Preparation Checklist for Interviews, Part 2

COME PREPARED FOR KEY QUESTIONS
Practice your responses to all the typical questions, such as "tell me about yourself" and "why are you looking for a new position?" How well you speak will have a bigger impact than what you say. Learn what NOT to say in an interview.

REMAIN INVOLVED
The most effective interviews are those where an active two-way conversation takes place. Not the typical question and answer type. Begin early in the interview to interject your own relevant insight.Remember, don’t interrupt your interviewer.

ESTABLISH YOUR WORTH
Discuss your specific accomplishments that demonstrate a proactive attitude. Such as: have you installed systems, done something not required, trained someone, etc. It’s always important to demonstrate how you either created revenue or saved expenses, and be specific with the amounts and how you accomplished that goal.

KNOW YOUR SIX KEY STRENGTHS
Be prepared to discuss in detail and with examples your five or six main attributes. These should be the ultimate reason you get the job over someone else. Assuming you have done the proper homework on the company, these strengths should also be closely aligned to the key traits the employer is looking for in a person to fill their position. Make sure you are ready to answer the "Killer Question"

GIVE 1 TO 2 MINUTE RESPONSES
Communication is the key to successful interviewing. A minimum of one to two minutes of well-prepared discussion gives the interviewer insight into your intellect and supports your contentions.

KNOW YOUR REFERENCES
It’s important to know what people say about you. It is wise to have an 3rd party or independent person call your references for you to ensure only the best information is being passed on about you.