Feature Article: Sticky Job Interview Situations and How to Handle Them
Quintessential Site: Featured Career Web Site of this Issue
The Career Doctor: Answering Your Questions
What's New on Quintessential Careers: Latest Additions
Q TIPS: Quick and Quintessential Tips to Guide Your Job Search
Notes from the Editor: About this Issue...
Like Halloween, interviewing can be scary.
That's why we often devote more than one issue a year to this subject.
This time, we delve into 10 sticky (and scary!) interview scenarios and how to deal with them.
Don't let the goblins gitcha, either of the Halloween ilk or the interviewer type.
Actively or passively searching for a job? No goblins here... just jobs.
Find jobs to interview for at our job portal.
--Katharine Hansen, Master Resume Writer, Credentialed Career Master, Certified Electronic Career Coach,
and editor at
kathy@quintcareers.com
Feature Article: Sticky Interview Situations
10 Sticky Job Interview Situations and How to Handle Them
by Katharine Hansen and Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.
Job interviewing can be an unnerving experience, but if you know how to handle some of the stickiest
situations encountered in interviewing, you can be that much more confident.
Researching a company before an interview is a must for job-seekers,
and CorporateInformation is an excellent resource for researching companies and industries in the
United States and around the world.
Search for company and industry information -- or search by
U.S. state or by country to find companies that operate within a specific geographic region.
A list of sites that cover each company is available at no cost, while company profiles require a
subscription fee, with 25,000 companies to choose from.
Thomas writes: "I would like to ask your advice on a recent situation regarding an internal position for which I have applied.
I submitted my application and had what I thought was in general a successful interview. After the interview I followed up
with an email outlining my interest, thanked the panel for the opportunity, and restated how I believe I would be the best
candidate for the role.
I have been advised that it will be about two weeks before a final decision is made. My main question is how I could
add value during this time so that my impression at the interview is still fresh given that over 20 candidates have
applied internally for this one high-profile position.
Since it is internal position, there is also an informal process where managers put in 'a good word' for certain candidates.
How appropriate would it be to ask my manager to speak with the hiring manager? I did have a conversation several months
ago and this was offered should I consider applying for an internal position.
On a final note, should my current position change during the hiring process, or I receive additional responsibility or
accolades, is it appropriate to make the hiring manager aware of this by email?"
Shayla writes: "Today I had my first 'big' interview since my graduation. I guess I wasn't entirely prepared though. I was asked about my college
experience, and I don't feel like I really went into enough detail. I know if I was given the opportunity to have a second interview, I would be able
to talk about how successful I was in college. I had a 3.8 GPA and I organized and participated in many events. I also participated in the
virtual stock market and was respected a great deal by many of my teachers, including the director of education. Should I include
my feelings in the follow-up letter or just cross my fingers and hope for the best?"
Andrea writes: "When being interviewed by a panel of people would it be appropriate at the beginning of the interview to write
down the names of all of the panel members involved in the interview so proper spelling and inclusion on thank-you notes is assured,
or should I ask the receptionist or secretary after the interview for the proper spelling of all panelists?"
Maplejobs.com --
provides a search engine that indexes only career pages of Canadian companies or foreign companies
that employ Canadians. Job-seekers can browse job listings, post your resume, and get a free email address for job-hunting.
Parent site of a family of Canadian job sites. No cost to job-seekers.
Restaurant Recruit --
a niche job site for the restaurant industry, also focusing on diversity recruitment,
where job-seekers can search job ads (by position, location), post your resume,
browse recruiting events, and find diversity links. No cost to job-seekers.
SimplySalesJobs --
a UK job site for sales professionals, where job-seekers can search (by keywords,
location, job type) thousands of job listings from UK employers and recruiters,
post your CV, and register for a job-search agent. No cost to job-seekers.
SYMS Dress to Achieve --
a career site created to help college students and recent grads about the
basics of proper job interview attire, as well as other helpful career tips to present yourself in
the best possible light during job interviews. For both men and women. No cost to job-seekers.
Find even more career and job site additions to Quintessential Careers by visiting our
Latest Additions section.
We Now Produce Two Job-Search Blogs!
Get the latest career, college, and job-search news you need!
And then there is the Quint Careers Blog.
It consists of career and job-search news, trends,
and scoops for job-seekers, compiled by the staff
of Quintessential Careers.
The blog is a great way to stay posted on the most
recent events occurring in the career and employment fields.
Q TIPS: Quick and Quintessential Career & Job Tips
Resume writer Julianne Franke recommends the "RSP" Model for responding to job-interview questions. RSP stands for:
Relevant
Specific
Positive
Relevant -- The first question the interviewee needs to ask is
whether his or her answer is related to the targeted position?
Specific -- The second principle is to be sure that the response
to the interview question is specific, i.e., that it includes details
and an example with quantifiable results whenever possible, which
is the area where most job applicants come up short.
Positive -- The final principle is to always respond positively
to every question by reframing any negative questions or responses into positive ones. In the initial interview stage,
many of the questions asked are negative. This technique is to screen out applicants with negative attitudes and identify
individuals who have a positive attitude and can turn challenges into opportunities.
CareerWomen.com asked leading employers and recruiters for their top tips on gaining the interview edge.
1. Be prepared
Familiarize yourself with the company as well as the position. Get up-to-date on current corporate issues, so you can address
any questions about direction and opportunity. Develop a list of questions prior to the interview to demonstrate your interest and
curiosity about the company. According to one recruiter, "I'm always stunned at how many times someone applies for a new job that
they know nothing about or are unqualified for. Be prepared, professional and qualified if you want to go to the next step."
2. Be qualified
Highlight related experience, education and skills. Have solid references that will validate your qualifications. A leading recruiter
comments, "Be good at what you do. Create great references by being the best you can at the job you already have."
3. Make a Positive Impact
Highlight your strengths and what you uniquely bring to the job opening. Show how you can make a positive impact.
Demonstrate interest, insight, initiative and enthusiasm. Do you want the job? A CareerWomen.com employer suggests,
"If you're applying for a marketing job, for example, bring in a sample campaign or ideas. Doing this would demonstrate
an extraordinary candidate."
4. Be professional
Common courtesies will take you a long way at setting the right professional impression. For example, be sure to turn off the
cell phone before the interview. If your interview is over lunch, watch your manners. Most importantly, be on time!
5. Be a good communicator
Get to the point quickly and say what needs to be said. A leading employer suggests, "don't be too talkative or try to act like you
know it all." Practice and prepare by answering sample interview questions found at sites like CareerWomen.com, and create
responses for different levels within the organization. [Editor's note: You can also find such questions at our
Interview Question Database.]
6. Follow-up appropriately
Email a thank-you note immediately that summarizes the interview and your ability to contribute to the organization. Be sure that your
email address is professional, not "hotchick@aol.com."
Additional resources to enhance professional development and advance women's careers can be found at
CareerWomen.com,
including career-development tools, career and employment news,
professional associations and employment opportunities across
the U.S. with some of the best women-friendly companies.
What's the biggest blunder you ever made during a job interview? Fell asleep? Put on makeup?
How about try to sell the interviewer your car? In a survey of 600+ hiring managers completed
in March 2005, CareerBuilder.com asked respondents to share the most memorable mistakes that caused them
to pass on a particular candidate. Richard Castellini, CareerBuilder.com's senior career advisor,
offers the following survey highlights and tips:
#1 -- There's No Crying in Baseball ... or Interviews
Examples:
"Candidate got so nervous, she cried."
"Candidate argued with the interviewer, got up and left. The best part is he called later to see if he got the job."
Tip: Take a deep breath and keep your emotions in check. While interviews can be nerve-wracking, employers are looking for candidates
who show grace under pressure at all times.
#2 -- It Doesn't Take a Village
Examples:
"Candidate brought her kids with her."
"Candidate brought his mom."
Tip: An invitation for a job interview never states bring a guest. Having someone tag along for moral support puts your independence into
question (even if Mom is your biggest fan). And, if your babysitter cancels on you, reschedule the interview for a day you can arrive alone
and focused.
#3 -- Curbing Your Enthusiasm
Examples:
"Candidate disclosed she only wanted the job for the employee discount."
"Candidate asked for directions to another interview."
"Candidate removed his hearing aid."
Tip: The answer to "Why do you want to work here?" should always focus
on the strengths of the company and the challenge of the position, not the perks. A "take or leave it" attitude about the job will leave the
employer feeling the same about you.
4 -- Etiquette Shmetiquette
Examples:
"Candidate forgot what position she was applying for, but wanted to know how soon she could have my office."
"Candidate said you must be busy because your office is really messy."
Tip: Mind your i's -- never insult, interrupt, or irritate the interviewer. Offering up a blank stare when the interviewer asks why you
are the right fit for the job will not go over well. Come in prepared to discuss how your qualifications can specifically contribute to the
success of the company and always be respectful of the interviewer's time and position.
#5 - Hugh Hefner Called, He Wants His Pants Back
Examples:
"Candidate came in wearing pajama bottoms and flip flops."
"Candidate arrived in a revealing shirt."
Tip: Don't dress for the disco ... or nap time for that matter. You have only one chance to make a first impression. It's always better to
err on the conservative with a business suit or, depending on the gig, a pair of khakis and a button-down shirt.
#6 -- Did You Hear the One About ... ?
Examples:
"Candidate's opening comment was a dirty joke."
"Candidate sang the national anthem to make himself memorable. Well, he was memorable."
Tip: Know your audience. Opening the conversation with a joke, limerick, song and dance or other antics can put your professionalism
into question. Remember, interviews are not only to decide if you're qualified, but if your future co-workers can handle working with you
every day.
#7 -- Made in the Shade-ee
Examples:
"Candidate inquired about the location of the company's security cameras."
"Candidate admitted she would not pass the mandatory drug test."
Tip: If the employer suspects drug use or that you are more interested in the combination to the company safe than the job, chances are your
resume will end up in the "shady file." Be careful of word choice, clean up your act, and always present yourself in the best light.
# 8 -- Last Call
Examples:
"Candidate brought wine to the interview and offered me a glass."
"Candidate made a pass at the hiring manager."
Tip: Easy, Casanova. Asking the interviewer personal questions or suggesting that you finish the conversation over a nightcap is a
sure-fire shortcut to the exit sign. The word you want is appropriate -- appropriate in words, action and body language.
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QuintZine: Topics in Upcoming Issues
WATCH FOR feature articles on these topics in upcoming
issues of QuintZine:
* The Value of Internships Abroad and Study Abroad
* Top 10 Fears of Job-seekers
* For Job-hunting Success, Develop a Detailed Job-Search Plan
* How to Build a Personal Advisory Board
* Keep Your Career Dreams Alive
* MBA Career Portfolios
* Trends/Tips in Career Portfolios
* Pre-Hire Background/Credit Checks
* Noncompete Clauses
* Practice Career Management to Avoid Career Crisis
* Financial Aid/Scholarship Timetable
* Build Confidence and Avoid Insecurity in Job Interviews
* Empty Nest Job-Seekers
* Baby Boomers Beware
* Are You Sabotaging Your Job-Search/Career?
* Quiz: Marketing Yourself
* Marketing Yourself with internal/External Promotions
* Lifelong Networking
* Networking for the Shy
* Converting a Seasonal Job to a Permanent Position
* Working Night Shifts/Odd Hours
* Quintessential Career Profiles of YOU, our readers
* Q&As with well-known career experts
* Career, College, and Job-Search Book reviews
. . . and much, much more!
Don't ever want to miss another issue of QuintZine? Get a free subscription to
the email version of QuintZine by completing our
subscription form.
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