Interviewing Tips for the scientific & engineering FIelds

Be Informed

Find out what you can about a potential employer from your Scientific Search personnel consultant before you go to an interview. An internet search is an excellent place to find additional information. Also you should research the company on LinkedIn and see what content they share, who works there and if you have any 1st or 2nd level connections. Networking can be key!

Practice Makes Perfect

Spend some time before your interview reviewing possible questions in your mind. You will be more confident of your answers.

Rest Up

Be well rested and comfortable before you go to an interview. A good breakfast or lunch will help.

Dress for Success

For men, a dark suit, light shirt, dark tie, socks and shoes.

For women, a business suit or dark skirt, light blouse and dark jacket, medium heels and skin tone stockings.

For everyone, be conservative. Dress for the interview, not the job. Dress to show your potential. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

Be Prompt. Be Early.

Fifteen minutes is good. Be sure to get good directions or to take a drive the night before to where your interview will take place.

Be on Your Best Behavior

The first person that you meet may be asked about you later.

Be courteous to everyone you meet.

Fill Out the Application

If you are offered an application, fill it out. Many companies will judge your ability to follow directions, how well you can process handwritten records and your willingness to cooperate by your application.

Don’t write “see resume” on the application. Be honest. If there is something that needs talking about, such as your reasons for leaving a position, write in “will discuss.”

Salary requirements should be “open for negotiation,” allowing you to be flexible for the right position.

Bring Your Résumé

Take at least one printed copy of your résumé with you, two or three may be better.

Keep them in your breast pocket or purse, or business notepad. Don’t carry a laptop bag, backpack or briefcase unless a portfolio of your work is necessary. Give a copy of your résumé to each person you interview with as you meet them.

First Impressions Count

When you meet each interviewer, stand up, smile and greet them with a friendly handshake.

Know Who You are Talking To

Be sure to get the names of each person that you meet. Getting a business card is a great way to get the spelling right and can help you if you want to follow up with a thank you note.

Answer Questions Directly

Go right to the point. Don’t elaborate. When asked a question which seems to require a complex answer, try asking back, “What would you like to know?”

Stick to Business

Don’t wander away from the subject. Avoid controversy.

Ask Some Good Questions

But ask them carefully. Find out more about the company you might be going to work for.

Don’t ask when your first raise will be, what vacation and benefit policies are, or when you will be promoted.

An interested interviewer will make these things clear for you. Otherwise, the time to discuss salary and benefits will be when the job is offered.

Watch Your Interview Manners

Don’t smoke or chew gum. Sit at the edge of your chair and keep good eye contact with your interviewer.

Show Confidence

When the interviewer explains what needs to be done in this position, relate your experience to their needs. Let them know that you can do this job.

If You Are Asked About Salary

Keep an open attitude. Let them know what you have been earning, but be sure to show them that the salary which you will accept depends on the quality and prospects for the position.

Show Interest

We all like people who like us. Interviewers are not mind readers. A firm expression of interest goes a long way towards getting you that offer.

A simple “Thank you for your time, I am interested in being considered for the position” is excellent.

If You Are Offered a Position

If you are offered the position and you want it, accept it. If you are not sure, let the interviewer know that you would like a day to think about it.

Make a date and call them back.

Call Us Right Away

We are experts in follow up and negotiation. We can help you get the offer you want. As an interested third party we can either negotiate for you or say “no” nicely. We can do so much, but only if you call us.

Follow Up

Send a note repeating your interest in the position, showing your confidence in your ability to handle the position and thanking the interviewer for meeting with you.

Telephone several days after the interview, repeat your interest in the position and show confidence in your ability to handle the position.