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Interview Tips

Preparation

When it comes to interview, preparation is the key to success. The better prepared you are, the more confident youwill be. Find out as much information as possible about the company you are applying to, such as their history,culture, competitors etc. In addition, research your interviewers; know their education, background, length of tenurewith the company etc. Ask family, friends and neighbours, read through newspapers and magazines in addition to theinternet. Employers are impressed by a candidate who has taken the time to research and show a genuine interest inthe company and role for which they are applying.

Know your CV inside and out; know dates and be prepared to discuss your experience and answer questions whenprompted for specific examples. Be prepared to explain any gaps in your resume.

It is important that you understand the role that you are applying for. Ask for a copy of the job description if there isone (there isnt always one). Read the job description thoroughly and have a very strong sense of what they arelooking for in a candidate.Learn it, know your resume inside out and ensure that you are able to link your experienceand qualifications with the job description. You are selling yourself, and you want to sell the points and skills that aremost applicable to the job at hand!

Make sure that you know the exact location of the interview, drive by the location prior to the interview, checkingout parking availability etc. Remember to think ahead to the timing of your interview and allow time for traffic etc.Having a pen and paper proves useful in case you have any important facts that need to be jotted down. It alsoconveys an interest in the interview and position.

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Consider that the interview is an opportunity for you to see if the companyand position are a good fit for you.

Presentation

First impressions count, so look smart! You are not on your way to a nightclub so dress accordingly. General adviceis to dress conservatively, a nice shirt/blouse and a pair of trousers or a skirt, and make sure your shoes look clean andpresentable. Never chew gum during an interview, and keep makeup, perfume/aftershave and jewelry to a minimum.Finally, do not under any circumstances leave your phone on or answer a call on your cell phone during the interviewand always remove your sunglasses and hats prior to an interview.

Timing

Arriving early to an interview shows eagerness on your part to the prospective employer. However, do not arrivemore than 5 minutes early as this can be inconvenient. Being late for interview is inexcusable and unacceptable.

The Interview

1. Make sure you know the exact names of the individuals or people who will be interviewing you.2. You want to present an impression of being self assured and quietly confident. When you first meet the

interviewer, smile, look them in the eye and give a firm handshake make a good first impression.

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3. During the interview, maintain sensible eye contact but avoid staring. If there is more than one interviewer

make sure that you address your answers to all interviewers and give eye contact to all. Allow theinterviewer to control the meeting and demonstrate your listening skills as well as your verbal skills.

4. Be aware of your tone. Make an effort to convey enthusiasm and interest through your voice. Also be awareof your body language and avoid tapping your feet, talking excessively with your hands etc.

5. Nine times out of ten the interviewer will say Walk me through your resume. Start with your earliestrelevant job and walk them through your resume up to your most recent position. This way it leads up towhere you are today and why you are looking for a new position. There are 5 key points you want to hitupon when speaking of each position you have held the name of the company you worked for, the type ofcompany it is, what your role was at the company, what your responsibilities were, and what you learnedfrom that position.

6. Always speak about each position in a positive light, even if it was not the most positive experience. Alsoavoid being critical or making derogatory remarks about your current or previous employer.

7. Think before you speak! It is fine to listen to the questions and take a moment before you answer. Whentalking about yourself, be positive and enthusiastic.8. Dont answer questions with a yes or no, explain and describe your answer but dont waffle.9. Never initiate discussions on salary and/or benefits during the first stage interview and be prepared for

questions regarding your salary expectations, making sure they are in line with the salary range for theposition. You can research the industry standards for the position you are interested in to get a better idea ofa range.

10. Always end the interview on a positive note. Thank the interviewer(s) for his/her time and establish the nextstage of the process including timeframes. Be pleasant and leave a good impression on everyone. So manycandidates ruin their chances as a result of being rude to the receptionist.

Common questions an employer may ask in an interview:

1. Why are you looking to leave?

You know they are going to ask thisbe prepared. Everyone lands in jobs that they realize too late aren't the right fit,but it is all about the way you speak about them that counts. If you address it professionally and with no negativeemotions, the employer will be receptive. If you talk negatively, they are going to think, 'what if it doesn't work outhere, are they going to go and talk to other firms negatively about us?' We don't want them to think that.

2. What are your strengths?

You probably would have already gone through some of your strengths when walking them through your resume.However, they might ask the question anyway. Make sure you come up with 2-3 strengths and can back up thosestrengths with concrete examples.

3. What are your weaknesses?

You want to cite a weakness that isn't going to raise any red flags. Provide a weakness that is in some ways strength.I am so highly organized that my colleagues call me the 'label queen' because I have everything labeled and put injust the right place. Always cite a negative with a positive. For example, I know in my absence, either a temp or myexecutive can find whatever they are looking for. Some people might view that as over the top, I view it as highlyorganized. Statements like I am a control freak give employers red flags, which we don't want. The other tip is to

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provide the obvious. If you have not worked within finance and ideally they are looking for someone with financialexperience, then you can point out you have never worked in the industry, but follow that up with that you have thenecessary administrative foundation to succeed within this role despite the fact that you don't have the financialbackground. Follow up with that you are confident your skills are transferable and that you would excel in the role.

4. With regards to salary, what are you looking to make?

We suggest that you don't give a finite number. It is important that your first response be salary is one of manythings I take into consideration when considering a job however it isn't my sole motivator. I am looking for the fullpackage - a job that will challenge me, where I can learn and acquire new skills, but more importantly where I can bein 10-15 years! I am seeking longevity. If they push it and ask you for a concrete number, I would tell them whatyou what you are currently making and the range in which you are currently interviewing. Be prepared, many peoplewant to know what you are currently making.

5. Do you have any questions?

This is the BIGGEST question and a big reason why so many people don't get jobs is because they don't ask questions.They want to see you are a thoughtful and insightful candidate. Always have a list of questions prepared. If theymention something in an interview that you want clarity on, this is a great time to ask that question. A question mightbe 'I know you were looking for a candidate that is proficient in QuickBooks. In what ways will they utilizingQuickBooks? Will the duties required be accounts receivable/payable as well as payroll?'

Other important questions to ask:

-What are your expectations for the employees of your company?-Was the previous person in this role successful? What made him/her successful?- What is the Managing Director's (or whatever the executive's title is) expectations? What are their greatest needs? If

a group, ask about each individuals needs and collectively their needs as a group.-After navigating through your website, I noticed you have offices internationally; will this position be collaboratingwith other departments internationally?-Is this a newly created position? If no, what limitations did the other assistants have that you would like to seepresent in the next assistant? What did they excel at that you would like to see the next assistant excel at?-What does a typical day look like for an Executive Assistant at your firm?-What is the total head count and organizational structure of your firm?

Follow-up

After the interview, it can give you an edge if you write a thank you email/ letter confirming your continued interestin the position and company. Do not pester or harass the interviewer/employer by continually calling or emailingthem. Wait for them to contact you.