|
Avoid a Three-ring Circus with These New Interviewing Strategies
I referenced the circus because I just finished another interviewing book that recommends asking for the job before leaving the interview. I can envision up to 15 qualified professionals each asking the interviewer for the job. If each asks for the job, doesn't that make the question null and void ? cross out each other's great gesture? If everyone jumps through the same hoop, performing like a good little circus monkey, what's going to set you apart from other candidates? Giving this great thought, I decided to look at the things that would impress me. I've been in the career industry for many years, and if I hired individuals on a daily basis, I wouldn't be impressed by someone asking for the job. By showing up for the interview, I know this person wants/needs the job. The real question is who is the best fit for the position - the person that will add the most to my bottom line. A number of new strategies that I recommend include discussing the position at the time of scheduling the interview, creating a position-specific presentation for the interviewer, and shocking the interviewer with specifics on how you will transform their business. I've seen many instances where stepping up to a challenge have been very rewarding. Benefits can cannonball into your favor because going the extra mile has its own rewards. Years ago, for example, I heard a story about an executive who was applying to a well-known jean company. Rather than taking the traditional route, she opted to write her résumé on the back of a pair of jeans. Wouldn't you know it, she got the job! Another example I'll share is of a gentleman who wished to serve on a school board. Rather than submitting his request, campaigning, and holding his breath, he went around and spoke to school administrators and teachers about the condition of the school district. He valued their input, focusing on many of the important issues plaguing the school's progress; and when it came time for the election, he won without trouble. Each of these people did the same thing: they went against the grain of their competitors. If there are 6 clowns stuffed in a 2-seat car, yet in the rear there is one clown riding a float with fireworks coming off the back. Are you looking at the small car stuffed with clowns, or are you looking at the great show behind the car? Setting yourself apart has become critical because - let's be honest - the interview process is flawed. The best candidate doesn't always get the position. It's generally the person who says all the right things, at all the right times. The person who has best performed their stage act is not necessarily the one that has the best skills. With this said, I suggest doing something unique, yet professional, showing employers that you care about their successes. Probing for Information Prior to the Interview Some individuals love to dish out dirt, so you need only ask the right questions beforehand. Holding the answers to certain questions will make the interview saturated with elements relevant to the company's current situation and needs. Examples of questions that you can ask a secretary or clerk (also referred to as the gatekeeper) at the time of scheduling an interview: - Specifically, what are the challenges in this position?
- Can you tell me why the person in the job is leaving/has left?
- What problems are keeping the department from running smoother?
- Are there concerns the department manager has about filling this position?
- Is the department behind or lacking support to complete certain functions?
- Can you give me any additional direction that would help me identify what elements of my background will help your department manager meet his or her objectives?
On occasion, you only need to ask one question, sit back, and listen. Remember to hear more than you speak, taking notes throughout the entire conversation. You should cultivate enough information so you can create a nice presentation for the interviewer on your special day. Create a Presentation that Solves Problems I'd hire the first person that walked through my door and convinced me that they could make all my problems go away. I know that sounds farfetched because realistically no one can fix everything, but I would hire the first person that came close to being a savior to my exhausting daily workload. Managers want to hire individuals that will satisfy the job description, continue to solve problems independently, and excel regardless of the pressure, all while making the direct manager look good, of course. As an example, imagine that the gatekeeper said the department experiences huge backlogs of acquisitions. Reference your own experiences to determine the types of obstacles the company may be facing. Log each of your solutions and make notation of a couple of solutions along with implementation procedures. Also, jot down the number of acquisitions you can complete daily and how quickly you can catch up on any backlog the company may be experiencing. Give the interviewer an offer that can't be refused, rather than performing the same mundane act as the other performers. Sales positions revolve exclusively around clients (revenue); so if you KNOW that you can secure a certain prominent client then offer it as an asset. You can say something like, "I noticed that S3 Corporation isn't an existing client of yours. I know they spend up to a million dollars per year buying products inferior to yours. I have a contact in the business development department that would love to meet with us to discuss ways we can save them money and offer a better product matched by your award-winning service ? once I'm offered the job, of course." Some newspaper publications offer an archive for tracking a company's history relayed in print. Learn about new contracts awarded to the company, a new division or location, or possibly, a new CEO. Mentioning current events within an interview shows that you are taking an interest in the business. On the other side, you can use these items as ammunition in your presentation. You'll WOW them only if you do your homework. If you plan to attend the interview with all the magical answers that everyone else practiced, then you should go out and play the lottery. Your chances are stacked against you, especially with today's job market. The competition is fierce, so I recommend modifying drab strategies to incorporate "death-defying" initiatives to get you to the other side of the tightrope rather than falling onto the net. About The Author Written by Teena Rose, a certified and published resume writer with Resume to Referral (http://www.resumebycrpw.com) and author to "Resume Designs & Job-search Strategies for College Grads" (published by CareerEpublications) --forecasted to release September 2003. admin@resumetoreferral.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Jobs City of Rochester (.gov)
Careers Washington State University
Work With Us National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
JobFeed NSW Department of Education
Jobs Dublin City University
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Work Is A Four-Letter Word
I can hear the jokes already and most of them are not politically correct. Let me throw out a word that we often don't attach to work and yet I think it is a word of redemption, of contribution, of achievement, of community, and ultimately, of legacy.
Moving From A Weekend Hobby To Career In The Arts
Building a career as an artist takes hard work. Because the field attracts so many talented people, jobs in this field remain competitive.
Stepping Stone Jobs
What we name something matters.It sets a tone that alters our attitude.
Career Strategy When Your Boss is a Bully
Q. Right after I accepted my new position, the manager who hired me quit.
American Idol Syndrome
I like Simon, one of three judges on American Idol. I find his feedback refreshingly honest.
Taking Charge During An Interview!
Perhaps you've found yourself in the position of seeking a new position due to a layoff, cutback or downsizing and are now facing the interviewing process. As scary as that may seem, one of the most critical points to remember is that just because you're sitting in the seat opposite the potential employer doesn't mean you have no control.
Unemployment Survival: Creating a Sense of Security
In a time of economic downturn, international turmoil, company restructuring and corporate mergers run amok, thousands of people are either out of work or fearful of losing their jobs.Is there, then, such a thing as job security?No job, in itself, is totally secure.
Top Career Advice ... More Choices and A Better Way of Life
Why Career Advice Is So ImportantChoosing a career presents a nerve-racking decision, as it can have a life-long impact on you. Do not fret, as you can gain a clearer outlook into your future by thorough career planning.
Last Year Physician Resident Checklist
Here is a last year resident checklist not to forget:LICENSING:Licensing is becoming increasingly complex as identity and medical fraud become more common. Therefore don't wait till the last minute to start the process.
Changing Careers? How to Get Around the Three Major Mental Roadblocks to Success
A part of you can't wait to dive into your new career -- but you're also smart enough to know that you can expect a few bumps along the road to success. By far, the biggest roadblocks exist between your own two ears!
Let's take a look at three common mental roadblocks and learn how to overcome them.
Career Change - Is Your Career A Good Fit Or Is It Causing Pain?
Do you leap out of bed in the morning looking forward to the day ahead?Do you love your job and find that your working day goes past in the blink of an eye?Are you a solicitor, secretary, scientist or social worker because your parents or your careers teacher thought it was a good idea?Would you choose to do your job, even if you were not being paid? No?Well, take heart because the same goes for others! So many individuals are working in jobs which they find unfulfilling and meaningless. Many work in jobs which are inappropriate for them, simply because the pay is good.
The Secrets to Interview Success
Many well qualified and extremely able candidates fail at job interviews simply because they are unaware of the conventions of the job interview and the expectations of the interviewer.Successful candidates, on the other hand, manage to impress prospective employers precisely because they know how to present themselves.
Personal Grooming: 8 Top Reasons Why You Can't Take It For Granted In Your Career
Most people when they landed "the dream job" after an interview or even got "the deal" of the lifetime in their businesses, sadly to say tend to slack on their grooming habits and it even goes to the point that they are wearing their pajamas going to the office. It seems that's very extreme but it happens.
Ten Great Careers For Computer "Geeks
The universal acceptance of computers into our daily lives, both at work and at home, has decreased the image of computer users as being "geeks." The word geek itself has evolved a bit - going from meaning a socially inept person who gets along better with computers than people, to someone who is an expert with computers, a guru even.
Ten Careers For High School Seniors Who Hate School
Let's face it?not everybody likes going to school and high school can be a terrible experience for many students. Whether you're the hands on type who preferred Shop class to English class, or an athlete who liked working as a team more than studying alone, or even someone who liked schoolwork more than schoolmates; the idea of four more years of school is unbearable.
Job Search Advice for Desperate Job Seekers
Another morning of job hunting lies ahead of you. You pour a cupof coffee and open the paper to the employment section.
Tips on Finding Employment as a Corporate Flight Attendant
I will not pretend that this is the easiest topic to write about. In fact, my knowledge of how one finds work as a private flight attendant is based chiefly on what others have shared with me.
Top Ten Reasons to Start A Catering Business
There is little doubt that Americans still have a deep abiding love for all things eatable. Despite the health craze that has forced Ronald McDonald to sport a jogging suit, Whoppers, Big Mac's, and French Fries is truly why we have fat thighs.
The Quickly Changing Landscape Of The Job Market
Does it seem that with every passing year it's getting harder and harder to find good paying jobs? If you think so, you're not alone in your thoughts. In fact, this is a common complaint that many people have and it is even worse for those that do not have a college education.
Whiners Need Not Apply
Sometime last summer I decided to host a pity party and invite all my friends. Well, not all my friends, exactly.
|