MASTER YOUR INTERVIEW

The job interview is your proving ground, the place where you must demonstrate why you are the best person for the job. Making that powerful statement that you’re the best of all the candidates requires the three (Ps):

Preparation   Presentation  and  Perception.

PREPARE… PREPARE… PREPARE

When you walk into an interview, the more prepared you are the better the chances are that you’ll succeed. Memorize everything you put on your resume and cover letter and be prepared to explain each item. But you should also be ready to talk about more than just yourself. Get to know your future employer. Candidates should study themselves and the company with who they’re interviewing.

Visit the company website, do a company search on Yahoo or Google. Be prepared to demonstrate what you know about the company and the industry. The more informed candidate can tie past experience to the requirements of the job they are interviewing for, particularly in terms of what the company is doing, the better. Another important part of preparation is making sure you look the part. Choosing what you wear is so important that it deserves its own article – interview in Style.

PRESENTATION IS PARAMOUNT

Keep in mind that you are marketing yourself to everyone you meet. The more people you leave a good impression with, the better your chances are of being remembered. Project yourself as someone who is thoughtful, helpful, and prepared.

Once you arrive, introduce yourself to the receptionist and turn off that cell phone. Having a phone go off during an interview is a real turn off. Body language is exceptionally important. Positive, upright and open body language shows self confidence and interest. During introductions give a firm handshake and then take a seat facing the interviewer.

When you go over your resume, focus on your accomplishments instead of reiterating job descriptions . Presenting yourself as an active problem solver will show an employer that you can contribute and succeed in the role. Give very specific examples of your qualifications. If you have qualifications in financial analysis, give examples of projects you worked on where your analysis was necessary. Describe your experiences that tie into your skills of qualifications. Even better, tell me how those will help you meet the requirements of the role you might fill in our company.

PERCEPTION IS KEY

The best way to know if your interviewer is getting what he needs is to ask questions. When your interviewer asks you a complicated question, don’t launch into your answer straightaway. Make certain you understand what is being asked. A clarifying question or restating the question in your own words saves you from wasting your interviewer’s time, and demonstrates that you are a careful listener. Asking the right questions can also demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Ending the interview with this question: What are you looking for in a candidate to fill this role? If the answer turns out to be something that doesn’t match your expectations, then you need to speak up.

The best way to prepare for an interview is to come armed with a multitude of small stories about both your business and personal life. You should have several personal stories that you can tell as examples of your successes, and each story should last between 30-60 seconds. Actions speak louder than words. Your actions in the past – relayed in story form – will tell a company much more than any generic response. Your stories will give the interviewer the tangible examples he she seeks, and they will convey a very strong sense of your individuality, making you stand out more.

COMMON JOB-INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

One of the easiest ways to build confidence before a job interview is to Prepare answers to questions you might be asked. Whether you’re applying for a position as an accountant, or legal secretary, interviewers often use some general questions to assess candidates, so you’ll increase your chances for success if you Prepare for them in advance.

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES?

This is one of the most well-known interview questions. When it comes to weaknesses, or areas of growth, build on your answer to include “how you have improved, and specifics on what you have done to improve yourself in those areas.”

WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR LAST POSITION?

Interviewers will always want to know your reasoning behind leaving a company? Particularly short stints; be Prepared to tell the truth, without speaking negatively about past employment.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE A PREVIOUS WORK SITUATION IN WHICH YOU…?

The theory behind this type of question is that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. The key to responding well is preparing real job examples, describing your behavior in specific situations that demonstrate important skills that the job requires.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL WORK ENVIRONMENT?

This question is not about whether you prefer a cubicle or an office, so think broadly to include ideas about supervision, management styles, and your workday routine. This question is used with candidates because it can give “a sense of their work habits, how flexible they are with their schedules, and how creative they are.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE MISTAKES?

The best strategy for this general question is to focus on one or two specific examples in the past and, if possible, highlight resolutions or actions that might have relevance to the job you’re interviewing for. Employers want to know they’re hiring someone with the maturity to accept responsibility and the wherewithal to remedy their own mistakes.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Think of three or four accomplishments and quantify what their actions meant in terms of increasing revenues, saving resources, or improving resources. “Being able to quantify your achievements in your career will launch you ahead of the rest,” “and demonstrate your ability to do the same as a future employee.”

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

THE SALARY QUESTION..

Most people will tell you that whoever answers this question first loses. But that’s not necessarily true. When an interviewer asks your salary requirement, try first to gently deflect the question by inquiring about the salary for the position.

If the interviewer presses you for a number give a range. To decide on a range, think about the salary you want, and your recent salary. There are several websites that can give you an updated salary range for specific jobs. One is called www.salary.com. The bottom line: The salary question is one of the most important, so you should prepare for it in advance and plan what to say, ‘DO YOU HOMEWORK”  “BE PREPARED”

THE ‘WHY’ QUESTION

There’s a fine line between boastful and confident. And you need to learn it. When an interviewer asks you why they should hire you, you’re going to have to speak confidently and honestly about your abilities.

Aim for earnest and PREPARE by practicing. That’s right: Stand in front of the mirror and acknowledge our abilities and accomplishments to your reflection. Tell yourself: I have a very strong work ethic. I have integrity. I have excellent industry contacts. I aggressively pursue my goals. It’s sometimes hard to praise yourself, but after a few sessions you’ll sound sincere.

THE SEEMINGLY SILLY QUESTION

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? What if you were a car? Or an animal?

These types of questions can bring your interview to a screeching halt. First, don’t panic. Pause and take a deep breath. Then remind yourself that there’s no “right” answer to these questions. The job isn’t hinging on whether you choose to be a spruce versus an oak.

IT’S YOUR TURN:  ASK QUESTIONS

The Interviewer asks you. “Do you have any questions for me?  You say…”YES”!

This is the easiest interview question out there. Always say yes. Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the job. It also gives you a chance to show how knowledgeable you are about the position and the industry. Most important, it lets you highlight why you’re the perfect candidate.

Some Questions to ask the recruiter/Hiring Manager:

· How would you describe the company’s culture?

· What type of employees tends to excel at this company?

· Can you tell me more about the interview process?

· What are the most important skills for the job?

· How would you describe your ideal candidate?

· What’s a common career path at the company for someone in this role?

· How do you think this industry will change in the next five years?

· What is a typical day like in the department?

· How would you describe the work environment here?

· What is the most enjoyable part of the job? What’s the most challenging?

Happiness on the job sometimes comes down to one person: You’re Manager!

Your manager can matter more than money, title or benefits. People don’t always quit jobs, they sometimes quit bosses. Many workers leave a position because they’re unhappy with their bosses. While there are no guarantees, you can often recognize a boss who’s right for you—if you ask the right questions.

Do you want to know what your potential manager will expect from you? Ask her, “What’s your ideal employee like?” You’re likely to be happier on the job if you and your potential manager have similar working styles. After all, everyone deserves a manager who thinks that they’re the ideal employee.

You can tell a lot about your potential manager from his staff.  Ask him, “Can you tell me about the people I’d be working with? How long have you worked with them?  Pay attention to how well your potential boss seems to know his staff. Can he list their individual accomplishments? Is he proud of them?

Note his tone and energy when he talks about his team. Does he sound upbeat and positive? Or is there a hint of frustration or disappointment in his voice? Also, note how long his staff has work with him. High turnover can be a red flag and happy employees are more likely to stay put.

Results and Rewards:

Do you want to excel on the job? If so, then you need to know how a potential manager defines excellence. Ask her, “How do you measure success on the job?” You should also ask about the typical career path for an employee who successfully meets their goals. After all, you want to work for a manager who recognizes and rewards excellence.

A Problem Solved:

Sooner or later, a problem will arise. And you need to know how a potential manager will handle it. Ask him? “What’s your approach to solving problems?” Knowing how a potential manager solves problems can give you insight into his management style.

Finally, keep in mind that a potential boss’ overall attitud e toward answering questions can be very telling about his management style. If he’s open to questions and answers thoughtfully, he’s likely also open to exploring and improving his working relationships. And that’s one quality that makes for a great manger.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

 A list of transferable skills may be just what you need

 What are Transferable Skills? They are the skills and abilities that transfer from job to job no matter which position(s) you have held in the past. This includes your personal skills that you have gained through your life including your morals and work ethics. Example: You refuse to be late for an appointment (no matter what) this shows that you are prompt and reliable!  Below are just a few (keywords) ideas to use in your resume building, apply them as needed.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:

Prompt	Public Speaking	Planning
Management	Computer Literate	Work Well Under Pressure
Foreign Language Skills	Coordinate Events	Teach/Train Others
Proofreading	Editing Skills	Team Player
Interpersonal Skills	Self-Motivation	Positive Attitude
Set Goals/Follow Through	Scheduling	Prioritizing
Prioritize Daily Workload	Research	Compile Information
Sort and Interpret Data	Manage a Budget	Public Speaking
Delegate Tasks		Organized

Encourage Effective Teamwork	Strong Moral & Work Ethics
Design/Implement Plans of Action	Problem Solving Skills
Flexibility/Adaptability	Decision-Making Skills
Creative Thinking Skills	Manage Time Efficiently
Identify Critical Issues Quickly	Create New Procedures or Products
Marketing Listen Actively and Attentively

SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS:

Accuracy	Enthusiasm	High Energy
Quick Worker	Responsibility	Reliability
Risk-taking	Stability	Team Player
Tenacity		Trustworthiness

When you can incorporate these (and other) transferable skills and self management skills into your resume and cover letter, you will be making the job of a hiring manager much easier. He or she will see that you have a lot to offer – over and above your specific job qualifications.