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Common Courtesies During An Interview

July 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Despite the seemingly inexhaustible amount of information pertaining to the do’s and don’t of an interview, it seems like prospective employees either don’t bother doing their research or just plain forget about the basic common courtesies that could be the difference between employment and yet another rejection. Regardless of how qualified you think you are, you have no right to stroll into an interview and expect your résumé alone to land you the job. Companies try to incorporate some semblance of camaraderie into their workplace as they know this leads to greater productivity. Therefore, they are looking for an employee who is as courteous as he/she is talented. Here are some common courtesies that simply cannot be ignored during the interview process.

Punctuality
An interview is not the ideal time to exercise your right to be ‘fashionably late’. Unless you have an extremely good excuse and preferably evidence as to why you were late, tardiness is a huge black mark against you before the interview has even began. The company will automatically view you as unreliable and will wonder about your ability to turn up for work on time if you managed to be late for the interview. Don’t settle for being there on time, be 5-10 minutes early. This leaves a good impression and gives you some time to collect yourself before the inevitable grilling.

Dressing Smartly
The interviewing company has given up some of their valuable time and resources to interview you, do them the courtesy of taking the process seriously. If you turn up in a scruffy jeans/t-shirt combination, you are being disrespectful and basically saying you don’t want the job. It is not asking much to wear a clean suit or shirt/trousers combo and be well groomed is it?

Be Polite
Look the hiring manager in the eyes and greet them with a smile before issuing a firm handshake. Being polite and friendly with everyone you come across in the building. After all, if you are successful, they will be your new colleagues. Your politeness should extend to standing up when someone enters the room. Once you are in the interview room, do not sit until everyone else has or the interviewer invites you.

The Process And Aftermath
Once the interview begins, listen intently, do not interrupt when the interviewer is speaking and ask permission if you are taking notes. This is not only polite, it also lets the interviewer know that you are listening to what he/she has to say. Once the interview has concluded, shake the hands of everyone in the room firmly and flash a genuine smile once again. This will leave a good lasting impression.

Replying To The Candidate
For the company’s part, it is important to treat all candidates equally and afford them respect. If you decide not to hire them, inform them via post, phone call or email. It is likely that the candidate spent hours preparing for their interview. It is extremely impolite to ignore unsuccessful candidates once they have passed through your doors.

Interviews can be a harrowing process but a little bit of common courtesy from both parties goes a long way.  Any job interview coaching would include these points in your training.

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How to Dress For An Interview

February 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It doesn’t matter where you are interviewing, there is a good chance that what you wear will directly affect whether or not you get hired.  In today’s climate, it is difficult enough just getting an interview so why would you put your chances in jeopardy by not dressing appropriately.  Unfortunately, there isn’t one uniform dress code for every interview, however there are some simple tips that you can utilize to ensure that you are always dressed in line with industry norms.  Here are a few quick guidelines that can help you standout during a job interview.

1.    Err On the Conservative Side
Ideally you will know exactly what environment you are walking into.  Obviously if you are applying for an office position you will probably be dressing differently than if you were applying for a general labor position.  The key is identifying what type of work environment you will be entering and more importantly, what the expected type of dress code will be.  If you are ever in a position where you are unsure about what you will be walking into then always err on the side of being a little more conservative.  Most people will judge you more harshly if you show up under-dressed rather than over-dressed.

2.    Don’t Forget the Details
While it may not directly reflect your abilities or qualifications, many employers have their own set of details that they consciously check during every interview.  For example, if you are wearing fingernail polish then it needs to look well maintained.  If you are where nice dress shoes, then they need to be cleaned and if possible, polished.  If you are accessorizing with a necklace, earrings, or bracelet, then they need to match your outfit and not be overbearing.  If you are wearing a tie, then make sure that it is on straight.  All of these smaller details can be just what you need to get the edge over someone else who is equally qualified, and sometimes even more qualified.

3.    Standard Women’s Dress
For women, business casual is becoming an increasingly broad term, however when in doubt, stick the basics.  Women are allowed to stray a little farther from the traditional “power colors” than men, but that doesn’t mean you should go overboard.  A bright pink skirt is not going to leave a good first impression.  A business suit, either traditional or fashionable, is normally acceptable (both pants and skirts).  Keep in mind that your jacket, blouse, and bottoms should all match and your accessories need to be an accent rather than the main event.  Finally, always make sure that your cloths fit well.  Just because you want to be a size 6 doesn’t mean that you are.  Dress to your body type and you will always stand out.

4.    Standard Men’s Dress
In general, men are limited to black, blue, gray, and brown suits.  Traditionally, only white or blue shirts were considered acceptable, however this is no longer the case.  As long as your shirt and tie coordinate with your suit, there shouldn’t be a problem.  Socks should always match your suit (not be white) and your shoes should always be either black or brown.  If you have any facial hair, make sure that it is well maintained.

If you are still wondering how to dress for an interview, then these four guidelines should get you started in the right direction.  If all else fails, use some common sense and always opt to look more conservative.

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How to Answer 3 Hard Interview Questions

September 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

We have all been there before. You are sitting in an interview for your ideal job and things are going well. Just when you begin to feel comfortable, the hiring personnel ask you one of the hardest interview questions known to man. You begin to fumble your words, sweat and all signs of being collected go out the window. Before you know it, the interviewer blurts out, “Thanks for your time and we will call you if we are interested.” All of this could have been prevented if you would have prepared yourself for common interview questions that are considered to be difficult. Let’s look at the top three tricky interview questions and how they can be answered.

1.Tell us about an experience that involved a problem with a manager or boss. What did you do or say to resolve the issues?
This is hard because no one wants to bring up problem that they encountered with their last employer to their potential employer. Interview experts suggest that you keep this answer as positive as possible. Refer to a very small issue like a miscommunication of a task and then really emphasize the personal qualities that you have which allowed you to resolve it. Include qualities like conflict resolution experience, willingness to admit to your mistakes and your team building efforts.

2.If you were hiring a person for this position what would you look for in them?
The wrong answer is to rattle off a bunch of skills that are specific to a task. For example, interviewers don’t want to hear that you would look for someone that had Microsoft Word skills, a clean criminal record and experience in sales. They want you to mention things that will help their company grow like creativity and adaptability. Employers are often looking for people that they can mold to their ways, not people that refuse to change their ways or their skills.

3.Think of a time when you were under a lot of pressure in the workplace. How did you deal with it and what were the results?
This may seem like a difficult question at first because of the way it is worded. Don’t let that fool you. This is really your time to shine. Pressure can be anything and it doesn’t have to be negative. Talk about one of your greatest achievements in the workplace and how you put pressure on yourself to be the best that you could be. Include things about the desire you have to impress your co-workers as well as your manager or boss. Elaborate on the fact that pressure is necessary for optimum outcomes. Whatever you do, don’t say that you fall apart under pressure.

These are some of the most common questions that interviewers attempt to trick job applicants with. Don’t fall into their trap. Research other trick questions and know what your response will be before the interview.

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3 Interview Questions You Must Have an Answer For

July 21, 2010 By 1 Comment

Job interviews can be a very stressful event for most people.  One of the best ways to feel more relaxed in an interview is to feel prepared.  There are a variety of different interview questions that you could be asked from “If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?” to “If I talked to your previous employers, how would they describe you?”  The truth is, it is impossible to have an answer for every interview question that you are asked, however there are excellent ways to become prepared.

Believe it or not, one of the best ways to feel prepared for an interview takes place before you even get invited.  By making sure that your resume is properly formatted and full of the right information, you will have already created a list of bullet points that can be used in your interview.  However, your resume can’t do all of your talking for you.  Here are 3 interview questions that you must have an answer for.

1.    So, tell me about yourself.

While this isn’t technically a question, it definitely needs an answer.  There are a variety of ways that it can be answered, however not all of them are productive.  Think of this question as a way to add some bulk to your resume.  You don’t need to give everyone your life story.  This is an excellent way to make some “required” information much more useful.  You have to list your education history, but aside from knowing that you have a degree, this section doesn’t say much else.  This area is an excellent area to talk more about.

For example, you got a degree from XYZ.  Talk about extra-circular activities that you were involved with and explain how those activities helped you develop a skill-set that is particularly applicable to the position you are applying for.

2.    What is Your Biggest Weakness?

This question can seem like an intimidating one.  There are a lot of ways that you can this question can quickly become the bane of your interview.  If you say that you don’t have one, you are lying, excessively arrogant, or both.  If you are completely and brutally honest, you may leave your interviewer wondering why they invited you in the first place.

Over the last decade, the common practice has been to take a strength and make it sound like a weakness.  If you try this now, it will simply not work.  Answers like, “I am a workaholic” no longer cut it.  A much better option is to take an actual flaw and discuss what actions you are taking to fix it.  For example, “I can become extremely detail oriented, which can cause me to lose track of the big picture.  To create more balance in my perspective, I start and end each day evaluating my overall progress on a project”.  An answer like this creates a number of advantages for you.  First, it shows that you can accept that you have flaws and then create a proactive solution.  Second, it shows that you are always trying to improve yourself.

3.    Do you have any questions for me?

Almost every interviewer will end the job interview with this question.  Since most people do not prepare an answer, you can create a clear advantage for yourself.  Find two or three questions you have about the company in general and keep them in mind.  It shows the interviewer that you are taking the interview, the company, as well as the potential position seriously.  It is best if these questions can help you show the interviewer that your goals are aligned with the companies.

While your resume can often be the basis for your interview answers, these are 3 interview questions that you must have an answer for, before you show up.

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Lunch Interview Tips

July 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The good news: you landed an interview for that job you’re interested in. The potentially bad news: your prospective boss wants to conduct the interview over lunch. “Meal interviews” can come about for several reasons. Perhaps the interviewer has an insanely busy schedule and must multi-task by talking with you over lunch. Or the reason could be a bit sneakier—as in, wanting to size up not only your business credentials, but also on your table manners and ability to successfully mix business and pleasure.

This trial run is a legitimate test for candidates who may be doing a lot of these “let’s do lunch” meetings if they secure the job. But no matter the reason for the lunch meeting, the trick to mastering this specific interview is to incorporate the usual blow-them-away techniques with some tips uniquely relevant to mealtime meetings.

Remember mom’s rules. The quickest way to turn off a potential employer is to appall him with your table manners. You probably slack off a bit when you’re at home, so in the meals leading up to the big interview, go back to the basics. Sit up straight, no elbows on the table, put your napkin in your lap, use the proper utensils, etc. And for heaven’s sake, don’t talk with your mouth full. If you have real concerns about your table manners, ask a good friend to dine with you and give you honest feedback.

Choose your food (and drink) wisely. The number one rule of thumb? No alcohol. Even in the unlikely event that your interviewer makes it a martini lunch, stick with water, tea, coffee, or lemonade. Skip the soda and seltzer because belching isn’t exactly professional. When it comes to food, picking the “right” entrée is as tricky as a first-date meal selection. You don’t want to go too cheap—a salad says that you aren’t comfortable—but you also want to stay away from the priciest item on the menu. Because you’re the guest, you’ll probably order first, so you may not be able to depend on the interviewer to set the tone. The best choice is to stick to something middle-of-the-road but easy to eat. Go easy on messy pastas, sauce-covered ribs, or anything that will have a strong aroma.

Juggle food and conversation wisely. The trickiest element of a lunch interview is the balancing act between eating and talking. You’re likely nervous and may be tempted to simply pick at your food, but you want to come across as confident, and that doesn’t happen when you’re pushing chicken around on your plate. The solution is to take small bites so you’re not stuck with 30 seconds of chew time just as you’re asked a question. It’s also wise to avoid shoveling your food in just to get it over with—that’s just begging for hard-to-hide digestive problems.

Finish strong. Just as with a traditional, in-office meeting, let the interviewer set the pace. If she doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to end the conversation after the meal, feel free to order a cup of coffee and keep talking. But pay attention to cues that she wants to wrap it up—asking you whether you have any final questions or looking around madly for the waiter and your check, for example.

Other tips for successfully navigating a meal interview:

Be nice to your server. Your interviewer is looking at all of your behavior to determine whether you’d be a good fit for the company.

No matter how much you dislike what you ordered—or even if you’re served the wrong dish—make an effort to go with the flow. “Unflappable” is always a good impression to give.

Don’t ask for a box at the end of the meal. Regardless of how succulent the steak or how fresh the salmon, a doggie bag makes it hard to take you seriously as a candidate.

Don’t suggest that you pick up the check. It’s never expected and comes off as awkward rather than polite.

Reiterate your interest in the position as you’re saying your farewells.

When sending your follow-up thank you note, don’t forget to thank him for the lovely meal, as well as for his time.

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How to Prepare for a Job Interview

July 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Getting the call for a job interview is a wonderful and unnerving feeling all at the same time. Yes you should certainly be happy that you have an opportunity for employment, but it will also be natural for you to feel a bit uneasy about what the interview will entail. What will they ask? What will you say? How should you dress?

As anxious as you may feel there are ways that you can prepare for your interview that should leave you going into it with the utmost of confidence. Here are some tricks to help you prepare for your next big interview:

•    Learn About the Company: Take some time before the interview to learn about the company in which you may possibly work for. A great place to start is right online as most businesses these days have a website. Check out the ‘About Us’ page and really take some time to dig into what the company is all about. This may lend you some insight on things to say during the interview.
•    Learn the Lay of the Land: Instead of getting all worked up over what you should wear to the interview, learn what everyone else at the company wears to work. If possible, go to the building that you will be interviewing at and hang out just before they open up. You can then observe people who work at the company and how they are dressed. Showing up dressed the proper way will only add brownie points to your score and knowing how to dress for the interview will give you one less thing to think about.
•    Practice Makes Perfect: A great way to be prepared for an interview is to interview yourself beforehand. To do this simply look in the mirror and ask yourself some hiring questions. Really listen to what you are saying and evaluate yourself. At the end of your self-interview ask, ‘Would I hire me?’ If the answer is no then chances are that is probably what the potential employer will say so you will then need to conduct a few more self-interviews until you give yourself the job.
•    Know Yourself: At almost every interview you are going to hear the question, ‘Tell me about yourself.’ If you start off with ‘ahhh,’ then the potential employer will obviously be less than impressed. After all, if you don’t know who you are, then who does? You really need to be able to answer this question both smoothly and honestly. Don’t try to over impress the interviewer. Remember, they have more than likely conducted many interviews and will usually be able to see right through the fluff.

While it may seem like the most nerve racking experience of your life, a job interview is actually an opportunity. Just as with anything big in life, when it comes to an interview, you need to be prepared. Practicing what you will say and how you will say it along with knowing what you want to wear coupled with your knowledge of the company should have you marching into the interview beaming with confidence.

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How to Describe Yourself in an Interview

July 14, 2010 By 2 Comments

There you are dressed your best and being interviewed for the job of your dreams and the dreaded question gets asked, ‘Describe yourself for me.’ This question is almost always asked by perspective employers and almost always answered with a resounding uuuuuh… Knowing how to describe yourself in an interview can mean the difference of landing your dream job or going back to the want adds.

It helps if you come to grips with the fact that this question will be asked and you prepare for it ahead of time, but be careful that you don’t some off sounding like you memorized a script the night before. When getting ready to describe yourself in an interview you should consider the following:

•    Don’t tell them what they already know: Don’t start out with your name and age, they have that on the application and repeating it sort of makes you sound silly. Instead of saying where you went to school –also on the application- tell the interviewer what you got out of your schooling or who influenced you along the way. Get into any activities or hobbies you have that may not be listed on the application. This is your time to let the interviewer know everything about you that is not on the application already.

•    Give your strengths AND your weaknesses: First off all when giving your strengths, never come off too cocky. Be proud, but be careful not to toot your own horn too loudly as this can be a major turn-off to the interviewer. Besides giving what your strengths are, also mention your weaknesses, but do it in a way that makes you look good. ‘I have no patience for those that do not want to go the extra mile to help a co-worker,’ or ‘A big fault of mine is that I tend to pay too much attention to detail when it may not be needed.’ Statements such as those show the interviewer that you don’t think you are perfect, but that your faults are good ones to have.

•    Be honest: This is most important of all. If you are not being honest many prospective employers can see right through your bologna and besides, you are who you are. If the job isn’t meant to be, then that is life. Never pretend to be somebody you are not.

•    Speak clearly and don’t stammer: This goes back to the whole practice thing. If you are constantly stammering or saying ‘uh’ then you give off the impression that you are searching for words to say. This gives a bad vibe off because if you don’t know who you are, then who really does?

While there are no magic words to speak that will guarantee you a job, you should be prepared to adequately describe yourself at an interview. Again, you know the question is coming, so you may as well prepare for it. A good trick is to stand in front of the mirror and interview yourself. Ask yourself the question and answer the question. Would you hire yourself? If the answer is no, then chances are neither will the prospective employer, so keep practicing until the answer is yes.

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How to Describe Weaknesses in a Job Interview

July 14, 2010 By 1 Comment

Human resources professionals, recruiters and others who interview job applicants seem to have a fondness for that much-dreaded question about how you would describe your own weaknesses. As much as those hiring love to ask the question, almost every job seeker hates to answer it. Describe your weaknesses is a double-edged sword of a question. There is no one right answer to it. However it is definitely one of the most important questions you will face in a job interview.

Before a job interview it is critical to have a response ready for the weakness question. Failing to answer the question or giving a lame off-the-cuff answer will not cut it. Those who are hiring know that the weakness question is no secret and therefore they expect you to have a prepared response.

When describing weaknesses in a job interview, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Don’t describe perfectionism as a weakness. Once thought to be the perfect answer, it is overused and is clichéd.
  • All humans have weaknesses, including the person interviewing you, therefore choose to describe an actual weakness that you have and give real examples. However, be wary about which weakness you choose to divulge. Do not mention weaknesses that make you look like an absolute terrible choice as an employee. Avoid talking about mental instability or things that would make someone question your values, morals and integrity. The weakness however should be one that is work-relevant.
  • Be sure to mention exactly how you are working to overcome your weakness. It shows great character that you are self-aware enough to be conscious of your weaknesses and have a plan for overcoming or compensating for them.
  • Describing past weaknesses and showing how you have overcome them is always a great way to treat this question.

Remember to keep in mind the type of job you are applying for and the skills required for it. Mentioning the fact that you are non-confrontational may not be a plus for someone in a customer service type of position, but may be okay for a computer programmer. Being talkative may be a drawback for an accountant or actuary. However, it is definitely a plus for a salesperson. Choosing a weakness that is actually a strength in disguise for the job you are applying on is a very smart tactic.

Some weaknesses that are acceptable to divulge, depending on the job you are applying for and the way you present them include the following:
-    Competitive
-    Impatient
-    Too Demanding
-    Lack of Organization
-    Not Detail Oriented
-    Critical
-    Sensitive

When dealing with the weakness question in a job interview, above all be honest. It is easy to detect lies, especially for those who frequently interview potential job candidates. Have a great answer ready and answer the question with confidence. After all, we really do all have weaknesses. Being able to admit to it and show your dedication to self-improvement proves that you are great employee material.

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The Best Time To Schedule An Interview

February 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

At some point of time in your life you will find yourself in an interview. If you are a highly sought after individual, you may find yourself in several interviews in a very short time frame. Whatever the case may be there are certain rules when you schedule an interview that should be followed for the best results.

You should always schedule you interviews between Tuesday and Thursday. If you schedule an interview on Friday you are getting someone at the end of the work week when all that is on their mind is the upcoming weekend. If you schedule an interview on Monday, you are getting the beginning of the work week and an individual who is not happy that their weekend just flew by so fast. In either case you will not get the full attention you want from your prospective employer.

As far as time goes, you should always schedule you interviews for two different time spans. The first time span is between 10am and 11am. Assuming the business you are interviewing at is 9am to 5 pm, arriving any earlier than 10am will likely get you an interviewer that has not had their morning coffee kick in and may be just a bit cranky. Always give your prospective boss a little time to settle into the work day. If you schedule your interview after 11am you risk a hungry interviewer that will rush you out the door as the noon lunch hour loom. You want to make sure that you have at least a half-hour to plead your case as to why you should be working there.

The second time span is between 2pm and 4pm. Again, assuming the company is a 9am to 5pm company you can bet lunch is from noon to 1pm. Get there any earlier than 2pm and you risk interviewing for a full-bellied boss that isn’t settled back into the work day. Give your prospective employer just a bit of time to get back into the work groove after lunch is over. You will also not want to interview past 4pm as the work day ends at 5pm. Nothing will get you through a job interview faster than scheduling it at the end of the work day. No one likes to stay at work late if they don’t have to and an interview scheduled later than 4pm puts you at risk of being hurried through the interview. Again you want to make sure you have at least a half hour of undivided attention to get the most out of your interview.

The only other rule for interviewing is if the company you are interviewing for gives you a time and day, then that is the perfect time for your interview. Never, under any circumstances, change an interview that has been set for you by a prospective employer. If they want to meet with you at 4:49 pm on Friday, then that’s when you go. But since many companies will leave it up to you as to when you want to interview for the position you are interested in, using these couple of scheduling tricks can end up being to your advantage.

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Exceling in a Panel Interview

September 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

You may be forewarned—or you may be surprised when you first walk in. There they are: a panel of people waiting to interview you for a job. Your first instinct may be to panic; not only do you have to impress one interviewer, but several of them! But there are definite advantages to being interviewed by multiple people at once. The tips below will help you successfully navigate a panel interview while keeping your poise and sanity in check.

Skip the fluff. With one-on-one interviews, you have more of a chance to develop a relationship with your interviewer wherein you may begin to get a sense of what he or she wants to hear. The good news/bad news situation with a panel is that your success depends more on your job-related abilities than owning the same breed of dog as the boss. When they’re comparing notes afterward, panel members will tend to focus more fully on your qualifications, skills, and presentation.

Spread the love. It’s tempting to focus more on the person who seems to be a softer touch. If one person on the panel is smiling and nodding encouragement, who wouldn’t want to talk directly to her? But it’s important that you make eye contact as equally as possible with all of the interviewers. Start and end your answer by making eye contact with the person who asked the question, but during the course of your response, look at the others present. Also, unless the panel is made up of 10 people, make an effort to remember and use their names when speaking to them.

Take notes. Many people forget to bring a notepad to an interview, but it’s especially important to do so when you’re being interviewed by a panel. Not only can you surreptitiously jot their names down for future reference, but you can take notes on things that you’d like to remember or bring up later. When you’re facing questions and information from several people, it’s particularly difficult to remember who said what or what you want to follow up on. Taking notes makes you look organized and interested. Just remember to look up occasionally!

Investigate the company. If you know ahead of time who will be interviewing you, research their positions, responsibilities, and the work of their departments. You’ll be more comfortable going in, and they’ll be impressed at your knowledge. It’s also important to gather as much information as possible about the company in general because what one of them doesn’t think to ask (to gage your familiarity), another one will.

Take your time. Being interviewed by multiple people may mean that questions will be fired at you more quickly. Make sure that you take time to consider your answer before blurting out something awful just to keep up with their pace. A few seconds to gather your thoughts is perfectly acceptable no matter how rapid-fire their questions are.

Focus your own questions. Just like any other type of interview, you’ll be given the opportunity to ask questions. When you ask, try to focus on one person—preferably the person you believe can best answer your specific question. Even if you’re not sure who that is, pick one person and ask. Otherwise, you’ll going to look like a distracted poodle trying to make eye contact with everyone at once.

Pay attention to interaction. One of the benefits of a panel interview for applicants is that it provides a snapshot of the company. The panel members are likely to be executives, and the upper echelon sets the tone for the entire firm. So look for signs that they’re respectful of each other and knowledgeable about the company’s needs. If potential colleagues are on the panel, think about whether you can see yourself working with them on a day-to-day basis.

Thank them individually. When you send post-interview thank you notes (you do send them, right?), make sure to write a separate note to each interviewer thanking her for her time and reiterating your interest in the position.

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