Posted By: Deborah Brown-Volkman In: Job Seeker - Interview Are you doing as well at your job search as you'd like? If not, maybe the problem is the words that are coming out of your mouth.
Are you doing as well at your job search as you'd like? If not, maybe the problem is the words that are coming out of your mouth.
Job searching is an intense process. From the very beginning, you have to be and show your best. Your résumé and cover letter have to be impeccably written. Your interviewing techniques have to be masterful. Your salary negotiation skills have to be at their best or you will leave money at the table. Meanwhile, throughout the process, no one tells you how you are doing. A company may bring you in for a series of interviews, tell you that you are the best candidate for the job, and then you might never hear from them again. A recruiter could tell you that a position has opened up that you would be perfect for, and then he or she might never return your phone calls. It's a guessing game and it can play with your emotions and your view of yourself. But still, this is how many jobs are filled. This means you have to get good at being the person selected for these open slots. The better you are at saying the right things, the more likely you are to get the job you want.
What you say while looking for a job is crucial to your success. It can be the difference between getting a job or being passed by for someone who said something better than you did.
So, How Do You Get Better Ay Saying The Right Thing? Follow These Four Points Below:
1. Expect To Be Terrible At First
You cannot get good at saying the right things without knowing what it feels like to get it wrong, too. If you haven't searched for a job in a while, you will be rusty. You may not be used to questions such as, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Or, "Tell me about yourself." You may also be apprehensive about leaving your current position and not comfortable discussing the details. Expect that there will be mishaps in the beginning. This way, they won't throw you.
2. Put Yourself On The Court
A job interview contains two main components. First, you get ready for the interview. Second, you have the interview. No matter how hard you prepare for the interview, success or failure happens while you are there. Tell an employer what you can do for them. Let go of how you think you are doing. Trust that you have done the work and that's why an employer has asked to see you. You don't know what a job is truly like until you go there. You may be nervous about it, so don't let fear keep you from going. This principle holds true for other job search seeking activities such as job fairs and networking events. There may be many reasons not to go, so keep your eye on the bigger picture, which is they can lead you to a great new job.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
Some people make saying the right things look easy, but they work at it. They role play mock interviews with friends, family, and their coach several times. They say their 30-second introduction over and over again until it becomes second nature. They anticipate questions that make them uncomfortable and they have their answers spelled out and ready to go. You can't do well without practicing. It's your pathway to job searching success.
4. Learn From Your Mistakes
Looking for a job can be tricky sometimes. You may be asked a question that you have no clue how to answer. You may say something foolish, and then realize when it's too late, that you can't take it back. Saying the wrong thing from time to time happens to everyone, so know that you are not alone. If you fall off the horse, pick yourself up and try again. If you don't do as well as you liked in a certain situation, be confident that you'll get it right the next time.
So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!
Comments
Posted by: Jackie Smith
I am a professional Property Manager, 21 yrs experience, and hold 3 designations. I have recently relocated to Little Rock and have inundated the market with my resume. I have interviewed at several properties who say they are looking for a strong manager; one that can take immediate control. I have been asked 40 different questions, all of which I answered, what I thought, was correct. They start out by asking "tell me about yourself". Frankly, that is a very personal questions and has nothing to do with my job qualifications. I have been asked "what are your weaknesses". Frankly, I think I have very few where my job is concerned. My biggest weakness is the grandchild. Give me hands up as to how I should answer these two questions. Thanks.
Posted by: Staff Editor
Jackie, this blog posting might help: http://www.employmentmetrix.com/blog/2008/12/relevant-irrelevant-and-provocative-interview-questions.html
Posted by: Shaun
Of course, we all have weaknesses, admit it, steal their thunder, and move on. Take immediate control? Give an example. If anything, tell them what you would do coming in. They are obviously looking for someone that has a handle on this and can do it right away without anyone following them around. "This is what I would do first...." They may need someone to "right their ship." Ease their fears, show confidence - nothing overboard. "Tell me about yourself?" What would you want to hear about someone? Not their tastes in travel. Just remind them of what you do, what you have done, why you understand the business - and how that will affect them - and how you will implement this. If anything personal, compare to a technique of success in life that you use for work. Keep answers short, confident. Never explain what you just said. Tell them you want the job; ask them what the next step is. Let them know that quality of life, integrity, high morals, etc. have meaning and are important and applicable to your work and everyone under/over you. My main outlook for people is, simply - can I depend on them? And the great depth and width of their dependability, the better it is for them - in regard to me. Good luck - everyone is having a hard time today, Keep trudging along.
Posted by: Margo Thomas
This article was great. A lot of the interview skills are common sense. Remaining calm and collected is key. Job searching is one of the hardest things you can do. It is important to remember to just be yourself and sell yourself to the employer. Let them know they need you and believe if you keep up the effort you will find the right position.
Posted by: tobias mccrystal
HELPFUL!
Posted by: SBrown
A quick search on google will result in a ton of responses on how to deal with the weakness question. I was trying to find a line from the Office where Michael Scott (the Office Regional Manager) is asked his weakness and I found the responses below from him as well as a couple of other people. Like her or hate her, Hillary's response isn't bad and I've turned that into one that's applicable for my business (and is often true), i.e. "I sometimes get frustrated when we can't do all the things that we want to do as quickly as we'd like to do them - usually do to resource constraints but I've learned over the years to be more patient, prioritize and find innovative ways to do more with the resources available." You have to make these your own, though:HILLARY CLINTON: "I get frustrated when people don't seem to understand that we can do so much more to help."JOHN EDWARDS: "I sometimes have a very powerful emotional response to pain that I see around me."BARACK OBAMA: "I ask my staff never to hand me paper until two seconds before I'll need it because I will lose it."Michael Scott: "I work too hard. I care too much. And sometimes I can be too invested in my job".
Posted by: Anacleto Cortez
Your ideas and clue for this kind of interviewreally are helpful instead of wondering to find an answer. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.Anacleto Cortez
Posted by: john joris
I feel that in today's workforce there are workers and people that just want a check. This is where all your knowledge and character come out. These hints are helpful to anyone that needs the right stuff to find a job. Great articles
Posted by: tinroofer
I went on my first interview in 12 years this week. I got questions ranging from 'what would your previous employer say about you?' to 'how would you motivate people?' but the one that threw me was 'What do you think you would take as an hourly rate for this job?' I would expect this question for a high level position, not a low level manufacturing job. I'm sure I priced myself right out the door because I went with my first instinct - that there was more to the position than they were saying. If I had just taken a breather and thought things through, I might have lowered my rate to get in the door.I obviously need a lot more practice at this.
Posted by: Sharon Redekop
I was laid off recently and have been looking for work since then.I have had quite a few interviews. I can make it past the first but when it comes to a panel interview in front of a # of people my mind seem to end up in the deep freeze. I am a professional in the medical field and have many years of successful work experience. My last panel interview went better then those previously and I am waiting to find out the outcome. I am still not 100% happy with my responses but I think you are that right-practise makes perfect!
Posted by: Kenneth Chesney
Very helpful. It's all about confidence & preperation. I've had 4 interviews this week alone, which I feel very lucky to have landed in these tough times. I had to practice, practice, practice! Mock interviews with family or friends is a great way to build your skills & not worry about saying the wrong thing. Know your strengths & expand on them- an employer must know why they can't do without you!!! Rejection is tough for all of us, just remember- sometimes others have better skills in work experience & interviewing, so level the playing field as much as you can!
Posted by: Attia Reeder On: 5/18/2009 12:31:24 PM
Very informative! thanks
Posted by: Sunanda Rana On: 5/19/2009 4:12:21 PM
Thank you all, especially Shaun, SBrown, Tinroofer for sharing your thoughts and giving valuable insight.
Posted by: Sirena Anderson On: 6/2/2009 4:46:38 PM
Thank you so much for helping me realize things about an interview to improve myself.
