. Keep your answers to two to three minutes at the most. When you limit your time, you tend to stay more focused. It is very easy to stray off the subject and ramble about things irrelevant to the job if your answer is too long.

> Encourage
Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company. Demonstrate your interest.

> Talking Salary
Timing is everything in the interview. Let them bring up the subject of money. If you are asked what your salary expectations are too early in the process, just say you would rather postpone that discussion until you have more information about the position.

> Thank You
Thank the interviewer for their time and express to them before you leave how interested you are in the position (if that is the case). Follow up with a thank you note. Email or Snail Mail is acceptable. Keep it brief.







At The Madison Group, we believe in conducting business with integrity. What does that mean for you? It means that you can have confidence in partnering with us. Whether you are a talented professional or an employer, the relationships we build together will always be infused with 4 core values: trustworthiness, respect, commitment and diligence. 8270 Woodland Center Blvd. Suite 122 Tampa, Florida 33614 P: (813) 418-6785 F: (813) 354-4893 E: info@madison-inc.net	Job Seekers >> Interviewing Tips Below are some general tips to get you properly prepared for your interview! > Plan Ahead Research the company and the position if possible, as well as the people you will meet with at the interview. Review your work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the companies needs. Have your facts ready! Bring a copy of your resume as well as professional and personal references. > Role Play Once you have finished studying, begin role playing (rehearsing). Write down answers if it helps to make your presentation more concise. Try to keep your answers to the information your new employer will want to know. > Dress To Impress You only have one chance to make a first impression. It is always better to be overdressed than under dressed. > Don't Be Late Always keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So be on time at the particular location of the interview. Also, if you are there too early, you can wait in a nearby cafe or shop. Do not check in with the receptionist more than 15 minutes early. And if you are going to be late, then the best option is call them. Also, public transportation may be useless if the traffic is heavy. > Don't Smoke Do not smoke for at least 1-2 hours prior to your interview. Smoke smell lingers and can turn off many interviewers no matter how much you have to bring to the table. > Don't Wear Too Much Perfume/Cologne While you think your perfume or cologne is a magnificent smell, people have many different preferences. Additionally, many people have allergies to these types of smells. > Handshake Don't forget to give a firm handshake! > Eye Contact Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest. > Be Positive In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers. > Smile Everyone wants to hire a pleasant, happy employee. Don't forget to smile! > Adapt Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. > Relate Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position. > Sell Yourself Interviewing is about selling yourself. The product you are selling is you. Give them reasons to buy. Tell them what you can do for them. Emphasize what you can bring to the company, department and position. Convince them that your product is better than the competition's. > Be Honest Be honest with every question. No need to lie about your background and/or skills. If you get caught, then you will definitely lose out. Job interviews are about matching needs. If there is not a good match, then there is no chance of a job. > Don't Talk Too Much Always remember that communication is a two-way street, so give them a chance. Also, don't interrupt the interviewer when he/she is talking. Give him/her a chance to talk. One common mistake candidates make when interviewing is talking too much. It is important to listen to the question asked and answer that question. Keep your answers to two to three minutes at the most. When you limit your time, you tend to stay more focused. It is very easy to stray off the subject and ramble about things irrelevant to the job if your answer is too long. > Encourage Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company. Demonstrate your interest. > Talking Salary Timing is everything in the interview. Let them bring up the subject of money. If you are asked what your salary expectations are too early in the process, just say you would rather postpone that discussion until you have more information about the position. > Thank You Thank the interviewer for their time and express to them before you leave how interested you are in the position (if that is the case). Follow up with a thank you note. Email or Snail Mail is acceptable. Keep it brief.

About Us \| Job Seekers \| Employers \| Contact Us \| Home \| Phone: 813.418.6785 Copyright © 2007 \| The Madison Group \| All Rights Reserved