Interview Tips

  1. Research the company.
    • Be prepared with company information/latest news
    • Have your facts ready! Refresh your memory by reading your technical manuals so you can recall the terminology at will.
    • Review in advance specific technical problems / or projects you have worked on where you were the problem solver.
  2. Find out quickly what the interviewer expects from the position.
    • You need to relate your background/skills to this.
    • When there is more than one opportunity, be clear about how you relate.
    • Focus on “What I did vs. what team did.”
  3. Show interest.
    • Make sure they know you're serious; that you want this job!
    • Mannerisms/comments that convey interest throughout the interview.
    • Never take for granted that the interviewer knows you are interested.
    • Closing the interview – the best time to show interest.
  4. Talk about your expertise.
    • Define your strengths in advance. Present them in an interview.
    • Attitude = Confident not Cocky.
    • Don't answer “Yes” or “No&rdquo but don’t ramble either. Keep to the point. Don't bring up extraneous matters.
    • Make opportunities to mention your strengths.
    • When you don’t know something be truthful about it! Don’t get “hung up” over it. At the earliest opportunity give examples of what a quick learner you are and stress any related experience and/or accomplishments.
    • For bridge opportunities, make sure you convey your willingness to utilize the technology you know. Don’t give the impression that you are unwilling to utilize past experience.
    • Don’t try to dominate the interview. Let the interviewer guide the questions.
  5. Avoid asking “What's in it for me?” questions.
    • Like vacation time, benefits, lunch breaks, sick time, because it reflects negatively on your motivation.
    • If the interviewer brings it up – ok; Usually that topic is discussed after mutual interest has been ascertained.
  6. How to handle the money question:
    • If client mentions money, defer to your Wolverine account manager who can discuss this issue with them.
    • If pressured on salary say that you would simply like to be compensated based on the level of experience that you bring to the job. Tell them to make an offer to Wolverine and you will consider it. If you are converting from contract to direct, tell them you understand that there will be a salary adjustment to be made since contractors are paid more due to insecurity and short term nature of the work.
  7. How to handle the “Why are you looking?” question.
    • Never make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers.
    • When asked why you want to leave your current job never say “I’m happy where I am.” Instead say “I’m doing well in my current position but when told about his position I was very interested because it sounded challenging and an excellent opportunity.”
    • End of contract.
  8. Be prepared to answer standard interview questions.
    • Examples: What do you see yourself doing in the next 5 years? What is your greatest strength/weakness? (Chose a “Weakness” that could also be viewed as a strength)
  9. Have questions for the interviewer that are appropriate to their level or role.
    • Ask higher level people the “Big Picture” questions; etc.
  10. Don't make up your mind about the opportunity while you are in the interview.
    • Don't let your guard down for any reason - even if you get the impression that an interview is not going well or you have concerns about how the company does certain things.
    • If asked questions such as “Is there any reason you would not accept a job offer from our company?”, don't wear your heart on your sleeve. Answer so as to buy yourself time to think!
    • Avoid discussing the opportunity to go direct.
  11. Miscellaneous:
    • Arrive early.
    • Firm handshake, eye contact.
    • Greet the interviewer by their last name; be sure of pronunciation.
    • Good grooming and appropriate dress are imperative.
    • Call the hiring official or your Wolverine recruiter if there is a catastrophe on the way, i.e. flat tire, etc.
    • Bring copies of your resume.
    • More than one person may be in the interview with you.
    • Take a pen and paper for notes and reminders.
    • Close: I like what I’ve heard. I can do this job. Tell them you want it and ask them what their timeline for making a decision.
    • Thank them and make sure you get their business cards.

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