How to Find a Job: When There Are No Jobs (Book 1) a Necessary Job Search and Career Planning Guide for Today's Job Market (Find a Job Series) (10 page)

If you have successfully completed the “Intuitive Personal Assessment” program, any questions you are asked related to your individual goals should be easily answered with confidence. This strategy as it relates to your goals indicates that you are thinking on the same terms as the interviewer in reference to goals and specific time frames. If you are not a goal setter, I would strongly recommend it as you will have a much clearer vision of a one to three year time frame than you would have over a five and ten year period.

Another common question that many interviewers ask is: “What are some examples of your strengths and weaknesses?” If this question is asked you should proceed, but with great caution.  A short story why caution is in order will illustrate my point. My executive search firm had been retained to locate an individual outside our typical area of concentration. I personally took on the search somewhat as an experiment and exploration into other business areas. I also decided to work with this particular client because at the time we were a new company and needed the cash flow.

There was no doubt in my mind that I could recruit an individual for this company, and within a period of about three weeks, I located two very qualified candidates. The chemistry between the first candidate and the employer was not good, and she was quickly rejected. However, the second candidate for whom I had more confidence because of her experience and interpersonal skills was asked the following question; “Give me some examples of your strengths and weaknesses.” The question was asked towards the end of the interview and my candidate at this point in the meeting was somewhat relaxed. Being too relaxed in an interview is a critical mistake. The candidate answered the strength question perfectly with a great deal of self-confidence and the prospective employer was very impressed with her answer. However, the problem arose when the employer said, “That’s great! You seem so perfect; certainly you must have some weaknesses don’t you?” “Well sure, I’m lazy sometimes just like everyone else.” The interview ended abruptly and much quicker than it normally would. As you might imagine my seemingly perfect candidate did not get the job because of her inappropriate response to the strength and weakness question.

The key to a successful interview is mental preparation as well as gathering pertinent information related to the interview. Being too relaxed in an interview is the same as letting down your guard and metaphorically being attacked by a mugger. If my candidate had not let her guard down and been so relaxed, she probably would not have answered the weakness question in the same manner. Further, it is imperative to answer this type of question by focusing entirely on your strengths without directly addressing your weaknesses. However, if the hiring manager insists that you discuss your weaknesses, tactfully turn what may appear as a weakness into a strength.

Being mentally prepared for questions of this nature prior to your interview and role-playing your answers with another individual, will lead to a successful meeting. By using the information you receive from the interviewer, coupled with your intuition, you should be able to sense what the employer is looking for. It is important during the interview to concentrate and listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying. Focus your attention on the interviewer and become the best listener you can possibly be and never interrupt him.

As previously stated, an interview is the process of selling yourself to a perspective employer. It is therefore important to tailor your response to any questions the employer may have by first understanding their needs and requirements for the position you seek. Subsequently you should discuss how your expertise and background would benefit their company thereby giving them a reason to hire you. Depending upon what qualities and experience they are looking for, you may be able to give them exactly what they want.

It is important during your interview to take mental and written notes regarding any statements made by the interviewer pertaining to the requirements of the position. These statements may give you an indication of potential questions he may ask later in the interview. For example, the employer may indicate to you that a requirement for the position is that the individual must be an excellent problem solver. Remembering such a statement will benefit you later in the discussion as the interviewer may ask you a question related to his earlier statement such as: “Tell me how would you would solve a problem where a product we manufacture continues to break in shipping?” You should immediately recall that finding an individual who has the ability to solve problems is of great importance to the interviewer. Your response to this question will be a major factor in securing this position. Answer the question to the best of your ability. Discuss with the employer exactly how you would solve this problem and relate if possible, other experiences you’ve had where you have solved similar problems.

Most questions you will encounter during an interview are directed towards your skills and experience and how you can benefit the employer. As previously stated, it is very important to learn as much as possible about the company and the individuals you will be meeting with. Utilizing this knowledge, you will be able to incorporate your background with the company’s goals. The information you obtain about an employer prior to an interview significantly increases your chances of securing the position. Ask yourself the question, “Whom would you hire, someone possessing thorough knowledge about your company or someone who knows very little?” Your efforts towards gaining information about a company and the interviewer indicate that you have a genuine interest in the company and their employees. 

I always tell candidates who I represent, “The person who wants the job the most usually gets it regardless and within reason of the person’s experience.” In salesman’s terms, it is imperative that you “close” on the employer. A salesman would call this, “asking for the order.” In other words in addition to showing your enthusiasm and interest, you must also ask for the job. If during the interview you determine that the position is of interest to you, indicate to the employer that your qualifications are well suited for the job and you are very interested in working for their company.

Asking for the job you want sounds like a simple task, but few people who interview do it properly or at all. Expressing your interest in the job is essential to landing the job you want. Tell the prospective employer in a very direct manner that you would like an opportunity to work for his company. I have found in many cases that the person interviewing for a particular position makes the false assumption that the employer knows that he is interested in the job. Do not make such an assumption and a potentially critical interview mistake. Simply because you are interviewing with a company does not necessarily mean that you want to work for them.

If, however the position presented to you is not of interest, it is important to be courteous and honest with the interviewer. If the position you interviewed for is not of interest but you would like to work for the company, tell the interviewer that this particular position is not one that you would like to pursue. However, should their company have a continuing interest in your background, indicate that you have done a great deal of research and would like to work for their company in another capacity. Ask the interviewer if they would consider referring you to another area within the company where you have an interest. Depending on the rapport you have developed with the interviewer, you may get a positive response and a potential referral to another sector of their business.

It is always a good policy to be straightforward with the person you are speaking to regarding your career interests. A long-term job commitment must be a win-win situation whereby both the employer and employee feel comfortable with each other. You may find that the position you interviewed for is not the job you want. A good fit for you as well as the employer is very important. If the employer is impressed with you they may try to customize the job specifically for you or possibly create a different position. If the position you interviewed for is not of interest and another position in the company is not available, you may want to ask the interviewer for a referral to another company. Typically managers have business associates that may want to hire you for a position suited to your background. This is another example of the networking technique I have termed the “Snowball Effect.”

For example, suppose the manager you interviewed with refers you to a peer of his and you discover after speaking with this individual that a position is not available. Continue your networking strategy taking into consideration the “Snowball Effect.” Ask the employer if they are aware of any companies that may be hiring individuals with your background. If they are aware of any companies, ask them for specific contact names and if it would be okay for you to indicate that they referred you. I think you can see the networking potential of the “Snowball Effect” and its nearly endless potential if you simply ask the proper questions.

A typical question an interviewer may ask you towards the end of the meeting is, “Do you have any questions regarding the position?” Any specific questions you may have regarding the position, company etc. should be addressed at this time. It is never appropriate to discuss salary or benefit issues during an initial meeting. However, a wise interview strategy is to ask the hiring authority what their thoughts are regarding your background and how they feel your experience may be a fit for the position. 

You should ask the hiring authority after your meeting what the next steps might be in the interview process and when you might expect to hear from him. Should the manager suggest that you contact him if you have any questions regarding your interview, I would strongly consider acting on his invitation regarding any further questions you may have.

Finally, you should ask for business cards from everyone you speak with and take note of all administrative assistant names you may meet. I discovered early in my sales career that by addressing an administrator by name made a tremendous difference whenever I called or visited the company. By extending bona fide courtesy to the administrative assistants I spoke with, courtesy was usually offered in return. The individuals I spoke with were very willing to assist me in reaching their bosses. I attribute their willingness to assist me to my friendly mannerism and my extension of courtesy by addressing them by name. My Father told me many years ago, “A person’s name is the most important sound to an individual’s ear.” I have seen his wise words in action and the results are well worth the effort it may take to remember the names of anyone you may meet during the interview process. 

If you find that a potential employer is difficult to reach by telephone, try asking the company’s receptionist for the individual’s personal assistant. Once you reach their administrative assistant, ask her what her name is and introduce yourself. When you make an effort to ask what someone’s name is and you remember their name, most people will be happy to assist you with the information you need. Indicate to the assistant that you have been having difficulty reaching her boss and would greatly appreciate any help she may be able to provide you. Most people want to help other people, especially when they are addressed by their name and in a courteous and respectful manner. I would encourage you to use this approach with everyone with whom you speak during an interview, as it is a very effective way to communicate.

Proper Attire for an Interview

Proper attire for an interview involves using common sense and dressing appropriately for the occasion. Dressing for the occasion means that you are trying to make the best impression possible to secure the position you seek. When considering appropriate attire take into account the type of position you are seeking as well as the type of organization. Each company has its own culture including how their employees are expected to dress. You should try to research this point and dress in the same manner for which employees of the company you seek employment dress. For example, if all the male employees in the department you wish to work wear a suit and tie then you should dress accordingly. A potential employer will immediately make an assessment of you even before you are able to speak, simply based upon how well you are dressed and groomed. Proper attire coupled with a well-groomed appearance is crucial to your interview success. Appropriate attire and grooming is an expression of the way you see yourself and how you want others to view you. 

It is possible to overdress for an interview. You can avoid this mistake by researching the company and discover the appropriate attire for the position you seek. If you are interviewing for a position in a particular trade such as carpentry or plumbing, you might consider wearing more casual clothing versus that of a suit and tie. A suit may be a more appropriate form of dress for a sales or management type position. My best advice is to try to mirror your potential employer and their general form of attire.

Regarding women’s attire for a professional position, a suit is almost always more appropriate than a dress, accompanied with a medium height heel versus flats. Both men and women should wear a minimal amount of jewelry. Men’s cologne and women’s perfume and makeup should be used sparingly as not to distract from the actual interview.

My father’s advice was that when you enter into the business world, “You should wear the uniform.”  Because he was in the field of sales training, he meant a suit, tie, white shirt, polished dress shoes and a belt that matched the color of his shoes. He was saying, “Dress according to your profession.” It is my view that it is almost always safer to dress in a more conservative manner, keeping in mind the type of position you are seeking.

Interview Follow-up

A follow-up letter should always be sent to your prospective manager and everyone you meet during the interview process immediately following your interview. If you have not heard back from the manager within the time frame he’s indicated, I would suggest that you call him. You should prepare yourself for your follow-up telephone call by writing down any questions you may have regarding the company and the job responsibilities. Preparation for your follow-up telephone call should be done with the same degree of thoroughness as was done for your actual interview. Each contact you have with the employer should be considered and treated as an interview. Ask any questions you may have at this time and reiterate your interest in the position. Ask him where he is in terms of his decision making process. The individual who has the greatest amount of meaningful contact with the employer has the best chance of securing the desired position.