Interviewing tips from the SWE-Los Angeles Section newsletter

The interviewing process can be both challenging and rewarding. Being prepared when going to the interview will increase your confidence and your chances of reaching your goal -- getting a job offer! Following are some interviewing tips to aid in your quest for a successful interview.

Before the Interview

1. Do your homework! Find out as much as you can about the company: what they have done, what are their future plans, who are their competitors, what is their philosophy, etc. (You can get this information on the Internet, at the library, or directly from the company)
2. Determine at least 3 successes you have accomplished in the past (using active words such as "increased," "reduced," "solved," etc.) which demonstrate how you will contribute to this company's future successes. Bring this list with you to the interview.
3. Know the names and titles of the people who will be interviewing you and their relationship to the position for which your are applying. Bring this list and a copy of your resume for each interviewer.
4. Bring a list of questions and points that you want to make during the interview.

During the Interview

1. Arrive no earlier than 10 minutes to the reception area, but never late! The interview begins in the parking lot: you never know who is looking out the window.
2. When meeting your interviewer(s), make eye contact and shake hands firmly with each person and repeat their name(s).
3. When answering a question, be specific, stay focused and don't ramble. Follow up with a related question of your own.
4. Ask about the direction of the company from a technological perspective and which of the new technologies might involve your position.
5. If asked, be prepared to answer why you are seeking employment and what you hope this company will be able to offer you that is lacking in your current position.
6. Never berate or criticize a former employer or how they ran their business. Avoid negativity or gossip. Be honest, but be positive whenever possible.
7. Whenever possible, try to subtly steer the interview so as to focus on your strengths and accomplishments as they will benefit the company.
8. If it's a team interview, ask if the team is a working unit, how it functions, and how they interrelate with each other and to your prospective position.
9. Continue making eye contact and using the interviewers' names freely.
10. Remember to breathe!

After the Interview

1. When the interview is complete, thank everyone for their time and ask them if they know when they will be making a decision.
2. Make sure you have written down the names or have gotten a business card from everyone with whom you interviewed.
3. Follow up the interview with a personal thank you note to each interviewer.

Remember that you are interviewing the company as well to determine if this is an organization in which you would like to work. You will impress them in the interview with your preparation and knowledge of their company, your confidence, and your enthusiasm. Then you'll be ready for your final preparation -- how to handle all those job offers! Best of luck!

More interviewing tips from the SWE-LA July 1997 newsletter...