Make Your Interview Count
by Eric Celidonio
Whatever your reason for looking for a new job, you should
fully consider what it is you are about to do. Don’t let this decision be a knee-jerk reaction to having your cubicle
moved or because a co-worker makes more than you. It should be based on a conscious evaluation
of your current position against similar opportunities.
According to Jeff Allen (Win the Job, Wiley and Sons 1990)
there are a few basic truths to job placement or job hunting:
- The interview is a screen test-an act
- The interview is almost all that counts
(knowing someone helps too)
- The interview is a "rehearsable", predictable, controllable event.
Everything you do before you walk through that stage door:
networking, primping your resume, references, researching employers is merely
preparation for your job tryout. Employers will only know what you show during
this "act" and that’s all they really care about when it comes to filling their
position. The best credentials in the world can’t save a bad interview, so if
you don’t know how to interview (tryout), here’s a crash course.
- Know your employer. Know what they do and
how they do it. Whether you’re applying for a janitorial position or VP,
this is essential information that must be studied. As for the position
you are interviewing for, go above and beyond what you need to know. Print
out information that you can find online and bring it with you. This
really helps differentiate serious candidates from passive
"lookers."
- Dress for success. Men: A dark,
traditional suit unless explicitly told otherwise. Women: Business
formal, always.
Jewelry, makeup, and hair should be conservative and
inconspicuous. Tattoos, piercing and other body adornments are not appropriate
and should be removed or concealed. Don’t let the interview be a time for you to
express your “individuality. There are exceptions to this rule but for most of
us, if you don’t “act” the part, you won’t get the job. Other
Accessories: appointment book, a
watch, briefcase, business cards,
extra copies of your resume and anything that helps boost your confidence!
- Arrive on time. Never be late and don’t be too
early either- your time is valuable too. Get precise directions and parking
information and don’t leave anything to chance (ex. Public transportation,
imprecise directions etc.).
- Know who you are and why you are there. I
recommend journaling and developing a script that defines who you are and what
you do. Rehearse with friends or family to make it sound genuine and natural.
You should be able to describe your job in one sentence or less and be
intimately familiar with everything on your resume (or it shouldn’t be on
there). Be prepared to answer lots of questions about
yourself, here are some
examples:
- How would you describe yourself?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- What are some mistakes you’ve made?
- Make your first impression count and make
your interviewer remember who you are. Here are 4 quick points to remember for
your greeting:
- Smile. (More importantly, smile genuinely with both eyes and mouth)
- Direct eye contact (Straightforward, self assured, friendly)
- Use the words Hi, I’m (first name) (Last name) It’s a pleasure to meet you. You can change this up but keep it similar in nature
- A firm handshake (no death grips nor dead flounders)
All of these actions should be practiced, yes practiced to perfection.
- Recognize your interviewer's style and adapt
to it. This isn’t as complicated as it seems. It does require some perception and practice but in general, a) is this
person self-contained or outgoing, i.e. is s/he expressive or reserved? b) Is
this person direct or indirect i.e. is this person a straight shooter or does
s/he tend to go around things? Surmise as you can and don’t be afraid to ask a question
regarding a mutual hobby or an interesting picture. This is especially
worthwhile when your interviewer is not much of a conversationalist.
- Answer questions completely but succinctly.
(No rambling on about your most embarrassing moment and please, no one word
answers). Don’t hesitate to ask a few questions of your own when appropriate.
Remember, you’re interviewing the company as much as they’re
interviewing you. This will put you on the offensive especially if they are
thoughtful, intelligent questions.
- Be
confident but not overconfident. Don’t get intimidated or flustered. No one is better than anyone else and you are no
exception. Body language plays a big
part here. Good posture, eye contact and
an assured smile will work wonders without having to say a thing.
- Be a good listener and don’t interrupt. Listen closely to what the interview is
saying and or asking. You want to make sure your responses are relevant and
thoughtful and you can only do this by listening carefully.
- Don’ts that are obvious to some:
- Don’t look at your watch,
- Don’t chew gum or smoke
- Don’t bring a cell phone or wear sunglasses during the interview.
- Don’t pick up items or read documents on the interviewers desk.
- Don’t put coworkers or any previous bosses down.
- Don’t get into taboo subjects: politics, religion (Staying neutral is your best bet)
- Don’t ask for the job (they know why you’re there.)
- Be a strong closer. (See #5) Act interested even if you truly aren’t you
can always decline an offer but you’ll never get it if you don’t show genuine
interest.
- If an offer is made to you, ALWAYS think about it. Spend a night to mull
it over talk to your spouse if relevant buy as much time as you can if you are
unsure. This might be a way to prompt offers from other competitive companies
that you've spoken to.
- Write a follow up letter and or call. As a general format, a follow up
letter should take what you learned during the interview and use it to highlight
your relevant qualifications.
- Accept with dignity, decline with dignity. Remember whether you opt for or against a new
position, do it with respect to yourself and the employer. DON’T burn bridges with previous employers no
matter how tempting it may be. You never
know when you might meet up with coworkers or supervisors again.
- Make sure you leave with the interviewer
liking you. It is not uncommon that the most likeable person will get the
job. Sure skills are important but you probably wouldn't have been called
for the interview if your skills or experience were deficient.
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This is a simplistic, general guide that some
may consider to be trivial, over-critical or even unfair. You can play by
your own rules but don’t expect gainful employment.
Happy hunting.
Reference:
Jeff Allen's Best: The Resumes Set/Win The Job
Contact Eric
Celidonio
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