Preparing for an Interview [PI1]
Today we kick off a 30 day series which helps prepare you for a successful job interview. There are so many people unemployed and the candidate pool is overflowing. Being prepared for the interview is only half of the battle.
Employers are moving past the traditional interview questions. While it certainly is important to articulate where you see yourself in 5 years, it is equally important to be able to answer situational questions.
A few key points to consider before starting the interview:
- When you are posed with the ice-breaker “Tell me about yourself” be prepared with your own “infomercial”. You have about 45-60 seconds to sell yourself without giving too much information.
- When you formulate your response, you will have the interviewer’s attention for about 30-45 seconds. They will already start to formulate a follow up question.
- Listen!! Make sure you are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said.
- Don’t be tempted to fill a silence with words.
Let’s start day one with the traditional question:
Tell me about yourself.
Start with the present and explain how you are well qualified for the position. Remember that the key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for. If you did not uncover that information in reviewing the position posting you may discover during the HR interview. Try to determine that information early on by answering a question and asking the interviewer a follow up question.
If you are fresh out of school and you have volunteer or civic experience which is relevant, that is appropriate to share. Be mindful that once you begin to share personal information you have opened a door for the interviewer to ask follow up questions.**
Avoid sharing personal information. You are being hired to do a job, not to socialize. Employers cannot ask you certain questions such as, “Do you have children?”** If you introduce the information into the interview be assured they will ask follow up questions.
Do not share too much information or ramble. As we previously mentioned, you have the interviewers attention for about 30-45 seconds.
The first interview is the wrong time to discuss compensation expectations, unless explicitly asked.
Remember – the interviewer wants to listen, just use good judgment about how much you share.
**More information is included in post 8 Interview No-No’s
