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The high point of any job search marketing campaign is the job interview. But most interviewees
are plagued by self-doubt and stress. Will you say the right thing? Will you look appropriate?
Will the interviewer like you and be impressed with your qualifications? Will you trip over
your own two feet walking in the door? Most importantly though is, will you get the job?
The interview is a two way process. Although the interviewer is evaluating you and your
credentials to join his/her company, you are also interviewing to determine if you like the
company and feel as though it would be a "good fit." All too often job search candidates lose
sight of the fact that they are as much the interviewer as the interviewee.
There are three critical ground rules for job interviews:
- Respond to the objectives and needs of both you and your interviewer. Not one or the other.
- Listen intently to the interviewer.
- Retain control throughout the interview.
Job interviews can be a trap. Your objective is to get a job; the interviewer's objective is
solve a problem (namely, find a qualified candidate). Immediately, there is a complete
diversity of objectives. You must cross that boundary and demonstrate to the interviewer that
you understand and can solve their problem.
In order to achieve this objective, you must not only tell your interviewer your qualifications,
but outline how they directly relate to the company at hand and the company's specific needs.
Your research will pay big dividends at this juncture.
There are only a few absolute musts for the interview process:
- Punctuality: Don't arrive on time, arrive early. No matter how sympathetic your interviewer
may be to the fact that there was an accident on the highway, it is virtually impossible to
overcome a negative first impression.
- Dress and presentation: Dress conservatively and establish your uniqueness through
conversation, demeanor and your response to interview questions.
- Listen: Do not just hear what your interviewer is saying, listen to what they are saying.
Then, when the time arrives to answer questions, you'll understand the specific needs and
objectives of the interviewer and the company. As such, you can frame your answers to directly
respond to identified needs.
It is usually at the second (or subsequent) interviews that you will attempt to "close" the
sale. At that time, questions will be more specific and you will have the opportunity to speak
with individuals throughout the company, and be given the chance to ask your questions.
Let the interview process proceed at the normal pace - there is no need to rush and being
overly anxious does not work. Essential to any successful job interview are the following
characteristics:
- Substitute strengths for weaknesses: Don't tell your interview you have no experience
with a specific accounting software program. Instead, tell them that your experience with
accounting software includes AccPac, Lotus and One Write, each of which you were easily able to
learn and attained quick proficiency. Transition the negative into a positive.
- Attitude and demeanor matter as much as your response to questions. Be professional and
focused, yet friendly and personable. Remember, you need to fit into the workplace. No one wants
to hire an individual with no personality, no matter the qualifications.
- Be brief, but thorough in your communication style. Long-winded, endless responses to
questions are not the answer. You will lose the interest of the interviewer and can get "lost"
in your response.
- Be enthusiastic: People love to hire individuals excited about their company. Be
professional, yet demonstrate your interest and energy.
No matter what job you are interviewing for, there are a number of common questions you can be
sure you will be asked. Do not wait until the interview to decide your response. Be prepared
and think through your answers before you arrive. Typical questions include:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your salary expectations?
- How did you like your last job and why did you leave?
- How did you get along with your former boss and co-workers?
- If you had the last 10 years of your life to live over again, what would you do differently?
- What are your career goals for the next 5 years? The next 10 years?
- What are some of your strengths? Some of your weaknesses?
- Are'nt you a little young (old) for this position?
- What is your personal life situation?
- If we make an offer, how long do you plan to stay with the company?
- Are you interested in promotional opportunities?
- How do you work with others? Are you a leader ... a follower?
- What is your ideal position and career path?
- Is there anything you would like to say to close the interview?
Remember that listening, confidence and quality of presentation are the keys to successful interviewing. Oh, and good luck (although luck has nothing to do with it!)
Sources: JobSmart, What Color Is your Parachute? and Career Magazine.
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