STRATEGIC PARTNERS
The moment to put your best foot forward is almost here. The good news is: You're ready. So, take a deep breath and make this your day!
October 2, 2000
When you arrive for your interview, take a deep breath, and be glad you are well prepared. Remember every interview doesn't turn into a job. But it does prepare you better for the next time up at bat.
Be especially courteous to the employer's receptionist and/or secretary. Be honest. And, don't talk negatively about anyone--especially current or past employers. Work at making a friend of the interviewer. If asked to lunch, order a drink only if others do. Absolutely limit yourself to one. Don't begin eating until everyone is served. You are still being judged.
A prospective employer is interested in three major things:
He wants to know:
Practice and visualize.
Think of the upcoming interview as though you were trying out for the Olympics.
The following questions will help you shape a new mind-set, so you can handle the interviewcomfortably.Go over them a number of times; drill them orally with a friend or spouse. Even if none of the questions are actually used, you will find whatever you encounter much easier to deal with. Practice in front of a mirror. Use a tape recorder – whatever works. Remember, from school – writing is often the best way to organize your thoughts. So, if you can't find a friend to drill with, get a notebook and write down your answers.
Questions you should be prepared to answer:
The company wants to know about your qualifications -- specifically, education and work experience, with emphasis on knowledge, skills, and accomplishments/performance indicators that relate to the job at hand. You should plan a five- to ten-minute answer. Be concise and to the point on this and all your answers.
You definitely need a reasonable, logical answer that relates to items such as greater earning potential, limited authority, lack of opportunity for growth, lack of meaningful work, etc. Whatever you do, DO NOT bad-mouth your current or past employers! Lack of loyalty can kill the entire interview process. (And, later, if you get hired, it can kill your job.)
If you have been recruited for a position and the employer asks you this question, don't say something defensive such as, "I'm not looking for a job." Many employers or interviewers are not used to dealing with recruited candidates and often treat them inappropriately through lack of experience.
Obviously, your answers should relate to the skills needed to effectively perform the job under discussion. So you are able to answer well, make sure your recruiter describes in detail the tasks and responsibilities of the job.
Play this safe. You're not in a "true confessions" session. The best answer is a weakness that could really be a strength. For example, "I'm impatient with people who don't work hard; sometimes I get too involved with my work; sometimes customers have told me I don't know when to back off."
This may translate as -- Are you going to stick with us? Your answer should be along the lines of "As long as I like what I'm doing and am growing, I feel that upward movement in responsibility will develop accordingly."
Movement into a corporate management responsibility is a reasonable goal, but be cautious about putting rigid time limits on it with the interviewer. You especially need to be careful, because the only corporate management position might be held by the interviewer asking the question!
A good answer is "the people." You got along well with them; they trusted your judgment, etc.
The interviewer wants to determine if you're a potential troublemaker. Cite the fact, if true, that you've never had problems following company policy?
Talk in generalities. Lack of challenge and growth are good, standard responses.
NEVER answer: "I like people or "I just thought I'd like to give it a try." Instead, think in these terms: I'm a competitive person, and I see sales presentations as a place where I can excel and be compensated on the basis of job performance. I feel that I have strong interpersonal skills and good problem-solving ability. I see this opportunity as a major vehicle into management.
If asked early, you might say, "I'm currently earning $________, with a merit review scheduled in _________ of this year (if currently employed). Or, "I really don't know enough about the opportunity at this point to give a correct response." Negotiate from a position of strength. Attempt to avoid answering this question until a job is offered. Prepare this type of statement, "I would like to know more about this opportunity and will seriously evaluate your strongest offer." Remember to include their benefit package into your salary calculations, especially if they are more than you have currently.
Obviously, this is a personal matter, but the question is often primarily a test. The safe answer is "Yes, if the opportunity available is a good one."
Although this may be an innocent question, it is sometimes a fishing expedition to determine whether your leisure pursuits could interfere with your commitment to work. Handle with care.
It may be experience or training. Don't be intimidated by the question, it's a good sign. It means the interviewer generally likes you, but has a reservation or two. Grant that you understand the concern he might have, and immediately give him something concrete to put his mind at ease.
The fact may be that you were terminated. And, chances are, the interviewer knows that and is simply interested in how you'll handle the question. NEVER make excuses. Don't paint yourself as a victim or a scapegoat. You might say, "Things didn't work out after a while. I have no hard feelings. I learned a lot there."
This question falls in the same category as "Tell me about yourself" and provides the opportunity to detail accomplishments that will "sell" you. Don't lose control of your ego, however. Candidates have been known to go into a 30-minute monologue about how great they are. Be factual, concise, and modest. Don't confuse confidence with ego. Limit your presentation to 3 to 5 minutes. (This will definitely take some practice.)
Questions that may be asked of manager candidates:
Additional questions that may be asked:
If you are prepared to handle these questions well, you will probably make a good employee.
Questions the candidate should consider asking:
(Especially if the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions?")
There are good reasons for asking the following questions. It demonstrates your serious interest in the position. And, it will allow you to effectively evaluate the career development potential offered by the position.
For sales candidates:
Rules for asking questions:
Until the job is offered or until you have had several interviews, AVOID questions relating to:
You are there to display and sell your ability to contribute. The employer's ability to compensate you is totally irrelevant (assuming a reasonable match between your current earnings and what the job can pay) until you have an offer in hand.
Wrapping up the interview in your favor
Typically, don't expect to walk out of an interview with an offer in hand. Regardless of how strong an impression you've made, it is likely the interviewer(s) will need a little time to digest the information received and discuss your qualifications. There may be others to interview for the job, as well.
End the interview on a positive note. Tell the interviewer you are interested and excited about the job (assuming you are, of course), and based on what you've learned, you feel confident you could make a contribution to their organization.
You might ask what the time frame will be for a decision to be made.
Thank the interviewer for his time. Say how much you've enjoyed the talk, and how profitable you've found the interview.
Make a graceful exit. You have done everything possible at this point to land the job. But, your work isn't finished. You must reinforce your good impression with a strong follow-up letter. That's next.
Heidi Kay, is president of Kay Concepts, Inc. and a Certified Personnel Consultant
Kay Concepts is an executive recruiting firm serving the ATM and Point of Sale Industries. The firm offers a full range of technical and managerial search services to industry companies as well as resume writing and job search assistance to job applicants. All job placement fees are client company paid and client companies are Equal Opportunity Employers
Contact Kay Concepts and Heidi Kay at:
PO Box 4825, Palm Harbor, FL 34685
E-mail address: heidi@kayconcepts.com
Phone: (800) 879-5850 Local: (727) 786-3580
FAX: (800) 879-5828 Toll: (208) 988-3822
