Minority Career News
April - June 2004

Economic Whitewaters Interviewing Tips
By MCN Staff

• Begin with the three Ps—preparation, practice, persistence. Anticipate questions the interviewer will ask. Practice responses that will reveal your knowledge of the company and how the company will benefit from your skills and qualifications. Persist in ending your responses with questions that move the interview toward a two-way conversation as opposed to a one-way grilling.
• Avoid getting too personal. Keep your personal life private, and focus on professional interests and achievements.
• Never make negative comments about a former employer or former co-workers. Make positive comments about the company you are interviewing with.
• Do not under-value or over-value your worth. During your preparation phase, talk to people who are doing similar work in the same geographic area. Never state a specific salary requirement, but do have a bottom line figure established in your mind.
• Discuss salary and benefits only after the interviewer brings up the subject. If you are asked to name a figure, you might respond by saying that you are open to considering any reasonable offer.

Paraphrasing the advice of Socrates: ‘the unexamined deal is not worth doing’ is a useful thought to keep in mind as you negotiate today’s turbulent job market.

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