Interviewing to Win the Position!

The guidelines below were written primarily with hiring interviews in mind. Often, an information or courtesy interview will be the first step on the path to a hiring interview. Most of the advice here applies to these informal interviews, as well.

In evaluating candidates, hiring managers generally attempt to answer two questions Can you do the job well? (technical competence) and What kind of a teammate will you be (for co-workers and clients or customers)? (the chemistry question).:

Here is some good advice we have heard related to interviews:

Try to shape the interview into a conversation between two professionals with a common interest in the issues and topics related to the company or industry you are seeking to enter.

Take a needs-based approach; focus on explaining how you will meet the employer's needs, solve the hiring manager's problems, contribute to the organization or business unit.

Explain how you will carry the ball across the goal line; how you will get the job done and what the benefit will be to the employer.

Emphasize what you have done (achievements) more than who you have been (titles). Explain the benefits of your achievements: why they were important and how they relate to the position you are seeking.

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