For door to door driving instructions, try Mapquest's Driving Directions. (FYI - nothing is perfect, so always double check the directions before getting on the road!)
Find out as much as you can about the company. Your recruiter will provide you with information about the company. You will also want to check the company’s web site for additional details. Don't be afraid to Google the company.
This will go along way in helping you relate your experience/expertise to their needs. Your recruiter will be able to help you zero in on the information in your resume that made the hiring manager want to see you.
First impressions do count, so use them to your advantage. Even if the company has a casual dress policy, wear clean, neat business attire to the interview. You’ll have plenty of time to wear your jeans and tee shirts after you get the job. Avoid excessive perfume or cologne. Avoid excessive jewelry. Depending on the company/job, you may want to consider removing nose & tongue jewelry for the interview.
Nothing will frazzle you faster than pulling into the parking lot at 1:58 for a 2:00 interview. Plan ahead so you can relax and pull yourself together for your appointment. This is a good time for last minute reviews of your resume and or any company information.
Now is the time for a big smile (no gum, please) and a firm (not bone crushing) handshake. Let them know you’re happy to be there.
While you don’t want to memorize your answers, be prepared to talk about things like:
· Why do you want to work for this company? · What separates you from the rest of the candidates? · How can you help us achieve our goals? Try to relate your answers to back to something in your background. For example, if you say you should be hired because you learn new concepts easily and can apply them quickly, give an example of that skill from your work history. Money/Benefits – What’s in it for me? Ask questions about the company and the position. Secondly, asking questions shows them you are interested in the position and their company. Don’t ask "What do you guys do?" You should already know that. Some questions you may want to consider asking are: · Why is this position open? · What’s your corporate culture like? · What differentiates you from your competitors? · How is this department organized? Where do I fit in? Ask relevant technical questions. Are they moving towards newer technologies? Migrating to other platforms? Using or considering specific development methodologies? At the end… Contact your recruiter ASAP. Let her know if you are interested in the position. She’ll be interested in your feedback. This is a good time to voice any concerns that you may have about the position or the company. Your recruiter will get feedback from the hiring manager(s) and share it with you.
One of the main purposes of the interview is to give you an opportunity to convince them that you are the best person for the job. You’ll need to answer questions such as:
Don’t lead with compensation questions. This is not the time to make a pitch for money. Make them want you first. Refrain from asking about how much paid vacation you get and which holidays are observed. Few things turn off hiring managers faster.
Questioning the interviewers serves two purposes. First of all, a job interview is a two way street. Not only are they interviewing you to see if they want you to work at their company. You are also interviewing them to see if you want to work at their company.
Thank your interviewer for his time. Ask if there is anything else you can tell her about you and or your background. Find out what the "next step" is in the hiring process. Make sure you let them know you are excited about the possibility of working with them. Be sure to get the hiring manager's card - you'll want to send a brief email thanking him/her for the interview.