Primary Purpose of your Interview:
The primary purpose of your interview is for the employer to measure how well you would fit into the organization. In addition, the interview also provides the interviewer an opportunity to see how well he/she could work with you on his/her team. It is a reasonable assumption that if you get invited for an interview, the employer already has good reason to believe that you have the necessary skills and experience to perform the job. While questions will arise during the interview that help clarify your experience, what is most important at an interview is the non-verbal communication that occurs and rapport that is established.
Establishing rapport at an interview is not easy. In many ways, an interview is like a blind date. Both sides want to be in a relationship, but the courtship is somewhat forced and unnatural.
Because you have so little time to make a good impression, here are a few basics that you should always do when interviewing for a new position.
I. Interview Basics:
The items at the top of the list are probably already familiar to you, but keep reading...
- The best time to arrive for an interview is precisely when it's scheduled, and certainly not late. Arrive at the interview location early.
- First impressions count -- a lot. A candidate coming in for an interview looking like they just went through a wind tunnel, chewing gum or even sweating is a big interview turn-off. In addition, if you are a smoker, avoid smoking before your interview.
-Wear a dark suit (even if the workplace where you are interviewing is business casual).
- Bring extra copies of your resume on professional resume paper
Review your resume beforehand, and be thoroughly familiar with the contents
- Research the employer beforehand (Spend at least one hour reading recent press releases, the company history, biographies of the key leaders, details about the services/product, etc.)
- Research the background of the person/people who will be interviewing you, go to www.LinkedIn.com or google the individual's name
- Focus on the needs and concerns of the interviewer and how you can help meet those needs. Save the “what’s in it for me” questions for after an offer is extended (e.g., don’t ask about benefits, compensation, job perks, etc., in early rounds of interviewing).
- Decide ahead of time two to three points you would like to get across at the interview. You probably will not have time for more. The “kitchen sink” approach of giving 20 reasons why you should be hired is less effective than going with your best assets (e.g., I have outstanding writing skills and have written articles for _____; I am a great negotiator and have had responsibility for negotiating million-dollar deals, statements that explain what you have accomplished for your current employer).
- Sit when offered a seat. Do not slouch, of course, but a slight lean forward will show interest and friendliness.
- Listen, Listen, Listen. A good listener is probably the best way to develop rapport. A good sign that you are developing a good rapport with the interviewer is that the interviewer is talking 80% of the time.
- Ask open-ended questions, and listen carefully to the answers. If you are asked a question, ask clarifying questions to show you are listening and to be sure you are answering the right question.
- Make good eye contact, smile, and use body language that shows you are paying attention (e.g., nodding). Paraphrase some of the information that has been given to you by the interviewer (e.g., It sounds like ABC Corporation sends you a lot of business; I bet your Marketing department will be happy when...)
- If you are interviewing with more than one person, realize that you are probably starting from scratch with each person that you meet. More often then not, the interviewers will not talk to each other until after they have all met you.
- Be prepared with some well-rehearsed answers to standard questions (e.g., Where do you see yourself in five years? Why do you want to leave your current job? Hint: Answer with something positive that draws you to this employer, rather than something that makes you want to leave your current firm. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?).
- If you lack experience in a particular area where the employer has articulated a need, try to show the employer how other experience that you have had is analogous to the experience they would like to see
-Don’t make assumptions about what the employer is looking for. Ask questions to find out. Sometimes, different interviewers are looking for different things in a candidate. In a recent example, a candidate assumed that there was a lot of travel in the job. He planned to tell the interviewer that he liked to travel. In truth, there was little travel in the job.
- Don’t badmouth your current employer. Nobody wants to hire a disgruntled employee, and saying negative things about your current employer raises the inference that you would not hesitate to do the same if you were hired by this employer and things were not working out.
-Remember to turn off/silence your cell phone, this can be a major distraction and be seen as very unprofessional.
- Remember, you are interviewing the minute you step past the front door/arrive in the parking lot. Be on your best behavior before you enter and after you leave the vicinity of the office.
Many professionals do not have good interviewer skills and may actually feel as insecure as you. Adapt your communication style to theirs and be responsive. If they seem to like short-focused answers, give them short-focused answers. If they seem to like the questions that you are asking, keep asking questions. In short, try to make them feel comfortable if they do not seem to be able to make you feel comfortable.
II. Most Common Interview Mistakes:
It is critical to know the points to avoid while interviewing. I have been hearing reasons for years as to why hiring managers decide not to make job offers. It is my job to share these mistakes with you. The following are the most common mistakes candidates make during interviews:
- Talking too much
- Lack of knowledge about company or position
- Over-inflated ego
- Appearing overly confident
- Inquiring about compensation too early in the process
Few people really like job interviews: You have to be "on," the stakes are high, and you have to show off your expertise and intelligence every step of the way. Successful interviewing reflects your ability to sell yourself.
Interviewing becomes easier when you recognize your previous interviewing mistakes, potential pitfalls and learn to avoid them. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Lack of professionalism: Too often, job candidates fail to realize the interview starts the minute they walk into the building. Impolite behavior toward the security guard or receptionist can ensure this will be your last visit. Make eye contact, smile and offer a firm handshake to both men and women. During the interview, convey confidence by speaking clearly, not too fast, and sticking to the point. And don't forget to dress the part - a professional appearance is a must.
2. Preparation failure: Nothing can kill an interview faster than a blatant lack of knowledge about the company and the position you're applying for. Research the company beforehand, as well as its economic climate and the position you're being considered for. Your goal in the interview is to stand out from the crowd of applicants. So, when you're preparing, learn all you can about the employer, its market and competitors. It sounds ridiculously simple, but it's stunning how many very senior executives, very successful folks, show up and get into conversations that they're not prepared for. You have to assume your competition is going to be wickedly well prepared. If you're not, it will show immediately.
The greater your knowledge, the more confident you will be. The more confident you are, the greater your interview success. The greater your interview success, the greater your potential for faster job placement.
3. Buy first, sell later: Interviewees play two roles: that of a "buyer" looking to determine whether the company is a good fit, and that of a "seller" who must convince the prospective employer to hire them. One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is to go in with the buyer mentality and neglect their sales role. This is backwards: Convince the company to make an offer first, then focus on the buyer questions.
4. Money matters most: Also, don't ask too soon about benefits and financial information. Doing so can be off-putting to hiring managers who are still trying to learn about your background and determine whether you might be a good fit. Sell yourself first, then worry about compensation.
5. Negative exposure:Those who air a former employer's dirty laundry or otherwise make disparaging comments raise a red flag for hiring managers. Employers may wonder how you would represent their company, and whether your negativity would extend to your new role.
6. No sparks: When the interview feels flat, it's likely you've failed to create chemistry with the hiring manager. Remember, people want to do business/work with people they “like." It's important to develop a rapport with the interviewer from the start. If you notice an object in his/her office you can personally relate to, don’t be afraid to mention it.
7. Don’t be a chatterbox: "Shut up, already?" That might be what some hiring managers are thinking when they conduct job interviews. A 2006 National Survery informed the employment industry that 36% percent of the most common mistake job applicants make is talking too much. Talking too much is, in some ways, is code for not listening very well.
8. Don’t act overly confident: A little humility never hurts. An over inflated ego is another one of the most common interview mistakes. The over inflated ego shows itself in talking too much, and in the me, me, me conversation. "I did this, I did that.” You certainly want to be assertive and able to convey your skills, but nobody ever does anything by themselves in any company.For instance, discuss how you led a team of people who accomplished something, .
9. Avoid raising red flags: Steer clear of citing more money or a shorter commute as your main reason for seeking a new job. These answers can sound alarm bells. A candidate motivated most by money may be tempted to jump ship if another offer with a higher pay came along. Hiring managers want to avoid placing "job hoppers”. Instead, focus on the merits of the position and how the position fulfills your career needs and goals.
10. Resist the urge to talk negatively: Criticizing a past or current employer may seem like an obvious faux pas, but we are surprised at the number of candidates who do it. Such bad mouthing shows a lack of maturity that reflects poorly on the candidate. It also raises concerns that the candidate is difficult to get along with.
III. Interview Question Preparation:
Expect to be asked several probing, hardball questions during your interview. In fact, if you aren't asked a few "stress" questions, your interview probably isn't going as well as you might think.
Difficult, unsettling questions have become part of most interviewers' repertoires as they try to eliminate bad hires by screening candidates more carefully. The trick to fielding such clever queries is to realize why they're asked: primarily to gauge how fast you can think and how well you perform under pressure.
You want to give the interviewer enough information to make a decision about you, but you don't want to give so much they are able to find something wrong with you." You may rehearse a few questions with me or I suggest rehearsing concise answers with a friend.
If you practice answering tricky career-related questions, you'll be more apt to respond to them confidently. The following are typical stress questions and strategies on how you might answer them. Boning up before your interview can put you ahead of other job seekers who try to wing it.
1. Could you tell me a little about yourself?
This seemingly innocuous, open-ended question can be intimidating. If you aren't prepared, you won't know what to say or how long to talk, especially since the interview is just beginning.
Realize that most interviewers use this question not only to gather information, but also to assess your poise, style of delivery and communication ability. Don't launch into a mini-speech about your childhood, schooling, hobbies, early career and personal likes and dislikes. Instead, cite recent personal and professional work experiences that relate to the position you're seeking and that support your resume credentials.
Everything you say about yourself should fit together to form a cohesive pattern that conveys the message: “I have unique qualities that make me the right person to fill this position.”
One caution: This question is a great opportunity to sell yourself. At this stage of the interview, however, it's best to remain concise and low-key.
2. Why did you leave your previous employer, or why are you leaving your present job?
You don't need to give a long-winded answer, but don't be defensive, especially if you left due to problems with your boss or co-workers. Career experts agree that it isn't wise to air your frustrations about a previous or current job or co-workers during interviews. You may be perceived as a chronic malcontent or difficult to work with.
Don't fudge on information about why you left your last job; it can be checked easily. If you're less than honest, all of your answers will be regarded with justifiable suspicion. Always be honest.
Perhaps the best answer is that you're seeking greater opportunity, challenges or responsibility. Don't use "more money" as a reason. It's usually obvious that if you're changing jobs, you hope to obtain a better salary.
3. What are your greatest strengths?
This question allows you to describe your strongest attributes and skills. Be sure to mention assets that are directly related to the responsibilities of the job you are interviewing for. Briefly summarize your work experience and your strongest qualities and achievements.
Tip: Include four specific skills that employers value highly: self-motivation, initiative, the ability to work in a team and a willingness to work long hours. Additional qualities employers admire include good communication skills, loyalty, reliability, integrity, promptness and self-confidence.
Pause before answering so it doesn't seem like you're reciting a rehearsed list. Illustrating abstract qualities with examples from your last job also helps personalize your answer.
"Interviewers, like all people, remember examples, so be specific. Don't say that your greatest strength is your 'attention to goals,' and that you're 'motivated by challenges' and a 'perfectionist' unless you have memorable examples to prove it.
4. What are your weaknesses?
This question is potentially more harmful than helpful and can also intimidate applicants. Realize that most interviewers don't expect you to be perfect or reveal your true weaknesses. They're just probing for soft spots.
You may win points for honesty by admitting to a major weakness, but you'll also reduce your chances of getting hired. Conversely, if you give a flip answer, or respond with, "Well, I don't really have any weaknesses," you may be perceived as arrogant or lacking in candor or self-knowledge.
Most career advisers recommend turning this question around and presenting a personal weakness as a professional strength. Your objective isn't to discuss your weaknesses as much as it is to discuss how and why even your shortcomings make you an ideal candidate.
For instance, if you offer a standard favorite such as "I'm a workaholic," a follow-up question of "how many hours a week do you work?" it could get you into trouble. In addition, let’s be honest – “I’m a workaholic” is not a real weakness.
A solid answer would be "I'm not as technologically savvy as I ought to be, but I just enrolled in a course and I've gotten some new equipment and I'm really starting to get into it”
5. What type of salary do you have in mind?
Interviewers usually ask this question to determine whether the company can afford you. If possible, defer your answer until the end of the interview when you'll know if you're a serious candidate. By answering too quickly and stating a salary that's too high or too low, you may be disqualified yourself from consideration.
Plus, waiting may help to increase the employer's salary offer. Once they like you and they want to hire you, you can usually get more.
Be warned: Sometimes, companies set you up by asking early on how much you hope to earn. If you say too low, you'll sell yourself short; too high you knock yourself out. It's important to consider saying:
“As you probably know from Lucas Group, my current base is $__, my bonus is $__ (give all details related to bonus), share any long-term incentives, equity, pensions, etc. If you're waiting for a bonus/equity payouts, provide the date you have to be employed with your present company to get the money.
“If this works out...in other words...if you and I agree that this is a good fit and you move forward with making me an offer...I'm sure it will be a fair and competitive one...because that's what I'm looking for.
· “I'm sure if we can agree on the right opportunity for me, the compensation will not be a problem.”
If the interviewer still insists that you name a figure, ask about the position's salary range. If you don't receive a satisfactory answer and you can't stall further, cite a figure that meets your requirements and the standards within the industry. It's better to err a little on the high side since the final offer is invariably going to be lower than you requested. Then, say that it's the job, not the salary, that interests you.
Be honest: If the interviewer asks what you're currently earning, or earned previously, the amount can be professionaly verified or the employer may ask later for your last year’s W-2 before providing you with a job offer.
6. What do you like most and least about your present job?
This question allows the interviewer to gather clues about the type of environment or corporate culture that suits you. Concentrate your answer on areas that are relevant to the position and be specific. Don't say, "I liked the atmosphere." Instead, say. "I enjoyed the camaraderie of being part of a team."
When discussing least-liked aspects of your present or previous job, try to mention an area of responsibility that's far removed from the functions of the job you're seeking. But be sure your answer indicates that you either performed the assignment well or that you learned something useful. This shows that you stick with tasks that don't particularly interest you.
7. Are you applying for any other jobs?
Hardly anyone expects you to say "no" to this question in today's job market. If you do, the interviewer may think you're either naive about business conditions, not serious about job hunting, or not desired by other employers. Instead, say you're exploring several openings that might fit your talents and potential.
Don't say that you're already weighing job offers, however. You may be viewed as uninterested in the job. Interviewers are drawn to candidates who really want to work for their company and are desired by other companies, especially direct competitors.
Candidates who say, “I think I'm interested,” usually lose to those who know they are and say so enthusiastically. Once you learned the specifics about the opportunity, don’t be afraid to say “This really seems like a great fit and I’m very interested”. Once again, one of the most common mistakes is not verbally expressing interest in the position or company. On the other hand, don't wear your enthusiasm on your sleeve. You might inadvertently convey that you're desperate for the job and have already been turned down by other employers.
8. Why should we hire you?
This question entices job seekers to really sell themselves. However, many don't realize why it's asked and answer ineffectively. It's a mistake, for example, to say what you hope to gain from a job. Instead, to borrow from a famous phrase, "Ask not what the company can do for you, ask what you can do for the company."
The interviewer who asks you this is really probing your readiness for the job, your ability to handle it, your willingness to work hard at it and your fitness for the job.
Show your readiness by describing how your experience, career progression, qualities and achievements make you an asset. Highlight your ability by discussing your specific skills and accomplishments. Your willingness to work will be evident in your commitment to whatever challenges you undertake. To show fitness, say you're reliable, have integrity and will accommodate yourself to any difficulties the job entails.
9. Where do you hope to be in five years?
The worst answer to this question is to say that you want to be president of the company or have the interviewer's position. These responses are too flip or threatening. Instead, talk about what motivates you, especially what will motivate you on this job.
Without saying you want the boss's job, describe where you would like to be in your career in five years, as well as what you hope to have accomplished..
Employers prefer candidates who think in terms of the future and set realistic goals. Saying that you're not sure where you want to be in five years may undermine your chances of landing the job. Answers like this are a turnoff. Hiring managers are looking for people who know what they want to do and who believe that their goals and the company's are in sync.
10. Why did you leave your last position?
Provide a brief response -- two to three sentences --will do. Candidates who ramble on can sound as if they're trying to justify their answer or explain it away. If they go on and on, they may be trying to cover something up.
If you were let go as part of a large company cutback, emphasize that a group of employees was laid off and give the exact number of job cuts if available.
If you were laid off individually, say that you were laid off and leave it at that. If they don't ask, don't explain. Most interviewers won't necessarily think to qualify a layoff.
If you were fired, assume responsibility for the situation and then explain what you learned from the experience.
Above all, be honest, you don't want to be caught in a lie.
11. Do you have any questions? Can you think of anything else you'd like to add?
Don't say "no," or that everything has been thoroughly discussed. The interviewer isn't likely to have uncovered every critical qualification you have for the job. Even if nothing crucial was omitted, you should try to restate why you're the most logical candidate for the opening.
If you think the interviewer has any doubts, now's the time to cast your candidacy more positively. While you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, a bad interview can sometimes be turned around by countering any misconceptions that have emerged.
By saying you don't have any questions, the interviewer also may assume you're not interested in the job. Have some intelligent questions ready that show you're knowledgeable about the company and the opening. This presumes that you've done your homework and read articles about the company in trade magazines or professional journals.
Having a positive attitude and practicing in advance can help you to field tricky questions with ease. Your calmness under fire will show that you can handle crises on the job just as easily.
12. Don’t forget to ask for the job!
A great closing statement may include: “Thank you for your time and the opportunity to learn more about your company and the position, I'm very interested in this job. It's exactly the kind of job that I'm looking for. What is the next step in the interview process?”
