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STRATEGIES OF THE
EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEW
Objective
The only objective of an
employment interview should be to get a job offer. Many people,
however, go into an interview speculating about whether or not they would take
the job if it is offered to them. This is premature thinking at best, and
a sure way not to get the job offer at worst. For until you actually
get the offer you have no decision to make. When you actually do
have the job offer in hand, then, and only then, do you have a choice to
make.
With this objective in
mind you will be dealing from a position of strength by positioning
yourself for the right of first refusal. How much better it is to
turn an employer down for a job that you come to decide isn't right for
you, than to have an employer turn you down for a job you really want.
To accomplish this objective of
getting the job offer it is important to look at the interview from
the employer's point of view, not your own. He wants to know how
you can help him, not how he can help you. In essence, it's your job
to "sell" the employer that what you have done in the past and what you
want to do in the future meets his needs. Once the
employer is convinced that you can help him and he makes you a job offer,
then you'll want to be sure that this is a job you want. You'll need to
have answers to your questions regarding salary reviews, overtime,
benefits, vacation, etc.
But always bring up these
issues after you've gotten the job offer, never before.
Preparation
(Know before you go) To help
get the job offer it is important to know as much as possible
about the Company (use their web site) and position for which you are
interviewing. You should know something of the duties and
responsibilities of the position, as well as the ideal background the
employer is seeking.
Once you know this, you can
then highlight or emphasize your experience in the areas that are
important to the employer. Again, look at the interview from the
employer's point of view. If he's looking for someone who has worked with
manufacturing systems, don't dwell on how well you know banking
applications.
Keep in mind that in most
cases you are competing with one or more qualified candidates for the same
position. Most companies, even if they interview a candidate who
they feel can do the job, will still want to interview other candidates to
make sure they hire the best available person. This means that you'll have
to convince the employer that not only can you do the job, but that you
can do it better than other people.
One way of doing this before
the interview is to write out a list of your strengths, because more often
than not, an employer will ask you to tell him in which areas you consider
yourself to be strong. Again, keep in mind what the employer is seeking.
If he needs someone with good communication skills and you feel that
you're good in this area, don't hesitate to mention it. Don't bring the
list with you, but keep it in mind when the question comes up.
Also consider your weaknesses,
and when possible turn them into strengths, e.g. "I get impatient with
myself when things don't go perfectly the first time. Obviously, don't
dwell on weaknesses; emphasize strengths instead.
And most importantly, be
prepared to explain your duties and your accomplishments in as
specific a fashion as possible. Be sure to emphasize specific
levels of achievement or responsibility that you've earned. Quantify
your accomplishments whenever possible. State obstacles that you
overcame to solve a particular problem. Here are some examples:
"I saved the company $X by
reducing their inventory through a new system I designed.
"I reduced the turnover in our
department by XX% due to some new personnel policies I established
"I was promoted to my current
position over X .other people who were being considered for the position."
Whenever possible, describe not
only what you've done, but how well you've done your work. This can be
best accomplished by 1.) Stating a problem you faced, 2.) Your solution to
the problem, and 3.) Emphasize the results. Don't be afraid to
relate what others have said about your work.
Finally, dress in a
conservative and businesslike manner. Men should wear a conservative 3
piece suit. white shirt. and contrasting tie. Avoid sport coats. Women
should wear a skirted suit or dress with a matching jacket, along with a
minimum amount of makeup and jewelry. Dressing in this fashion is what
employers expect in an interview situation. If you do not come so attired.
you are putting yourself at a marked disadvantage in comparison to the
other people who do dress in this manner and who are interviewing for the
same job.
Meeting With The Employer
If you have the proper
objective in mind and are well prepared for the interview as described
above, the actual meeting with the employer should go rather smoothly,
since most interviews follow a fairly typical format. For example, you'll
probably be asked, "Tell me about yourself." This is not the time to tell
about your favorite hobbies etc etc. Unless directed otherwise, talk about
your experiences as they relate to what the employer is looking for in the
ideal candidate.
The Salary Question
Suggested answer is
something like this: "You know what I'm earning now, but I'm open to a
reasonable offer. My most important concern is the position, it's
responsibilities, and my future potential with your company."
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QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER – Usually best
towards end of interview.
Use questions as zippers to help you. Don't ask
personal, controversial, or negative questions of any kind. Stay away from
asking anything that will lead into sensitive areas. Invariably, salary
and benefits should be avoided - I've shown you how to answer the
interviewer's questions about them properly. Select those questions you feel are important to
you; Also be sure that you are ready to answer, if the interviewer asks "Why
are you asking me that question?"
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How many employees does the company have?
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What are the company's plans for expansion?
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How many employees does the department have?
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Is the department a profit center?
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Are the functions of the department important to
senior management?
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What is the supervisor's management style?
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What is the supervisor's title?
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Who does the supervisor report to?
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Are you ready and able to hire now?
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How long will it take to make a hiring decision?
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How long has the position been open?
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How many employees have held the position in the
last five years?
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Why is/are the former employees no longer in the
position?
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How many employees have been promoted from the
position in the last five years?
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What does the company consider the five most
important duties of the position?
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What do you expect the employee you hire to
accomplish?
STRATEGIES OF THE EMPLOYMENT
INTERVIEW
References
Have some people in mind who
will speak well of your work. but yet will not endanger your
confidentiality with your current employer. Don't volunteer references to
the employer unless specifically asked. It is far better if your recruiter
can contact the references before the employer does. We use references as
a tool to sell the employer on your qualifications, while employers use
references as a screening out device.
After The Interview
Always send a follow-up thank
you letter. It has been our experience that this carries a great deal of
weight with the employer. It's such a small thing. yet it's something few
people take the time to do, even though it can be the deciding factor in
getting an offer if you're competing with equally qualified candidates.
It's very important, however, that the grammar, spelling and punctuation
be perfect. If this isn't your strong area, have someone proofread your
letter. Here's one format you could adapt.
Date:
Employer's Name And Address
Dear
I want to thank you for the
time you spent interviewing with me yesterday. From what you've told me
about the position, I know I could handle the job and make a contribution
to your department.
I look forward to hearing from
you soon.
Sincerely yours.
Charles Nicolosi • (Principal)
CN Associates – High Tech Executive Search –
P.O.
BOX 5606 • Novato • CA • 94948
Phone: (415) 883-1114
Email:
chasn@earthlink.net
Web:
http://www.cnassociates.com
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