INTERVIEW TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

Before Interview

Dress to impress!! Human nature dictates that how you look makes the first impression. Then prepare to impress them with you as the individual.

• Conservative business attire if appropriate.
• Clean and pressed Dress uniform, ensure your decorations and insignia are displayed per regulation. Have someone else check your uniform out. How would it look if your ribbons were askew and not centered; if your insignia was placed on your uniform haphazardly?
• Are your dress shoes clean and do they shine? Do your Combat boots have a fresh coat of Kiwi?
• What are you indirectly telling the interviewers of your professionalism?
• For females, remember the regulations that pertain to you in regards to your dress and appearance.
• Have someone familiar with the military uniform look your uniform over prior to the interveiw date.  Should you not have a readily available Dress uniform ensure your BDU's are highly pressed and your boots are polished.
• Check with the Interviewer for direction on the appropriate attire for the interview. (If it is a military position then dress appropriately.)
• Bring 2 - 3 copies of your resume to the interview: You may want to include Letters of Recommendation, Training Certificates, Performance Appraisals, etc.
• Have someone do a practice interview with you.
• Do some background research of the position and write down questions that you would like to know about the position or agency?

The Interview:

Arrive 10-15 minutes early: It will give you time to compose yourself from that harried commute or other things on your mind.  Arriving early also shows a genuine interest in obtaining employment. As opposed to arriving late and perhaps scattered. The first 10-15 seconds of the interview are the most critical. The First Impression is Crucial. Then maintain that impression throughout the interview.

Greet the employer/interviewer(s) with a firm handshake, good eye contact, and a smile: You are showing courtesy to the employer/ interviewer(s). You want to show yourself as skilled and at the same time convey your humanity.  Show you are someone with positive energy, ambition and a team player. Ask the employer to describe the job.

During the Interview:

This is the meat of the Interview. The interviewer(s) are going to have to make a decision on whether to hire you or not based off how you present yourself and your abilities.   Your resume/ application got you through the door. Now is the time is to demonstrate what you say and know meet the road. Can you jump tall buildings with a single leap?

• Do not give yes/no answers, but at the same time DO NOT ramble. Explain and clarify yourself. If you do not understand the question then have them repeat it or restate it? Be clear and consice with your responses. The interviewers want to know what is in your head and how you present yourself.
• Answers should relate to the position being filled.
• Keep answers complete and to the point:
• Attitude is everything. Stay positive - Do not give any negative comments about past or present employers/ supervisors
• Tell the interviewer(s) what you can do for the organization and for them?
• What makes you the best candidate for this position?
• Know your background and strengths and how to support them.

At the end of the Interview:

Interview the Interviewer(s), have 6-10 written questions ready to ask the employer and/ or interviewer(s). The announcement is a short synopsis of the whole job. What are the hidden aspects of the position? If you are new to federal employment have them describe to you what will be expected of you.

• A good "Opening Question" is..."What do you feel are the three most important things you are looking for in this position?"    
• Questions should pertain to the organization, position and selecting Official
• Questions should not pertain to salary, benefits or lunch hour.
• Thank them for the opportunity to interview and that you look forward to hearing from them.
• Call the HRO for a practice interview if you feel you need one.

Posted in: Interview , Tips