Interviews

In addition to reviewing past achievements, an interviewer must evaluate your potential, determine the possibility of a promotion and predict how you will fit into the company’s culture. Approach the conversation like a sale: your goal is to convince the interviewer to extend you a job offer! Preparation is the key to a successful interview. Diamond Staffing Solutions® invites you to browse our expertise to help you prepare for your dream opportunity!

“Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” -Carl Jung

Always enter an interview armed with research of you, the industry and the company. Consider:

• Am I ready to leave my current position?
• What are my strengths?
• How can I improve areas of weakness?
• What are my short-term and long-term goals?

Then take action:

• Browse the Internet for industry headlines.
• Study the company’s website to learn about products, services and brand image.
• Obtain available financial data about the company through search engines or a local library.

Integrate your answers into clear responses:

• Why do I want to join this company?
• Why does this company want to hire me?

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” -Anonymous

The fine jewelry industry is about style, grace and sophistication. Your professional appearance must reflect your understanding of this luxury market. Keep business accessories to a minimum (avoid carrying multiple bags) and be sure to bring the following:

• 5 copies of your resume
• A portfolio of your work (if applicable)
• 5 professional references (including your relationship to them and contact information)
• A notepad and pen

Diamond Staffing Solutions® will discuss the atmosphere of the company before your interview, including the style of dress. It is always important to appear polished. Clothes must be ironed, hands must be clean, hair and nails must be neat, and loud statements (brightly printed ties, excessive makeup) should be avoided. Above all, never forget your best accessory… your smile!

“Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honorable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself.” -Cicero

Plan to arrive for the interview no later than fifteen minutes prior to the appointment. Allow adequate time for traffic delays, parking frustration and a last-minute appearance check. In case of a sudden change of plans, have directions to the company and phone numbers for both the company and your recruiter. Turn off all electronic devices before entering the building. Go in with confidence! If asked to complete an application, answer questions fully and truthfully. Firmly shake hands and maintain good eye contact with each person you meet. Radiate mature energy with a genuine smile, good posture and engaged demeanor.

“To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.” -John Ruskin

Great interviews flow like conversation, not call-and-response questioning. Be natural. Engage in subjects of shared interest, but do not invent stories. Offer full yet brief answers to interviewer questions so that it is clear what you will contribute to the company. Ask insightful questions so that you can make an intelligent decision about accepting or declining an offer.

Key Tips:

• Use questions as platforms for developing information you want to present.
• Describe your past responsibilities in terms of good performance, such as volume growth or promotions.
• Maintain poise: do not stir if there is brief silence between questions, and do not interrupt if the interviewer takes time to form questions. Speak completely and succinctly.
• Use one pad of paper a) to hold notes for questions you want to ask and b) to take notes on your conversation.
• Never allude to negative feelings about a previous employer or industry contact.

The Interviewer May Ask…

• What are your strengths? Cite abstract qualities applicable to many responsibilities.
• What are your weaknesses? Present weaknesses as professional strengths, i.e. perfectionism or ambition.
• How do you handle stress? Present yourself as a well-rounded, balanced individual.
• Can you tell me about a time that you…? Include short stories that demonstrate both your responsibilities and strengths, i.e. how you have overcome challenges and solved problems.
• Why should I hire you? Demonstrate your knowledge of the company.
• What are your career goals? Measure goals within a specific time frame, i.e. 5 years or 20 years.
• How long do you plan to be with the company? Demonstrate company loyalty and commitment to personal growth, i.e. “As long as I am challenged.”
• Are you applying for other jobs? Always give the impression that you are actively looking, however, explain that your search is focused. Emphasize that you are looking for the perfect fit.
• What salary are you seeking? Never give a starting salary figure. Explain that you trust them to extend a fair offer.

Consider Asking…

• Why are you currently looking to hire?
• How long has this position been available?
• Why isn’t this position being filled from within the company?
• How many people have held this job in the last five years?
• What are examples of the best results produced by people in this position?
• Please describe a typical day on the job.
• With whom would I be working?

Telephone interviews are a different format, but their goal is the same: interest your potential employer. However, since the visual element is gone, you must take extra steps to sound relaxed, professional and put-together.

Consider these tips:

• Find a calm, quiet setting to conduct the call. Turn off multiple line options and electronic devices.
• Sit up straight and speak clearly into the mouthpiece, or use a headset and try standing.
• Enunciate! Keep a glass of water nearby and do not chew gum or smoke.
• Have a pen and paper handy for notes.
• Try to match the speaking patterns of your interviewer.
• Sound upbeat and focused. Do not casually call out to others while on your interview.
• Your last words have the greatest impact, so answer extra carefully.
• Because you will not be able to ask for a business card, ask how you can contact your interviewer in the future, either by email or phone. Ask for the interviewer to verify the spelling of their name.
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“To make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” -T.S. Eliot

If you feel that this would be a match…

• Express your interest.
• Reiterate why your key strengths are a superior fit.
• Ask if the company would like further information.
• Ask how you fare in comparison to other candidates
• Ask for the business card of your interviewer so that you have the correct contact information and spelling of their name.
• Ask when you will connect with the interviewer again.

Immediately following the interview, call your recruiter to discuss your impressions of the company and how you feel you presented yourself. The next day, it is imperative that you send a brief thank-you note to the interviewer expressing your appreciation for their time, your respect for the company and your interest in the position. Avoid casual emails; make a strong statement with a personal, mailed note! Speak with your recruiter 2 to 3 days following the interview until the company reaches a final decision on whether to extend an offer.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau

If an interview is successful, Diamond Staffing Solutions® diligently makes every effort to create the perfect fit! If an interview does not appear a perfect match, we continue to present new opportunities and encourage you to browse the listings on our website. The fine jewelry industry is an exciting, ever-evolving sphere of the luxury market. It is our pleasure to work with you to ensure that you shine in an interview! Remember that success follows happiness…pursue your dreams and live the life you’ve imagined. Your dream opportunity is only one great interview away.