Introduction:
You always need to "take temperatures" because people have minds and they're changing them constantly. You need to listen to what they don't say. Being prepared for an interview is vital; the following preparation is very unique and effective in conducting a positive interview.

Things to remember:

• You have to sell yourself in the interview

• People hire and accept emotionally first and justify logically later.

• People are most sold by your conviction rather than by your persuasion.

• Know your industry, but think PEOPLE.

• The decision to hire is made in the first 5 to 10 minutes of the interview, with the remaining time spent justifying that decision.

The Candidate Preparation:

• Please take these notes to the interview.

• Practice the anticipated questions that may be asked and your answers to those questions.

• Have questions for the hiring authority

  • What are you looking for in the perfect candidate to fill this position?

  • What are the duties and responsibilities of the position? These are excellent icebreaker questions for the hiring authority and a great start to a successful interview.

  • What % of my job is dedicated to sales, service, administration, supervisory, and technical? (should = 100%)

  • What is you expectations for this position? 1st year, 5 years out?

  • What are the production or sales goals? What obstacles would prevent me from reaching my goals?

  • What are the short and long term goals set for the person in this position?

Questions must be written out before the interview, while avoiding the topic of compensation and benefits for the first interview.

• Salary - this is a trap question. If the question is brought up a very good response is "I would like to focus on the opportunity first and make sure it is a fit for both myself and the company. If we get to that stage I sure you will come up with a fair number that you feel I am worth." If they ask again say "I am currently making $__#___(Total Comp). Although I would like an increase, I don't know enough about the opportunity to answer that fairly." Be very careful that you don't short yourself. Be sure to keep in mind your base salary, bonus program, stock options, gain sharing programs, performance bonuses, benefits, etc. all are based on you base salary.

• Ask for the job! "I haven't interviewed in a while, what is the next step?" OR summarize what you've done that ties in with the new position and ask, "Do I have the qualifications you're looking for?" Then remain silent for an answer. If the hiring authority says, "I'm looking at other people," you say, "How do my qualifications match the people you're considering." (Your #1 priority is to receive an offer, if this is a position that you desire, your #2 priority is to know the next step.)
  ALWAYS SEND A FOLLOW-UP or THANK YOU LETTER.

• After you leave the interview, it is very important that you call us immediately and give us feedback.