How To Interview? Important Interview Tips For Candidates!

Research, Research, Research

Start with Research. You probably did some before applying, but now is the time to kick your efforts into high gear. In addition to learning how to answer interview questions, also know who you will be interviewing with and what their place in the process is. Think of the questions you might be asked and have articulate answers that show your knowledge and confidence. Be ready to ask questions to your interviewer about the hiring process, timeline and your salary. Asking smart questions reflects well on you! For your interview, arrive early, look sharp and take care of the details beforehand. Nobody likes seeing your dirty laundry in the background of a video interview!

Research The Interviewer

It is important to know who will be interviewing you, their title and what role they play in the hiring process.

Prepare Your Answers

Confidence and articulation are worth more than a thousand words! Be ready and comfortable to talk about yourself and your achievements.

Prepare Questions To Ask

Be ready to ask questions about salary, responsibilities and next steps. most importantly, ask for the job!

Take Care of Details

Make sure you know how to get to your interview, taking into consideration traffic and parking. For video interviews, make sure your background is private, professional and neat.

Plan Your Outfit

ALWAYS look professional regardless of the job!

How to Prepare For Interview

Answer these questions and take these notes to the interview. Practice the anticipated questions beforehand. Be sure to practice these steps out loud to yourself before the interview.

Duties And Responsibilities

What are the duties and responsibilities of the position I’m applying for? This is an excellent icebreaker question for the hiring authority and a great start to a successful interview. What % of my job is dedicated to administration, supervisory, and technical? (should = 100%)

What Is Your Priority

What is my number one priority that has to be done before I leave each day? Why? (priorities are personal.)

What Are The Sales Goals

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

What Are The Position Goals

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

During The Interview

Remember the following.

  • People have to buy you before they buy from you.

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

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

  • Know your technology, 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.

Important Questions To Ask During The Interview

Luck Favors The Prepared!

Keep Your Questions Ready

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

Be Clever To Ask For Salary

Salary – this is a trap question. If the question is brought up a very good response is ‘I am currently making $_____. If I am the right candidate, I would expect a fair market value offer.’ 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.

Ask for the job

Ask for the job! ‘I haven’t interviewed in a while, what is the next step? Can we conclude our business today if all goes well?’ 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?’

Get In Touch

Ask about next steps in the process and the employer’s timeline.

After The Interview

Whew! Now That You’re Done…

  • ALWAYS SEND A FOLLOW-UP LETTER

  • Call BKG and let us know how it went. We are your biggest fan!

Ready With Your Resume? You Are One Step Closer to a New Career!

We’re always on the lookout for top talent! Join one of the most extensive networks of property & casualty and healthcare insurance employers looking for great people like you. Feel free to upload your resume, or if you have questions, Contact Us!