Finally, it’s happened—an invitation to interview for a job. Have you already blown your chance before you put one hand on their office’s door? [Read more…] about Are you blowing the interview before it starts?
Questions for you to ask – or not – at your interview
Remember, the interview is an opportunity for you to ask your own questions of the employer. Don’t miss this opportunity to find out information that may help you make your case for being hired and impress the interviewer simultaneously. Here’s a list of topics you should – and should not – ask at an interview if you want to be remembered for the right reasons and win over the interviewer. [Read more…] about Questions for you to ask – or not – at your interview
Think about how your body language may impact your job hunt
If you’re looking for a job and thinking ahead to the interview stage, I’m betting you’re checking out interview books and practicing interview questions, which isn’t a bad idea. However, have you considered practicing the communication skills you’ll need to help you land a job?
Interpreting body language is an important element of good listening. Think about it – eye contact, nodding, leaning in to listen – all of these help your conversation partner recognize how engaged you are and helps him or her feel valued as part of a conversation. Body language is key to helping you succeed in business, or any field.
Body language may be more important than you think in a job hunt.
Kate Lorenz wrote about the topic for CareerBuilder.com. She said:
Research has shown that the first impression you make on an interviewer really sticks. In one study, untrained subjects were shown 20- to 32-second videotaped segments of job applicants greeting their interviewers. When the subjects rated the applicants on attributes like self-assurance and likeability, their assessments were very similar to the interviewers’ — who had spent more than 20 minutes with each applicant.
Seems like focusing on your body language – and first impressions – matters – a lot!
I once wrote a term paper about the importance of body language. The quote I remember from it,
“Don’t underestimate the power of body language,”
from The Little Mermaid, is no less true today!
(Yes, I really quoted a Disney movie in my paper.)
Did you know that people who are positive and confident outperform their peers in their job searches? Research shows that persistence and a postive attitude pay off in the job hunt. You can always pick out a pessimist by his or her body language – slumped shoulders, eyes down, expressionless (or frowning). No one wants to hire someone who seems sad or pessimistic. Straighten up, smile and make eye contact. Your body language speaks louder than your words.
In fact, research also shows that body language makes up more than half of how our communication is perceived. That means that you may be describing your greatest business accomplishment, but if your posture isn’t good and you don’t make effective eye contact, you might as well tell the interviewer about the time you lost your portfolio on the way to a presentation.
Another telling body language tool is the handshake.
How many times do we have to tell you – strong and firm gets the job done! BusinessWeek wrote about several different types of handshakes to use and some to avoid. Eye contact along with a firm handshake can make a world of difference to how you are being perceived.
Remember – the little things matter.
In fact, the “little things” may actually be the BIG things! Focus on every aspect of your presentation to ensure that you put your best foot forward with your job search.
photo by Gerwin Filius
5 tips to interview to land the job
Interviewing is really an art as much as it is a science. Being successful depends on a combination of preparation, know-how and the ability to connect with the audience. Something most job seekers don’t consider – your interviewer HOPES you are the best candidate for the job. Think about it – who wants to interview and interview and never find a great fit for the job?
Some ideas to help turn your interviewer into a FAN!
1. Convince yourself that the interviewer really WANTS to hire you.
The fact is, it is tough to hire a quality employee. I can say from experience that your interviewer hopes that you WOW him or her with your answers and give fabulous reasons to hire you. In essence, the interviewer is rooting for you!
2. Know what to say.ÂÂ
Prepare in advance. A lot. No, you don’t have to memorize answers to 100 interview questions, but be sure that you spend time thinking and practicing what you will say in response to topics that will come up:
- Think of your key points (as they relate to how you fit into the job). These points are your message. They answer the question: Why should we hire you?
- Create several stories that illustrate your points and describe how you are able to fill the organization’s needs. Stories should demonstrate successes, a time you overcame obstacles and examples of how you interact with colleagues and employers. Use the STAR technique to describe these situations.
- Incorporate the fact that you’ve conducted research on the organization, their goals, values, accomplishments and needs in your answers. Your interviewer will be happy to know that you spent some time on the organization’s website or reading up on them. It’s flattering to know that you’re interested enough in the job to prepare. Interviewers love prepared candidates.
3. Listen carefully and answer the question.ÂÂ
You won’t believe how many candidates reply to a direct question without actually answering it. It can be a little painful for the interviewer. Ask for clarification if necessary, even think for a few seconds before replying. (Not too many seconds, though.) If you don’t answer the question, you’ll lose your fan.
4. Don’t keep talking and talking (and talking)…
There is no quicker way to lose your audience than by droning on and on before you get to the point. If it doesn’t seem that you’re getting to the point, you will lose your audience quickly. Even if you do (eventually) answer the question, your interviewer will be busy making mental notes about what to pick up for dinner by the time you get to the point. Be succinct. Your interviewer will love it!
5. Follow Up
Send a thank you note. It matters.
If you follow these tips, you’ll increase the likelihood of keeping a fan on the other side of the interview table. That fan is much more likely to become a colleague if they like you as much when you leave the room as they did when they invited you to interview! It’s in your hands – interview to seal the deal and GET THE JOB!
Stay tuned for some additional tips from Keith Ferrazzi!
photo by woodlywonderworks
A Comedy of Errors and the Job Hunt
photo by GotMeAMuse
Sometimes, even the best laid plans don’t go as planned…
Case in point, a new client of mine whose job search is in full swing. His resume is top-notch, cover letters targeted and linkedin profile updated. He has started being invited for a lot of interviews, which is very exciting (for him and for me!)
Having worked in one place for his entire (lengthy) career, the interview is a stress point, and we have discussed and prepared to face this very important bridge between the opportunity for a job and actually getting a job!
He knows what to do to prepare. Sometimes it just doesn’t go as planned. For example, a recent interview:
- The shirt he was planning to wear didn’t fit. Luckily, he had an extra one handy.
- His well-thought out portfolio was waiting on the kitchen table. Unfortunately, he forgot it there and only realized it when he reached his interview destination.
- His GPS didn’t have the company’s address in its system, so locating the interview spot was a bit tricky.
- Sitting down for the interview, his phone rang. Forgetting the cardinal rule about not answering your phone during an interview, he answered it. Who was calling? A very high-profile recruiting firm asking him to schedule an interview!
There are several lessons to be learned from this story, but the most important lesson is the one I haven’t shared with you – this client’s reaction to the whole mess:
I was not angry with myself…Have a giggle with me not at me, all I can see is the funny side of what happened today.
You can’t buy a great attitude like that! Next time, he’ll triple-check that he has his portfolio and he’ll NEVER answer his phone in an interview. All of these are lessons that are easily learned. The ability to see the humor in a comedy of errors isn’t something you can teach. It’s a “soft” skill that will serve him well in his job hunt and as an employee for the lucky employer who hires him!
Further proving this client is a true math guy – he estimates the statistical probablility of all of these things happening at once: 10 trillion to one. So, don’t worry too much that your interview experience will be similar!
Keppie Careers can help you navigate all the ups and downs of your job search: www.keppiecareers.com.