TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 22, 2015) - Express Employment Professionals today released a report on the "Do's and Don'ts" of a good interview. Drawing input from an array of Express front-line managers and leaders from across the United States and Canada, the report focuses on the real-life practices of successful interviewees and actual mistakes of unsuccessful ones.
The Basics: Do's and Don'ts
There is plenty for an interviewee to remember, but the basics usually come down to five do's and five don'ts.
The Do's:
- Do research the company at which you are interviewing; know as much as possible.
- Do prepare informed questions to ask about the job and company.
- Do bring an up-to-date copy of your résumé.
- Do maintain good posture, a neat appearance, regular eye contact and a positive attitude.
- Do send a thank-you or follow-up note to the interviewer(s). A hand-written note will have much more impact than an email or text.
The Don'ts:
- Don't use your cell phone to talk or text; leave your phone in your pocket or purse.
- Don't interrupt or talk over your interviewer.
- Don't misrepresent yourself-your biography, your experience or your priorities.
- Don't speak negatively of others, including current or former employers.
- Don't be late.
The Best: How to Stand Out
Express managers and franchise owners say the best interviewees stand out because of their honesty and sincerity. Being confident, poised and polished goes a long way. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the job matters. How seriously a candidate treats an interview is a reflection of how seriously that person can be expected to treat the job.
Using specific examples to ask questions is also important. Speaking in generalities will indicate a lack of seriousness or thoughtfulness.
"Much of this advice should be common sense, but experience tells us it's not," said Bob Funk, CEO of Express, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. "Interviewees should always set a high bar for themselves. Spend plenty of time researching the company, gathering your thoughts and preparing for an informed discussion. Preparation is key to wowing your interviewer.
"Remember that in many cases, your interviewer will be someone with whom you would be working, if not your boss. You need to come across as the professional, capable, likeable co-worker you hope to be.
"And I can't emphasize this enough: your cell phone should not be seen, heard or answered."
Express offers a free educational program called "Job Genius" to teach young adults how to successfully enter the workforce. Job seekers can access the program and video series at xpressPros.com/JobGenius.
If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bob Funk to discuss this topic, please contact Kellie Major at (613) 222-7488.
About Robert A. Funk
Robert A. "Bob" Funk is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Under his leadership, Express has put more than five million people to work worldwide. Funk served as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and was also the Chairman of the Conference of Chairmen of the Federal Reserve.
About Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated more than $2.5 billion in sales and employed nearly 400,000 people in 2013. Express ranks as the largest franchised staffing company and second largest privately held staffing company in North America. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually.
Contact Information:
(613) 222-748