Standard Interviewing Questions

• "Tell me a little bit about yourself."
• What are your short-term and long-term goals and when did you establish these goals?
• How are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What is your greatest strength/weakness?
• Who or what motivates you?
• Why should we hire you?
• Which of your accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction and why?
• How do you measure success?
• If you were hiring someone for this position, which qualities would you look for?
• Which management style should your ideal manager have?
• What do you know about our company/industry?
• Tell me about your current level of performance.
• Why do you wish to make a change?

Introduction:
You always need to "take temperatures" because people have minds and they're changing them constantly. You need to listen to what they don't say. Being prepared for an interview is vital; the following preparation is very unique and effective in conducting a positive interview.

Things to remember:

1. People have to buy you before they buy from you.
2. People hire and accept emotionally first and justify logically later.
3. People are most sold by your conviction rather than by your persuasion.
4. Know your technology, but think PEOPLE.
5. The decision to hire is made in the first 5 to 10 minutes of the interview, with the remaining time spent justifying that decision.

The Candidate Preparation:

Please take these notes to the interview and practice the anticipated questions that may be asked and your answers to those questions. Be sure to practice these steps out loud to yourself before the interview.

1. What are the duties and responsibilities of the position I'm applying for? This is an excellent icebreaker question for the hiring authority and a great start to a successful interview. What % of my job is dedicated to administration, supervisory, and technical? (should = 100%)
2. What is my number one priority that has to be done before I leave each day? Why? (priorities are personal.)
3. What are my goals? What obstacles would prevent me from reaching my goals?
4. What are the short and long term goals set for the person in this position?
5. Have questions for the hiring authority. Questions must be written out before the interview, while avoiding the topic of compensation and benefits for the first interview.  Business related question gleaned from your company research are good.
6. Salary - this is a trap question. If the question is brought up a very good response is "You know-Salary is important, but it's not the most important thing.  What's most important to me is whether I believe that I can do the job and do it well.  And whether you believe that I can do the job well.  If there is a good fit, and we both know it, I know that you will make me a fair offer and we'll get together." If you are absolutely forced to give a number, be very careful that you don't short yourself. Be sure to keep in mind your base salary, bonus program, stock options, gain sharing programs, performance bonuses, benefits, etc. Give them your current total package and indicate a desire to improve a modest amount based on location and other benefits.
7. Ask for the job! "I haven't interviewed in a while, what is the next step? Can we conclude our business today if all goes well?" OR summarize what you've done that ties in with the new position and ask, "Do I have the qualifications you're looking for?" Then remain silent for an answer. If the hiring authority says, "I'm looking at other people," you say, "How do my qualifications match the people you're considering."
   (Your #1 priority is to receive an offer, if this is a position that you desire, your #2 priority is to know the next step.)
   ALWAYS SEND A FOLLOW-UP LETTER.
8. After you leave the interview, it is very important that you call us immediately for feedback and questions.