Interview Tips

1. Do some research on the business before the interview. Use all the helpful resources that you can find.
2. Practice your interviewing technique.  At Achieve, we’ll help you run-through best interviewing techniques and give you valuable insights that will change your prospects.
3. Be on time for your interview, arriving 15 minutes early will create the best impression.
4. Dress Appropriately, Project a professional appearance that shows that you CARE about your first impression!
5. Go alone. 
6. Greet the employer with a handshake.   This is simply crucial. Many employers place great stock in a “good handshake”.
7. Make frequent eye contact, hold your head up high.  Remember, YOU are best qualified to present YOURSELF in that important interview! You are your own best sales rep!
8. Please smile, no matter how nervous you might feel.
9. Listen carefully to the questions asked. Ask the interviewer to restate a question if you are confused.  Please do not jump in and speak over the interviewer. Better to take your time than speak too fast.
10. Answer questions as directly as possible. If asked for specific examples, please be detailed.
11. Do not  speak about any former employers in negative terms.  At Achieve, we can help you to better present past frustrations in an honest, yet forward-looking and positive manner.
12. If you've worked before, talk about what you learned from it.
13. Use examples of how your skills and abilities would fit the job.  Speak about how your past experience directly relates to the job at hand.
14. Always carry a copy of your resume and references along to the interview

Questions to Expect During your Interview:

1. Tell me about yourself. –best to keep this related to professional information. Speak clearly.
2. What do you know about the type of work we do? ---Please research the company carefully prior to your visit! It can make this answer one of your very strongest!
3. What is your weakness? ---answer this as positively as possible. At Achieve, we can help you to get your thoughts on this across clearly.
4.  What are your strengths? –Answer this in relation to the job at hand.  Relate your strengths to a task required in the new position, if possible.
5. Why did you leave your last job? –Answer this without speaking negatively regarding your past employer. Speak honestly, sincerely, but keep the negative thoughts to yourself if possible!
6. Why have you been unemployed for such a long time? ---Tell the truth. Your work gap has an explanation, give it as clearly and as to-the-point as possible.
7. Why should we hire you? –This is a great chance for you to ASK for the job based upon your skill set, past experiences and good work history.
8. May I have a copy of your references, Please?—Have them ready in advance! Make sure you’ve notified your references that they might be receiving a call.

If you are asked if you have any questions, you will say YES! Because you’ve prepared some in advance.
Questions To Ask The Employer:
1. Who would supervise me?
2. What are the greatest challenges within the department?
3. What are the opportunities for advancement?
4. What kind of training is provided or available?

Reasons Why People Don't Get Hired:

• Untidy personal appearance
• Inability to express information clearly, inability to speak SPECIFICALLY about their skills.
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Negative attitude, speaking poorly of past employers
• Lack of eye contact
• Incomplete or sloppy application
• Being late for the interview

At the end of the interview:
• Thank the interviewers for the opportunity to speak with them. Let them know that you’ve enjoyed learning more about the position. Tell them that you appreciate their time.
• Request a business card.
• Shake hands in closing.
• Two or three days after the interview send a thank you note addressed to the interviewers.

Thank You Notes

After your interview, be sure to write a thank you note to the employer or interviewer. This is very important because a thank you note brings you back to the forefront in the hiring manager’s mind. It shows enthusiasm and the willingness to go that extra mile to make a good impression.

Tips for thank you notes:

1. Neatly handwrite or type the note.
2. Address the note to the interviewer or the lead interviewer.
3. Keep it short. (No longer than one page.)
4. First paragraph: Thank the employer for the interview. Also, mention that you are interested in the position.
5. Second paragraph: Briefly state a few of your skills, along with mention that you believe you’d be a great fit and that you are up for the new challenge!
6. Third paragraph: Provide your contact information, telephone number with area code, and an e-mail address, if available.
7. Sign the note with your first and last name.
8. Proofread the note to check for spelling or grammar errors. Ask another person to proofread the note.
9. Mail the note within two to three days after your interview.