Preparing for an Interviewpresented by

Jennifer O’Brien, Principal Consultant

Webinar Overview

• About Winter, Wyman• About our presenter• Steps in the interview process

– Preparing in advance– Conducting the interview– Closing and following-up

• Tips for success

About Winter, Wyman

• Established in 1972• An industry leader and one of the largest and most

recognized staffing firms in the Northeast• Service the New England and Metropolitan New York

job markets with national technology contracting capabilities

• Specialize in recruiting permanent, contract and contract-to-permanent professionals

• Specialty areas include:– Accounting & Finance– Human Resources– Information Technology

– Investment & Financial Services– Software Engineering

About Our Presenter

• Jennifer O’Brien, Principal Consultant, Winter, Wyman

• 10+ years experience in recruiting and placing Accounting and Finance professionals into specialist positions ranging from entry level to CFOs

Steps in the Interview Process

• Preparing in advance• Conducting the interview• Closing and following-up

Preparing in Advance

• Research the company fully:– Locations, revenue, products, competitors,

industry projections, etc.– Sources

• Re-read the job description and company information and match your skills and experience to it

• Know how your skills and experience fit the opening and company culture/structure

• Practice by role playing

Conducting the Interview

• Your goal is to get them to like you and to want to bring you back for another interview!

How?

Sell yourself!• Timing and image• Body language• Answers should be direct and concise• Avoid canned responses• Use confirming examples when discussing your

experience• Be enthusiastic and energetic

Conducting the Interview

• If you haven’t already been prepped, ask what their hot buttons are before talking about yourself– “What does the ideal candidate look like

to you for this role?”

• Make sure to integrate their points into your answers

• Focus on them first and how you can help their organization, not what they can do for you

Conducting the Interview

• Be an active listener and prepared to answer tough questions, including:– What are your strengths and weaknesses?– Where do you see yourself in

three/five/ten years?– What are your salary requirements?

Conducting the Interview

• Ask business-savvy questions that show your interest in the company and the position and will help you evaluate the opportunity– What are the company’s strengths?– What is the corporate culture like?– What is the background of the person you are

meeting with?– What does he or she like about working there?

• Do not ask about benefits, salary, hours

Closing and Following-up

• Try to uncover any of their concerns• Make sure to express your interest• Ask about next steps• Send a thank you note!• If working with a recruiter, call him or

her as soon as the interview is over• Follow-up once in a reasonable

amount of time (one week or so)

Tips for Success

1. Be enthusiastic from the moment you walk through the door.

2. 93% of the interview is determined by how you look and sound.

3. Make sure you are dressed appropriately. If you are unsure about what to wear, err on the side of business attire.

4. The first ten minutes of the interview are when you are judged. Sit up straight, smile, be energetic and build connections with the interviewer.

5. Do not judge the opportunity during the interview. Focus on answering questions and then debrief afterward.

Tips for Success

6. The interviewer always drives the process – this is the company’s opportunity to ask you questions, but don’t be afraid to ask about the position, company or person interviewing you.

7. Try to find out about the personality of the manager you are meeting with beforehand.

8. Always be straight forward and honest. Clearly state what you have to offer to the position and company.

9. Be aware of the time. Answer questions fully, but in as concise a manner as possible. When you are finished, ask if more information is needed.

10. Ask if it’s okay to take notes during the interview before doing so.

Tips for Success

11. Be ready for two types of questions: technical and behavioral.

12. For technical questions, your answers should include terms or buzz words common to your field.

13. Bring copies of your resume with you and make sure they are the same version as was previously submitted.

14. Ask the interviewer, “What did you like about my resume?”

15. Ask, “What are the major challenges for the person who gets this job?” and “What do you think will change in this job between now and six months from now?”

Tips for Success

16. Make sure you can easily answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses, and that your answers are relevant.

17. When you leave each person you interviewed with, shake their hand, tell them it was a pleasure meeting with them and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

18. If working with a recruiter, call him or her immediately after the interview.

Thank you for joining us.Visit the “Job Seeker” section of

www.winterwyman.com for additional job search resources.