Please read the following information before your interview. Review the key points just before the interview. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call your consultant. We are interested in you having the best possible interview.

The purpose of the interview is to determine if your skills and abilities satisfy the client's needs, if you fit into the work environment, and if the opportunity is the right one for you. You want to make a good impression, so you will be in a better position if the opportunity is one you want to pursue.

At the Start of an Interview

• Be aware of your appearance and personal presentation. Look sharp. Go into the interview with a positive attitude.
• Bring a copy of your resume. You may also bring code or examples of your work and offer to show them, (but only do so if the offer is accepted).
• Have a strong confident handshake.
• Maintain comfortable eye-contact.
• Refrain from smoking, both in and before the interview as well as the reception area
• Be observant. Make a mental note of commonalities or points of interest that may be mentioned during the interview.
• If there are forms to fill out, complete them in full (do not write "see resume"). If there is testing be sure you understand the instructions completely and use only permitted materials. If unsure, ask.
• Be prepared to talk about your strengths and weaknesses. Be able to express your skills and abilities and talk about related experience. Have a 3-5 years goal.

During the Interview

• Be enthusiastic and interested. Ask questions about job, the company, etc.
• Express yourself clearly. If you are not sure of the question, restate the question and then answer it (this avoids confusion).
• Be aware of your habits, verbal pauses, etc. (ask a friend)
• Answer questions succinctly. Give definitive answers. Elaborate for clarity (rather than one word answers) but be concise (try to limit answers to two minutes). Ideally, the discussion should be 50% interviewer, 50% applicant.
• Keep your answers in the positive. Avoid negative words, ie: needs or questions (neutral) rather than concerns (negative). Never complain about your current or past employers.
• Don't ask any self-serving questions. Answer in terms of what you can do for them (how you can satisfy their needs) not in terms of what they can do for you.
• Don't raise the issue of money. Your consultant has a good deal of experience in this area. If asked, say that you are interested in the company, the position, the opportunity and money is not a primary concern; you are seeking an opportunity where you can contribute, apply your skills and abilities, etc. If asked to name a figure, respond with your previous (or current) salary and express 'you will accept any reasonable offer'.
• Toward the end of the interview ask the interviewer "is there anything about my background you're unclear about as it relates to this opportunity". Address the concern, and ask again, until the interviewer is clear. If you have any concerns, raise them. It is important to address initial concerns at this time (as opposed to the decision making time when it is natural to look for concerns).
• At this point, it is important to ask for the position. Express you are interested in the position, you feel positively about it, and ask "what is the next step". Thank the interviewer for the interview.
• Call your consultant immediately after the interview.