How to Ace the Job Interview
Print Version (pdf)
A survey was conducted by Accountemps for accounting, bookkeeping and information systems fields. The survey polled 200 executives from the nation’s largest 1,000 companies. Here are the results. Respondents were asked:
| Other than the ability to do the job, what is the one quality that impresses you the most about a candidate during a job interview? | Which one of the following times of day do youbelieve is most productive for conducting hiring interviews | ||
Verbal Skills |
38% |
Before 9 a.m. |
14% |
| Enthusiasm | 24% | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. | 69% |
| Appearance | 8% | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | 1% |
| Honesty/Integrity | 7% | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | 2% |
| Past experience/accomplishments | 7% | 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. | 2% |
| Poise/self-confidence | 4% | After 5 p.m. | 2% |
| Sense of humor | 2% | Other | 10% |
| Directness/eye contact | 2% | ||
| Preparedness | 2% | ||
| Positive attitude | 2% | ||
| Professionalism | 2% |
||
| Etiquette/manners | 2% | ||
Ten Interview Bloopers
- Poor Handshake: Limp hand gives the impression of weakness of distinterest. Too strong is like an aggressive salesperson.
- Talking too much: Talking too long gives the impression you can’t get to the point. Nervous talkers give the impression the candidate is covering up something.
- Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers: Always try to say something positive.
- Showing up too late or early: Arrive about 10 minutes early.
- Treating the receptionist rudely: Often the receptionist is asked her/his opinion of applicants.
- Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary: Wait until you’ve been made the offer to discuss these issues.
- Not preparing for the interview: Always research the company or organization prior to the interview.
- Verbal ticks: Practice in advance to reduce or eliminate the “umms,” “like” and “you knows.”
- Not enough or too much eye contact: Avoiding eye contact makes you seem shifty or untruthful. Too much eye contact can wear out the interviewer.
- Failure to match communication styles: If the interviewer seems all business, be succinct and businesslike. If the interviewer is personable, you can be more informal.
From Quintessential Careers, July 19, 2004
