1. SRS
Southern Recruiting Solutions
BASIC INTERVIEWING TIPS
Please take a few moments to read these suggestions. These tips are for your benefit.
Remember the purpose of going on an interview is to get an offer. You cannot accept or
decline what you do not have.
1.) If traveling always carry a credit card. Sometimes arrangements between clients and
hotels, rental car firms and airlines go awry. If you don't have a credit card, make sure the
client co. and/or recruiter is aware of this.
2.) Always dress for success (a business suit) unless instructed otherwise. You only have
one chance to put your best foot forward. Regarding jewelry items, colognes, perfumes –
wear as little as possible. Be well rested and turn your mobile device off during the
interview.
3.) If something delays your arrival to the interview be sure to let the interviewer
know.
Check to make sure you have necessary contact numbers. If necessary ask your recruiter
for a cell phone number. The worst scenario is you’re running late and no one hears from
you.
4.). Offer a firm (but not hand-breaking) handshake and be sure to make eye contact with
the people you are interviewing with. Do not accept an alcoholic beverage during lunch.
Make sure your cell phone / wireless device is turned off. Have a few copies of your resume
available just in case.
5.) Casual conversation should be initiated by the interviewer. Be prepared to talk about
your accomplishments. Review your resume so you do not have to refer to it when
questioned. Answer questions directly and to the point. Do not change the subject when an
uncomfortable question arises. If it happens to be a negative in your background, address it
and tell the interviewer what changes you've made as a result of that situation. When you
finish speaking with an individual ask for a business card.
Be prepared for the question “Why are you looking for a new job?” A good answer will show
that you have done your research on the company. “Your company offers me the technical
challenges I am seeking at this point in my career.” Be prepared to expand on that if
necessary. “I need to pay my bills” or “Your company will look good on my resume”, while
possibly truthful, are not good answers.
Emphasize what you can do for the company
Make sure that you answer all questions fully and intelligently, but keep your responses
short and to the point. You shouldn't feel the need to keep talking if you have already
expressed your point. Be a good listener when the interviewer is talking and wait until they
are finished to ask questions. Don't talk over the interviewer and don't interrupt. On the
other hand, don't be too quiet. It might appear as a lack of enthusiasm, especially if you
stick to "yes" and "no" answers.
6.) Don’t over exaggerate your accomplishments. Be honest about what you have or
haven’t done.
7.) Prepare yourself with as much information on the company and the job as you can get
your hands on. Visit and study their web site before you interview. Gain as much
information from your recruiter as possible.

2. PO Box 23462 Tampa, Florida 33623 813-207-2070 phone / fax
SRS
Southern Recruiting Solutions
8.) Discuss salary and benefits with a human resource representative, if possible. Let the
interviewer bring up that subject.
8a.) How to handle the salary issue. This should be discussed with your recruiter prior to
your interview. It is part of the recruiter’s job to make sure your expectations are in line
with the company’s. Always be honest if asked your current salary or when filling out an
application form. Misrepresentation could be grounds for dismissal later on. Break down
your base and any bonus’s if necessary. Most company’s base their offer by comparing your
experience with other employees. Rarely is it based on your current salary. If you are asked
about your salary expectations during the interview process, the easiest response is "I will
consider your best offer." Avoid stating a figure, if possible. You could be low and sell
yourself short or you may come in high and not get an offer. If pressed you can also state "I
am not sure what your company would offer someone with my experience. I’d rather leave
that up to you.”
9.) Avoid "bad mouthing" past employers / bosses. The interviewing company will think that
is the way they will be remembered. Never make any comments referencing gender or race.
10.) If you like what you see and hear make sure the company knows it. Ask for a potential
start date. Find out when you can expect to hear back.
11.) Be sure to have references available. They should be supervisors that can verify the
quality of work you have performed. Make sure they are aware you are using them as a
reference.
12.) Be sure to get back to your recruiter as soon as possible after the interview. Inform
him/her of your likes and dislikes and whether you would accept an offer should the client
make one.
The Interview Agenda
There are three hidden questions that must be answered at any interview.
1. Is this person competent for the position?
2. Is this person like us - will he or she fit in here?
3. Will this person stay with us?
Competent for the position
The interviewer is obviously looking for a technically qualified person that can do the job.
But he looks only as far as he must in this direction. If you are interviewing for a Process
Engineering position, that should be your focus. It won’t do any good to dwell on what a
marvelous supervisor you could be. The employer looks for someone who can and wants
to do what he needs done. Appearing overqualified is just as bad as appearing under
qualified. Job offers are usually made because of something other than just your
qualifications. You get the offer by selling yourself and your attitudes. The employer is
looking for optimistic statements and positive reactions to his questions. Pessimism
and negativism never won a job offer. Enthusiasm counts!

3. PO Box 23462 Tampa, Florida 33623 813-207-2070 phone / fax
SRS
Southern Recruiting Solutions
Is this person like us?
The employer looks for someone who likes the employer and what the employer does.
If you like the employer's products, the people he has already hired, the location of the
office, or any other item related to the position in question, don't be afraid to say so, with
enthusiasm. It is up to you to let the employer know about your interest.
Will this person stay with us?
The interviewer will be looking, either consciously or subconsciously, for someone who
indicates he will stay with the company. The problem with making the proper impression in
this important area is that interviewers seldom ask direct questions about longevity.
Instead, the interviewer will ask: "Why are you looking for another position?" or he may ask
"What are you looking for in a position?" You might stress you are looking for a company
that can offer new challenges and long term career growth. Referencing ‘a place to retire’ is
not a good idea.
PO Box 23462 Tampa, Florida 33623 813-207-2070 phone / fax