Job Interview Cheat Sheet
4 June 2010
Read by 2251 persons
Want to improve your chances of succeeding in your next job interview? Prepare your cheat sheet!
A cheat sheet is a summary that helps you stay focused before, during, and after the interview. Creating your cheat sheet will help you feel better prepared, confident, and efficient for this meeting with the recruiter.
You shouldn't memorize its content or glance at it during the interview. You should use your cheat sheet to remember key elements. Here are some suggestions on what to include.
Days before the interview
1. Draw a vertical line in the middle of a sheet of paper. On the left, list what the employer is looking for, based on the job offer. On the right, list your qualities that match these requirements.
2. Research the company, industry, and competition.
3. Prepare a one-minute answer to the question "Can you tell me more about yourself?"
4. Write down at least 5 examples of professional successes to answer questions like "Give me an example of a time when you...", "What proves to me that you are..." By showing that you have succeeded in the past, you demonstrate that you can do it again!
5. Make a list of five questions to ask the recruiter about the offered position and the company.
6. Research the salaries offered for your position based on your experience level.
7. For the same type of experience and company, to determine what you can ask for.
8. Based on your needs, determine the salary level you will request at the end of the interview.
9. If possible, contact people who can recommend you to get permission to mention their names if necessary.
Before going to your interview
1. Prepare answers to the usual questions asked during interviews:
o Introduce yourself!
o Why did you leave that company or... Why do you want to change jobs?
o What do you know about our company?
o What are your goals?
o What are your strengths and weaknesses?
o Why do you want to work for our company?
o What was your greatest achievement?
o How would your former boss and colleagues describe you?
o Why should I hire you?
o What are your salary expectations?
2. Make sure to bring with you to the interview:
o Several copies of your CV on good quality paper
o A copy of your references or recommendations
o A notepad and pen to take notes
o Directions, address, and travel time to get to the interview location.
3. Just before leaving... Do you look professional? Look in the mirror; self-confidence comes from a good presentation.
Upon arrival
1. Arrive early. Enter the building 10 minutes before your interview starts.
2. Introduce yourself to the receptionist in a professional manner.
3. Review your examples and answers.
4. Head to the restroom if needed... Look in the mirror one last time, you're perfect!
5. Stand up and greet your recruiter with a firm handshake, without hurting them!
6. Smile and maintain eye contact with the recruiter: the interview has already begun...
During the interview
1. Try to focus on the points you have prepared without sounding like you're reciting something or being tense. Feeling like you're forgetting something? Move on to other points, the recruiter will certainly ask you questions if they need to delve into certain details.
2. Keep your answers short. Get to the point.
3. Relax while remaining very attentive to the conversation. Remember new information about the company, take notes if needed.
4. Ask questions and listen; know how to read between the lines.
5. At the end of the interview, thank the recruiter and determine the next steps.
6. Ask for their business card so you can contact them after the interview.
After the interview
1. As soon as you can, write down your thoughts and feelings on a sheet of paper.
2. Later in the day, reread your notes and evaluate your interview: what worked or conversely the points where you were surprised or unprepared.
3. Write a thank-you letter to your recruiter or send them an email, making sure to remind them of your qualities.
Published May 25, 2010
Posted online June 4, 2010
Monster
A cheat sheet is a summary that helps you stay focused before, during, and after the interview. Creating your cheat sheet will help you feel better prepared, confident, and efficient for this meeting with the recruiter.
You shouldn't memorize its content or glance at it during the interview. You should use your cheat sheet to remember key elements. Here are some suggestions on what to include.
Days before the interview
1. Draw a vertical line in the middle of a sheet of paper. On the left, list what the employer is looking for, based on the job offer. On the right, list your qualities that match these requirements.
2. Research the company, industry, and competition.
3. Prepare a one-minute answer to the question "Can you tell me more about yourself?"
4. Write down at least 5 examples of professional successes to answer questions like "Give me an example of a time when you...", "What proves to me that you are..." By showing that you have succeeded in the past, you demonstrate that you can do it again!
5. Make a list of five questions to ask the recruiter about the offered position and the company.
6. Research the salaries offered for your position based on your experience level.
7. For the same type of experience and company, to determine what you can ask for.
8. Based on your needs, determine the salary level you will request at the end of the interview.
9. If possible, contact people who can recommend you to get permission to mention their names if necessary.
Before going to your interview
1. Prepare answers to the usual questions asked during interviews:
o Introduce yourself!
o Why did you leave that company or... Why do you want to change jobs?
o What do you know about our company?
o What are your goals?
o What are your strengths and weaknesses?
o Why do you want to work for our company?
o What was your greatest achievement?
o How would your former boss and colleagues describe you?
o Why should I hire you?
o What are your salary expectations?
2. Make sure to bring with you to the interview:
o Several copies of your CV on good quality paper
o A copy of your references or recommendations
o A notepad and pen to take notes
o Directions, address, and travel time to get to the interview location.
3. Just before leaving... Do you look professional? Look in the mirror; self-confidence comes from a good presentation.
Upon arrival
1. Arrive early. Enter the building 10 minutes before your interview starts.
2. Introduce yourself to the receptionist in a professional manner.
3. Review your examples and answers.
4. Head to the restroom if needed... Look in the mirror one last time, you're perfect!
5. Stand up and greet your recruiter with a firm handshake, without hurting them!
6. Smile and maintain eye contact with the recruiter: the interview has already begun...
During the interview
1. Try to focus on the points you have prepared without sounding like you're reciting something or being tense. Feeling like you're forgetting something? Move on to other points, the recruiter will certainly ask you questions if they need to delve into certain details.
2. Keep your answers short. Get to the point.
3. Relax while remaining very attentive to the conversation. Remember new information about the company, take notes if needed.
4. Ask questions and listen; know how to read between the lines.
5. At the end of the interview, thank the recruiter and determine the next steps.
6. Ask for their business card so you can contact them after the interview.
After the interview
1. As soon as you can, write down your thoughts and feelings on a sheet of paper.
2. Later in the day, reread your notes and evaluate your interview: what worked or conversely the points where you were surprised or unprepared.
3. Write a thank-you letter to your recruiter or send them an email, making sure to remind them of your qualities.
Published May 25, 2010
Posted online June 4, 2010
Monster
