Job Interview Answers

Last minute interview advice, tips, preparation

 

DonI have a couple of quick questions about an interview I have scheduled for this Friday if you have the time.
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Is it appropriate for me to keep my goatee or should I shave it off for the interview?

I provided a desired salary to them but I am not sure of the range.  Is it appropriate for me to email the interviewer ahead of time and request the range?

Is it OK for me to take a bottle of water into the interview?

Should I email my references to the interviewer ahead of time? 

They are excellent and would be an advantage to me if he checked.

By the way, I have found your guide to be very helpful preparing.

David

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Hi David,

No problem.  I’m happy to answer your questions.

Goatee should be fine as long as it’s trimmed.  I usually like to dress and look like everyone else where I’m interviewing.  There are times where I’ve not even worn a suit on an interview, just so I would look like everyone else and fit in.  (I’m not suggesting you leave your suit at home)  That’s part of the interview - if the interviewer can actually visualize you working in that company, then you just scored a point.  If you are interviewing for a high-up position, then I would probably lose the goatee for sure and then grow it back after you get the job.  If you have an idea of the corporate culture of this new company, then use that as your guide.  If it’s IBM, then lose it for sure.

Don’t ever discuss salary in email because you can never see or hear their reaction - which is very important.  Save it for the interview and let them bring it up.  It would not be appropriate for you to bring it up in the interview.  At this point, your focus should not be on salary.  Make sure you’re a fit for the job.  If so, the interviewer will most likely bring it up at the end of the interview.  If they don’t, then it would be ok for you to inquire about the range, but don’t ask any specifics, benefits, perks, vacation, etc.  Personally, I like to get this question answered on the phone after they first contact me for an interview.  One of my first questions will be:  “what is the salary range for this position?”  I do this to make sure they are in my ballpark range so I’m not wasting my time with them.  If I find they are $20k less then I’m willing to take, then I’ll pass on the interview.  But you are past that point, so you should save it for the interview.

Yes bottle of water is good. I always do.  But usually I’m always offered water.

No, do not email references.  Never offer references.  Way too pushy.  Only… only… only offer references on request. Never put them or attached them to your resume either.   If they ask for your references, that means they are strongly considering making you an offer.  Usually, if an employer asks for references, they do so after the second or third interview.  Others may do it sooner, just to have everything they need from you.  But they will never call those references unless they are ready to make you an offer.  It’s actually a lot of work to call references.

I’m glad you’ve found the guide to be helpful.

I hope I’ve answered your questions and wish you all the best on your interview this Friday.

Best regards,

Don