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Candidate Interview Preparation Guide

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Interview Preparation
The most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Interviewing is a
learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression.

Google the Company!

Not being able to answer the question "What do you know about this company?" might
just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Background information
including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available in
an "About Us" section on most company web sites. Review it ahead of time, then print it
out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory.

Read the Job Description

It is imperative that you review the job description and the skills requested. Be able to
articulate how your experience fits the need and how you can add value.

Know what your Resume Says

Bring an extra copy of your resume and ensure it is the same version the recruiter
submitted to the hiring manager. If there is a question contact your FPS/WTI recruiter
and they will send you the version used. According to a recent study, one of the most
common reasons employers give for not hiring an applicant is due to the candidate’s
inability to fully explain the contents of his or her résumé. It is therefore of paramount
importance to be able to discuss in detail every item listed on one's resume, and if
possible to give examples where appropriate. It is very important to familiarize yourself
with your resume. Know what your resume says and use it as a tool to sell yourself to
the hiring manager. Not being familiar with the details of your résumé can be disastrous.
INTERVIEW DAY

Dress for the Job or Company

Confidence and ability is not only shown through the spoken word, it is demonstrated
through how you look and your body language as well. This means that you could boast
all day about your skills, but if you do not look the part, you are not as likely to be taken
seriously - especially in a job interview where it counts the most. Take the time to look
and dress the part, and it will go a long way toward completing the picture for the
interviewer. In every case, it is always better to be overdressed.

Be On-time
It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to fifteen minutes
early. Make sure you logged in the meeting room (Google Meet or MS Teams) at least 5
minutes earlier of your schedule.
If need be, for an onsite interview - take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so
you know exactly where you are going.

Know the Details

Read and familiarize yourself with your resume, job description and company information
before entering
the meeting room (Google Meet/ MS Teams) or the office for an onsite interview.

What not to Bring

Believe it or not, a recent candidate for employment, who, by the way, didn't get the job,
didn't hesitate to answer his cell phone when it rang during an interview. Leave the
phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the meeting room - Google Meet/MS
Teams (virtual) and in the building for onsite. Same goes for coffee, food and anything
else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of references. They
don't belong at an interview.

Arriving (For Onsite)

In most cases you will be directed to the security or reception desk where you will ask for
the manager. Ensure you are courteous to the attendant. Managers often have
relationships with those who sit up front.
THE INTERVIEW

Introductions
It is important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for
employment. It is, however, most important to positively connect with the person who
might hire you. Shake hands (onsite), make eye contact, exude confidence, sit after the
interviewer has sat down (onsite), engage the person you are speaking with, and you will
let the interviewer know you are interested in the position. Ensure you do this before you
even answer any interview question.

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication – eye2eye contact/smile

Ensure you demonstrate confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and
connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning --
or quick ending - to your interview.

Stay Calm
During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not
sure what's been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or
two to frame your responses so you can be sure to fully answer the question.

Listen
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either
directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good
communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was
said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace. Make sure you listen to
the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond.

Communication Skills
Ensure you speak slowly and clearly articulate your responses to questions. Do not
allow your mouth to run ahead of your brain.

Answer the Questions

When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is
seeking a sample of your past behaviour. Do not be afraid to share projects that have
gone awry, but be sure to follow it up with what you did to get the project back on track. If
you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also
miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

Do Not Talk Too Much

There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on...
The interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers
succinct, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the question.

Ensure You Talk Enough

It's really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or
two. I remember a couple of interviews where I felt like I was pulling teeth to get any
answers from the candidate. It wasn't pleasant. So, even though you shouldn't talk too
much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can.

Badmouthing Past Employers

Your last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job
and couldn't wait to leave? Even if it's true, don't say so. Stay Professional. It's
sometimes a smaller world than we think and you don't know who your interviewer might
know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don't want the interviewer to think
that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren't
the best.

Don't Be Too Familiar

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new
friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to
bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep
your place as a candidate looking for a job.

Don't Be Cocky
Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between
confidence and arrogance. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your
ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

Compensation
Do not discuss your compensation or ask any questions about your compensation,
expenses, etc. during the interview if the interviewer did not initiate. If asked by the
Hiring Manager, be transparent on your expectations and be open for negotiation (in
case).

Ask Questions
At the end of the interview you will usually be given a chance to ask any questions.
When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer!
It is extremely important to ask questions, not only do they allow the interviewee to
acquire more information but they also demonstrate your interest in the position and
company. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview
and asking for additional information

Closing
When the Interview is Complete
Ensure you thank the manager for his time. In most cases the manager will advise you
as to when he will make his decision. If he does not define that fact, it is perfectly
acceptable to ask. Let the interviewer know that you think you would be a good fit for his
or her team and look forward to hearing from him soon.

Contact Your Recruiter

Provide your recruiter with the feedback and details immediately after your interview so
we can follow-up with the hiring manager