The interview follow up letter can make or break your chances of becoming hired. For that reason it should become an essential part of your job hunting tool box, right in there with the other tools you use: resume, cover letter, thank you note, reference sheet and salary history.
Think of the letter as a second chance. Some people don’t interview in person as well as they can write. Living up to the standards your resume set for you may be difficult. If that is the case, then the interview follow up letter will improve your appearance after the fact. Other people interview well in person, and are able to use this letter to reemphasize key points discussed with the hiring manager, and remind the hiring manager of the good points about the applicant. In either case the interview follow up letter is essential and if prepared properly will help the applicant get the job.
The following sample interview follow up letter gives an idea of what should be included.
The time I spent interviewing with you today gave me a clear picture of your organization’s operation as well as your work environment. I want to thank you for the thorough picture you painted of your organizational needs.
I left our meeting feeling very enthusiastic about the scope of the position as well as its close match to my abilities. I believe the key strengths that I can offer you are:
• Experience in dealing with people of all types and backgrounds through my life experience, education and training.
• Proven ability to operate a business at a profit, supervise and train personnel, facilitate activities to improve morale and cash flow, and interact successfully with both staff and customers.
• Excellent communication skills—particularly the ability to gain feedback and summarize succinctly.
With my energetic work style, strong people skills and attention to detail, I believe that I am an excellent match for this position. I welcome a chance to meet with you further to elaborate on my background and possibilities of future association.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting with you soon.
Sincerely,
John Doe
You’ll notice that it is written in a positive and upbeat style. In sales, many successful salesmen assume the close. This does essentially that. The applicant in writing this letter is controlling the conversation and steering it towards positive attributes that he or she possesses, which would make the applicant appear valuable to the company. In addition, by using an interview follow up letter an applicant is “walking the walk as well as talking the talk” simply because most applicants fail to use an interview follow up letter after an interview. Using a letter like this shows that the applicant is conscientious, thoughtful, intelligent, and just the kind of person the company needs. Using an interview follow up letter will lead to more job offers and more jobs.
Showing posts with label Job Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job Interview. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Acing The Interview: The Positive Approach To Tough Questions
As a Career Consultant, I work with clients on all the tools and techniques that are needed to succeed in the job search – including interviewing skills. One thing I have noticed over the years is that candidates often get “trapped” in certain interview questions that are designed to make them say something negative or self-defeating (which generally leads to rejection). Indeed, job-seekers are not even aware of how negative many of their answers sound at interviews! So, I instruct all my clients to “never say anything negative, or anything that could possibly be construed as negative!” Candidates can avoid being disqualified by stating all their answers in positive (or, at least, neutral) terms.
The following are some of the most commonly-asked interview questions, along with suggested approaches for answers. It is important that job candidates practice these responses until they are able to handle all the questions effectively.
Why do you want to work here? How can you help our company? Why should we be interested in you?
Answer is always based on information you’ve researched in advance about the company and their needs.
If you were choosing someone for this job, what kind of person would you select?
Answer is to generally state your own general qualifications, without being too “obvious.” Leave out the details.
If you could have any job which one would you want at this company?
Answer has to do with the most general description of the job – NOT A SPECIFIC TITLE.
What weaknesses do you have for this job?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! Answer is to ponder for a while and then state that you can’t think of any weaknesses that would compromise your performance at this job; or negatively impact your performance of the job’s responsibilities.
What do you expect to get in this job that you haven’t gotten in you current/previous job?
TRAP QUESTION. Do not say anything negative. State that your current/previous jobs have met or exceeded your expectations. With the new position you would hope to have broader responsibilities and make greater contributions.
What do you see as your future here?
I would expect to be contributing at higher levels and have increased responsibility over time.
Are you considering other positions at this time?
TRAP QUESTION. Simply say “yes.”
How does this opportunity compare?
From what I’ve heard so far, very favorably … and I would like to learn more.
What other companies/opportunities are you looking at now?
As I’m sure you can appreciate, I’m not at liberty to say as I am still in discussions with these companies. I need to protect their privacy, as I would for your company under similar circumstances.
What are your short and long term goals?
Short range: To secure an appropriate new position where I can apply my skills and experience to increase the company’s productivity and profitability.
Long range: Assume more responsibility and make greater contributions over time for my employer.
What motivates you?
Focus the answer on your core values, and also on the values and priorities of the company you are interviewing with (which you should have identified through your preliminary research).
What have you done to improve yourself during the last year?
Talk about professional development, training programs, educational curricula, study in your field, on-the-job training, skill-building, relevant books you’ve read, etc.
How do you spend your spare time?
Say something inoffensive, apolitical and innocuous. (reading, exercise, travel, home projects, gardening, family activities, home projects, etc.)
Tell me about your health.
My health is excellent.
If you could re-live your last 15 years, what changes would you make?
Nothing is perfect, but overall I would say that I’m quite satisfied with the way my life and career have developed – so I wouldn’t make any significant changes.
Tell me about your greatest achievement/disappointment in your life.
Give one personal example (like meeting your spouse and getting married; putting yourself through college and graduate school; or saving-up to buy your first house, etc.). Then give your best professional accomplishment story. As for the disappointment, give an answer similar to the one above, implying that “overall, I would say that I’m quite satisfied with the way my life and career have been developing, so I really can’t think of any major disappointments.”
What did you like best/least about your last job?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! Explain what you liked best. Then say that while every job has its challenges, you have been fortunate enough to learn and grow professionally in each of the positions you have held.
In your last position, how much of the work did you do on your own, and how much as part of a team? Which did you enjoy more?
Talk in terms of your flexibility and adaptability – your ability to work in whatever mode seems appropriate to the situation. Make it clear that you have been equally effective in teams or working independently, as each case demanded. You enjoy both; it’s more about what will work best for the project and the company at that time.
What are some of the more difficult problems you have encountered in your past jobs? How did you solve them?
Tell two or more pre-prepared accomplishment stories. Keep it POSITIVE!
Did you ever make suggestions to senior management? What happened?
Say “yes.” Tell some accomplishment stories and results, in which you positively influenced senior management.
At your previous job(s), what did you think management could have done to make you function more effectively as an employee?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! Say that the employer was very good in providing resources and support to your position, and that you have no complaints about this.
What has kept you from progressing faster and farther in your career?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! State: “I don’t know what could have given you the impression that I am dissatisfied with the progress and pace of my career. I am quite satisfied with where my career is at this point in my life. However, I am ready to take on greater challenges.”
What else should we know about you?
Tell one or two more of your best accomplishment stories. You can also repeat how well-suited you think you are for the opportunity, and how interested you are in the job.
Tell me about the best/worst boss you’ve ever had.
TRAP QUESTION: Never state anything negative! Say that while every boss has been different, you have worked productively with, and learned something from, each one. (Be prepared to give some examples of what you have learned.)
Everybody likes to criticize. What do people criticize about you?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! Say that you can’t think of any criticisms you have received from colleagues on the job. Of course, there have been areas for development – such as when your supervisors would have given you your “employee review,” and they might have made a suggestion for improvement. State that you have always taken these kinds of suggestions seriously and have taken steps to make the improvements that were requested, and that this has made you stronger as a professional. (State at least one example).
Everyone has pet peeves. What are yours?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! Turn this question around, by talking about your high professional standards. Your only “pet peeves” are with yourself – pushing yourself hard and not accepting mediocrity, for example – or how you are always striving to reach your full potential on the job, etc.
What is your leadership style?
Talk in terms of your flexibility and adaptability – your ability to lead in whatever mode seems appropriate to the situation. Explain that it’s more about what approach will work best for the project and the company at that time. Give an example or two, demonstrating different leadership styles, using your accomplishment stories.
Are you geographically mobile? (or) Are you willing to put in a lot of extra time?
Ask for clarification – what exactly does the interviewer mean? Then, according to their answer, either say, “that would be no problem at all,” or tell them “you’d like to give it some thought and get back to them within 24 hours.”
You don’t have the experience/background for this position. How could you handle it?
Say you’re confused by their comment, that you’re quite confident that you DO have the experience and background for this position, and that you’re a very strong match for the responsibilities. Ask what specifically concerns them about your background; what’s missing in your experience? (Sometimes the interviewer is just testing you.) Re-state your qualifications as needed, tying your accomplishment stories to the employer’s requirements.
You’re overqualified for this position, aren’t you? (even if you are slightly overqualified)
State: No – I see a lot of challenges in this opportunity, and I’m sure that I would find the work extremely interesting. Give some examples of what you mean, and talk about the new dimensions of experience and skill that you would bring to the position, almost as though you would expand the level of contribution in this job, thus making it more than it is at present.
We have all the information we need. We’ll be in touch.
Take the initiative. Ask such questions as: “Where do I stand? Am I being considered as a strong candidate? When should I expect to hear from you, or would you prefer that I contact you in a day or two? What is your time-frame for making a final decision? Is there anything else I can provide to facilitate the process?” etc. Then re-state your strong interest in the position and your confidence that your background is an ideal match to the job.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend that you prepare for your interviews by studying and practicing these answers. Get someone to help you, by doing a “role play,” in which your friend can be the interviewer and you can play the part of the job candidate. You will reduce your anxiety, boost your confidence and perform much better if you “know your lines” in advance! And remember – never say anything negative in a job interview!
The following are some of the most commonly-asked interview questions, along with suggested approaches for answers. It is important that job candidates practice these responses until they are able to handle all the questions effectively.
Why do you want to work here? How can you help our company? Why should we be interested in you?
Answer is always based on information you’ve researched in advance about the company and their needs.
If you were choosing someone for this job, what kind of person would you select?
Answer is to generally state your own general qualifications, without being too “obvious.” Leave out the details.
If you could have any job which one would you want at this company?
Answer has to do with the most general description of the job – NOT A SPECIFIC TITLE.
What weaknesses do you have for this job?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! Answer is to ponder for a while and then state that you can’t think of any weaknesses that would compromise your performance at this job; or negatively impact your performance of the job’s responsibilities.
What do you expect to get in this job that you haven’t gotten in you current/previous job?
TRAP QUESTION. Do not say anything negative. State that your current/previous jobs have met or exceeded your expectations. With the new position you would hope to have broader responsibilities and make greater contributions.
What do you see as your future here?
I would expect to be contributing at higher levels and have increased responsibility over time.
Are you considering other positions at this time?
TRAP QUESTION. Simply say “yes.”
How does this opportunity compare?
From what I’ve heard so far, very favorably … and I would like to learn more.
What other companies/opportunities are you looking at now?
As I’m sure you can appreciate, I’m not at liberty to say as I am still in discussions with these companies. I need to protect their privacy, as I would for your company under similar circumstances.
What are your short and long term goals?
Short range: To secure an appropriate new position where I can apply my skills and experience to increase the company’s productivity and profitability.
Long range: Assume more responsibility and make greater contributions over time for my employer.
What motivates you?
Focus the answer on your core values, and also on the values and priorities of the company you are interviewing with (which you should have identified through your preliminary research).
What have you done to improve yourself during the last year?
Talk about professional development, training programs, educational curricula, study in your field, on-the-job training, skill-building, relevant books you’ve read, etc.
How do you spend your spare time?
Say something inoffensive, apolitical and innocuous. (reading, exercise, travel, home projects, gardening, family activities, home projects, etc.)
Tell me about your health.
My health is excellent.
If you could re-live your last 15 years, what changes would you make?
Nothing is perfect, but overall I would say that I’m quite satisfied with the way my life and career have developed – so I wouldn’t make any significant changes.
Tell me about your greatest achievement/disappointment in your life.
Give one personal example (like meeting your spouse and getting married; putting yourself through college and graduate school; or saving-up to buy your first house, etc.). Then give your best professional accomplishment story. As for the disappointment, give an answer similar to the one above, implying that “overall, I would say that I’m quite satisfied with the way my life and career have been developing, so I really can’t think of any major disappointments.”
What did you like best/least about your last job?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! Explain what you liked best. Then say that while every job has its challenges, you have been fortunate enough to learn and grow professionally in each of the positions you have held.
In your last position, how much of the work did you do on your own, and how much as part of a team? Which did you enjoy more?
Talk in terms of your flexibility and adaptability – your ability to work in whatever mode seems appropriate to the situation. Make it clear that you have been equally effective in teams or working independently, as each case demanded. You enjoy both; it’s more about what will work best for the project and the company at that time.
What are some of the more difficult problems you have encountered in your past jobs? How did you solve them?
Tell two or more pre-prepared accomplishment stories. Keep it POSITIVE!
Did you ever make suggestions to senior management? What happened?
Say “yes.” Tell some accomplishment stories and results, in which you positively influenced senior management.
At your previous job(s), what did you think management could have done to make you function more effectively as an employee?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! Say that the employer was very good in providing resources and support to your position, and that you have no complaints about this.
What has kept you from progressing faster and farther in your career?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! State: “I don’t know what could have given you the impression that I am dissatisfied with the progress and pace of my career. I am quite satisfied with where my career is at this point in my life. However, I am ready to take on greater challenges.”
What else should we know about you?
Tell one or two more of your best accomplishment stories. You can also repeat how well-suited you think you are for the opportunity, and how interested you are in the job.
Tell me about the best/worst boss you’ve ever had.
TRAP QUESTION: Never state anything negative! Say that while every boss has been different, you have worked productively with, and learned something from, each one. (Be prepared to give some examples of what you have learned.)
Everybody likes to criticize. What do people criticize about you?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! Say that you can’t think of any criticisms you have received from colleagues on the job. Of course, there have been areas for development – such as when your supervisors would have given you your “employee review,” and they might have made a suggestion for improvement. State that you have always taken these kinds of suggestions seriously and have taken steps to make the improvements that were requested, and that this has made you stronger as a professional. (State at least one example).
Everyone has pet peeves. What are yours?
TRAP QUESTION. Never state anything negative! Turn this question around, by talking about your high professional standards. Your only “pet peeves” are with yourself – pushing yourself hard and not accepting mediocrity, for example – or how you are always striving to reach your full potential on the job, etc.
What is your leadership style?
Talk in terms of your flexibility and adaptability – your ability to lead in whatever mode seems appropriate to the situation. Explain that it’s more about what approach will work best for the project and the company at that time. Give an example or two, demonstrating different leadership styles, using your accomplishment stories.
Are you geographically mobile? (or) Are you willing to put in a lot of extra time?
Ask for clarification – what exactly does the interviewer mean? Then, according to their answer, either say, “that would be no problem at all,” or tell them “you’d like to give it some thought and get back to them within 24 hours.”
You don’t have the experience/background for this position. How could you handle it?
Say you’re confused by their comment, that you’re quite confident that you DO have the experience and background for this position, and that you’re a very strong match for the responsibilities. Ask what specifically concerns them about your background; what’s missing in your experience? (Sometimes the interviewer is just testing you.) Re-state your qualifications as needed, tying your accomplishment stories to the employer’s requirements.
You’re overqualified for this position, aren’t you? (even if you are slightly overqualified)
State: No – I see a lot of challenges in this opportunity, and I’m sure that I would find the work extremely interesting. Give some examples of what you mean, and talk about the new dimensions of experience and skill that you would bring to the position, almost as though you would expand the level of contribution in this job, thus making it more than it is at present.
We have all the information we need. We’ll be in touch.
Take the initiative. Ask such questions as: “Where do I stand? Am I being considered as a strong candidate? When should I expect to hear from you, or would you prefer that I contact you in a day or two? What is your time-frame for making a final decision? Is there anything else I can provide to facilitate the process?” etc. Then re-state your strong interest in the position and your confidence that your background is an ideal match to the job.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend that you prepare for your interviews by studying and practicing these answers. Get someone to help you, by doing a “role play,” in which your friend can be the interviewer and you can play the part of the job candidate. You will reduce your anxiety, boost your confidence and perform much better if you “know your lines” in advance! And remember – never say anything negative in a job interview!
A Sample Interview Thank You Letter
A sample thank you letter that you use after an interview, as a guideline or template, will save you a lot of time when preparing this type of correspondence. Since you’ll prepare it before the job interview when you are not nervous and have a clear head, the letter will really increase your chances of making or reinforcing a good impression.
Trying using this for your own uses.
Date
Name
Company
Address
City
State
Zip
Dear Name,
I enjoyed the chance to visit with you in your office today concerning career opportunities with ABC Company. After discussing the future of the company I am convinced that I can make a positive contribution, and believe our association could be mutually beneficial.
I was especially impressed with the information you provided concerning expansion into other markets and a need for an invigorated marketing effort. With my background in advertising and insurance sales and experience as a carnival promoter, I believe I have a lot to offer.
ABC Company has an outstanding reputation in the field and is the type of organization I wish to associate myself with. I pride myself on being an outstanding salesman and promotional specialist, and look forward to a chance to make a positive contribution during this period of growth.
If I can provide any more information that would be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to call me at the phone number listed above, or email me if that is more convenient. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Again, thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
John J. Doe.
Using this sample letter will save you time and lead to more second interviews and more job offers. However, if your field is not sales or marketing it may not be perfectly suited to your needs. It should be easy to analyze the thank you letter and see which sentences and paragraphs can be changed to make it fit your needs and your profession. With modern word processing software you can customize one version, and then copy the file and make another letter geared towards a different type of job completely. For instance, if there are three or four types of jobs you would consider then creating a thank you letter for each is probably a good idea. The same of course is true with your cover letter and resume. Different versions for different types of jobs, emphasizing different aspects of your skills and experience will make you more versatile. If, however, you are determined to pursue only one type of job, then you obviously need only one sample letter, one type of cover letter and one type of resume. This is a personal choice and you are the only person who knows exactly what job would be best suited for you and if there is more than one type you’d consider.
Trying using this for your own uses.
Date
Name
Company
Address
City
State
Zip
Dear Name,
I enjoyed the chance to visit with you in your office today concerning career opportunities with ABC Company. After discussing the future of the company I am convinced that I can make a positive contribution, and believe our association could be mutually beneficial.
I was especially impressed with the information you provided concerning expansion into other markets and a need for an invigorated marketing effort. With my background in advertising and insurance sales and experience as a carnival promoter, I believe I have a lot to offer.
ABC Company has an outstanding reputation in the field and is the type of organization I wish to associate myself with. I pride myself on being an outstanding salesman and promotional specialist, and look forward to a chance to make a positive contribution during this period of growth.
If I can provide any more information that would be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to call me at the phone number listed above, or email me if that is more convenient. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Again, thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
John J. Doe.
Using this sample letter will save you time and lead to more second interviews and more job offers. However, if your field is not sales or marketing it may not be perfectly suited to your needs. It should be easy to analyze the thank you letter and see which sentences and paragraphs can be changed to make it fit your needs and your profession. With modern word processing software you can customize one version, and then copy the file and make another letter geared towards a different type of job completely. For instance, if there are three or four types of jobs you would consider then creating a thank you letter for each is probably a good idea. The same of course is true with your cover letter and resume. Different versions for different types of jobs, emphasizing different aspects of your skills and experience will make you more versatile. If, however, you are determined to pursue only one type of job, then you obviously need only one sample letter, one type of cover letter and one type of resume. This is a personal choice and you are the only person who knows exactly what job would be best suited for you and if there is more than one type you’d consider.
A Closer Look At Two Interview Questions
A job interview is stressful. The person who hasn’t made a lot of changes isn’t practiced at what is involved (nor should they want to be), and the person who has made a lot of changes doesn’t have any idea as to what’s involved either, or they wouldn’t be making so many changes!
Preparing for the interview de-stresses the situation considerably. Yet, 78% of all candidates - regardless of the level for which they are interviewing - wing it! And frequently cause themselves to be weeded out in the process.
Like so much of the interview, seemingly innocent questions can trip you up. You think you are answering them in a way that puts you in the best light, but you'd be surprised at how many people completely miss the boat. Merely to hope an interview has a positive result is not enough. That's basically forfeiting your ability to drive up the percentage of a positive outcome.
For instance, in response to the question, "Why do you want to work here?" some people will say things such as:
"I've worked in this industry for 15 years and been very successful. I feel I can make a difference in your organization. I have a proven track record of leadership. I've read in the paper that your company is having some problems, and with my experience as a Director of XXXXX, I can help straighten those out."
That answer may sound good and appear to suffice, but on a scale of 1 - 10, it ranks about a 4!
Why? The answer shows no research, no thought, no consideration. It sounds stock and could suffice for any number of companies. Overall, unimpressive.
In my experience as a recruiter, I've found that while mid level management tends to UNDERanswer the question, upper level management will often OVERanswer the question. One group doesn't provide enough information because of a limited lack of experience. The other group has been around, worked their way up the ladder in more than one company, and in their attempt to sound thoughtful, intelligent, and wise, end up saying very little at all.
Let's look closer.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?
Here's where you get to show off your research. Tell the interviewer what you've learned about the company, and why it's appealing to you. SPECIFICS are the key here.
Relate those specific examples from your experience to what you've learned about the company, their focus, and their market. Look to your personality and what motivates you and how that relates to any details you learned from the ad, your recruiter, your friend who referred you, or from where you learned of this opportunity.
For instance, perhaps their ad stated that they were looking to establish a marketing department from ground up. If you thrive on growth, challenges, making things happen - there's your answer - along with examples of how you have grown, established, or done market research in a parallel situation.
And you might ask, "What if it's not a high profile company? What if it's on the small side and local?" Right. Not every company is the size of General Electric or even a regional public powerhouse that you can look up in Dun & Bradstreet.
But most librarians are more than willing to help you find any information that might be present in any of their research books. Local newspapers may have done stories on the company, and the library would have those too. And these days, most companies have a website.
Share what you can do and why you feel you can make a contribution and benefit the company. This question is about how YOU can benefit the company, not how the company can benefit YOU.
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
Some interviews are lost right at this point. This is not an invitation to go on ad nauseum about everything that has happened to you since you were five years old or since your first job out of college. Nor is it the time to shrug your shoulders and give an unplanned, one-sentence answer.
Some people, especially those who haven't prepared and have a tendency to talk when they get nervous, find themselves rambling. Put together a nice little 2 - 3 minute verbal bio about your career, your qualifications, and why you are interested. Know what you're going to say in advance.
A FEW POINTS TO REMEMBER
In recruiting we used to say, "'A' candidates for 'A' companies, 'B' candidates for 'B' companies and 'C' candidates for 'C' companies," and a 'B' candidate is not only some one who's talents and track record is only so-so, it's also an 'A' candidate whose poor interviewing skills MAKE him a 'B.'
Knowing who you are, what you want, what you have to offer and what you've accomplished - and having it all on the tip of your tongue - can make or break you for a job offer - not just for your perfect job, but sometimes for even finding ANY job.
Being able to sell yourself, your skills, how you can benefit a potential company and then being able to close the deal necessitates taking the time to research and learn the company. It means knowing yourself well enough that you can apply aspects of your capabilities to the individual facts and details of that INDIVIDUAL company - and that you can do it smoothly without groping for words or just winging it.
And last, but not least, the words of Peter Handal of Dale Carnegie Training, echo the importance of interview preparation, including what strikes most people as silly - role playing. But as he said, "you only have one chance to make a really good impression," and if you don't take it seriously enough to study and thoroughly prepare, someone else will, and that's the person who will get the job!
Do your homework before EVERY interview! There's no chance to make a second good impression!
Preparing for the interview de-stresses the situation considerably. Yet, 78% of all candidates - regardless of the level for which they are interviewing - wing it! And frequently cause themselves to be weeded out in the process.
Like so much of the interview, seemingly innocent questions can trip you up. You think you are answering them in a way that puts you in the best light, but you'd be surprised at how many people completely miss the boat. Merely to hope an interview has a positive result is not enough. That's basically forfeiting your ability to drive up the percentage of a positive outcome.
For instance, in response to the question, "Why do you want to work here?" some people will say things such as:
"I've worked in this industry for 15 years and been very successful. I feel I can make a difference in your organization. I have a proven track record of leadership. I've read in the paper that your company is having some problems, and with my experience as a Director of XXXXX, I can help straighten those out."
That answer may sound good and appear to suffice, but on a scale of 1 - 10, it ranks about a 4!
Why? The answer shows no research, no thought, no consideration. It sounds stock and could suffice for any number of companies. Overall, unimpressive.
In my experience as a recruiter, I've found that while mid level management tends to UNDERanswer the question, upper level management will often OVERanswer the question. One group doesn't provide enough information because of a limited lack of experience. The other group has been around, worked their way up the ladder in more than one company, and in their attempt to sound thoughtful, intelligent, and wise, end up saying very little at all.
Let's look closer.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?
Here's where you get to show off your research. Tell the interviewer what you've learned about the company, and why it's appealing to you. SPECIFICS are the key here.
Relate those specific examples from your experience to what you've learned about the company, their focus, and their market. Look to your personality and what motivates you and how that relates to any details you learned from the ad, your recruiter, your friend who referred you, or from where you learned of this opportunity.
For instance, perhaps their ad stated that they were looking to establish a marketing department from ground up. If you thrive on growth, challenges, making things happen - there's your answer - along with examples of how you have grown, established, or done market research in a parallel situation.
And you might ask, "What if it's not a high profile company? What if it's on the small side and local?" Right. Not every company is the size of General Electric or even a regional public powerhouse that you can look up in Dun & Bradstreet.
But most librarians are more than willing to help you find any information that might be present in any of their research books. Local newspapers may have done stories on the company, and the library would have those too. And these days, most companies have a website.
Share what you can do and why you feel you can make a contribution and benefit the company. This question is about how YOU can benefit the company, not how the company can benefit YOU.
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
Some interviews are lost right at this point. This is not an invitation to go on ad nauseum about everything that has happened to you since you were five years old or since your first job out of college. Nor is it the time to shrug your shoulders and give an unplanned, one-sentence answer.
Some people, especially those who haven't prepared and have a tendency to talk when they get nervous, find themselves rambling. Put together a nice little 2 - 3 minute verbal bio about your career, your qualifications, and why you are interested. Know what you're going to say in advance.
A FEW POINTS TO REMEMBER
In recruiting we used to say, "'A' candidates for 'A' companies, 'B' candidates for 'B' companies and 'C' candidates for 'C' companies," and a 'B' candidate is not only some one who's talents and track record is only so-so, it's also an 'A' candidate whose poor interviewing skills MAKE him a 'B.'
Knowing who you are, what you want, what you have to offer and what you've accomplished - and having it all on the tip of your tongue - can make or break you for a job offer - not just for your perfect job, but sometimes for even finding ANY job.
Being able to sell yourself, your skills, how you can benefit a potential company and then being able to close the deal necessitates taking the time to research and learn the company. It means knowing yourself well enough that you can apply aspects of your capabilities to the individual facts and details of that INDIVIDUAL company - and that you can do it smoothly without groping for words or just winging it.
And last, but not least, the words of Peter Handal of Dale Carnegie Training, echo the importance of interview preparation, including what strikes most people as silly - role playing. But as he said, "you only have one chance to make a really good impression," and if you don't take it seriously enough to study and thoroughly prepare, someone else will, and that's the person who will get the job!
Do your homework before EVERY interview! There's no chance to make a second good impression!
17 Important Things To Remember As You Prepare For An Interview
Several Days - One Week Before the Interview
1. Spend some time to research the organization and the position at hand. To find company-specific information, visit your local library, run a search on the internet, or talk to current or former employees about their experiences and impressions of the company. Study up on the company's products and services, industry, target market, annual sales, geographic location(s), structure, history, officers, and any other key information. Are there any new trends in the industry?
2. Identify the organization’s major competitors and do some basic research on how they differ (either positively or negatively) from the company at which you are interviewing.
3. Prepare specific examples of how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the organization’s needs. Practice answering directed questions about your experience, education, and skills and how they relate to the position at hand. Being prepared to draw colorations between your experience and the needs of the organization is one of the most important interviewing skills you will need.
4. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to talk about your weaknesses, but find a way to frame them positively. For example, “My biggest weakness is that I am a perfectionist. It may take me a little extra time to get a project done to my satisfaction, but you can be guaranteed that the work will pass even the most stringent review, be 100% accurate, and that no detail will be overlooked.”
5. Prepare several intelligent questions about the company and position that will demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your sincere interest in the position.
6. Try on your suit and make sure that it is still well-fitting and in good repair. If necessary, make arrangements to have it altered or find alternate dress.
The Day before the Interview
1. Contact the company to confirm the date and time of your interview. Also confirm the name and title of the individual(s) you will be meeting.
2. Get directions to the interview site. Be sure to double check the directions using a map. This will ensure that you know the way and also give you an approximate travel time – don’t forget to allow for extra time for rush hour!
3. Lay out your entire interview outfit. Check it for any spot, wrinkles, or snags.
4. Print off a few extra copies of your resume and cover letter on nice paper. Even if the interviewer has a copy of their own, it’s always a good idea to have a backup copy. This is also helpful if you end up interviewing with multiple individuals, since the head interviewer may be the only person with a copy of your resume.
Get a good night’s sleep!
1. Your brain needs fuel to run at peak performance and if there is ever a day you needed 110% from your brain, it’s today. So don’t skimp on meals. Be cautious about eating large amounts of carbohydrates right before your interview though, since carbs are know to cause sluggishness and may lead to a “post-lunch” naptime.
2. Get dressed early so you do not feel pressured to dash out the door. Pay attention to the details (brush off any lint, comb your hair, brush your teeth, use deodorant, etc.) and remember that a first impression can reveal a lot about you and your character.
3. Don’t forget to take copies of your resume, your cover letter, and your portfolio if you have one.
4. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your interview. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, it’s best to wait in the car or outside the building. Arriving too early gives off the impression that you have a lot riding on the interview (and have nothing better to do with your time), and also pressures the interviewer(s) into feeling that they have to adjust their schedule to accommodate you.
5.Smile and shake everyone’s hand when you are meeting for the first time - you should also smile and shake hands when the interview concludes.
6. Relax! If you have done your homework you are well-prepared for the interview. Take a deep breath and spend a moment collecting your thoughts if you need to when being asked a question. Ask confused about a particular question you are asked, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
After the Interview
Write a quick “Thank You” message to the individual(s) who interviewed you.
1. Spend some time to research the organization and the position at hand. To find company-specific information, visit your local library, run a search on the internet, or talk to current or former employees about their experiences and impressions of the company. Study up on the company's products and services, industry, target market, annual sales, geographic location(s), structure, history, officers, and any other key information. Are there any new trends in the industry?
2. Identify the organization’s major competitors and do some basic research on how they differ (either positively or negatively) from the company at which you are interviewing.
3. Prepare specific examples of how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the organization’s needs. Practice answering directed questions about your experience, education, and skills and how they relate to the position at hand. Being prepared to draw colorations between your experience and the needs of the organization is one of the most important interviewing skills you will need.
4. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to talk about your weaknesses, but find a way to frame them positively. For example, “My biggest weakness is that I am a perfectionist. It may take me a little extra time to get a project done to my satisfaction, but you can be guaranteed that the work will pass even the most stringent review, be 100% accurate, and that no detail will be overlooked.”
5. Prepare several intelligent questions about the company and position that will demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your sincere interest in the position.
6. Try on your suit and make sure that it is still well-fitting and in good repair. If necessary, make arrangements to have it altered or find alternate dress.
The Day before the Interview
1. Contact the company to confirm the date and time of your interview. Also confirm the name and title of the individual(s) you will be meeting.
2. Get directions to the interview site. Be sure to double check the directions using a map. This will ensure that you know the way and also give you an approximate travel time – don’t forget to allow for extra time for rush hour!
3. Lay out your entire interview outfit. Check it for any spot, wrinkles, or snags.
4. Print off a few extra copies of your resume and cover letter on nice paper. Even if the interviewer has a copy of their own, it’s always a good idea to have a backup copy. This is also helpful if you end up interviewing with multiple individuals, since the head interviewer may be the only person with a copy of your resume.
Get a good night’s sleep!
1. Your brain needs fuel to run at peak performance and if there is ever a day you needed 110% from your brain, it’s today. So don’t skimp on meals. Be cautious about eating large amounts of carbohydrates right before your interview though, since carbs are know to cause sluggishness and may lead to a “post-lunch” naptime.
2. Get dressed early so you do not feel pressured to dash out the door. Pay attention to the details (brush off any lint, comb your hair, brush your teeth, use deodorant, etc.) and remember that a first impression can reveal a lot about you and your character.
3. Don’t forget to take copies of your resume, your cover letter, and your portfolio if you have one.
4. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your interview. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, it’s best to wait in the car or outside the building. Arriving too early gives off the impression that you have a lot riding on the interview (and have nothing better to do with your time), and also pressures the interviewer(s) into feeling that they have to adjust their schedule to accommodate you.
5.Smile and shake everyone’s hand when you are meeting for the first time - you should also smile and shake hands when the interview concludes.
6. Relax! If you have done your homework you are well-prepared for the interview. Take a deep breath and spend a moment collecting your thoughts if you need to when being asked a question. Ask confused about a particular question you are asked, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
After the Interview
Write a quick “Thank You” message to the individual(s) who interviewed you.
5 Tips to Prepare for that First ‘Real’ Job Interview
You have graduated high school or college and now you’re ready for your first ‘real’ job. You’ve mailed out résumés and have been called in for your first interview. How can you do well at the interview so you wind up being offered the job?
1. Dress professionally. No midriff shirts, low-cut blouses or flip-flops because you’re going to work and not the beach. While it’s not necessary to buy a suit, it is particularly important to look professional. If you’re trying to get a job in a conservative office such as an accounting firm, don’t dress as if you were going to a concert. If you are applying for a retail position, you have a little more freedom. Rather than list what clothing is and is not acceptable, I would tell you to dress as if you were going to meet one of the most important people in your life- because you are!
2. Make sure you are well-groomed. Don’t look as though you just rolled out of bed and couldn’t bother to take care of basic personal hygiene. Nothing will make the HR Manager bring the interview to a close faster than unwashed hair, dirty fingernails or body odor. As an employee, you will be a reflection of the company and no customer wants to do business with an unkempt person.
3. Be aware of your body language. A firm handshake at the start of the interview shows you are self-confident. Maintain eye contact, stay relaxed and be attentive to the interviewer. Ask questions and listen thoughtfully to the answers. Think before you answer questions from the interviewer- don’t ramble and keep the conversation on the topic.
4. Be prepared for the interview. Research the company beforehand- every business now has a website where you can learn what they do and who their customers are. This shows the interviewer you are interested in the job and took the initiative to find out all you could about the company.
5. Be present in the interview. I’ve interviewed candidates who acted as if they were waiting for a bus. They didn’t ask questions, but instead just listened to me, and I wasn’t really sure if they were paying attention. Be enthusiastic, ask questions and participate in the interview. After listing all the duties required of the position, I asked one candidate if this sounded like something she’d be interested in. Her reply was a quiet, “I can do the job.” She didn’t answer my question, she seemed indifferent, and she didn’t get the job. If you can’t be excited in the interview, you’re not going to be energized in the workplace either.
First impressions count, and you want to let the interviewer know you want the job, are willing to work hard and will do your best. You might not necessarily be the most qualified candidate, but still land the job because you were the most outstanding one. Good luck!
1. Dress professionally. No midriff shirts, low-cut blouses or flip-flops because you’re going to work and not the beach. While it’s not necessary to buy a suit, it is particularly important to look professional. If you’re trying to get a job in a conservative office such as an accounting firm, don’t dress as if you were going to a concert. If you are applying for a retail position, you have a little more freedom. Rather than list what clothing is and is not acceptable, I would tell you to dress as if you were going to meet one of the most important people in your life- because you are!
2. Make sure you are well-groomed. Don’t look as though you just rolled out of bed and couldn’t bother to take care of basic personal hygiene. Nothing will make the HR Manager bring the interview to a close faster than unwashed hair, dirty fingernails or body odor. As an employee, you will be a reflection of the company and no customer wants to do business with an unkempt person.
3. Be aware of your body language. A firm handshake at the start of the interview shows you are self-confident. Maintain eye contact, stay relaxed and be attentive to the interviewer. Ask questions and listen thoughtfully to the answers. Think before you answer questions from the interviewer- don’t ramble and keep the conversation on the topic.
4. Be prepared for the interview. Research the company beforehand- every business now has a website where you can learn what they do and who their customers are. This shows the interviewer you are interested in the job and took the initiative to find out all you could about the company.
5. Be present in the interview. I’ve interviewed candidates who acted as if they were waiting for a bus. They didn’t ask questions, but instead just listened to me, and I wasn’t really sure if they were paying attention. Be enthusiastic, ask questions and participate in the interview. After listing all the duties required of the position, I asked one candidate if this sounded like something she’d be interested in. Her reply was a quiet, “I can do the job.” She didn’t answer my question, she seemed indifferent, and she didn’t get the job. If you can’t be excited in the interview, you’re not going to be energized in the workplace either.
First impressions count, and you want to let the interviewer know you want the job, are willing to work hard and will do your best. You might not necessarily be the most qualified candidate, but still land the job because you were the most outstanding one. Good luck!
Monday, September 7, 2015
How Not to Obsess after a Job Interview
The interview is over and you can’t help but sigh with relief. You made it through and it
wasn’t as bad as you thought it would (or maybe it was, but hey it was a good
experience). Now, you might think you are in the clear and all you have to do is wait.
While it is true that waiting is the next step, it is not that easy. Some even find it more
difficult between the time the interview has been completed to the time they hear back
from the company on whether or not they received the position.
Unless you discover that you have given the interviewer misinformation, don’t continue
to go over your answers again and again. If you look for flaws you will find them. It is
unnecessary torture. Keep yourself busy and if you are on a serious job hunt, continue
with your search and put the interview on the back burner until you hear back. If you did
provide wrong information that would be crucial to a decision you may want to consider
following up to correct the wrong depending on what it was. If it was for a driving job
and they asked if you have had any speeding tickets in the past three years and you said
yes but later discovered it happened four years ago – definitely call. If on the other hand,
you were quoting sales results and underestimated the number of sales you made; it
would probably be best left as it was.
Keep yourself busy as you wait for an answer from your interview. And if it happens that
you didn’t get the job use it as a learning experience. If there were questions you wished
you would have answered differently at least you know that now for the next interview
you attend.
wasn’t as bad as you thought it would (or maybe it was, but hey it was a good
experience). Now, you might think you are in the clear and all you have to do is wait.
While it is true that waiting is the next step, it is not that easy. Some even find it more
difficult between the time the interview has been completed to the time they hear back
from the company on whether or not they received the position.
Unless you discover that you have given the interviewer misinformation, don’t continue
to go over your answers again and again. If you look for flaws you will find them. It is
unnecessary torture. Keep yourself busy and if you are on a serious job hunt, continue
with your search and put the interview on the back burner until you hear back. If you did
provide wrong information that would be crucial to a decision you may want to consider
following up to correct the wrong depending on what it was. If it was for a driving job
and they asked if you have had any speeding tickets in the past three years and you said
yes but later discovered it happened four years ago – definitely call. If on the other hand,
you were quoting sales results and underestimated the number of sales you made; it
would probably be best left as it was.
Keep yourself busy as you wait for an answer from your interview. And if it happens that
you didn’t get the job use it as a learning experience. If there were questions you wished
you would have answered differently at least you know that now for the next interview
you attend.
Put a Positive Spin on Everything
A potential employer wants to hire people with a positive attitude. You should project
this image in your demeanor, facial expressions, and most importantly in the content of
your answers. You may be the strongest candidate that the interviewer has seen but you
still will not get the job if you are negative and insult former bosses or co-workers.
The best way to do this is to put a positive spin on all of your answers. Many interviews
will include a question along one of these lines:
* Have you had a challenging relationship with a co-worker or boss? Tell us about
it.
* What conditions in a workplace make it hard to do your job?
* How can people tell when you are in a bad mood at work?
Really, all of these are trick questions. Yes, the interviewer really does want to know
how you have handled conflict in the workplace and how you deal with a bad day at
work. But, they want to see if you can explain this without talking negatively and show
that you can problem solve your way out of certain situations. Even if you have a great
story to tell about you and a co-worker, unless you handled yourself as professionally as
possible and the story portrays you in a positive light do not tell it.
If an interviewer asks how co-workers or customers can tell if you are in a bad mood,
there is only one right answer, “They can’t.” You can (and should) elaborate on this, but
by answering the question in this vein you are showing that you can leave personal
problems and stresses outside the workplace without them affecting your job or others.
Be the kind of person that people want to hire, realistic with an attitude of getting along
with others and the ability to get a job done.
this image in your demeanor, facial expressions, and most importantly in the content of
your answers. You may be the strongest candidate that the interviewer has seen but you
still will not get the job if you are negative and insult former bosses or co-workers.
The best way to do this is to put a positive spin on all of your answers. Many interviews
will include a question along one of these lines:
* Have you had a challenging relationship with a co-worker or boss? Tell us about
it.
* What conditions in a workplace make it hard to do your job?
* How can people tell when you are in a bad mood at work?
Really, all of these are trick questions. Yes, the interviewer really does want to know
how you have handled conflict in the workplace and how you deal with a bad day at
work. But, they want to see if you can explain this without talking negatively and show
that you can problem solve your way out of certain situations. Even if you have a great
story to tell about you and a co-worker, unless you handled yourself as professionally as
possible and the story portrays you in a positive light do not tell it.
If an interviewer asks how co-workers or customers can tell if you are in a bad mood,
there is only one right answer, “They can’t.” You can (and should) elaborate on this, but
by answering the question in this vein you are showing that you can leave personal
problems and stresses outside the workplace without them affecting your job or others.
Be the kind of person that people want to hire, realistic with an attitude of getting along
with others and the ability to get a job done.
If you Get Stumped by a Question
You can prepare for an interview until you are blue in the face and still get stumped on a
question during the process. It is okay, it happens to a lot of people. Some questions
come out of left field, sometimes you draw a blank, and others – you really don’t know
what to say. Here is a brief run down of what you can do in these three situations.
A (Seemingly) Off Topic Question – These may be thrown in to the interview out of
curiosity by the interviewer or to gauge your knowledge on a certain subject. It is not a
reason to dismiss the question though and not pay it the care and attention you would to
any other one. Do your best, and if you really can’t figure out the correlation between the
question and the job you are applying to, you can ask at the end of the interview – along
the lines, “out of curiosity….”
You Draw a Blank – Ask for a minute to compose your answer, and do some fast
brainstorming. If you feel that the silence is becoming uncomfortable, you can ask to
come back to the question at the end of the interview. As long as you do go back to it,
this is an acceptable solution. Silence is okay during an interview when you are trying to
think of an answer, do not feel obligated to fill the silence, concentrate on the answer you
want to give.
You Don’t Know What to Say – If it is a matter that you are sure what the interviewer is
looking for in an answer, ask for clarification. Sometimes asking for an example of what
they mean can guide you in what you should say. If you take a shot in the dark, you
might provide what they want – but why take the chance?
question during the process. It is okay, it happens to a lot of people. Some questions
come out of left field, sometimes you draw a blank, and others – you really don’t know
what to say. Here is a brief run down of what you can do in these three situations.
A (Seemingly) Off Topic Question – These may be thrown in to the interview out of
curiosity by the interviewer or to gauge your knowledge on a certain subject. It is not a
reason to dismiss the question though and not pay it the care and attention you would to
any other one. Do your best, and if you really can’t figure out the correlation between the
question and the job you are applying to, you can ask at the end of the interview – along
the lines, “out of curiosity….”
You Draw a Blank – Ask for a minute to compose your answer, and do some fast
brainstorming. If you feel that the silence is becoming uncomfortable, you can ask to
come back to the question at the end of the interview. As long as you do go back to it,
this is an acceptable solution. Silence is okay during an interview when you are trying to
think of an answer, do not feel obligated to fill the silence, concentrate on the answer you
want to give.
You Don’t Know What to Say – If it is a matter that you are sure what the interviewer is
looking for in an answer, ask for clarification. Sometimes asking for an example of what
they mean can guide you in what you should say. If you take a shot in the dark, you
might provide what they want – but why take the chance?
Explaining Gaps in Employment
When you get to the interview, be prepared to discuss your resume. In addition to
explaining why you left previous companies and chit chat about the position, if you have
any gaps in employment be prepared to explain them. Many people are scared that an
interviewer is going to discover that they were without a job for a period of time. It is not
necessarily a bad thing, but you do have to be able to tell the interviewer why in the best
possible light.
You should always be honest when explaining any absence from working, but you do
have license to spin what you did do in the best possible light. For instance, if you were
laid of your job and had a hard time finding a replacement but spent a lot of time with
your children you could say, “I took an opportunity to spend a few months with my
children in between jobs.” If you took any courses or classes that adds value to your
skills as an employee be sure to mention that as well. You may find it beneficial to add a
brief explanation on the resume itself or in a cover letter. Most times it is hard to get to
an interview if there is a lengthy and unexplained employment gap.
If you are unsure what possible questions could be generated from your resume, have
another person look at it. It is best to be prepared for certain questions and scenarios that
will likely come up in an interview. You do not want to be caught unaware or
floundering for an answer. Give yourself time to figure out the best explanation for times
of unemployment so an interviewer sees it as reasonable or even beneficial to them in the
case of additional education and classes.
explaining why you left previous companies and chit chat about the position, if you have
any gaps in employment be prepared to explain them. Many people are scared that an
interviewer is going to discover that they were without a job for a period of time. It is not
necessarily a bad thing, but you do have to be able to tell the interviewer why in the best
possible light.
You should always be honest when explaining any absence from working, but you do
have license to spin what you did do in the best possible light. For instance, if you were
laid of your job and had a hard time finding a replacement but spent a lot of time with
your children you could say, “I took an opportunity to spend a few months with my
children in between jobs.” If you took any courses or classes that adds value to your
skills as an employee be sure to mention that as well. You may find it beneficial to add a
brief explanation on the resume itself or in a cover letter. Most times it is hard to get to
an interview if there is a lengthy and unexplained employment gap.
If you are unsure what possible questions could be generated from your resume, have
another person look at it. It is best to be prepared for certain questions and scenarios that
will likely come up in an interview. You do not want to be caught unaware or
floundering for an answer. Give yourself time to figure out the best explanation for times
of unemployment so an interviewer sees it as reasonable or even beneficial to them in the
case of additional education and classes.
Enthusiasm in a Job Interview
Are you excited at the prospect of getting a new job and are thrilled that you were called
in for an interview? Well, then show it when you are being interviewed! Bring an
energy and attitude to the interview that will make the company take notice. The process
of interviewing is usual a long and boring one for those on the other side of the table. Do
your part to make it easier for them to choose you as the best candidate.
Just think of all the people before and after you that are also going to be interviewed for
the same position. If all other things were equal – qualifications and the answers to the
interview questions – what is going to set you apart from the rest? You can be
enthusiastic and smile when answering (when appropriate) and still maintain an aura of
professionalism. You want to exude charisma and keep the interviewer’s attention. They
have heard a lot of the answers already, but you can get the message across with more
than words.
Someone who is excited to get a job and lets that excitement be known is going to have a
better chance than someone who talks in a monotone and with little to no emotion. Don’t
be afraid to smile and use phrases as “that’s great” or “wonderful” when you are told
about the company. Be the type of person that the company wants to represent them and
you will increase the chances of a job offer.
A few words of caution: don’t go overboard. Be genuine in your enthusiasm and be
yourself. Sincerity is key or your enthusiasm could work against you instead of for you.
If you are naturally bubbly by nature, tone it down a bit for the interview so you do not
overwhelm your hosts.
in for an interview? Well, then show it when you are being interviewed! Bring an
energy and attitude to the interview that will make the company take notice. The process
of interviewing is usual a long and boring one for those on the other side of the table. Do
your part to make it easier for them to choose you as the best candidate.
Just think of all the people before and after you that are also going to be interviewed for
the same position. If all other things were equal – qualifications and the answers to the
interview questions – what is going to set you apart from the rest? You can be
enthusiastic and smile when answering (when appropriate) and still maintain an aura of
professionalism. You want to exude charisma and keep the interviewer’s attention. They
have heard a lot of the answers already, but you can get the message across with more
than words.
Someone who is excited to get a job and lets that excitement be known is going to have a
better chance than someone who talks in a monotone and with little to no emotion. Don’t
be afraid to smile and use phrases as “that’s great” or “wonderful” when you are told
about the company. Be the type of person that the company wants to represent them and
you will increase the chances of a job offer.
A few words of caution: don’t go overboard. Be genuine in your enthusiasm and be
yourself. Sincerity is key or your enthusiasm could work against you instead of for you.
If you are naturally bubbly by nature, tone it down a bit for the interview so you do not
overwhelm your hosts.
Bring Doubles of Everything to an Interview
In addition to a list of questions you want to ask and a pen and notepad you should also
bring duplicate copies of anything else that you may need to provide to the interviewer.
When booking the interview, ask if there is anything specific you should bring with you
(normally references is the only requirement). But if you are applying for a driving job, a
driver’s abstract may be required or if you are applying as a writer you may be asked to
bring in a sample of your work.
Make sure to write down the requested items to bring and make duplicates. If more than
one person is going to interview you, bring one for each of them and then one more. This
show forethought and preparedness. You also don’t want to make your interviewer look
bad by not being prepared if they forgot or lost your resume. Let them know that you
brought an extra copy for them and hand it over.
Chances are this won’t happen, but won’t you be happy if it does and you are prepared?
By brining more copies than are required, you can provide your extra copy to the other
interviewers so they are not all huddled around the one copy of your writing portfolio or
resume.
Even if you are not asked to bring references to the interview, take the time to type out
and print copies anyway. If the interview went well you are sure to be asked for them
and this again, shows that you think ahead and make the necessary preparations. Do not
show up without any special documents that were specifically requested of you, if you do
not think you can obtain them in the timeframe given be sure to let the person know
before you arrive for the interview.
bring duplicate copies of anything else that you may need to provide to the interviewer.
When booking the interview, ask if there is anything specific you should bring with you
(normally references is the only requirement). But if you are applying for a driving job, a
driver’s abstract may be required or if you are applying as a writer you may be asked to
bring in a sample of your work.
Make sure to write down the requested items to bring and make duplicates. If more than
one person is going to interview you, bring one for each of them and then one more. This
show forethought and preparedness. You also don’t want to make your interviewer look
bad by not being prepared if they forgot or lost your resume. Let them know that you
brought an extra copy for them and hand it over.
Chances are this won’t happen, but won’t you be happy if it does and you are prepared?
By brining more copies than are required, you can provide your extra copy to the other
interviewers so they are not all huddled around the one copy of your writing portfolio or
resume.
Even if you are not asked to bring references to the interview, take the time to type out
and print copies anyway. If the interview went well you are sure to be asked for them
and this again, shows that you think ahead and make the necessary preparations. Do not
show up without any special documents that were specifically requested of you, if you do
not think you can obtain them in the timeframe given be sure to let the person know
before you arrive for the interview.
Be Honest in Job Interviews
There is a difference between telling a story highlighting the positive to make you sound
better and lying to the interviewer. It is rare for a company to not conduct reference
check these days so don’t say anything that can not be verified by your boss or other
references that you provide.
There are many ways to get into trouble during an interview and lying is the most severe.
Common fibs that are told include educational degrees that you do not hold, saying that
you are a manager when really you are a team lead and taking credit for a project that was
completed by a coworker. All of these things can make you sound good at the time of the
interview, but what if the interviewer talks to your boss about the stellar project you ran
for the company when it really wasn’t you. Your boss is not going to lie for you and if
you were in the running for the job, you won’t be anymore.
The best way to handle these scenarios is to tell the truth but put you in the best light.
Maybe you were a part of the project, instead tell the interviewer the part you played and
share the success of the project as a whole. An employee that can recognize and share in
the success in others is preferable to one who doesn’t tell the truth or wants all of the
credit for themselves.
This does not mean that you have to share all anything that doesn’t put you in a positive
position though. The key is to be honest and only bring up examples that are going to
highlight your talents and work history in the best possible way. Don’t claim or state
anything that cannot be backed up by your references.
better and lying to the interviewer. It is rare for a company to not conduct reference
check these days so don’t say anything that can not be verified by your boss or other
references that you provide.
There are many ways to get into trouble during an interview and lying is the most severe.
Common fibs that are told include educational degrees that you do not hold, saying that
you are a manager when really you are a team lead and taking credit for a project that was
completed by a coworker. All of these things can make you sound good at the time of the
interview, but what if the interviewer talks to your boss about the stellar project you ran
for the company when it really wasn’t you. Your boss is not going to lie for you and if
you were in the running for the job, you won’t be anymore.
The best way to handle these scenarios is to tell the truth but put you in the best light.
Maybe you were a part of the project, instead tell the interviewer the part you played and
share the success of the project as a whole. An employee that can recognize and share in
the success in others is preferable to one who doesn’t tell the truth or wants all of the
credit for themselves.
This does not mean that you have to share all anything that doesn’t put you in a positive
position though. The key is to be honest and only bring up examples that are going to
highlight your talents and work history in the best possible way. Don’t claim or state
anything that cannot be backed up by your references.
Interviews - Ask Your Own Questions
Okay, you have made it to the end of your interview and the interviewer says it is now
your turn. They want to know if you have any questions for them. And most likely you
do: “How did I do” and “Are you going to hire me” – unfortunately you can’t ask either
one. But there are questions that you can ask to glean some information on how you
performed and to determine if the company is a right fit for you.
Although it is not acceptable to ask how you did in an interview, it is okay and
encouraged to ask what the next steps are and the timeline for them. Depending on how
this is answered, you may be able to figure out their reaction to you. But this is not full-
proof and is not a guarantee. If they take the time to explain all the checks they need to
go through, how many people they have left to interview and so on, they are probably
interested and want you to understand that there is still steps left in the process. If they
only tell you that you will hear from them within a certain period of time via letter, well it
isn’t as promising.
Look at the opportunity to ask your own questions as your chance to interview the
company. Of course you have done your research prior to attending and have made up a
list that you wrote down before attending. Show your preparedness and pull out the list
to ask your questions. Things like company direction and expansion show an interest in
the business. Feel free to take notes; it can earn you brownie points. Ask questions that
are important to you as well, if vacation time and benefits are a deal breaker for you, find
out now what the company has to offer.
your turn. They want to know if you have any questions for them. And most likely you
do: “How did I do” and “Are you going to hire me” – unfortunately you can’t ask either
one. But there are questions that you can ask to glean some information on how you
performed and to determine if the company is a right fit for you.
Although it is not acceptable to ask how you did in an interview, it is okay and
encouraged to ask what the next steps are and the timeline for them. Depending on how
this is answered, you may be able to figure out their reaction to you. But this is not full-
proof and is not a guarantee. If they take the time to explain all the checks they need to
go through, how many people they have left to interview and so on, they are probably
interested and want you to understand that there is still steps left in the process. If they
only tell you that you will hear from them within a certain period of time via letter, well it
isn’t as promising.
Look at the opportunity to ask your own questions as your chance to interview the
company. Of course you have done your research prior to attending and have made up a
list that you wrote down before attending. Show your preparedness and pull out the list
to ask your questions. Things like company direction and expansion show an interest in
the business. Feel free to take notes; it can earn you brownie points. Ask questions that
are important to you as well, if vacation time and benefits are a deal breaker for you, find
out now what the company has to offer.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Job Interview Mistakes
For
many, the interview is the single most stressful part of the job search
process. Any number of things can go wrong, and a big part of being successful
is avoiding simple mistakes. The following is a list some of the most common
mistakes during an Interview.
1.
Failure to research the company: An interviewer will expect candidates to spend
time researching and reading about their company. Do your homework before the
interview; really know what the company does and who their competitors are. If
you have not taken the time to review the employer website and understand what
they are recruiting for, then you are reducing your chances of continuing
successfully through the interview process.
2.
Not clear on what you’re interviewing for: Be familiar with the job description
so you can draw on your experiences, talents, strengths and abilities to
connect with company needs. Highlight how you're suited to that particular job.
3.
Not marketing yourself correctly: Define yourself. What makes you different
from others? Know your major strengths and accomplishments as they relate to
the job you are applying for and the company.
4.
Not asking meaningful questions: Have at least 3-4 intelligent questions to ask
the recruiter. It's OK (it actually leaves a positive impression with the
recruiter) to have them written down in advance and to reference them at the
appropriate time. Interviews are an exchange of information, and not coming in
with questions shows that you did not prepare for the whole interview.
5.
Under-dressing for the interview: Professional attire and attention to detail
still count. You can never be too professional. Remember that everything - your
appearance, your tone of voice, your conduct -contributes to the impression (positive
or negative) that you make. Be presentable - wear a pressed suit and shirt and
polished shoes.
How to thank an interviewer
You may think that it is best to follow-up with an interviewer to thank them for their time
and keep your name in the forefront of their mind. While this may have that affect on
them, it may not be in the positive way you are looking for. An interviewer takes time
out of their regular job to fill vacancies in a department. It is an extremely busy and
stressful time for them and they do not want (nor have time to) take calls from everyone
that they have completed interviews with.
But this is not to say that sending along a thank you is a bad idea, it’s not. The method
that you thank your interviewer is going to make a difference. If you received a business
card, send a quick e-mail to thank them for their time and that you are looking forward to
hearing from them. Quick and to the point and leave it at that. Do not expect a reply
because you probably won’t get one and do not follow-up on your e-mail to make sure
they received it – you will become an annoyance.
Second to sending a quick e-mail, you can send a short and professional thank you note
(this means no scented stationary or something too cutesy). The message should be
similar, thanking the interviewer for taking the time to sit down with you, express how
much you enjoyed speaking with them and learning more about the company. It is a
nicety that while not necessary, can be an added touch to a strong interview.
It may not guarantee you the job, but thank you notes, if done the right way, may open
doors for you in the future. If there are openings in the company at a later time, the
interviewer may remember you and think of you before others.
and keep your name in the forefront of their mind. While this may have that affect on
them, it may not be in the positive way you are looking for. An interviewer takes time
out of their regular job to fill vacancies in a department. It is an extremely busy and
stressful time for them and they do not want (nor have time to) take calls from everyone
that they have completed interviews with.
But this is not to say that sending along a thank you is a bad idea, it’s not. The method
that you thank your interviewer is going to make a difference. If you received a business
card, send a quick e-mail to thank them for their time and that you are looking forward to
hearing from them. Quick and to the point and leave it at that. Do not expect a reply
because you probably won’t get one and do not follow-up on your e-mail to make sure
they received it – you will become an annoyance.
Second to sending a quick e-mail, you can send a short and professional thank you note
(this means no scented stationary or something too cutesy). The message should be
similar, thanking the interviewer for taking the time to sit down with you, express how
much you enjoyed speaking with them and learning more about the company. It is a
nicety that while not necessary, can be an added touch to a strong interview.
It may not guarantee you the job, but thank you notes, if done the right way, may open
doors for you in the future. If there are openings in the company at a later time, the
interviewer may remember you and think of you before others.
Interviews - Making a Connection
Depending on how popular or sought after the job you are interviewing for is you will
have a lot of competition for a few positions. A stellar interview is crucial to make you
stand out from the rest of the crowd. To give yourself an added edge and cement yourself
in your interviewer’s mind, try to make a personal connection with them at some point in
the interview.
A personal connection can take numerous forms. If you are in the interviewer’s office
and they have a picture of a sailboat on their wall (and you happen to love sailing), make
an appropriate comment that identifies you as a sailor too. This may not put you above
others more qualified than you but it will help you to stand out amongst those you are in
direct competition with.
Take your cues from the interviewer, if they seem uncomfortable with relaying any
personal information or are not comfortable veering off topic then follow their lead. If a
personal conversation does develop, let the interviewer guide it. When they bring it to a
close and either get back to the questions or say good bye, leave it at that.
At the end of the day, interviewers want to hire people that are qualified and who will fit
in with the rest of the team at the company. If you can make a connection and have the
right skill sets you will be giving yourself a better chance than someone else. You will
also help the interviewer recall who you are and stick out in their mind as that candidate
who knew a lot about sailing.
If you are not comfortable with discussing personal topics during an interview, don’t feel
that you must go out of your way to do so. At the end of the day, your qualifications are
what you should be highlighting.
have a lot of competition for a few positions. A stellar interview is crucial to make you
stand out from the rest of the crowd. To give yourself an added edge and cement yourself
in your interviewer’s mind, try to make a personal connection with them at some point in
the interview.
A personal connection can take numerous forms. If you are in the interviewer’s office
and they have a picture of a sailboat on their wall (and you happen to love sailing), make
an appropriate comment that identifies you as a sailor too. This may not put you above
others more qualified than you but it will help you to stand out amongst those you are in
direct competition with.
Take your cues from the interviewer, if they seem uncomfortable with relaying any
personal information or are not comfortable veering off topic then follow their lead. If a
personal conversation does develop, let the interviewer guide it. When they bring it to a
close and either get back to the questions or say good bye, leave it at that.
At the end of the day, interviewers want to hire people that are qualified and who will fit
in with the rest of the team at the company. If you can make a connection and have the
right skill sets you will be giving yourself a better chance than someone else. You will
also help the interviewer recall who you are and stick out in their mind as that candidate
who knew a lot about sailing.
If you are not comfortable with discussing personal topics during an interview, don’t feel
that you must go out of your way to do so. At the end of the day, your qualifications are
what you should be highlighting.
Interviews - Responding to a taboo question
Not all interview questions are acceptable. There are certain topics that should not be
brought up and information that a potential employer has no right asking for. Some of
these questions are not legal and others while legal may leave you feeling uncomfortable.
You do not have to answer certain questions, but how you let the interviewer know this
can determine if your application will continue forward.
For more information on questions that should not be asked or that you do not have to
answer, contact your local government office that handles labor relations. They can
provide these guidelines to you at no charge. If questions are being asked about your
private life (and you are uncomfortable answering them), you do not have to. You can
mildly tell the interviewer that you plan on devoting the time you spend at work to work
and your personal life stays in your personal life. And try to leave it at that. If the
interviewer keeps pressing, you will have to decide if the job is worth it to you.
It is your decision to provide the information you do – know your rights beforehand – but
you can still decide to answer a question that should not be asked. Keep in mind that if a
potential employer wants details about how you spend time outside of work it may be
because they expect their employees to put in a lot of extra hours and they are trying to
gauge if you have commitments that would prevent you from doing this.
Other questions, such as sexual orientation, past relationships, and other lifestyle choices
have no business in an interview setting. If there is a physical aspect to the job and a
medical evaluation is necessary, this is typically done by a doctor or other medical
professional who will give you clearance. You do not have to provide details to the
interviewer.
brought up and information that a potential employer has no right asking for. Some of
these questions are not legal and others while legal may leave you feeling uncomfortable.
You do not have to answer certain questions, but how you let the interviewer know this
can determine if your application will continue forward.
For more information on questions that should not be asked or that you do not have to
answer, contact your local government office that handles labor relations. They can
provide these guidelines to you at no charge. If questions are being asked about your
private life (and you are uncomfortable answering them), you do not have to. You can
mildly tell the interviewer that you plan on devoting the time you spend at work to work
and your personal life stays in your personal life. And try to leave it at that. If the
interviewer keeps pressing, you will have to decide if the job is worth it to you.
It is your decision to provide the information you do – know your rights beforehand – but
you can still decide to answer a question that should not be asked. Keep in mind that if a
potential employer wants details about how you spend time outside of work it may be
because they expect their employees to put in a lot of extra hours and they are trying to
gauge if you have commitments that would prevent you from doing this.
Other questions, such as sexual orientation, past relationships, and other lifestyle choices
have no business in an interview setting. If there is a physical aspect to the job and a
medical evaluation is necessary, this is typically done by a doctor or other medical
professional who will give you clearance. You do not have to provide details to the
interviewer.
Getting stumped on an interview question
You can prepare for an interview until you are blue in the face and still get stumped on a
question during the process. It is okay, it happens to a lot of people. Some questions
come out of left field, sometimes you draw a blank, and others – you really don’t know
what to say. Here is a brief run down of what you can do in these three situations.
A (Seemingly) Off Topic Question – These may be thrown in to the interview out of
curiosity by the interviewer or to gauge your knowledge on a certain subject. It is not a
reason to dismiss the question though and not pay it the care and attention you would to
any other one. Do your best, and if you really can’t figure out the correlation between the
question and the job you are applying to, you can ask at the end of the interview – along
the lines, “out of curiosity….”
You Draw a Blank – Ask for a minute to compose your answer, and do some fast
brainstorming. If you feel that the silence is becoming uncomfortable, you can ask to
come back to the question at the end of the interview. As long as you do go back to it,
this is an acceptable solution. Silence is okay during an interview when you are trying to
think of an answer, do not feel obligated to fill the silence, concentrate on the answer you
want to give.
You Don’t Know What to Say – If it is a matter that you are sure what the interviewer is
looking for in an answer, ask for clarification. Sometimes asking for an example of what
they mean can guide you in what you should say. If you take a shot in the dark, you
might provide what they want – but why take the chance?
Know what Your References are Going to Say about You
Before attending an interview, you should have your references lined-up and ready to
provide to the interviewer when asked. More than just writing down names and phone
numbers of previous employers and bosses, you need to do additional preparation.
Finding out how a former employer views you and your work history with them is vital
before providing that information to a potential employer. Even if your memory of your
time spent there is positive, you don’t know how you were remembered or what will be
said unless you ask.
Your first step should be to contact everyone that you are considering using as a
reference. You will want to confirm they are working for the same company and if their
phone number is the same. If a boss has moved to another company, you can still utilize
them as a reference provided you can track them down.
When you reach a potential reference, don’t assume they will remember you and
everything about you – remind them. Things you say during your conversation can have
a positive outcome on what they have to say about you later on. Ask them if they are
comfortable providing you with a favorable reference and if there is any feedback they
have for you. If you are very comfortable you can flat out ask how they felt about your
time working with them and what they would say about you if someone called to ask.
If you are not comfortable with providing a direct supervisor or boss you can use other
employees in the company that old a supervisory position. Think of people you have
worked closely with on projects or such – they are valid and reputable people to provide
as references too.
But if you have made it through the interview process, a reference would have to go quite
badly for it to affect a possible job offer.
provide to the interviewer when asked. More than just writing down names and phone
numbers of previous employers and bosses, you need to do additional preparation.
Finding out how a former employer views you and your work history with them is vital
before providing that information to a potential employer. Even if your memory of your
time spent there is positive, you don’t know how you were remembered or what will be
said unless you ask.
Your first step should be to contact everyone that you are considering using as a
reference. You will want to confirm they are working for the same company and if their
phone number is the same. If a boss has moved to another company, you can still utilize
them as a reference provided you can track them down.
When you reach a potential reference, don’t assume they will remember you and
everything about you – remind them. Things you say during your conversation can have
a positive outcome on what they have to say about you later on. Ask them if they are
comfortable providing you with a favorable reference and if there is any feedback they
have for you. If you are very comfortable you can flat out ask how they felt about your
time working with them and what they would say about you if someone called to ask.
If you are not comfortable with providing a direct supervisor or boss you can use other
employees in the company that old a supervisory position. Think of people you have
worked closely with on projects or such – they are valid and reputable people to provide
as references too.
But if you have made it through the interview process, a reference would have to go quite
badly for it to affect a possible job offer.
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