Help with Job Interviews
Job interviews consist of four basic questions and one statement. Each one of these has to be nailed in a job interview. Each has a different strategy to answer it. Winging it doesn't work! Here are the keys to answering these questions:
1. Tell Me About Yourself
Read: "How can you contribute here?"
Strategy: Prepare specific one-minute illustrations of your problem-solving and moneymaking abilities with quantifiable results. Remember, people won't be impressed just because you've had responsibility. The Boss in the Dilbert comic strip has loads of responsibilities and he's an idiot! Show how you made a difference.
2. Why do You Want to Work Here?
Read: Are you going to work out - or will I have to re-hire in a few short months?
This includes all questions concerning your knowledge of the company as well as your long-term career goals. Make sure you know enough about the company to make a credible assertion that you'd rather work there than for one of their competitors. Ask enough questions of the employer to ensure that the job, management style, culture, and other factors are a good match for you and your career goals.
3. All "Sensitive" Questions
Read: Are you a toad? Will I regret hiring you?
This category would include every question from "Why were you fired?" and "Why are you job hopping?" to "I see here you've spent time in prison."
Know and rehearse brief answers to any sensitive questions. Use positive information about your past and turn previous mistakes into lessons and defects into virtues. Key: Ask a question to artfully re-focus the interviewer on how you can contribute and the attention on ensuring the job is a good fit for both of you.
4. Any Talk Around Salary
Remember to avoid any conversation around money until after you have an offer, and let the employer be the first one to mention a dollar figure.
5. "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You."
Use a structured follow-up to make sure you're given every consideration possible. Especially follow-up if you receive a rejection letter. If they haven't made a good hiring decision, your follow-up could well position you as the next candidate.
Remember, you are marketing yourself. Carefully consider what you want the employer to know about you and prepare well so that you consistently deliver that message.