Landing that perfect job!

Our firm is dedicated to helping executives gain the competitive edge in acquiring that “perfect career”.  We have put together the following information, gathered from industry career advice experts that will increase your chances of being hired by your dream company. 

Before you interview, there is much you can do to increase your chances of being selected.  Studies indicate that 95% of our behavior is reactive, meaning that we are influenced by what we see, hear, smell, and feel.  This includes the realm of hiring and business as well.  Incredible as it might sound, 85% of all hiring decisions are made in the first 4 minutes!  What can you present in 4 minutes?  You are basically selling yourself – how you dress, how you walk, what you smell like, your attitude, your manners – these will be the main determinants in whether or not you get the job offer.  Therefore, you must take a careful look at your “package”.

Body Language

·         When you greet the interviewer, look him/her in the eye and give a firm handshake.

·         Maintain as much eye contact throughout the interview as possible (at least 80% of the time).

·         Demonstrate an interest in the interviewer’s conversation; focus on the interviewer and smile.  Nod your head to acknowledge statements made, and lean slightly forward toward the interviewer to show he or she is your only interest.

·         Maintain good posture when sitting and standing.

·         Keep your hands away from your hair, clothes and accessories.

·         Wait for the interviewer to invite you to sit down.

Interview Preparation

There are several components to an interview.  You normally will be given an opportunity to ask questions (this is where your knowledge of their company will pay off), “Rehearse and Research” should be your motto as you approach the crucial date. 

1. Companies care about results; your future boss wants to hear about solutions you               implemented for previous employers and what you can do for their organization when they hire you.

2. The interviewer is primarily looking to get five questions answered:

• Do you have the skills and values that fit the needs of this organization?
• How much money will you need to work for us?

·         What are your reasons for wanting to work in this organization?

• What work experiences make you a good candidate for this job?
• How did you develop a team to accomplish objectives and goals as opposed to “I did this and I did that”.

 3. You must go in prepared! Do your homework; look up their web site and annual report and get as much information as possible.  You need to do research on the specific job, the company and any related industry issues pertinent to the position for which you are interviewing.

 Being prepared:

• Shows how you will work for the employer
• Will boost your confidence
• Will raise your potential in the employer’s mind
• Allows you to showcase your major skills, abilities and prove your communication skills
• Gives you an edge in negotiating

Spend time preparing for the interview process in order to prove that you are the best candidate for the job.

• Develop a synopsis of yourself (about 30 seconds to 2 minutes in duration)
• In case you’re asked, be prepared to give more specific explanations for Job A, Job B, and Job C that are listed on your resume.
• You must be able to explain specifics of past experiences and successes. Many candidates are “too winded” in their responses so keep your descriptions short, to the point and then ask the interviewer if he/she needs additional data. Try to keep responses to questions in the 1-2 minutes range and let the interviewer “drive” the interview. You may occasionally co-pilot but never grab the wheel!  As you give answers be sure not to make them too long or too short. It is imperative that you answer with the facts, then ask if they would like more detail and then it will be an invitation to explain specifics. It is also very difficult for the interviewer to measure you if your answers are too short or don’t have any substance. You need to find that “in between” area for length and amount of specifics in your answers/statements.

Critical to relating previous experience to the responsibilities of a new job is the “T Account” Matrix below. You should fill this out as part of your rehearsal.

Inherent in this process is the candidate’s resume and a complete understanding of the accomplishments and skill sets it represents. Prepare for the interview with an agenda but remain flexible.  Your agenda will include all the things you wish to communicate about yourself.  Make absolutely certain that you don’t control the interview. Let the employer control the questions, sequence and timing.

The “Tell Me About Yourself “Question

When asked this question, respond with the following:

• Early education and career start (30-45 seconds) – “I graduated from_college in_(year) and received my_(degree) from_University.  I took my first position with_(company), where I worked with increasing responsibilities for_(number of years).
• The growth years (45-60 seconds) – More about what you did at your jobs, for whom you worked, your accomplishments.
• Current position (15 seconds) – Your most recent job, and its importance.
• What you’re looking for (15 seconds) – End your discussion by saying “And now, I’d like to hear more about your company, and the job opening you have.” This is a deliberate exit to let the interviewer know it is his/her turn to talk.

Answer the interviewer’s open-ended questions with some details.  Don’t forget, short responses will tend to bring the interview to a premature end and too long of an answer will bore them.  The use of the verbs below will give you an advantage:

Action words:                                             Leadership words:

Planned                                              Organized            Led

Developed                                          Guided             Influenced

Implemented                                       Presided over           

     Result Phrases:

“The policy changes I implemented demonstrated that greater efficiency could be achieved along with cost savings.”

 Other Verbal Behavior

·         Let the interviewer complete his or her statements and/or questions without interrupting. Do not interrupt!  When they are done speaking, acknowledge with a nod or “Hmmm” or “I Understand”, waiting two full seconds before you respond.

·         Don’t exaggerate your capabilities/accomplishments - be ready with facts and figures.

·         Pronounce words clearly and distinctly in your responses.

·         Address those you meet (including clerical and other staff personnel) with proper forms of respect such as Miss, Mrs., Mr., Sir,. Use first names only after you have been invited to do so.

·         If politics or religion are brought up, avoid stating your views; get the job and discuss these things later.

Questions to Make You Stand Out

Usually toward the end of the interview, good questions from candidates tell the interviewer the candidate is a good listener, has good people skills, and is sincere.

Questions you should consider asking:

• What are some major short and long-range objectives of the company?

• What are some characteristics about the company that are unique?
• What other industries or outside influences affect this company’s growth?
• In what areas does the company need to improve?

Closing the interview

Always show an eager interest at the end of the interview; thank the employer for his/her time and tell them that you want the job. Remember to sound interested and excited, NOT desperate.

Miscellaneous

Know how to get to the meeting; test the route and time it. Get business cards - Mail or email a thank you letter the day after your interview.

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