[Timgt5]

Here's a question I often hear: What are some things I can do to prepare for a job interview?
Answer: There really aren't too many things in life more awkward than a job interview. You're dressed in formal business clothing, sitting across from a stranger. This stranger has the right to ask you anything from the most elaborate to the most mundane questions. And you have to spend an hour talking about nothing but yourself. Actually it sounds pretty similar to a blind date!
Just like a blind date, there are some definite no-no's you need to avoid if you want to make it to the next level.
1. Don't try to outwit or outguess the interviewer.
Most candidates go into a job interview thinking it's a contest where the goal is to defeat the interviewer in some type of battle of wits.
"Aha, Brad has asked me this question. Clearly, that is some type of trick question. I just don't know what the trick is yet. Here's how I would normally answer the question, but instead I should say what he probably wants to hear."
That thinking is when good interviews go bad. Sit back, relax, and pretend it is a conversation with a friend. Those are the best interviews.
2. Read the job description.
I call the job description the "cheat sheet" for the interview. Chances are the items listed on the job description will come up in the interview. For instance, if the job description says, "looking for creative problem-solvers" one of the questions you will receive is, "Give me an example of when you creatively solved a problem."
3. Have reasons for everything you've done.
Most companies conduct behavioral interviews. It means they are more interested in the hows and the whys as opposed to the whats. They want to know what makes you tick. An interviewer is not simply going to say, "Oh, I see that you worked as a sales rep in your last job. Cool."
That interviewer may spend about 10 minutes asking questions about the job: "What did you like about the job? What were your accomplishments? What were your biggest mistakes?"
And on and on. Be sure you have answers.
4. Ask questions.
There is nothing more damaging than not having a single question at the end of an interview. It shows that you have no curiosity or interest in the organization. Almost every interviewer will leave about five minutes at the end of the interview to answer questions. Make sure you have a couple. Two or three questions is appropriate, and they can be either personal questions -- "What do you like about working here?" -- or they can be business questions -- "How has the Internet affected your business?"
There you have it. Four quick ways that you can make sure you ace the interview and have the job offers rolling in. Good luck!

Thanks for posting this Tim. I just never know if I'm ever saying the right thing. I'm not very good at interviews.

[splitimage]

When I was last job hunting I had the benefit of working with an outplacement firm, which helped me loads. One of the things they stressed was to have 4 -5 STAR stories that you know cold and can pull out and tailor to the job interviewer's question.

It stands for
Situation
Task
Action
Result

It's also really important to talk in the first person, about what action you took, and not say we. A lot of companies are really team oriented, and especially a lot of women are used to saying "we" rather than "I" The interviewer doesn't care what your team did, rather they care about what you did, contributed, etc, and what the result of you action was.

I found this really helpful in job hunting.

--splitimage

[(JD)]

It's also really good for points if you have read up on the company a little, and can share that, perhaps in the form of a question...such as, I read that this company serves...xxx ... is that still true? This shows that you had enough interest in the company to research it a bit, and means you are more likely to like what the company does.

Also, tell the interviewer you "really want this position." It is a simple thing, but goes a long way if you are already somewhat qualified. Someone who is already qualified may just be looking for a job to have while they are looking for a better one.

Good wishes!

[guggy]

The best interviews I've done by far were those when I didn't really need the job, it really helps to relax and be yourself. Coming from unemployment looking for a job must be a completely different story.

[Rmdctc]

Ty for the info!

[Hunny]

Information interviews with 'three good questions' and cold calling (keep it short, sweet and to the point) being prepard with, again, good questions, are the two best things that have worked for me. Actually gotten me good paying jobs.

It takes courage but look how far you've come already, reaching out here! Oh, by the way, diversify: work at a job or two; work toward a better job; and work toward a career by doing lifelong learning.

Oh, and work/life balance. Took me a long time to learn this. Make time for fun even when you are looking for work, real fun, not depressing, sitting in front of boob tube, game playing, frivously spending money you don't have fun. Mine involves walking alot, viewing the beauty around me. So far, it's free! Some conferences can be helpful and they often have a meal included, meet some nice people and make a few contacts.

Buy cheaper, it won't be forever; buy on consignment or at value village (I never had to buy underwear or shoes there. I don't think it would even be safe, and wash everything first). Once and while for a break, eat out even if a local, food safe, cheapie place, use the two for one coupons.

Employment centres tend to be 'pitz of despair' or become 'running on the wheel'. They have little to offer, it is afterall a job for them to support unemployed people so that it is to their benefit that people are unemployed

All you need is a few kind, supportive friends irl and here on PC and everything else you can find on-line, resume-wise and cover letter-wise.

Oh, and yeah pray for me too, to be able to carry on in this way. I'm still working toward that career, upgrading skills and finding new fun.

Thanks,
Hunny

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