Tips To Get Hired
You have reached this milestone of the all-importance, you finally have forced someone out there to invite you in for an interview alone. Do you know what you respond? Are you prepared with answers concise and focused? Or do you do you stammer and stutter, peppering your comments with “you know” “I mean” or even worse, some of the “ehhh” that extended President Obama himself is trying to suppress his speech?
If you hope to land your dream job or just looking for any job in this market, you should be prepared for this moment. When preparing for a job interview, there is only one solution if you’re not quick witted and an accomplished speaker with fabulous memory : practice, practice, practice! Let me offer some tips on how to prepare for that fateful moment :
1. Why do you want to work for our company? is one of the most tricky and fundamental questions you will face. That’s why you should never go empty-handed, or rather, empty-minded if you’ll pardon the pun. Do extensive research of the business in general and the company in particular. An unfavorable answer is evidently “because I need the money”. The smartest answer has to do with what you can offer that will benefit the business. Be concrete and detailed, showing the interviewer that you came prepared; rehearse in front of a mirror or with a capable friend till both of you are satisfied. Do not use “You know” (if they knew what you are thinking they wouldn’t even ask) or “like” unless it is needed. The teen expression “I am like” comes across as juvenile and unpolished, and shows a weak command of the formal English used in such situations.
2. Give me some idea of who you are can be a tricky question with some dangerous traps. Hiring managers and interviewers are not interested in your trophies as a boy scout: you’ll want to prepare a short description of your main accomplishments and include some positive traits. When asked about your weaknesses, the response “I am a perfectionist” plays very well in most cases. When asked about your achievements, the response “I saved my last company hundreds of dollars by suggesting X and Y” is a clear winner. Be careful not to come across as a vain and pretentious candidate, more interested in his/her image than in the good of the team. So don’t overdo the achievements and be truthful in every aspect.
3. You left your last job because… is also a loaded question. Many candidates will flatter themselves while putting down the old boss. Serious mistake! If you don’t show loyalty to the previous employer, why should they expect anything else once they hire you? Tell the truth but be tactful. If you had a problem with a supervisor, say so frankly, calmly and objectively. Most interviewers will appreciate your honesty, though they’ll wonder whether you are difficult to deal with within a team. So add that you fully understand what the new company wants and that you’ve become a better employee who’s able to learn from past mistakes.
4. Do you have a figure in mind? touches the delicate area of salary negotiations. The advice here is not to answer directly. Employers already know how much they want to pay you and they know that a weak job market allows them to pay less. Prepare yourself by researching the salary ranges for your intended position and answer in a broad manner: “I have a general idea but I am flexible. I know I have a lot to learn as the new guy (or gal) in the company. Can you give me an approximate number?”
5. Is there anything you wish to add? gives you the chance to fill them in on information that you have determined is important for them to know and that they haven’t asked. Keep it brief so that they won’t think you are desperate to get the job. Be professional and make a convincing argument explaining why you can be a great asset to the bottom line.
When you leave, give the interviewer a firm handshake (even if you are a lady) is secure and maintain eye contact. Smile as you take your leave. You need to get strength and confidence in you. Ask them if you may call after a few days to find out about their decision, this shows them your patience and interest.
Filed Under: Careers
