Interviewing tips from real professionals

Make sure you:

Do your homework. “I’m taking the time to learn about you,” said Tina… Make sure you:

Do your homework. “I’m taking the time to learn about you,” said Tina Rossmont, a recruiting coordinator for the Pittsburgh business advising firm Alpern Rosenthal, “so you should take the time to learn about me.” Rossmont said she doesn’t expect you to know every detail (like the names of people in the company), but you should know the basics: the company’s size and latest news. At least Google it.

1.Dress professionally. Sure, that pink polo shirt might be your favorite, but save it for Hemingway’s. At an interview, keep your outfits business casual or business professional. If you’re not sure, err on the safe side and wear a jacket, said Rossmont. Barbara Juliussen, the associate director of Pitt’s office of Career Services, suggests conservative navy suits in light wool fabrics and plain blouses or shirts. And make sure you iron them.

2.Ask follow-up questions at the end of the interview. Employers love this. “If I’m recruiting for the office, I’m listening to how interested they are in the company,” Juliussen said. She suggests preparing six questions for your interviewer and using at least three. If that sounds like a lot for you to think of, here are three of hers: “What would a successful candidate accomplish, say, in the first 90 days in the position?” and “Could you describe the environment of the company?” and “What is the company’s philosophy?”

3.Act confident. “My best interviews are when people believe in themselves,” Rossmont said. Have a positive attitude and be confident that you have the necessary jobs skills, because this is no time for modesty. “A lot of students are brought up not to boast or brag or talk about yourself,” said Juliussen. “Throw it out the window when it comes to interviewing. You owe it to yourself to highlight your abilities.” This also means that you should sit up straight, give a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Also, remember to send a thank-you note. Preferably typed, recommends Juliussen. No pressure.

4.Give good answers. Easier said than done, right? Well, just remember STAR-it’s Juliussen’s trick for giving good examples of a time when you performed well in a situation. It stands for “Situation,” “Task,” “Action” and “Result.” “It forms a really good answer,” said Juliussen, “especially for behavioral questions.”

BUT

Make sure you don’t: 1.Ask for information that you should already know. If you could have found it on the company’s website, stay away from it – all that shows is that you haven’t bothered to look, said Deborah Robertson, vice president of creative services at Spindle Publishing Company, Inc., located south of Pittsburgh.

2.Dress inappropriately. Your outfits should not be showing off your body. “No low cut shirts,” Juliussen said. “Maybe it’s the style now, but it’s shooting yourself in the foot.” And this also means no distractions. Skip the cologne and the long necklaces and earrings, said Juliussen, but if you must accessorize, wear a pin or a scarf.

3.Ask inappropriate follow-up questions at the end of the interview. This may require some listening. “I find it entertaining if they ask a question that I just answered,” said Deborah Robertson. “Follow-up questions look like a great way to pay attention, if, in fact, you actually were paying attention.” Also, don’t ask about salaries or benefits, Juliussen said. You wouldn’t want to talk about that until the second or third interview, and even then, wait for the interviewer to bring it up. After all, you can hardly have a vacation if you don’t have the job.

4. Act cocky. There is almost no such thing as too confident, said Juliussen, but you don’t want to be a know-it all, or give off an attitude like, “You’ll be lucky to get me.”

5.Give vague answers. Be as specific as you can, said Juliussen, and highlight situations in the past where you have performed especially well. Also, when asked about yourself, don’t just read off your resume – they already know that information.