Interview Planning Guide

Interview Planning Guide

1. Do you know the time and location of the interview? Do you have clear directions? 

 2. Do you know the proper attire for this particular interview? 

3. Have you analyzed your own accomplishments? 
(Standard interview questions focus on what you have achieved and how you achieved it. Instead of talking in generalized terms, you’ll need to provide some specific examples of what you’ve done and explain, in concrete terms, how you achieved those objectives. It’s all about measurable results and how you got there!) 

4. Do you know the name and title of the person you’re meeting?

5. What do you know about that person? What is his/her background?
(Don’t be afraid to ask in the interview.) 

6. Have you researched the company
(website, trade journals, career section of newspaper, culture, interview process)? 

A standard interview question is: “What do you know about our organization?” 

  • History 
  • Product Lines 
  • Clients / Competitors 
  • Financial Status (growing, stable)

7. Do you fully understand the position? Do you need to ask questions about: 

  • Reporting Structure 
  • Key Relationships 
  • Career Path / Advancement Opportunities 
  • Corporate Culture 
  • Reason for Position Opening 
  • Overtime Requirements 
  • Travel Requirements 
  • Physical Workspace 
  • Systems / Processes

8. Do you know what the positives of the job are? 
(Ask: “Why would someone take on this role?”) 

9. Do you know what the challenges of the job are? 
(Ask: “Is there anything negative I should know about this role?”) 

10. Do you know how your success will be measured? 
(Ask: “What are the most important things to be accomplished in the first 6 or 12 months?”) 

11. Do you know what kind of support / resources the company will provide?

12. Discussion about compensation is usually left until a second or third interview, but if the interviewer asks you about compensation, how will you respond? (If pressed, say, “The challenge and opportunity are most important to me but a salary in the range of $60-65k would be reasonable from my point of view.” Make sure this range matches what you and your DA recruiter have discussed.) 

13. Overall, does this feel like a good fit? Does it meet with the criteria you told your recruiter you were looking for?

Tips 

  • Bringing a list of questions with you displays professionalism and will help speed up your decision about the position. 
  • Never bring up compensation, benefits, etc. in the first interview. Focus on the responsibilities and expectations of the job and questions about the company.
  • Smile, smile, smile! Studies show that companies can usually find at least two candidates who are technically qualified. The job offer is usually made to the person with the best interpersonal skills, communication abilities and confidence.

 Important

  • If this feels like a good fit, display enthusiasm and let the interviewer know that you want the job.

Reminder 

  • Contact David Aplin Group immediately to discuss your interview, as we will be talking with the client right away.