Interviewing Tips

PREPARATION is the first essential step toward a successful interview. Thus, it is important to: Know the exact PLACE & TIME of the interview, the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and his/her title. Find out specific facts about the company and position being offered from your JRP-Atlanta, LLC recruiter. This will enable you to ask pertinent and intelligent questions during your interview. We strongly urge you to visit the company's website to research their goods and services prior to your appointment.

Remember that an interview is a "two-way street." The employer will try to determine through questioning whether the company will give you the opportunity you seek. Therefore, be prepared in advance for questions you wish to ask during the interview. Suggested areas for your questioning purposes:

• A detailed description of the position

• Reason the position is available

• Training program if applicable

• Advancement potential

• Next step in interview process

• Appropriate attire...
  FOR WOMEN: Wear a skirted suit with tailored blouse or business (tailored) dress; medium heeled close toed shoes, conservative jewelry (not more than one ring per hand please) and makeup, manicured nails, hair neatly combed or styled. (Present a professional image.)
  FOR MEN: Dress in a business suit (NO SPORT CLOTHES); white or soft pastel shirt, conservative tie, dark socks, shoes well shined and a fresh haircut for professional work environments. Of course, for technical related positions you may choose to wear a button-down shirt with khaki or dress pants and dress shoes. Generally speaking, you do not want to dress more formally than the person conducting the interview. If in doubt, please ask your recruiter.

You are being interviewed because the interviewer wants to hire the best person for the position. Through the interaction which will take place, the interviewer will:

• Search out your strong and weak points

• Evaluate your qualifications, skills and intellectual qualities.

• Determine your attitudes, aptitudes, stability, motivation and maturity.

Some "do's" concerning the interview...

• DO plan to arrive a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is NEVER excusable.

• DO greet the interviewer by his/her last name. If you are not sure of the pronunciation, ASK. Shake hands firmly. SMILE!

• DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit straight, look alert and be interested at all times. Be a good LISTENER as well as a good speaker.

• DO look directly at the interviewer when speaking or listening. EYE CONTACT IS VERY IMPORTANT!

• DO follow the interviewer's leads, but try to get a description of the position and your duties early in the interview so that you can relate your background, skills and accomplishments to the position.

• DO make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Stress ACHIEVEMENTS. DO speak with confidence and enthusiasm.

• DO ask relevant questions. The interview is your opportunity to learn about the position and company as well as to present yourself as a qualified, interested applicant.

• DO complete in full any application presented at time of interview. Read entire application BEFORE beginning to complete.

• DO always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity. It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of jobs rather than only one. If you like what you heard, ASK FOR THE JOB!

Some "don'ts" concerning the interview...

• DON'T smoke even if the interviewer smokes and offers you a cigarette. NEVER chew gum.

• DON'T lie. Answer questions accurately, frankly, and succinctly.

• DON'T answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Tell those things about yourself which relate to the situation.

• DON'T ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.

• DON'T "over answer" questions. If a controversial subject arises, respond honestly, trying not to say more than is necessary.

• DON'T inquire about SALARY or BENEFITS on the initial interview. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you have been earning, but stress more interest in opportunity than in a specific salary. Respond with something like, "I was earning $50K in my last position. This position sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Make me your best offer and I'll give it serious consideration.”

• Why did you select JRP-Atlanta, LLC to represent you?

• Why did you apply for this particular position?

• What do you know about our company?

• Describe your previous work experience.

• What skills will you bring to this job?

• Describe your weaknesses.

• Will you be able to work our normal hours?

• Are you willing to work flexible hours and overtime, if needed?

• How do you spend your spare time? What are your hobbies?

• What kind of recommendation will you receive from your previous employers?

• Do you have any long range goals or plans?

• What kind of salary do you expect?

• Do you have any questions about the company or position being offered?

• Why do you think you should be selected for the job?

During the course of the interview, the employer will be evaluating both your negative and your positive factors. Listed below are the negative points which most often lead to the rejection of an applicant.

• Poor personal appearance. Example: Inappropriate dress, lack of good grooming, poor posture, etc.

• Inability to express thoughts clearly - poor diction or grammar.

• Lack of interest and enthusiasm - passive and indifferent.

• Overemphasis on money - interest only in salary.

• Evasive - makes excuses for unfavorable factors in record.

• Lack of confidence and poise - nervousness.

• Condemnation of past employers.

• Poor eye contact.

• Limp handshake.

• Failure to ask questions about the job.

• Lack of tact - maturity - courtesy.

• Persistent attitude of "What can you do for me?"

• Lack of preparation for interview resulting in the ability to ask intelligent questions.

• If you are interested in the position, ASK FOR IT! Say something like:, "Thank you for inviting me to meet with you today. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity and I'm confident based on my skills and experience, I can step right in and do an excellent job in the position you've described. How soon could I start?"

• Don't be discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer may want to communicate with his/her office first or may be interviewing more candidates before making a decision.

• If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show.

• Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration. If you have answered the following two questions:
  - Why are you interested in the position and...
  - What can you offer...
  ...You have accomplished your goal.

• If you would like to receive an offer, compose an email thanking the interviewer for their time, expressing your interest and restating briefly why you feel you're the best possible fit for this position. This is also a good time to address any noted concerns as well. Then, forward to your JRP-Atlanta, LLC recruiter for review prior to sending to the interviewer. After review it will be returned for you to then forward to the appropriate parties. You might also consider putting several "thank you" note cards inside your portfolio and upon leaving you can sit in the lobby or go back to your vehicle, write a thank you note and give to the receptionist for hand delivery.

Lastly, and most importantly, call your JRP-Atlanta, LLC recruiter immediately after the interview with the interviewer. If you are interested in the position, your recruiter will assist in getting the offer.