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Step 6-Interview Mastery
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MASTERING THE INTERVIEW
You've made it this far, so you now have the information you need to create an
effective, interview-generating system that can attract better job opportunities
to you throughout your career.
You have covered these important steps:
- You know your strengths and the jobs that best fit you. (Step 1)
- You've developed an effective job search/career development plan. (Step 2)
- You know what to put in your resume to get an employer's attention. (Step 3)
- You know how to encourage others to help you find a job. (Step 4)
- You know how to implement your opportunity-generating plan. (Step 5)
It's almost SHOW TIME! Time to sell yourself and get that offer!
During the interviewing process you have an opportunity to showcase your
skills, as well as investigate whether you and the company are a good fit.
Recognizing this will help you take a more proactive, confident position,
resulting in more successful interviews. In addition, knowing how to control the
pace of the interview will give you a distinct advantage over your
competitors.
Make sure you print this page and study it before your
next interview!
The Interviewing Process
During our sessions, we cover each area of the interviewing process and
discuss successful techniques for mastering the interview from beginning to
end.
Below is a general guideline of what to expect during the interviewing
process, things to keep in mind, questions employers might ask and questions you
can ask:
1. Introductions - Maintain eye contact to show confidence.
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Offer a firm (not bone-crushing) handshake.
- Smile often.
- State the
name of the person being introduced. "Pleasure to meet you, Susan."
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Keep it formal, but friendly. Others may also be evaluating you.
- Let them
do more of the talking. Respond accordingly, but know when to stop.
2. Small Talk - Find something complimentary about the
office/people/first thing positive you see.
- See if there is something you
have in common with the interviewer(s).
Example: look around for
indicators of: their alma mater, family photos, pets, sports/hobbies, etc.
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Know how to answer the old conversation starter, "So, tell me about yourself."
3. Interviewer-Discussion of Company/Job - Listen for the "pain"
(areas of concern). Why they are hiring for this position?
- Focus on
problem areas or concerns.
- Find pause points to ask questions about them.
- Note their response and consider how you will match your skills to their
concern.
- Use the term "we" often. "I think we could solve this problem by
focusing on the..."
4. You - Questions/Recap of their needs
- Go back to the "list
of pain".
- Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- State/re-state how
you can help with those areas and give one example from your history.
- Make
sure you have covered all of your bases, by asking the "good fit" question:
"Based on our discussion, do you feel that there is a good fit between what
you are looking for in a candidate and the qualifications I have demonstrated?
If not, what would be areas of concern for you?" - Listen for any
concerns.
Without sounding defensive, address any concerns by elaborating
on areas you may not have covered sufficiently, making sure you address their
specific concerns.
5. Express your interest in the job - Let the interviewer(s) know
that you would be interested in this opportunity, should they feel that you are
a good fit.
6. Ask when they will be making their decision.
7. Thank them for their time.
- Make sure you get the names/business cards of interviewer(s).
- Firm
handshakes, eye contact, "thank you for your time, Susan", etc.
8. Follow up with a Thank You letter!
- Send "thank you" notes or e-mails to everyone to which you have
spoken.
I've heard from countless employers how so few people actually do this
anymore. What a mistake! Sending a thank you letter not only reinforces
your interest in the job, it really makes you stand out as a professional. Just
that one extra little step can make a huge difference!
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
 Questions about this topic? Click here.
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Time to step up!
