Content
1) First Impressions Count !
2)Timing is Everything
3)Projecting the Perfect Image
4)
Dressing for Success
5)
Dressing Clean and Conservative
7) Overcoming Shyness
8) The Secret to Interview Success
9) Structured or Unstructured?
10) Have the Obvious Answers Ready
11) Ten Most Asked Interview Questions
12)
The Stress Interview Questions
13) Be Prepared to Ask Questions
14)The Ten Most Common Mistakes
15) Look on the Bright Side
Guide for Interview
1)
First Impressions Count!
The first minutes
of the interview are the most important. An employer begins sizing up your
potential the instant you walk in the room. An excellent initial impression,
on the other hand, will put a favorable glow on everything else you say during
the rest of the interview--and could well encourage the employer to ask less
demanding questions.
How can you ensure that you make a terrific first impression? The easiest
answer is to be sure your grooming and your dress is immaculate. Just be sure
that you are able to put together an adequate outfit that is both professional
and squeaky-clean.
In virtually the same instant the interviewer notices your appearance, even
before either of you speaks, your body language will begin to affect the way
you are perceived. Here are some important things to think about:
As you can see, much of the first impression you make at an interview will
be dramatically affected by how relaxed and confident you feel. This is why
it is so important to practice for each interview--so you can truly give your
best impression.
2)Timing
is Everything
Although it may
seem hard to believe, many job seekers arrive late for interviews.
Allow plenty of
time to get ready and travel to your job interview. You should not arrive
at the interviewer's office more than 10 minutes in advance. However, if you
are driving across town, planning 10 minutes of extra time is probably not
enough. Try to get to the location at least 30 minutes early; you can then
spend 20 minutes in a nearby coffee shop or take a walk around the building.
Interviews are important enough to build in a little extra time. Here's another
tip: If you have never been to the interview location before, visit it the
day before so you know exactly how to get there, access the building, and
locate adequate parking.
3)
Projecting the Perfect Image
While you should
spend a great deal of time preparing your answers to interview questions,
you must be careful to not let your practice and preparation become a disadvantage.
Once the interview begins, your focus should be on interacting well with the
interviewer--as opposed to trying to recall the exact responses you prepared
earlier. If you prepared for the interview well, your conduct and responses
will convey to the interviewer the image that you want to project without
effort.
It is important for you to know that the interviewer's decision about whether
or not you will be invited back for an additional interview will probably
be influenced as much by your qualifications as your attitude and personality.
So while preparation is important, how you conduct yourself during an interview
can make even more of a difference. The overall impression you make is very
important. Generally, you should try to stress these qualities in your choice
of words, your tone of voice, and your body language:
One word of caution: do not concentrate too much on trying to project the
perfect image. Just try to relax and visualize yourself as smooth and confident,
and you will project these qualities.
4) Dressing for Success
How important is
proper dress for a job interview? Well, the final selection of a job candidate
will rarely be determined by dress. However, first-round candidates for an
opening are often quickly eliminated by inappropriate dress. This is not to
say you should go out and invest in a new wardrobe, just be sure that you
are able to put together an adequate interview outfit.
Generally, a professional-looking
dress or suit with low-heeled shoes makes the best impression. In more conservative
industries like law and banking, a suit is a safer bet than a dress. At the
same time, some hiring managers in "creative" industries like advertising
and publishing look for a more informal, stylish look that reflects the applicant's
individuality. Use your best judgments and wear whatever is both professional
and comfortable for you.
Top personal grooming
is more important than finding the perfect outfit. Be sure that your clothes
are immaculately clean and well fitting, that your hairstyle is neat and businesslike,
and that your shoes are clean and attractive. Avoid excessive jewelry, makeup,
or perfume.
Be sure to bring
a watch, pen, and pad of paper for taking notes. A briefcase or portfolio,
if you have one, will help complete the look of professionalism. Avoid carrying
purse if you can-it may detract from your professional image. And don't forget
to take a few extra copies of your resume!
5) Dressing Clean and Conservative
How important is
proper dress for a job interview? Well, the final selection of a job candidate
will rarely be determined by dress. However, first-round candidates for an
opening are often quickly eliminated by inappropriate dress. I am not suggesting
that you rush out to buy a whole new wardrobe, but that you must be able to
put together an adequate interview outfit.
For a man, a clean,
conservative two-piece suit, white dress shirt and simple tie is the basic
corporate wardrobe.
Women should either
wear a relatively conservative dress or a suit. In traditionally more conservative
industries, such as investment banking, a suit is a safer bet than a dress.
Remember, top personal
grooming is more important than finding the perfect outfit. Careful grooming
indicates both thoroughness and self-confidence.
6)
Overcoming Nervousness
As if formulating
solid answers to interview questions isn't tough enough, if you are like most
job hunters, you'll have to overcome your own nervousness. Most employers
will not condemn job candidates for a bit of nervous behavior after all, it's
only normal but they will pay close attention to how you hold up under pressure.
Displaying excessive nervousness can easily eliminate you from further consideration.
One good way to
overcome nervousness is to exercise positive thinking. If you're feeling nervous
about an upcoming interview, rehearse the scenario in your mind. Think of
what you'll say, the questions you'll be asked, and how you'll answer them.
Imagine yourself responding calmly, effectively, and in a controlled manner.
This type of mental rehearsing won't guarantee your success, but it should
help you feel more optimistic and self-confident, which will in fact influence
your final presentation in a positive way.
Also, you should
practice interviewing as much as you can especially with real companies. You
will become more confident and your answers will become more polished with
each interview you have. If you have a terrible interview, don't let it shake
your confidence! Realize that everyone has a bad interview experience sooner
or later. Learn from it, work on your performance, and keep looking for other
opportunities.
7)
Overcoming Shyness
For most employers,
shyness is not a major problem unless it interferes with your work. In fact,
employees are often valued for their shyness because they tend to get along
well with other workers and don't participate in office politics. However,
shyness can hurt your chances of landing a job if you resist contacting new
people or fail to communicate that you're qualified for the position.
You probably won't
be able to avoid job interviews altogether, though. Your best bet is to manage
your shyness as best you can. For the first few minutes of your interview,
just listen to the interviewer talk, interject a few questions or comments
here and there, and let yourself relax. When you're asked about your accomplishments,
simply be frank and relate what occurred. Don't feel pressured into giving
the "hard sell" by telling the recruiter that you were brilliant
or that you did a great job if you are uncomfortable doing so. Let recruiters
come to their own conclusions; they'll not only see the positive qualities
that led to your accomplishments, but they'll appreciate your frank but unassuming
manner as well.
If it makes you
feel more comfortable, tell the recruiter right away that you tend to be shy
and you're feeling a little nervous. This often breaks the ice and will keep
the employer from concluding that you're trying to hide something or that
your shyness is a sign of some larger problem.
8)
The Secret to Interview Success
One of the key messages
that you will want to convey to the interviewer is that you are seriously
interested in a career in that particular field at that particular company.
If you have been keeping up with industry trends by reading trade publications
and talking with industry insiders, you have already won half the battle.
But, if in addition to this, you impress the interviewer with your knowledge
of that company, you will have a great advantage over the competition. This
is the secret to interview success.
To find the information you need, dig into every resource you can find. You
can locate some information in business directories available at libraries.
9)
Structured or Unstructured?
Interviewing styles
generally fall into one of two categories, structured and unstructured. In
a structured interview, the interviewer asks a prescribed set of questions,
seeking relatively brief answers. In the unstructured interview, the interviewer
asks more open-ended questions to prod you to give longer responses and reveal
as much as possible about yourself, your background, and your aspirations.
Some interviewers will mix both styles, typically beginning with more objective
questions and asking more open-ended questions as the interview progresses.
Be very careful to answer questions in the manner the interviewer desires.
Try to determine as soon as possible if the employer is conducting a structured
or unstructured interview; respond to the questions accordingly. As you answer
the questions, watch for signals from the employer as to whether your responses
are too short or too long. For example, if the employer is nodding or looking
away, wrap up your answer as quickly as possible.
Following the style the interviewer establishes will make the interview easier
and more comfortable and will leave him/her with a more favorable impression
of you.
10)
Have the Obvious Answers Ready
You can never be
sure exactly what you will be asked at a job interview, but certain questions
are more likely to arise than others, and you should be prepared for them.
By developing solid answers to questions that are likely to be asked, you
will probably be in a better position to answer questions that you had not
anticipated.
Try to structure your responses in a way that conveys that you are someone
the employer would want to hire. In other words, project yourself as someone
who is likely to stay with the company for a number of years, who is achievement
oriented, who will fit in well with the other people, who is likable. Of course,
you should also try to present yourself as someone who is capable of performing
extremely well in the position
11)
Interview Strategy
Focus your efforts
on remaining calm and collected. Listen carefully to what the interviewer
is saying and respond promptly and thoroughly to his/her questions.
Once you begin to feel more confident about interviewing you may wish to think
strategically about each interview. One effective tactic is to adjust your
speed of speech to match that of the interviewer. People tend to talk at the
speed at which they like to be spoken to. If you can adjust your speech rate
to that of the interviewer without sounding unnatural, he/she will probably
feel more comfortable (after all, interviewing others isn't much fun, either)
and have a more favorable impression of you.
Another strategy is to adapt your answers to match the type of company for
which you are interviewing. For example, if you are interviewing for a job
at a large product marketing company that emphasizes group decision-making
and spends much of its energy focused on battles for market share with its
competitors, you might want to talk about how much you enjoy team sports--especially
being part of a team and competing to win.
During later interviews, the competition for the position will drop off and
employers will tend to look not for strengths, but for weaknesses. At this
point you should focus on presenting yourself as a well-balanced choice for
the position. You will want to listen carefully to the interviewer's questions
so you can determine her underlying concerns and try to dispel them.
11)
Ten Most Asked Interview Questions
Here are 10 questions and answers to help you prepare for your interviews.
1.
Why do you want to work here?
2.
What did you like/dislike about your last job?
3.
What would you like to be doing five years from now?
4.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
5.
Can you work under pressure?
9.
What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
WHY Do You Want
To Work Here?
To answer this question,
you must have researched the company. Reply with the company's attributes
as you see them. Cap your answer with reference to your belief that the company
can provide you with a stable and happy work environment--the company has
that reputation--and that such an atmosphere would encourage your best work.
"I'm not looking
for just another paycheck. I enjoy my work and am proud of my profession.
Your company produces a superior product/provides a superior service. I share
the values that make this possible, which should enable me to fit in and complement
the team."
What did you like/dislike
about your last job?
The interviewer is
looking for incompatibilities. If a trial lawyer says he or she dislikes arguing
a point with colleagues, such a statement will only weaken--if not immediately
destroy--his or her candidacy.
Most interviews
start with a preamble by the interviewer about the company. Pay attention:
That information will help you answer the question. In fact, any statement
the interviewer makes about the job or corporation can be used to your advantage.
So, in answer, you
liked everything about your last job. You might even say your company taught
you the importance of certain keys from the business, achievement, or professional
profile. Criticizing a prior employer is a warning flag that you could be
a problem employee. No one intentionally hires trouble, and that's what's
behind the question. Keep your answer short and positive. You are allowed
only one negative about past employers, and only then if your interviewer
has a "hot button" about his or her department or company; if so,
you will have written it down on your notepad. For example, the only thing
your past employer could not offer might be something like "the ability
to contribute more in different areas in the smaller environment you have
here." You might continue with, "I really liked everything about
the job. The reason I want to leave it is to find a position where I can make
a greater contribution. You see, I work for a large company that encourages
specialization of skills. The smaller environment you have here will, as I
said, allow me to contribute far more in different areas." Tell them
what they want to hear--replay the hot button.
Of course, if you
interview with a large company, turn it around. "I work for a small company
and don't get the time to specialize in one or two major areas." Then
replay the hot button.
What would you like
to be doing five years from now?
The safest answer
contains a desire to be regarded as a true professional and team player. As
far as promotion, that depends on finding a manager with whom you can grow.
Of course, you will ask what opportunities exist within the company before
being any more specific: "From my research and what you have told me
about the growth here, it seems operations is where the heavy emphasis is
going to be. It seems that's where you need the effort and where I could contribute
toward the company's goals." Or, "I have always felt that first-hand
knowledge and experience open up opportunities that one might never have considered,
so while at this point in time I plan to be a part of [e.g.] operations, it
is reasonable to expect that other exciting opportunities will crop up in
the meantime."
What are your biggest
accomplishments?
Keep your answers
job related. If you exaggerate contributions to major projects, you will be
accused of suffering from "coffee-machine syndrome," the affliction
of a junior clerk who claimed success for an Apollo space mission based on
his relationships with certain scientists, established at the coffee machine.
You might begin your reply with: "Although I feel my biggest achievements
are still ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with . . . I made my contribution
as part of that team and learned a lot in the process. We did it with hard
work, concentration, and an eye for the bottom line."
Can you work under
pressure?
You might be tempted
to give a simple "yes" or "no" answer, but don't. It reveals
nothing, and you lose the opportunity to sell your skills and value profiles.
Actually, this common question often comes from an unskilled interviewer,
because it is closed-ended. As such, the question does not give you the chance
to elaborate. Whenever you are asked a closed-ended question, mentally add:
"Please give me a brief yet comprehensive answer." Do that, and
you will give the information requested and seize an opportunity to sell yourself.
For example, you could say: "Yes, I usually find it stimulating. However,
I believe in planning and proper management of my time to reduce panic deadlines
within my area of responsibility."
Why should I hire
you?
Your answer will
be short and to the point. It will highlight areas from your background that
relate to current needs and problems. Recap the interviewer's description
of the job, meeting it point by point with your skills. Finish your answer
with: "I have the qualifications you need [itemize them], I'm a team
player, I take direction, and I have the desire to make a thorough success."
The interviewer
wants to know whether you are open - minded and can be a team player. Can
you follow directions or are you a difficult, high-maintenance employee? Hopefully,
you are a low-maintenance professional who is motivated to ask clarifying
questions about a project before beginning, and who then gets on with the
job at hand, coming back to initiate requests for direction as circumstances
dictate.
This particular
question can also be defined as "How do you take direction?" and
"How do you accept criticism?" Your answer should cover both points:
"I take direction well and recognize that it can come in two varieties,
depending on the circumstances. There is carefully explained direction, when
my boss has time to lay things out for me in detail; then there are those
times when, as a result of deadlines and other pressures, the direction might
be brief and to the point. While I have seen some people get upset with that,
personally I've always understood that there are probably other considerations
I am not aware of. As such, I take the direction and get on with the job without
taking offense, so my boss can get on with her job. It's the only way."
This is not an invitation
to ramble on. If the context isn't clear, you need to know more about the
question before giving an answer. In such a situation, you could ask, "Is
there a particular aspect of my background that would be most relevant to
you?" This will enable the interviewer to help you find the appropriate
focus and avoid discussing irrelevancies.
Whichever direction
your answer ultimately takes, be sure that it has some relevance to the world
of your professional endeavors. The tale you tell should demonstrate, or refer
to, one or more of your key behavioral profiles in action--perhaps honesty,
integrity, being a team player, or determination. If you choose "team
player" (maybe you're the star player at first base on a community team),
you can tell a story about yourself outside of work that also speaks volumes
about you at work. In part, your answer should make the connection between
the two, such as, "I put my heart into everything I do, whether it be
sports or work. I find that getting along with teammates--or professional
peers--makes life more enjoyable and productive."
Or you might describe
yourself as someone who is able to communicate with a variety of people, and
give an example from your personal life that indicates ability to communicate
that would also apply at work.
This isn't a question
that you can answer effectively off the cuff. Take some time in advance to
think about yourself, and those aspects of your personality and/or background
that you'd like to promote or feature for your interviewer.
What is the most
difficult situation you have faced?
The question looks
for information on two fronts: How do you define difficult? and, what was
your handling of the situation? You must have a story ready for this one in
which the situation both was tough and allowed you to show yourself in a good
light. Avoid talking about problems that have to do with co-workers. You can
talk about the difficult decision to fire someone, but emphasize that once
you had examined the problem and reached a conclusion you acted quickly and
professionally, with the best interests of the company at heart.
"What are some
of the things that bother you?" "What are your pet hates?"
"Tell me about the last time you felt anger on the job."
These questions
are so similar that they can be treated as one. It is tremendously important
that you show you can remain calm. Most of us have seen a colleague lose his
or her cool on occasion--not a pretty sight and one that every sensible employer
wants to avoid. This question comes up more and more often the higher up the
corporate ladder you climb, and the more frequent your contact with clients
and the general public. To answer it, find something that angers conscientious
workers. "I enjoy my work and believe in giving value to my employer.
Dealing with clock-watchers and the ones who regularly get sick on Mondays
and Fridays really bothers me, but it's not something that gets me angry or
anything like that." An answer of this nature will help you much more
than the kind given by a California engineer, who went on for some minutes
about how he hated the small-mindedness of people who don't like pet rabbits
in the office.
Do you prefer working
with others or alone?
This question is
usually used to determine whether you are a team player. Before answering,
however, be sure you know whether the job requires you to work alone. Then
answer appropriately. Perhaps: "I'm quite happy working alone when necessary.
I don't need much constant reassurance. But I prefer to work in a group--so
much more gets achieved when people pull together."
12) The Stress Interview Questions
Your worst nightmare
can come true at a stress interview, but once you learn that these questions
are just amplified versions of much simpler ones, you'll remain cool and calm.
Would you like to
have your boss's job?
It is a rare boss
who wants his or her livelihood taken away. On my own very first job interview,
my future boss said, "Mr. Yate, it has been a pleasure to meet you. However,
until you walked in my door, I wasn't out on the street looking for a new
job." The interviewer wants to know if you are the type of person who
will be confrontational, challenging, undermining, or too ambitious or arrogant.
He also seeks to determine how goal-oriented and motivated you are in your
work life, so you may also want to comment on your sense of direction. But
remember that while ambition is admired, it is admired most by the ambitious.
Be cautiously optimistic;
perhaps, "Well, if my boss were promoted over the coming years, I would
hope to have made a consistent enough contribution to warrant his recommendation.
It is not that I am looking to take anyone's job; rather, I am looking for
a manager who will help me develop my capabilities and grow with him."
Why should I hire
an outsider when I could fill the job with someone inside the company?
The question isn't
as stupid as it sounds. Obviously, the interviewer has examined existing employees
with an eye toward their promotion or reassignment. Just as obviously, the
job cannot be filled from within the company. If it could be, it would be,
and for two very good reasons: It is cheaper for the company to promote from
within, and it is good for employee morale. Hiding behind this intimidating
question is actually a pleasant invitation: "Tell me why I should hire
you." Your answer should include two steps. The first is a simple recitation
of your skills and personality profile strengths, tailored to the specific
requirements of the job.
For the second step,
realize first that whenever a manager is filling a position, he or she is
looking not only for someone who can do the job but also for someone who can
benefit the department in a larger sense. No department is as good as it could
be--each has weaknesses that need strengthening.
So in the second
part of your answer, include a question of your own: "Those are my general
attributes. However, if no one is promote able from inside the company, which
means you are looking to add strength to your team in a special way. In what
ways do you hope the final candidate will be able to benefit our department?"
The answer to this is your cue to sell your applicable qualities.
Why were you out
of work for so long?
You must have a
sound explanation for any and all gaps in your employment history. If not,
you are unlikely to receive a job offer. Emphasize that you were not just
looking for another paycheck--you were looking for a company with which to
settle and to which to make a long-term contribution. "I made a decision
that I enjoy my work too much just to accept another paycheck. So I determined
that the next job I took would be one where I could settle down and do my
best to make a solid contribution. From everything I have heard about this
company, you are a group that expects people to pull their weight, because
you've got a real job to do. I like that, and I would like to be a part of
the team. What have I got to do to get the job?"
You answer the question, compliment the interviewer, and shift the emphasis
from you being unemployed to how you can get the job offer.
13)
Be Prepared to Ask Questions
Toward the end of
the interview the employer will usually ask if you have any questions. You
should be prepared to ask one or two questions; if you do not, he/she may
think you are ill prepared or not interested in the company. Use this opportunity
to ask questions that subtly demonstrate your knowledge of the firm and the
industry, and to underscore your interest in seeking a long-term career position
at that company. At the same time, you should not allow your questions to
become an interrogation. Two or three thoughtful questions are usually sufficient.
What questions should you ask? Here are some examples:
"What is the next position or positions that this job typically leads
to?"
"Assuming I was hired and performed well as a (the position you are applying
for) for a number of years, what possible opportunities might this lead to?"
These questions imply that you are an achievement-oriented individual looking
for a company where you can build a long-term career.
"I have noticed in the trade press that your firm has a terrific reputation
in marketing. What are the major insights into the marketing process that
I might gain from this position?"
"I understand that your company is the market leader in industrial drill
bits in North America. I am curious to know how much of the product line is
sold overseas."
These questions imply that you are very interested in a long-term career in
this industry and that you might lean toward taking a career with this firm
because of its solid reputation. Your well-timed and appropriate questions
are sure to impress even the toughest interviewer.
"What skills are considered most useful for success in the job I am applying
for?"
This question implies you really care about your success at your first job
and also provides important information for further interviews--or your follow-up
after this interview.
"I would really like to work for your firm. I think it's a great company
and I am confident I could do this job well. What is the next step of the
selection process
More than a question, this is a powerful statement that will quickly set you
apart from other job hunters. However, you should only make this statement
if you mean it. If you are offered the position but then say you need two
weeks to think it over, you will lose your credibility. Even so, it is reasonable
to ask for 24 or 48 hours to "digest the details."
Be sure to save your questions about salary, benefits, and related issues
for later, after you receive an offer. You will still be free to negotiate--or
to decline the position--at that point. Also, avoid asking any questions that
will be difficult or awkward for the interviewer to answer. This is not the
time to ask, for example, "Does your company use recycled paper for all
of its advertising brochures?"
14)The
Ten Most Common Mistakes
An interview is your opportunity to strut your stuff and also to learn
about the company and their people. The most important ingredients to a successful
interview are proper preparation and good listening skills.
Here are 10 things to avoid while preparing for your interview. You can either
scroll down the page or click the different topics located below to read each
question and get valuable advice.
Lack of Preparation
Once the interview
is scheduled, do your best to get ready for it. Find out as much as you can
about the interviewer(s): bone up on the company, their business, and the
position for which you're interviewing. Prepare for the questions they're
likely to ask you, as well as the questions you would like to ask them. Formulate
an objective, e.g., getting a job offer and learning enough about the company
and their people to enable you to decide whether you want to work there.
Arriving Late
On the day of the
interview, leave enough margin of error to avoid any possibility of being
late. No one will remember your excuse for being late, only that you were
late. If you are unavoidably late, offer a sincere apology just once, and
then let it drop.
Improper Appearance
Every large company has its culture. This is likely to include a dress and
grooming code and standards. The appropriate attire and grooming (e.g., length
of hair, and use of cosmetics and jewelry) is generally what you see around
you. If you're in doubt as to what to wear on your interview, pay an anonymous
visit to their facility during lunchtime and take a look.
If you expect the interview to last several hours, plan to wear clothing that
will look neat all day. Bring a comb and whatever other "equipment"
you may need to maintain a neat and tidy appearance. If it's raining, protect
your outfit with reliable rain gear. Do not, under any circumstances, allow
yourself to appear disheveled.
Lack of Confidence
Are you confident of your ability to meet responsibilities entrusted to you?
Would you hire someone like you? If not, then you need to learn to appear
as competent and confident as you would like to be (and want others to believe
you are). Of course, feeling confident doesn't automatically make you competent,
but it does create an atmosphere that is conducive to success.
Poor Attitude
The best way to approach an interview is with enthusiasm and an open mind.
Treat everyone you meet with courtesy. If you decide during the interview
that you don't want the job, or that you may not be sufficiently experienced
or qualified to receive the offer, chalk it up to experience.
Continue to present
yourself in an upbeat and professional manner. If they're giving you the courtesy
of their time and consideration, the least you can do is to respond in kind.
Practice manifesting a positive attitude--it's a good habit to develop and
maintain.
The Wrong Pitch
There are different kinds of interviewers, with different purposes. The personnel/human
resources professional typically is there to screen people out to keep from
wasting the decision-maker's time. You don't need to "impress" them,
and you certainly can't snow them. They just want to ensure that you have
truly and accurately represented yourself in your job application and resume.
When a screener interviews you, answer their questions as clearly and accurately
as possible, but do not volunteer any additional information. They don't need
to like you, only to decide that you're worth passing along to the decision-maker.
Chances are you'll never see them again even if you get the job.
The decision-maker, on the other hand, wants to feel comfortable with you
and certain that you can do the job. This is where you may opt to turn on
the charm, discuss more personal interests, and talk shop. They probably don't
have a lot of experience conducting interviews, and you may be able to get
them to do most of the talking.
Inconsistency
Professional interviewers are quick to notice inconsistencies, hesitations,
and uncertainties. They may challenge something you say just to see how you
respond. If you back off, change, justify, qualify, over-explain, or retract
what you said earlier, they may suspect that you've been exaggerating or lying
to them, and they're likely to probe deeper. When someone responds to your
statement with a skeptical look, a pause, or a comment, like "Really?"
you've got to hold the fort. Just smile politely, nod, and wait for them to
continue. If you become uncomfortable, you can always ask, "Have I answered
the question to your satisfaction?" or "Was there anything else
you wanted me to talk about?"
Failing to Listen
The successful interviewee reads the interviewer's tone and gestures and responds
accordingly. This means paying attention, and knowing when to continue, change
direction, or stop talking. Avoid potentially controversial and overly personal
issues.
Losing Your Cool
If you are being interviewed for a high-level or high-pressure position, you
may be subjected to a pressure interview. This can take the form of making
you wait, having the interview interrupted (once or several times), inappropriate
conversation or questions, and even rudeness or hostility. Most likely, you
will never be subjected to such tactics, although some unpleasant situations
(especially being kept waiting) can arise without intent.
The trick is to know yourself, your tolerance, and what you're willing to
put up with. If you react, do so with control and resolve, so that you won't
regret your behavior afterward. It's a matter of personal temperament and
values...and perhaps how badly you want the job.
Blowing the Negotiation
If you get the offer, at some point you will have to negotiate your compensation
package and any other benefits. Make sure that the terms of your employment,
including responsibilities, reviews, and related conditions are defined and
that you have a clear idea of what is expected of you. Don't commit yourself
to a salary or conditions that will make you unhappy.
Remember, once you have accepted specific terms, it will be difficult, if
not impossible, to amend them. So prepare yourself to negotiate wisely on
your own behalf.
15)
Look on the Bright Side
Many job candidates
kill their chances for a job by making negative comments during an interview.
Never make a negative statement about a former boss or colleague--even if
it is completely true and fully justified. If the interviewer asks why you
were fired from your last job, do not say "My boss was unfair" or
"I didn't get along with my co-workers." An interviewer would rather
hire someone who was fired than someone who either does not get along with
people or shifts blame to others.
On the other hand, you can greatly increase your chances of getting a job
offer by projecting a positive, upbeat attitude during your interview. This
is one of the best ways you can stand out from the competition. You can project
this image by smiling from time to time during the interview; by responding
to interview questions with enthusiasm; by demonstrating excitement about
your past accomplishments; and by showing optimism about the prospect of starting
or continuing your career.