You need to show that you will be able to work well with others within the firm, discuss your skills and qualifications as related to the position you are applying for, as well as, ask the interviewer a number of questions related to the organization and position you are discussing.

By following these nine suggested questions; although tough ones, they will convey that you have confidence, desire and skills to tackle the challenges of the job successfully.

1. “Why did you choose this company?”
Whether this is a construction, engineering or environmental job, you will want to know more about the particulars of the company making sure it would be a good fit for you. Ask your interviewer about their management style. Will you be managing employees who engage in collaboration or work more individually? Probe a little deeper and inquire whether the interviewer feels excited about his work.

2.. “How would I exceed your expectations on a short-term basis, say, in the first 30 to 60 days on the job?”
By asking this question, you are conveying to your interviewer that you have every intention of showing resourcefulness in approaching your job responsibilities from your first day.

3. “What qualities do your best employees have?”
With this question, you should find out what attributes you need to develop in order to be highly valued in the organization. Are you willing to go the extra mile, show initiative, or collaborate with others? You can ask yourself if you fit into this organization.

4. “Can I clarify any information about my background, former careers or skills?”
This is a bold question to ask, but it will give you an opportunity to discover concerns that your interviewer has about your fitness to do the job. If some of his comments are negative, this gives you the opportunity to clarify some parts of the interview or your resume.

5. “Are there opportunities for professional training and education, mainly in new technology?”
Asking this question will show the interviewer that you are willing to extend yourself and improve your skills by taking training classes and/or obtaining certifications

6. “Does this company encourage entrepreneurial-type projects?”
Employees who are given the opportunity and flexibility to work on projects with limited supervision are generally happier in their jobs.

7. “What types of mentoring programs do you offer?”
You might mention the idea of reverse mentoring – older employees help younger ones with skills like organization and in turn, younger ones can help older employees with technical skills. This also shows you are content having a younger boss.

8. “Is there an option to do contract or consulting work?”
This question would be a particularly good one. Demonstrating your abilities on a project or contract basis will allow you to show you are skilled in performing the work required and allow you to potentially work less hours and probably make more money.

9. “What’s the salary range for this position?”
Asking direct questions about salary, benefits, retirement plans and vacation on a first interview seems a bit brazen, but if done in a subtle way, you can get a general idea.

As you begin to leave the interview, give a firm handshake and show strong body language by using eye contact. Stand and walk straight and tall showing confidence. Don’t forget to write a thank-you note, preferably by hand.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

(1) Are you qualified for the opportunity you are interviewing for?

The first step in any job search is to review the job description for the position you are interviewing for and make sure you are qualified for the opportunity. Take notes on each qualification an employer is seeking and make sure you have the experience to perform the duties at hand. Use this as a guide in interviewing; to give examples of your experiences, projects you have worked on, obstacles you have overcome, etc. during the interview. This will only emphasize your background to the employer and convince them of your qualifications.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are interviewing for positions which you are not qualified; you will want to reflect on how you will convince a potential employer that you can do the job. In most cases if you are not qualified for a position it will become very clear to the interviewer rather quickly during the interview; do not set yourself up for failure. If you are applying for jobs that are clearly above your qualification level and not getting them it’s time to redirect your job search efforts on positions that you are clearly qualified for.

(2) Are you interested and sincerely excited about the job opportunity?

Does the position excite you or are you simply interviewing because you need a paycheck. You want to work in a career that you are interested in, excited about going to work for every day. If you simply going to interview after interview and are not excited about the opportunities; you need to reflect on the types of jobs that you are currently interviewing for and redirect your efforts to positions that interest you. Employers want to hire individuals that are enthusiastic about working for them, and you need to show that passion in your interview.

(3) Are you establishing a rapport with the interviewer?

As a candidate you need to show your personality. All too many times interviews become stale and routine. The candidate has a responsibility to establish a rapport with the interviewer. Make some small talk; conversations are enjoyable if they are a two way dialog. Ask questions, inquire about the organization, history, the interviewers background, how they enjoy working for the company all help in having a successful interview.

If you currently find yourself in a situation where all your interviews are stale and routine, you are not establishing this rapport. Think about questions you can ask prior to the interview to prepare yourself. This will go a long way to opening up doors within a company.

(4) Are you defining your value to a perspective employer? Are you over pricing yourself?

Salary is one of those items which you need to be prepared to discuss almost immediately with a potential employer. As a candidate you need to understand what an employer is seeking to pay for a desired opportunity up front. If you are interviewing for positions which are way below your expected compensation level; then you are wasting your time, as well as, the employers.

You additionally need to understand your value, what you are worth in the marketplace. Use salary guides, look at other positions in the field with the same qualifications, ask your peers what they make. You do not want to overprice yourself out of the marketplace. During the interview you need to establish your value to an employer; cite examples of work, accomplishments, have a clear understanding of their business and what you can bring to the organization. If you establish your value and the employer sees what you bring to an organization the your salary negotiations will be much easier.

(5) What are you career goals? Do you know?

Prior to any job search you need to have a clear understanding of your career goals and where you are heading. Have you written then down!! Employers will most likely want to know your goals and how you seek to accomplish them. Writing them down beforehand will aid you in being able to clearly express your goals to an employer.

(6) Are you presenting a professional, clean appearance?

You have most likely heard the saying ”image is everything..” how you present yourself for the first time to an employer will direct the tone of the interview. Your personal appearance will be one of the first things someone will judge you on. So make sure you clean up; dress professionally, present yourself in a well-organized and professional manner.

(7) Have you researched the employer before the interview?

Have you done your homework? Have you researched the employer you are interviewing with? Do you understand their business? If not, you better start!! As employers are looking for candidates that take initiative and are intelligent. Researching and preparing yourself for the interview puts you ahead of the crowd in an interviewers mind when they see you clearly understand their business and have a clear understanding of their organization and goals.

(8) Are you selling yourself and presenting your accomplishments clearly?

Sell yourself!! Talk about your accomplishments, experiences, goals, etc.. If you are just sitting in interviews and answering questions that are asked, you most likely will not get the job. You need to sell yourself!! You might have the greatest business mind in the world, but if you don’t talk about your accomplishments, skills, projects and qualifications then no one will know.

(9) Are you asking questions and communicating professionally?

Asking questions during the interview will help in clearly demonstrating your interest in an opportunity. It will show the interviewer you are interested in learning more and aid in establishing a professional and successful two way dialog.

Using the above items to reflect on will help you in having successful interview experiences; the best interviews are usually the ones where the candidate is relaxed and communicates professionally and clearly. Don’t get caught up in the details, but be prepared and ready to put your best foot forward.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

So when answering this question you want to present yourself in the most basic terms for a potential employer to understand. Why you chose this profession, How your career has evolved, how you have advanced, what responsibilities you have undertaken, projects you have succeed with, obstacles you have overcome, where you are looking to advance to now; are all important factors that need to be considered when answering this basic question.

So what is your story? Do you know? Have you sat down to think about it? Practice it? Well let’s start…

First, make sure your resume is complete. Check all your online profiles (blogs, professional associations, social media, etc.) to assure they match up to what you will provide to employers in your resume. Be genuine and make sure you can back up anything you place on the resume or communicate to an employer. Consistency in your story is key. Always make sure you are able to get all of your strengths conveyed with confidence.

Second, sit down and outline what your story will be. It should always be based primarily off of your education and business experience. Walking an employer through our career for the last 5 to 10 years is probably best, don’t overwhelm them with all the details, but focus on how you progressed in the industry, advanced in rank and achieved success in each of the positions you have had. Focus on achievements, projects and how your overall experience has made you a much more rounded and valuable employee.

Do not get bogged down in detailed or personal issues that are not relevant to the position you are interviewing for; however if you have a personal skill that may benefit your potential employer don’t be afraid to share that as well, but make sure it is relevant. If it is a personal, social, or volunteer example, try to use only one scenario and be very specific with what your job was and how it benefited those involved. This is an easy area to start rambling off subject, so be very cautious when relaying personal stories.

Third, practice, practice, practice!!! Write your story down, stand in front of the mirror and present it, video tape yourself, ask a friend or spouse to listen to your story. Get feedback from them. Most of all learn to be comfortable talking about yourself and your career.

Having a story when talking with a potential employer will go a long way to creating a meaningful, two way dialog in an interview setting and the employer understanding how valuable an employee you would be to their organization.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com