Interviewing with Our Client
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Research the company. Your Certified Staffing Professional will tell you as much information as is known, but there are other avenues
to obtain even more details. Start your research at the library or over the internet to get a better understanding of the company and
how the position fits within its structure.
Be ready to answer some standard interview questions such as, "Why should we hire you?" and "Explain your strengths and
weaknesses". Our web site has some helpful links to find more examples of popular interview questions.
Be prepared. Although our staff will normally have shown your resume to the client company in advance, you should bring a clean
copy and samples of
your work if appropriate. A notebook, pen, and a list of questions to ask will also come in handy. (Don't bring questions to which you
should already know the answer!)
Be on time. Plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early to relax and get organized. Know where you are going before the scheduled
interview. Do a practice run-through so you are sure to allow yourself enough time on the interview day to get there as scheduled.
Dress professionally. Wear monochromatic clothing, avoiding loud prints or plaids and clingy fabric. Choose age-appropriate outfits
that are conservative and classic. A classic business suit is almost always acceptable unless you know the work environment calls for
jeans and boots every day and in every circumstance. Consider the industry, type and level of position being sought, along with the
culture of the organization; always dressing one notch above the usual fare.
Grooming is also important - be impeccably clean and well groomed, wearing minimal jewelry or perfume/cologne and keeping
hairstyle and makeup conservative. If you are concerned about the appearance of scars, birthmarks, etc., be proud and comfortable
with how you present yourself or you risk drawing attention to your perceived areas of weakness.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
First impressions consist not only of appearance but of observed behavior. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake (practice this
one!).
Show your interest and project a positive attitude.
Eye contact is very important. Show your confidence by looking the interviewer in the eye.
Always tell the truth in an interview.
Don't say anything negative about a past employer.
Never discuss salary in the first interview or before a job offer is made. The information provided by Personnel Partners in advance
comes directly from our client, and is not subject to negotiation unless our client brings it up.
Bring some of these "best questions to ask in a job interview" to help determine whether the environment is a good fit:
If I'm hired, in a year from now, how will you know I've been successful in this job?
Why is this position open?
Why do employees stay here? Why do they leave?
What are some of the challenges of this job?
What is a typical day like in this position?
Where would I go for feedback or training to help me improve in this position?
What most often contributes to someone's success at this company (or in this job)?
Following the close of an interview, always verbally thank the interviewer for his/her time. You may ask for the interviewer's business
card and send a thank you note within 24 hours of the interview, if you know the interview process will be ongoing.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Call your Certified Staffing Professional at Personnel Partners after an interview with one of our clients. Personnel Partners will be
involved in the follow-up interview if one is necessary. Attempting to get direct updates from our client may actually hurt your chances
of being considered for an opening since the client will assume you must have your own agenda or do not respect its planned
procedures.
Many of the positions we fill are "temp to hire", which simply means that if everything goes well during an evaluation period worked on
Personnel Partners' payroll, you may then receive an offer of direct hire by our client company. If you are interviewing for such an
opportunity vs. a temporary-only assignment, you will be made aware of the potential for future direct hire in advance.
If you are selected for the job opening, our client will notify Personnel Partners' staff, who will contact you to make the job offer
including pay rate, and will coordinate a start date and any other orientation needed.