Monster Interview Coach
Even the smartest and most qualified job
seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing
is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great
first impression. So study these 10 strategies and caveats to enhance
your interview IQ.
Practice Good Nonverbal Communication.
It's
about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact
and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be
a great beginning -- or a quick ending -- to your interview.
Dress for the Job or Company.
Today's
casual dress codes in the office do not give you permission to dress as
"they" do when you interview. It is important to look professional and
well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends
on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible,
call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.
Listen.
From
the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you
information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not listening,
you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include
listening and letting the person know you heard what he said. Observe
your interviewer and match that style and pace.
Don't Talk Too Much.
Telling
the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake.
When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may tend to ramble,
sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the
interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with
the position's requirements and relating only that information.
Don't Be Too Familiar.
The
interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about
making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the
interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm
to the interview and to ask questions, but do not to overstep your place
as a candidate looking for a job.
Use Appropriate Language.
It's
a given that you should use professional language during the interview.
Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race,
religion, politics or sexual preferences -- these topics could send you
out the door very quickly.
Don't Be Cocky.
Attitude plays a key
role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between
confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a
performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if
not worse, as being too reserved.
Take Care to Answer the Questions.
When
an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he
is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a
specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also
miss an opportunity to prove your ability and tell about your skills.
Ask Questions.
When
asked if they have any questions, the majority of candidates answer,
"No." Wrong answer. It is extremely important to ask questions to
demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions
also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place
for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during
the interview and asking for additional information.
Don't Appear Desperate.
I
know -- it's a tough job market and you need a job. But when you
interview with the "please, please hire me" approach, you appear
desperate and less confident. Maintain the three C's during the
interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make
sure the interviewer believes you can, too.
Prep for the 10 Most Common Interview Questions
by Carole Martin
Monster Interview Coach
Too
many job seekers stumble through interviews as if the questions are
coming out of left field. But many interview questions are to be
expected. So study this list, plan your answers ahead of time and you'll
be ready to deliver them with confidence.
What Are Your Weaknesses?
This
is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your
weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal
qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working
on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I
recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."
Why Should We Hire You?
Summarize
your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial
industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make
a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great
addition to your team."
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The
interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this
some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an
opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission
statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited
about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of
desirable choices."
What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to
talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking
yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to
get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on
where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of
responsibility."
Why Did You Leave (Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If
you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context:
"I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third
round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me."
If
you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two
years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused,
where I can add my experience."
When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The
interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an
example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will
get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job,
because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is
an important part of the job for me."
What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What
makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences,
skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of
strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer
relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down
information to be more user-friendly."
What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's
time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes.
This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words:
"My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He
knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."
What Salary Are You Seeking?
It
is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare
by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or
walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time
comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you
typically pay someone with my background?"
If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Interviewers
use this type of psychological question to see if you can think
quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive
impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What
type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression
do you want to make?
Talk about this article and get expert advice on the Interview Tips message board.
What Are Your Greatest Strengths
and Weaknesses?
by Carole Martin
Monster Interview Coach
Marie
is about to interview two candidates for the customer service manager
position. Her candidates are Francine and William. As always, she plans
to ask about their strengths and weaknesses.
Francine answers the
question, "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?" with, "My
strength is that I'm a hard worker. My weakness is that I get stressed
when I miss a deadline because someone else dropped the ball."
This answer is unimaginative. Most people think of themselves as hard workers.
William
has difficulty with the question. "I really can't think of a weakness,"
he begins. "Maybe I could be more focused. My strength is probably my
ability to deal with people. I am pretty easygoing. I usually don't get
upset easily."
This answer leads with a negative, and then moves to vague words: maybe, probably, pretty and usually.
So what is the best way to answer this question?
Assessing Your Strengths
Assess
your skills, and you will identify your strengths. This is an exercise
worth doing before any interview. Make a list of your skills, dividing
them into three categories:
1. Knowledge-based skills: Acquired from
education and experience (e.g., computer skills, languages, degrees,
training and technical ability).
2. Transferable skills: Your
portable skills that you take from job to job (e.g., communication and
people skills, analytical problem solving and planning skills).
3.
Personal traits: Your unique qualities (e.g., dependable, flexible,
friendly, hard working, expressive, formal, punctual and being a team
player).
When you complete this list, choose three to five of those
strengths that match what the employer is seeking in the job posting.
Make sure you can give specific examples to demonstrate why you say that
is your strength if probed further.
Assessing Your Weaknesses
Probably
the most dreaded part of the question. Everyone has weaknesses, but who
wants to admit to them, especially in an interview?
The best way to
handle this question is to minimize the trait and emphasize the
positive. Select a trait and come up with a solution to overcome your
weakness. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate more on
professional traits. For example:
"I pride myself on being a 'big
picture' guy. I have to admit I sometimes miss small details, but I
always make sure I have someone who is detail-oriented on my team."
Scripting Your Answers
Write a positive statement you can say with confidence:
"My
strength is my flexibility to handle change. As customer service
manager at my last job, I was able to turn around a negative working
environment and develop a very supportive team. As far as weaknesses, I
feel that my management skills could be stronger, and I am constantly
working to improve them."
When confronted with this question,
remember the interviewer is looking for a fit. She is forming a picture
of you based on your answers. A single answer will probably not keep you
from getting the job, unless of course it is something blatant. Put
your energy into your strengths statement -- what you have to offer.
Then let the interviewer know that although you may not be perfect, you
are working on any shortcomings you have.
Ten Interviewing Rules
by Carole Martin
Monster Interview Coach
In
the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you
won't stand a chance against the competition. Check yourself on these 10
basic points before you go on that all-important interview.
1. Look Sharp.
Before
the interview, select your outfit. Depending on the industry and
position, get out your best duds and check them over for spots and
wrinkles. Even if the company has a casual environment, you don't want
to look like you slept in your clothes. Above all, dress for confidence.
If you feel good, others will respond to you accordingly.
2. Be on Time.
Never
arrive late to an interview. Allow extra time to arrive early in the
vicinity, allowing for factors like getting lost. Enter the building 10
to 15 minutes before the interview.
3. Do Your Research.
Researching
the company before the interview and learning as much as possible about
its services, products, customers and competition will give you an edge
in understanding and addressing the company's needs. The more you know
about the company and what it stands for, the better chance you have of
selling yourself. You also should find out about the company's culture
to gain insight into your potential happiness on the job.
4. Be Prepared.
Bring
along a folder containing extra copies of your resume, a copy of your
references and paper to take notes. You should also have questions
prepared to ask at the end of the interview. For extra assurance, print a
copy of Monster's handy Interview Planner.
5. Show Enthusiasm.
A
firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrates confidence. Speak
distinctly in a confident voice, even though you may feel shaky.
6. Listen.
One
of the most neglected interviewing skills is listening. Make sure you
are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes
what is not said is just as important as what is said.
7. Answer the Question Asked.
Candidates
often don't think about whether or not they actually are answering the
questions asked by their interviewers. Make sure you understand what is
being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure.
8. Give Specific Examples.
One
specific example of your background is worth 50 vague stories. Prepare
your stories before the interview. Give examples that highlight your
successes and uniqueness. Your past behavior can indicate your future
performance.
9. Ask Questions.
Many interviewees don't ask
questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information.
Your questions indicate your interest in the company or job.
10. Follow up.
Whether
it's through email or regular mail, the follow-up is one more chance to
remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job
and company. You don't want to miss this last chance to market yourself.
It is important to appear confident and cool for the interview. One
way to do that is to be prepared to the best of your ability. There is
no way to predict what an interview holds, but by following these
important rules you will feel less anxious and will be ready to
positively present yourself.
Talk about this article and get expert advice on the Interview Tips message board.
Personality Plus
by Carole Martin
Monster Interview Coach
"How would you describe your personality?"
On
the surface this appears to be a straightforward question, but if you
answer too hastily, you may end up sounding like every other candidate.
You must think about what makes you unique, and how you can make
yourself stand out and be remembered.
Interviewers ask this question
for a couple of reasons: To hear where you place the emphasis in your
description and to see how quickly and creatively you can think on the
spot. Don't give the interviewer the same old answers everybody else
gives. Think about new ways to get your message across and sell
yourself.
Spice Up Your Answers
Take a look at these typical answers and how you can make them more unique:
Typical: "I am a high energy person." This answer needs more detail and energy.
Unique: "I am a person who is energized by challenges and problems."
Typical: "I'm a hard worker." This is the most common phrase used. It shows no imagination.
Unique: "I do whatever it takes to get the job done, sometimes working 10-hour days."
Typical: "I am a quick learner." This is an overused phrase that has lost its effectiveness.
Unique: "I can hit the ground running and come up to speed faster than anyone I know."
Typical: "I'm analytical." This is a lackluster answer that doesn't reveal much information.
Unique: "I'm a wiz at analyzing data and transforming it into useful information."
Typical: "I'm very organized." This answer is understated.
Unique: "I am a person who can bring order to chaos."
Typical: "I'm reliable." This answer needs more information to get the point across.
Unique: "I pride myself on my record of never missing deadlines."
Typical: "I'm good with customers." The answer needs clarification. In what way are you good?
Unique: "I build great relationships with customers; they always ask for me."
Scripting Exercise
Describing
your personality is like writing ads for a product. What makes you
unique? Are you the type of person who would fit into this organization?
Your job is to convince your interviewer that you have the perfect
personality for the position.
Make a list of personality traits that
describe you. Determine the qualities you would like the interviewer to
remember after the interview. Incorporate some of the same words used
in the job posting.
For example, if the job listing reads: "Must
have five or more years' experience managing a diverse population of
employees," you might say to the interviewer:
"I am a person who
values other people's qualities and contributions. My employees would
tell you that I am a fair manager who listens when they have something
to say."
The more specific you are with your answer, the better your
chances of leaving a lasting impression. Interviewers talk to several
candidates in a single day. What will make you memorable?
What Motivates You?
by Carole Martin
Monster Interview Coach
Summary
• Think about when you've been most satisfied at work.
• Do your research and prepare your script.
• Your answer should reveal what turns you on in your work.
"What
motivates you?" is another one of those soul-searching interview
questions where your answer will depend on your background and
experiences. It can really catch you off guard unless you've thought
about it before the interview. Contemplating when you have been most
satisfied in your career will not only help you answer this question,
but it will also help you focus on what you want in your next job.
Two candidates answer the motivation question, reflecting their values and what is important to them.
The
first one says, "In my previous job, I worked directly with customers
and their problems. What I liked was solving problems and helping
people. Sometimes it took a lot of effort on my part, but it was very
rewarding when the customer appreciated the service."
This answer reflects the candidate's interest in helping people and the satisfaction he gets in finding solutions.
The
second candidate says, "Two years ago, I was involved in a project I
was really excited about. The team I was working with had to come up
with innovative ways to market a product that was not received well by
consumers. It took lots of effort and long meetings, but we met our
deadline and launched a terrific marketing campaign. It was really a
motivating experience."
This candidate likes thinking outside the
box and being part of a team. He loves a challenge and works well with
pressure and deadlines.
Prepare Your Script
Writing out your
thoughts will help you think about times when you felt energized by your
work, times when you looked forward to going to work. For a source of
ideas, refer to your resume. Which tasks did you list? Were they the
tasks you enjoyed most and felt most motivated doing?
A statement on your resume might be:
•
Project leader: Led a team in coordinating and monitoring the progress
of projects to assure the flow and completion of work on schedule.
What
was it that was motivating about this experience? Being in charge?
Being the source of information? Controlling the flow of work? Making
sure the standards were in line with your work values?
By making a
list of motivating experiences from your last two or three jobs, you
will begin to see patterns of projects and tasks that stand out. Analyze
what you did before. Do you want more of this type of responsibility in
your next job? The answers to these questions will give you insight
into what stimulates you as well as possibilities for fulfillment in
future jobs with similar responsibilities.
Additionally, by focusing
on times when you were energized by your work, you may become more
enthusiastic about the job you are seeking.
There is no such thing
as the perfect answer to the motivation question. Your answer will be
based on your own individual experiences and analysis. Ultimately, this
exercise will help you reveal to the interviewer what turns you on in
your work. Even if you are not asked this question, your preinterview
thinking, analysis and scripting will help you be more focused and in
control of want you want in your next job.
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
by Carole Martin
Monster Interview Coach
Summary
• Do your research and tailor your answer.
• Find a match between the job and what you have to offer.
The
interviewer asks a rather simple question, yet it catches you off
guard: "Why do you want to work for this company?" The obvious answer
that comes to mind is, "Because you have an opening, and I need a job."
While this may be true, it won't get you points in a job interview.
The
interviewer is looking for an answer that indicates you've thought
about where you want to work -- that you're not just sending your resume
to any company with a job opening. Researching the company and industry
before your interview will make you stand out as a more informed and
competent applicant.
For instance, Annette is the first candidate
interviewed for an HR manager position. When she is asked why she wants
to work there, she replies, "I have always wanted to work for this
company. I love your product, and I have used it for many years. This
job would be perfect for me, a real opportunity for me to grow and
develop."
Annette's answer begins well, but then shifts to what she
can get out of the experience instead of what she has to offer. Her
answer would be stronger if she proved she had researched the industry
and company, and therefore could discuss more than her own experience
with the product.
James is another candidate, and he answers more
directly: "Based on the research I've done, this company is an industry
leader. When I visited your Web site, I found some impressive
information about future projects you have planned. I was also impressed
with the founders' backgrounds and the current financial statements.
This is the company I've been looking for, a place where my background,
experience and skills can be put to use and make things happen."
James's
answer demonstrates his interest in and enthusiasm for the company and
what it stands for. He also demonstrates how he envisions he could be a
member of the team.
You must to do research before the interview and
come up with two or three reasons why you want to work for the company.
Search company Web sites for mission statements, product and service
information, principals' backgrounds and contact information. Check
company financials through the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
It
would also be beneficial to think of at least two reasons this job is a
good match for your skills, strengths, experience and background. What
you can bring to the company? Write down your thoughts and rehearse them
as part of your script.
There are no right or wrong answers to this
question. Your answer should reflect that you have thought about what
you want and have researched the company. Let the interviewer know you
are being selective about where you want to work and you're not just
going to take any job offered to you. Demonstrate that this is the
company you want to work for -- a little flattery will go a long way.
Do You Have any Questions?
by Carole Martin
Monster Staff Writer
Summary
• Never, under any circumstances, answer with ''no.''
• The right questions show your interest in the job.
• As always, preparation is crucial to your success.
Surprisingly,
the most common answer to this question is "no." Not only is this the
wrong answer, but it's also a missed opportunity to find out information
about the company. It is important for you to ask questions -- not just
any questions, but those relating to the job, the company and the
industry.
Consider this: Two candidates are interviewing for an inside sales position.
Henry
asks, "I was wondering about benefits, and when they would become
effective? Also, what is the yearly vacation allowance? And, does the
company match on the 401K plan?"
Assuming this is the first
interview, it is premature to ask about benefits. "What's in it for me?"
questions can be interpreted as self-centered and a sign of your lack
of interest in the job.
The next candidate, Chris, says, "No, I
think you just about covered everything I wanted to know. I'm sure I'll
have more questions if I get the job."
This is a very passive
response that doesn't demonstrate interest or imagination. Once you get
the job -- if you get it -- may be too late to ask questions.
It is
important to ask questions to learn about the company and the job's
challenges. In some cases, the interviewer will be listening for the
types of questions you ask. The best questions will come as a result of
your listening to what is asked during the interview.
A good
response to the interviewer asking, "Do you have any questions?" would
be: "Yes, I do. From what you've been asking during the interview, it
sounds like you have a problem with customer retention. Can you tell me a
little more about the current situation, and what the first challenges
would be for the new person?"
This answer shows interest in what the
problem is and how you could be the possible solution. It is also an
opportunity to get a sense of what will be expected.
Be Prepared
What
information do you need to decide whether to work at this company? Make
a list of at least 10 questions to take with you to the interview.
Depending on who is interviewing you, your questions should vary.
• If you are interviewing with the hiring manager, ask questions about the job, the desired qualities and the challenges.
• If you are interviewing with the human resources manager, ask about the company and the department.
•
If you are interviewing with management, ask about the industry and
future projections. This is your chance to demonstrate your industry
knowledge.
Timing Is Important
You will have to use your
judgment about the number of questions you ask and when to ask them.
Think of this as a conversation. There will be an appropriate time to
ask certain types of questions, like those about benefits and vacation.
To be on the safe side, it is best to
concentrate on questions about the job's responsibilities and how you fit the position until you get the actual offer.
When
you begin to think of the interview as a two-way process, you will see
it is important for you to find out as much as possible about the
company. Questions will give you the opportunity to find out if this is a
good place for you to work before you say "Yes."
What Are Your Long-Term Goals?
by Carole Martin
Summary
• This question is about self-awareness.
• You don't want to be too specific.
• Focus and script your answer before the interview.
This
open-ended question -- and others like, "Where do you see yourself in
five years?" -- throws most candidates off balance. Interviewers ask
this question to gain insight into your self-awareness and communication
skills.
Dan, a staffing manager, is about to interview Phil, Shawna
and Marsha, for a project manager position. He is looking for someone
with planning skills and long-range vision. He asks each of them, "What
are your long-term goals?"
"To be a marketing manager within five
year, and have a hand-picked team reporting to me," replies Phil. This
is a very specific and narrow goal, which may not be an option at this
company. The "hand-picked" team reference demonstrates a lack of
flexibility. It's best to stay away from too specific a goal.
"I
have been so busy with my responsibilities and achieving company goals
that I have not focused on personal long-term goals," answers Shawna.
While a strong work ethic is certainly desirable, this answer does not
demonstrate vision or planning.
Marsha answers the question with: "I
plan to return to school to earn my MBA and have my own consulting
business one day." While it pays to be honest, this answer could turn
the interview in the wrong direction very quickly. The employer is
looking for someone to stick around for the long run, not to stop over
on the way to a new career.
So how could these candidates provide better answers?
Get Focused
If
you are the type of person who prefers an organized way of life, you
may find this question a piece of cake to answer. But if you're among
the majority of people who let life happen as it comes along, you will
probably not have a smooth answer without some forethought.
What are
your goals? Think about what you really want. Most successful business
people will tell you that a key success factor is the ability to set and
achieve goals.
Begin by setting short-term goals. Right now your
goal may be to get a job. But what kind of job? And where do you go from
there?
Be employer-centered. The employer is looking for someone to
come in and solve problems. Since planning is a key factor in this job,
think of examples where your planning has affected the results.
Scripting
After
giving some thought as to where you want to go and how you can help the
employer achieve results, try scripting your answer. Here's an example:
"I have learned that long-term goals are best achieved when I break
them into shorter goals. My short-term goal is to find a position that
will put me in a forward-moving company with solid performance and
future projections. As part of a team, I want to add value and continue
to grow the company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company
goes. My plan is to move into a position of responsibility where I can
lead a team."
No one can tell you exactly how to answer this
question, since your response will come from what is important to you.
However, the more focused and employer-centered you can be about your
goal, the better your chances will be of steering the interview in the
right direction.
Tell Me About Yourself
by Carole Martin
Monster Interview Coach
Summary
• How you answer can set the interview's tone.
• A strong answer takes focus, scripting and practice.
It's
one of the most frequently asked questions in an interview: Tell me
about yourself. Your response to this request will set the tone for the
rest of the interview. For some, this is the most challenging question
to answer, as they wonder what the interviewer really wants to know and
what information they should include.
Eleanor dreaded this question.
When it was the first one asked at her interview, she fumbled her way
through a vague answer, not focusing on what she could bring to the job.
"I'm happily married and originally from Denver," she began. "My
husband was transferred here three months ago, and I've been getting us
settled in our new home. I'm now ready to go back to work. I've worked
in a variety of jobs, usually customer service-related. I'm looking for a
company that offers growth opportunities."
The interview went
downhill after that. She had started with personal information and gave
the interviewer reason to doubt whether she was an employee who would
stay for very long.
• She's married, and when her husband gets transferred that means she has to leave; she did it once and can do it again.
• She has some work experience with customers but didn't emphasize what she did.
• She is looking to grow. What about the job she is applying for? Will she stay content for long?
The
secret to successfully responding to this free-form request is to
focus, script and practice. You cannot afford to wing this answer, as it
will affect the rest of the interview. Begin to think about what you
want the interviewer to know about you.
Focus
List five
strengths you have that are pertinent to this job (experiences, traits,
skills, etc.). What do you want the interviewer to know about you when
you leave?
Eleanor is strong in communications and connecting with
people. She has a strong background and proven success with customer
relationships. Her real strength is her follow-through. She prides
herself on her reputation for meeting deadlines.
Scripting
Prepare a script that includes the information you want to convey. Begin by talking about past experiences and proven success:
"I
have been in the customer service industry for the past five years. My
most recent experience has been handling incoming calls in the high tech
industry. One reason I particularly enjoy this business, and the
challenges that go along with it, is the opportunity to connect with
people. In my last job, I formed some significant customer relationships
resulting in a 30 percent increase in sales in a matter of months."
Next, mention your strengths and abilities:
"My
real strength is my attention to detail. I pride myself on my
reputation for following through and meeting deadlines. When I commit to
doing something, I make sure it gets done, and on time."
Conclude with a statement about your current situation:
"What
I am looking for now is a company that values customer relations, where
I can join a strong team and have a positive impact on customer
retention and sales."
Practice
Practice with your script until
you feel confident about what you want to emphasize in your statement.
Your script should help you stay on track, but you shouldn't memorize it
-- you don't want to sound stiff and rehearsed. It should sound natural
and conversational.
Even if you are not asked this type of question
to begin the interview, this preparation will help you focus on what
you have to offer. You will also find that you can use the information
in this exercise to assist you in answering other questions. The more
you can talk about your product -- you -- the better chance you will
have at selling it.
Successfully Closing the Interview
by Carole Martin
Summary
• How you close the interview depends on many factors.
• Different closes may be appropriate for different jobs.
• Tips on closing.
"So,
when do I start?" A question like that is about as aggressive as you
can get at the close of the interview. It may knock the interviewer for a
loop and appear to be overly aggressive, but some people think of it as
closing the sale. For some people it has worked. For others this
approach may not feel comfortable, or have the same effect. Your comfort
level with the close -- whether you are aggressive, passive and polite
or somewhere in between -- will depend on your personality, the
interview situation and the job for which you are applying.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
Mr.
Feeney, the manager of a product development department, held second
interviews with two qualified candidates. He was preparing to make a
decision to determine which candidate to hire.
The first candidate,
Phyllis, was a very savvy interviewer and had related some seasoned
experience stories. At the end of the interview, however, Phyllis threw
him when she said, "Well, I'm sold. When would you like me to start?" He
explained he still had another candidate under consideration. Phyllis
smiled and asked when she could expect to hear from him. He told her the
decision would be made by Friday. She had said that she looked forward
to hearing from him and working together in the future. Mr. Feeney was
impressed by her confidence, but put off by her forwardness.
The
other candidate, Gregory, had credentials and experience equal to
Phyllis's. His interviewing style was on the low-key side. He asked a
lot of questions about the future of the company. When the interview was
over he stated the reasons he was interested in the opportunity and why
he considered himself a good fit for the job. He also asked when Mr.
Feeney would be making a decision.
Mr. Feeney's decision will be
based primarily on the position and the personality he is seeking. If he
is looking for someone in the sales department, Phyllis probably has
the better chance of getting the job due to her persuasive style. If,
however, he is looking for someone who is more subdued, perhaps for an
accounting position, Gregory's low-key style may be more suited. A
person's personality and communication style are key factors in the
interview decision.
Closing Points
Regardless of your style or how you choose to close the interview, there are some key points to keep in mind:
1.
Leave your interviewer with the right picture of you. Think of at least
five skills or traits you want remembered after the interview.
2. Ask if there is anything else you can provide, such as references, background information or work samples.
3.
State your interest in the position. Don't be overly anxious, but act
interested. Remember to mention the added value you can bring to the
job.
4. Ask about the next step in the process. It's Important for
you to know the next step so you can follow up. Ask for the decision
date.
5. Find out how to contact them. If you don't hear back, you
will need to know who to contact and whether they will accept calls to
check the status.
Closing the sale is important, but your closing
should be tailored to the position, your personality and interviewing
style and the interviewer. Keeping these things in mind will help you
determine which closing is appropriate for you and the situation at
hand.
Dealing with a Chatty Interviewer
by Carole Martin
Summary
• Not all interviews run as smoothly as others.
• Develop a 10-step strategy to prove yourself.
• This might not be the right job for you.
Did
you ever have an interview where the interviewer seemed more interested
in talking about everything and anything but you? There may be several
reasons why interviewers talk too much. For some, it is a way of dealing
with nervousness. Another might simply be that the interviewer has
already made a judgment -- positive or negative -- based on a first
impression, and really doesn't feel a need to hear more from you. You
might wonder how they can possibly know if you are the right person for
the job if they don't ask questions and give you a chance to give them
examples of your experiences.
K.C. was confident that this job was a
good fit for him. Unfortunately, from the beginning of the interview,
he could see it was not going to go as anticipated. His interviewer,
Nasar, began telling him about the company, the people in the office and
how things were going for the business. K.C. waited patiently for his
turn to talk. All of the sudden, Nasar stood up and asked him if he
would like to tour the office. K.C. didn't know what to say, so he
agreed.
At the end of the tour and much to K.C.'s surprise, Nasar
shook his hand and told him that the company would be making the
decision in about a week. K.C. left the building wondering what had just
happened. Where had he gone wrong?
The Strategy
When the
interviewer does most of the talking, there is not a lot you can do to
change the behavior. But, there are a few things you can try to assist
this person in learning about you and what you have to offer.
1.
Make a good first impression. Although important in any interview, it is
especially important when you don't get an opportunity to sell
yourself.
2. Watch for an opening to make the conversation more interactive. Show an interest in the company, product or person.
3. Listen to the information being given. The information given may be a key to whether you want to work for this company.
4. Listen for clues about the company's problems. Offer suggestions based on your past experience or research.
5. Be prepared. Prepare a two-minute summary of your background and what you are looking for.
6.
Let the interviewer know why you think you are a good match for the
job. Say something like, "I'd like to share my experiences and projects
I've worked on that are similar to some of the duties you've mentioned."
7. Don't take it personally or become defensive. Wait it out, and ask questions as appropriate.
8. Resign yourself. This interview is just not going to be interactive.
9.
Consider yourself lucky. You've been given insight into the company. If
this person were to be your boss, would you want to work for someone
who seems to never stop talking?
10. Continue your job search. For whatever reason, this interview didn't work. Move on.
There
is no foolproof method for success in dealing with this type of
situation. Try not to let an interviewer's lack of skills affect your
performance or attitude in future interviews. Be aware that some
interviewers have problems with interviewing and be prepared to deal
with the situation ahead of time so you won't be caught off guard and
blame yourself
