How to Nail The Job Interview
Maybe you've been home with the kids and this is your first foray back into the job market. Or maybe you've been in the job market for a while and realized it's time for a change. Either way, there are things you can do to be super-prepared for an interview and leave a strong impression that can lead to your next great job opportunity.
An easy way to prepare is to use the 10-5-5 formula. The "10" in 10-5-5 refers to ten easy steps to follow from start to finish in the interviewing process, from learning as much as you can about the company beforehand to sending that all-important thank-you note immediately after the conclusion of the interview. (See 10 steps at bottom of page.)
The first "5" in 10-5-5 refers to the first five minutes of the interview. Common questions asked of you during the interview might be: What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Biggest accomplishment? Biggest failure? Why should I hire you? How would you describe yourself in three words? Tell me about your current boss? Be prepared with the answers. But remember that most interviewers form their opinion of you in the first five minutes, so take control from the get-go and make those first impressions count.
The second "5" in 10-5-5 refers to the intelligent five questions you should be prepared to ask when your interviewer turns the tables on you and says, "Do you have any questions for me?" Some question ideas include: What happened to the person who previously held this position? Why did you choose to work here? What keeps you here? What is the first problem the person you hire must deal with? What can you tell me about the person to whom I would report? What are the desired qualities for this job and the challenges of it? What are the industry's and the company's future sales and profit projections? What's our next step?
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10 Steps to the Corner Office
Step 1: Before the interview, talk to people who have worked at the company if you can.
Step 2: Know the name and title of the person interviewing you. Arrive at least 10 minutes early.
Step 3: Greet and acknowledge the administrative assistant.
Step 4: Bring an extra résumé and letters of recommendation.
Step 5: Be open, upbeat, at ease and smile often.
Step 6: Know the company's business, target clients, market and direction.
Step 7: Walk in prepared with a few questions and listen carefully.
Step 8: Conclude with a positive statement and a quick, firm handshake.
Step 9: Ask what the next steps are and get a business card from the interviewer.
Step 10: Send a thank-you note as soon as possible.