The Chatham Group

Interview Preparation

Things To Remember

  • 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.

The Candidate Preparation

  • 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 percentage of my job is dedicated to administration, supervisory, and technical? (This should equal 100 %.)
  • What is my top priority that has to be done before I leave each day? Why? (Priorities are personal.)
  • What are the production or sales goals? What obstacles would prevent me from reaching my goals?
  • What are the short and long term goals set for the person in this position?
  • 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.
  • Salary – this is a trap question. If the question is brought up, a very good response is “I would like as much as the position will pay” OR “I am currently making $ lthough I would like an increase, I don’t know enough about the opportunity to answer that fairly.” 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! “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.”

After the Interview

  • Always send a follow-up letter
  • After you leave the interview, it is very important that you call us immediately

If you have been directed to this page by The Chatham Group, please watch the above video in preparation for your interview. This video will help you better understand topics like, dresscode, communication, etiquette, behavior-based interviewing questions and how to handle difficult questions. Once you finish watching the video, please contact your recruiter to discuss additional topics in greater detail in order to help you prepare for the interview.

Here is an additional video on specific tips that may help add more insight into the world of interviewing.