Readers:
Dr. Randall Hansen, a nationally recognized career expert, is the Career Doctor.
Discover more about Dr. Hansen, read about the purpose of this column,
and find previous issues of this column at the home of The Career Doctor.
If you have any college, career, or job-related questions or comments that Dr. Hansen could
provide valuable assistance with, please
feel free to email him at: careerdr@quintcareers.com.
Dr. Hansen writes this column on a biweekly basis.
I have a problem. My resume is selling me to employers, but when it comes
to the time of the interview -- I seem to be "shooting myself in the foot.” I do
research the company beforehand, and after the interview, I send the thank
you card -- but I never get the job offer. What I am doing wrong? Do you have
any suggestions?
Thank you
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
Without actually observing you in an interview situation, I can’t say for certain, but
my sense is that you are having a problem during the job interview. If you are getting
job interviews, then your job-search strategy and resumes and cover letters seem to
be working. And if you are following up your interviews with thank you notes, then
you are also doing that part correctly. That leaves the job interview itself (most likely)
or that you are not doing enough follow-up after the interview.
If you make it to the interview, you have passed the first test, but there’s still a lot
you need to do to show the employer you are the best candidate for the position.
You have to go into the interview and sell your unique mix of skills, accomplishments,
and education to the employer. You have to convince the employer you are better
than all the other candidates. And you have to do all that with a positive and upbeat
personality.
What’s wrong with your interviewing style? Perhaps nothing. Perhaps you are just
having a dry spell. But I suggest you contact one of the people you recently interviewed
with -- whom you felt you had good rapport -- and ask that person to critique your interview
style so that you can learn and become better at interviewing. Most people, when asked,
will give you an honest appraisal. And you need to know how to improve.
Remember that most employers say the most important elements of a job interview are:
a firm handshake, strong eye contact, a confident attitude, and a warm smile. You also
need to be sure you dress properly -- and, of course, have strong answers to all the
interview questions. You should also have a few questions to ask of the employer.
Finally, besides writing thank you notes -- which work well to remind the employer who
you are -- it’s also important to regularly follow-up, about once a week, to continue to
show your interest in the job -- especially as hiring time continues to get longer and longer.
Two of our latest articles may help you with your interviewing technique:
J. H. writes:
I've been offered a job at a hospital pending criminal check. I had a conviction in 1992
and was done with parole at the end of 1995. I didn't answer the “ever been convicted
of a crime” question on the job application. What should I do? Thank you in advance.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
I’m really afraid you are out of luck for this job with this employer. You can
certainly try and salvage your application, but my sense is once the employer
knows you misled them about one thing on your application -- no matter what
your reasons -- that employer is not going to trust anything else on your
application. But go ahead and contact the employer and say you need to
amend your application.
Now, not all employers conduct background checks - even for something
such as a criminal record -- but the trend since September 11, 2001, is an
increasing number of employers now conducting background checks -- or
at least, saying they are conducting more background checks. So,
you need to be prepared to face the issue of the conviction and parole in
future job interviews. Be sure to spin it in a positive way -- how you paid your
debt and learned from your mistakes.
Remember that your resume and the job application are seen by employers
as statements of facts about your qualifications, education, and background.
Any “stretching” of the truth or omissions of key information is going to result
in the very abrupt ending of your status as an applicant.
On the other hand, do not offer negative information if the employer does not
ask for it. While you do not ever want to lie, you also do not need to destroy
your chances before you’ve had a chance to sell the employer on your fit
for the job.
Q:
Anonymous writes:
I am very grateful for the material you have on interviewing techniques on your
Website. However, I am still not very clear on the recommended closing
statements in an interview. I will be very happy if provide me some of the
recommended closing statements in an interview.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
Let me recap the interviewing strategy. At the end of a successful interview --
where you feel you have sold the prospective employer on your talents and
abilities -- don’t just say thanks and walk out the door. Instead, consider one
of two options: ask about the next steps in the process and the employer’s
timetable, or, for those a bit more aggressive, ask for the job.
If you truly sense a fit between you and the organization, then, by all means,
at the end of the interview, ask for the position. But, please, do so only if you
really want the job -- and only if you plan to accept if the employer does
indeed make the offer.
So, how do you making a closing statement in a job interview?
The safe route: “I really sense a strong fit between your needs and what
I can deliver for you. I think there is a great fit between us and I am very
interested in this position. Can you give me a rough idea of the next steps
in this process, along with your timetable for filling the position?”
The bolder move: “I really sense a strong fit between your needs and
what I can deliver for you. I want this position and I truly feel I am your
best candidate. I want to start contributing as soon as possible, so
when can I expect a job offer?”
Get lots more information about interviewing, including our interview
question database, in the
Interviewing
Resources section of Quintessential Careers.
Wendy writes:
I recently sent a resume/cover letter for a management position in a state I
would like to re-locate to. Unfortunately, I read your do's and don'ts list after
I had my initial phone interview. I had no idea what salary range they were
offering and was afraid I might be looking for more than what they were
offering (the cost of living is less there). I told them how much I make now
and said I was willing to accept 25% less due to the difference in the cost
of living (I made an error there too -- I would the figure is actually 15% less).
There was no job offer made, but I am flying there again this week for a
second in-person interview. If they do offer me the job, how can I negotiate
after I've already given them this range of 25% less-present salary? I also
did not take into consideration the fact that my husband doesn't have a job
there yet either, so I really need to make at least what I am now or 10%
more. I looked at salary ranges and I would be within reason in asking for
this. Is there anyway to take my foot out of my mouth now? Is there any
hope? Please advise.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
You've definitely made a salary negotiation blunder, but it's not a lost
cause -- yet. Not only did you make a mistake in divulging salary information,
and not only did you make a mistake in your calculations, but by doing what
you did, you also made it seem as though you are a bit desperate for
the job -- so you should be VERY pleased you are going for another interview.
Your key at this next interview, if a job offer is extended, is to make a strong
case for a reasonable salary -- given your experience level, given the job itself,
given the cost of living, etc. Do NOT bring your husband or any other person
needs into the equation. In order to persuade an employer about salary, you
need to use legitimate business reasons for a higher salary -- not personal
reasons.
