Critical Interviewing Tips: Key Job Interview Advice -- #1

Q-Tips: Critical Interviewing Tips
Key Job Interview Advice -- #1

These job interviewing related tips -- preparing for job interviews, tips for handling tricky interview questions, and more -- have been gathered from numerous sources throughout Quintessential Careers and organized here for your convenience.

Companies that use behaviorally based interview questions often do so after an analysis of what makes individuals successful in their organization, according to career counselor Andrea Dine in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers.

"Therefore armed with careful company research and a job description, a candidate should be able to predict those skills that the company will be seeking with relative accuracy. I work with clients on their research skills and advise them to identify five skills they believe the company will be seeking. I then recommend that for each skill they identify three examples from their experience," Dine says.

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If you have a career portfolio, how do you go about introducing it to the employer in an interview? Advised advised teacher and writer Martin Kimeldorf in the Q&A interview he did with Quintessential Careers, "Bring the portfolio and when they ask you about a skill or competency that is also illustrated in the portfolio, simply say, 'Two years ago I was in charge of just such a project. In fact, I have a sample of it here in my portfolio. Would you like to see it?' I've never heard anyone say, 'no' to that question. And if they did, I might not want to work for them," Kimeldorf says.

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Diana LeGere, of Executive Final Copy, cautions that when it come to job interviews, "better late than never" will never, ever work. Be early! Fifteen minutes is a good general rule. An early arrival will provide you with the extra time you need should you run into problems. Managers want an employee who arrives for work, promptly each day. Being late for an interview is always unacceptable. Okay, so you are generally on time and do not see any added benefit for the 15-minute rule. Consider the following list of horrors. You snag your nylons just as you get off the elevator in time for your meeting. If you've ever experienced this nightmare, you learn very quickly to carry an extra pair in your bag. On the other hand, what if you spill coffee on your new tie; do you have a spare? You arrive to find no parking or even worse, you cannot locate the building. Driving to the office on a day before the interview at the same time will allow you to see approximately how long it takes to get there and what type of traffic concerns you may encounter.

"In addition to being a safeguard, arriving early allows you to let the receptionist notice you. Often the receptionist performs a preliminary screening analysis without your knowledge. He or she may later report to the boss if you were on time, appeared confident and what type of manners you presented while waiting. You will also gain insight to the office culture by watching bystanders and observing the general morale of the employees around you. If nothing else, being early allows you to take a deep breath and relax! Being relaxed is the surest way to manifest what we need the most. Confidence!"

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Simple misspelled words, writing mechanics, and the inability to articulate the most basic thought have proven to be some of the worst nightmares with employees, noted author Gale Montgomery in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers.

"I constantly stress with clients to get friends to interview them, role play. I admonish them not to wait until the interview to begin attempting to speak in grammatically correct sentences," Montgomery says.

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Demonstrating knowledge about a company and the industry (or industries) it operates in is critical to interviewing success. Employers want job candidates who take the time to do a little research. A great place to start, of course, is Quintessential Careers: Guide to Researching Companies. Areas you can easily research (partly dependent on whether you are researching a public or private company) include: strengths/weaknesses of key industry company operates in; key competitors in the industry; recent news about the company (new plants, takeovers, etc.); past quarter, six-months, or annual sales performance; past quarter, six-months, or annual profits (or losses); recent stock performance (if a public company).

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"While it is true that you can never know for certain what questions you may be asked in an interview, that is no reason to not prepare!" advises career counselor Doris Flaherty in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers. "The more you have considered relevant examples of work-related skills and behaviors from your past experiences, the more likely you are to present yourself in a confident, professional manner, and the less likely you are to slip up and share something you wish you hadn't! When explaining how to prepare for the behavioral interview, I tell people to consider some of the main competency areas that employers are likely to ask about and come up with specific examples of themselves demonstrating these in the past. Work, activities, volunteer experiences . . . it is all fair game in locating these real-life examples. I encourage them to recall both successes and failures, as they may be asked to share either.

"Some of those main competency areas include: Management style, leadership ability, team work, going above and beyond, decision-making, communication skills, problem solving, dealing with difficult people, and others. When formulating their stories, I recommend utilizing the well-known STAR technique. Briefly describe the Situation or Task, explain the specific Action taken, and share the Results of that action. The main cautionary note is to stay specific; do not generalize. Employers asking behavioral-style questions are looking to hear about a specific event that occurred in your past," Flaherty notes.

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Some tendencies to watch out for in interviews: Enthusiasm is absolutely key in an interview, but job-seekers must tread a fine line between displaying eagerness and exuding desperation. Most employers have no interest in hiring people who appear desperate for a job. Also be careful not to focus on what employers can do for you rather than the benefits you can offer potential employers. This tendency is one of the most common job-seeker errors. You can read many more tips and strategies in our Job Interviewing Tutorial.

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In interviews, don't be afraid to talk about yourself, suggests college career counselor Ellen Bourhis Nolan. In the Q&A interview Nolan did with Quintessential Careers, she said: "Very often people are not very familiar with this approach because we don't engage in this behavior often for fear that if we talk about ourselves to our friends, family, acquaintances, we are viewed as boasting. But the interview may be the one and only opportunity to tell the employer about yourself. I often relate my own experiences with securing my first full-time job. I went on several interviews with an organization only to find out that I did not get the job. I learned that they felt I was not outgoing enough for the position, which I laughed at because I would never be viewed as an introvert! I knew that I had been reticent in speaking of myself because I did not want to appear to be a braggart, and I was not used to talking about myself. The next three interviews I went on, I talked about myself and my skills confidently and without hesitation; I received offers from all three employers."

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Looking at the job-hunting picture from the hiring company's perspective can be very helpful. That principle applies to an article by Miriam Berger on the HR.com Web site. Her article, "Ten Critical Questions to Ask When Conducting an Interview," is instructive for job-seekers not just for the exposure it provides to possible interview questions, but for its insights into what an interviewer may be trying to get at by asking certain questions. The article helps to put you inside the mind of a hiring managerand know how to approach the questions. For example, one question Berger suggests is: "Describe your particular style of management or the style of management you would choose if you were a manager." The job-seeker's response to that question can tell a lot about he or she will fit into the employer's corporate culture, Berger notes. Articles on HR.com are free, although registration is required after you've accessed the site three times as a guest.

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The number of companies using behaviorally based interviewing is growing significantly, observed career counselor Andrea Dine in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers. "Though companies do not always exclusively use behaviorally based interview questions, we've found that nearly all companies interviewing on campus use behaviorally based interview questions."

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When you're scheduling a job interview, should you try to be one of the first people interviewed or one of the last? One of the last, according to Dale Dauten and Kate Wendleton in their syndicated column. "The more people hiring managers talk to, the clearer picture interviewers have of the job and the ideal candidate," Wendleton notes. "Thus, what they've learned from the 139 other candidates will be captured in what they ask and say. The upshot is that the last interviews will be better because the interviewer will be more knowledgeable, and that will be reflected on you."

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One of the biggest mistake job-seekers make is that they are often afraid to express enthusiasm for a job; they do not want to appear too eager, observes college career counselor Ellen Bourhis Nolan. In the Q&A interview Nolan did with Quintessential Careers, Nolan said: "I say show as much enthusiasm as you feel for a job. If it is just what you want to do, let the employer know it. If you think it is a wonderful company, let them know. If interviewers see that you are enthused, they will be more inclined to believe you are a good fit for the job at hand and the company as a whole. Follow up the interview with a thank-you and again reiterate your interest in the company. I'm not saying you want to appear overeager, but simply not be reluctant to let the interviewer know that you would like the job."

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It's almost always instructive to look at the world of job-seeking from the employer's/recruiter's perspective. For example, WetFeet's RecruitWatch newsletter, aimed at recruiters, recently ran an article about mistakes recruiters make in phone interviews designed to screen job applicants. For almost every potential recruiter mistake, job-seekers can apply the wisdom to their own approach. For example:

Recruiter mistake:

Job-seeker lesson:

Recruiter mistake:

Lesson for job-seekers:

Recruiter mistake:

Job-seeker lesson:

Recruiter mistake:

Job-seeker lesson:

Full article.

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The real beauty of learning how to respond behaviorally is that even if the question is not a behavior-based question, it can still be answered with a real-life example, advised career counselor Doris Flaherty in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers. "This approach helps give the candidates credibility and allows them to separate themselves from everyone else, leaving an imprint of them on the interviewer's mind," Flaherty notes.

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To prepare for an interview, practice at home until what you want to say comes easily, advises Diana LeGere, of Executive Final Copy. "You should be able to roll the information off your tongue as easily as stating your name. Certain questions you will want to prepare for in advance. We all stumble on the question, 'Tell me a little about yourself.' You will be surprised to know that this is the easiest question of all. You know more about yourself than anyone. Write down as much as you recall about who you are. Your goals, dreams and ambitions. Make sure you stick to career information as much as possible. The interviewer does not care that you came down with mumps twice as a child and suffered a broken leg after being thrown from a horse in 1982. Unless your story content can relate to how you reached your current level, leave it out. Be enthusiastic and include where you want to go.

"Type a sample response to the 'tell me about yourself' query and read it, timing yourself until you have 90 seconds worth of verbiage. Practice with a friend or career coach until you can confidently state the information without reading from your script. Once you know your script, you'll never have to learn it again. I have used the same 90-second intro for years. The information changes slightly, but the concept is the same. Most importantly, I can say it as confidentially as I know my own name."

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Prepare for interviews by researching the job and the organization, advises author Donald Asher. In the Q&A interview he did with Quintessential Careers, Asher suggests that knowing how to answer interview questions will allow you to present yourself in the most favorable light possible. "You can have all the skills in the world," Asher says, "but if you do not convey these to the interviewer or do not establish good rapport, you will not get the job."

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Yet another victim of the decline of the dot-coms may be casual attire in the workplace, Business Week reported recently. After dot-coms inspired casual dress all over the business world, some companies are now rethinking their dress codes and reverting to more professional attire. One survey also showed that 34 percent of executives felt that casual dressers were starting to go too far and that "business casual" had devolved into "weekend casual." The casual attire backlash is yet another reason to call a company before an interview to make sure your interview attire will be in step with the employer's standards. And remember that it's always better to err on the side of conservatism.

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Before going on a job interview, be sure to research the company, advises Diana LeGere, of Executive Final Copy. What is the firm's mission and how long has it been in business? Check stock prices and review the company Web site. Perhaps you can get a feel for the organization's hiring style. Does the company talk about its employees online? Are others encouraged to apply? If possible, obtain the name of your interviewer and learn a little about his or her style. Do not be shy. Ask the receptionist: 'I have an interview on Friday with Mr. Clark. What can you tell me about him?' You will be amazed at how helpful people can be. Your interviewer will know that you took the time to prepare. Similarly, be assured that everyone will see you as a candidate with something extra. Remember that you are prepared when you can answer questions. You are even more prepared when you can ask them!"

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Behavioral-based questions in a job interview or on an application are based on the theory that your past performance is the best indicator of future behavior; thus, there are no "right" answers, per se. Dig into your past and find answers to these questions. Recent college grads with minimal work experience should focus on class projects and group situations that might lend themselves to these types of questions. Hobbies and volunteer work also might provide examples. Finally, frame your answers based on a four-part outline: (1) describe the situation, (2) discuss the actions you took, (3) relate the outcomes, and (4) specify what you learned from it.

You can read more in our article, Behavioral Interviewing Strategies.

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When you interview, let your appearance tell a story, says Diana LeGere, of Executive Final Copy. "How many times do you judge a book by its cover or, sadly, a person by his or her clothes? 'Fake it till you make it' goes a long way. Independent researchers have concluded that appearance has a profound impact on how others will relate to you. If you don't believe it, take two trips, wearing different outfits, shop in a fine department store, and take notes. On one day wear a suit, and on the other day wear casual jeans and a sloppy coat. See what I mean? Intelligence, success and income levels are just a few of the characteristics assumed by appearance. Some interviewers, in fact, will reject solely based on appearance. Once that happens, your credentials and employment history are irrelevant. The first 90 seconds are crucial!"

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If you've ever left an interview with confidence that you would get an offer but instead received a rejection letter, review this list: Think back to the interview. First, why did you feel so confident? Was it rapport? Was it the answers you gave to the interview questions? Second, were you interviewing with the human resources department or a hiring manager? Were you getting a courtesy interview, or were you being screened for the next round of interviews? Third, think back to your body language and other nonverbal cues (such as how you were dressed, hand gestures, eye contact, etc.) -- were you sending the right message? Did you do any kind of follow-up after the interviews? Did you send thank you notes/letters to all those who interviewed you? Did you call the people who interviewed you and ask them about the next step in the process? Were you proactive or reactive in your approach? Do you have something in your background that could hurt you? How are your references? Do you have bad credit or other personal problems? (There are services that run background checks for you and give you the results -- for a fee. See our Job References & Portfolio Services section.)

In job-hunting, you cannot wait for things to happen to you -- you need to aggressively pursue the job/career opportunities that interest you.

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If you are a new grad or other jobseeker who is a little freaked out by the number of interviews required of you in the typical hiring process, be aware that most companies interview candidates two to three and sometimes four times before offering a job. Notes Diana LeGere of Executive Final Copy, "The more money you make, the longer the process. Relax! You should actually do much better on the next two or three. After all, you feel great! Who wouldn't feel magnificent after putting his or her best foot forward? You are being considered for a wonderful new position. The initial screening interviews were just enough practice to get you calm and feeling on top of the world. Go back to your notes, study, rehearse and know your lines. The next opportunity is likely to be in front of the top echelon of the company. That's exciting because he or she is the decision-maker."

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Want an insider's look at behavioral interviewing -- from the employer's point of view? See this article at WetFeet.com that tells employers the advantages of conducting behavioral interviews. It's enlightening to view the world of behavioral interviewing from the other side of the desk. Read the article.

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In an interview, believe in yourself and be proud of what you know, says Diana LeGere, of Executive Final Copy. "That sounds like a simple statement. Many people say, 'Of course I believe in myself.' However, do they? If in doubt, ask yourself some questions. Where do I excel? Why should I be offered this job? If you can answer quickly without any reservation, you probably do believe in yourself. If you hesitate and are not quite sure of the answers, it's time to think about that for a while. After all, if you do not believe in yourself, why should an employer?"

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Everyone knows to shake hands at the beginning of a job interview, but not every job-seeker knows what a nice touch it is to extend your hand for the "exit handshake" at the close of an interview. The exit handshake, along with some "it was nice to meet you" pleasantries ties up your interview in a neat package and never fails to impress employers.

Read more tips in our Job Interviewing Do's and Don'ts.

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Business etiquette is no longer dictated by gender, says Kimberly Goddard of Proper Protocol, Inc. That means everyone you meet in job interview situations should get a firm (though not bone-crushing) handshake. If you're interviewed by a woman, shake her hand just as you would a man's. The webs of your hands -- where your fingers and thumb meet -- should touch. Don't offer just the tips of your fingers, or worse -- the dreaded "limp fish" handshake.

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To prepare for job interviews, ask a friend to conduct a "mock interview," advises Diana LeGere, of Executive Final Copy. "Many career consultants offer this service for a fee," LeGere says."They are skilled at asking standard interview questions. Once you know what the interviewer is looking for, it will be easier to answer his questions. Many can even tape the meeting to help you learn to incorporate the appropriate body language as well."

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Brian Krueger, author of the excellent College Grad Job Hunter, says that the job-interview question that college students most often blow is: "Why did you choose your college?" Your response should demonstrate not only sound decision-making skills but should describe how the education you obtained at your specific college will benefit the employer.

Find even more job interviewing tips in Critical Interviewing Tips: Key Job Interview Advice -- #2.

Check out all of our Quick and Quintessential Job-Search Interviewing Tips.

Review all our Quick and Quintessential Tips to Guide Your Job Search and Work Life.

Maximize your career and job-search knowledge and skills! Take advantage of The Quintessential Careers Content Index, which enables site visitors to locate articles, tutorials, quizzes, and worksheets in 35 career, college, job-search topic areas.

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Q-Tips: Critical Interviewing Tips Key Job Interview Advice -- #1

These job interviewing related tips -- preparing for job interviews, tips for handling tricky interview questions, and more -- have been gathered from numerous sources throughout Quintessential Careers and organized here for your convenience.

Check out all of our Quick and Quintessential Job-Search Interviewing Tips.

Review all our Quick and Quintessential Tips to Guide Your Job Search and Work Life.

Maximize your career and job-search knowledge and skills! Take advantage of The Quintessential Careers Content Index, which enables site visitors to locate articles, tutorials, quizzes, and worksheets in 35 career, college, job-search topic areas.

Q-Tips: Critical Interviewing Tips
Key Job Interview Advice -- #1