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For more than ten years, the Senior
Search Consultants at United Search Associates,
have counseled candidates and have observed
attitudes and behavior which have greatly
influenced the hiring decisions of our clients.
Following are thoughts and ideas from our
consultants that, when applied, may assist in the
interview process:
Chemistry is the
Key!
Remember that the typical hiring decision is
made within the first fifteen minutes of an
interview. Employers hire people, not
qualifications. Your credentials, experience and
professional background got you the interview . The
person that gets the job will be the person that
the employer feels will work well with their team.
During the interview look for shared experience and
common backgrounds. Remember studies have shown
that education and experience are 35% of a hire,
while chemistry is 65%.
Remember the
Objective!
Every thing you do when you are looking for a
new job should be directed toward one central goal:
getting the job offer. You may decide not to accept
the offer, but you have to receive the offer before
you can make that decision. Once you feel that an
offer is being considered your second objective is
to raise your perceived value to the employer to
increase the compensation package that may be
forthcoming. Leave your ego at the door when you go
to be interviewed - first and foremost get the job
offer.
People Are Influenced by
Conviction, Not Persuasion!
Experience shows that most people talk about
themselves in negative or self-deprecating terms.
There is a fine line between enthusiasm and
desperation. Employers want to know that if a fair
and competitive offer is extended, you will accept.
If at some point you know you really want the job,
let them know. Remember, quiet enthusiasm radiates
eagerness to become part of the team.
Prepare for the
Interview!
Preparing for the interview is as important as
the interview itself. Both men and women should
wear conservative business clothing and
accessories. Hair should be trimmed and shoes
polished. Never wear perfume, cologne or shaving
lotion. Don't smoke or put gasoline in your car
before the interview. Give yourself ample travel
time, a good rule of thumb is three minutes a mile
plus thirty minutes for good measure. If invited
for lunch, use discretion when ordering. Never
choose hard to eat items. Do not smoke nor drink
alcohol beverages. Start the morning of the
interview day with an interview state of mind.
Treat everyone you meet during the day with respect
as they may participate in the hiring decision.
Employers Want
Results!
During the interview be sure to emphasize
on-the-job accomplishments during your career. Talk
about decreased expenses, increased revenue and
improved morale! Qualify your results in terms of a
percentage or dollar amount.
Questions to Ask
Interviewers!
- What are the most difficult issues now
facing the organization?
- How are these issues being addressed?
- Describe the organizational structure? Are
decisions made quickly?
- Who are the organizations clients,
constituents?
- What is the organization's strategy for
growth?
- What new services, products, if any, is the
organization planning?
- What is the first matter that needs to be
addressed in this position?
- What others need immediate attention?
- What are the organization's strengths and
weaknesses?
- Who are the major competitors in the
area?
- How have the responsibilities for the
position been performed in the past?
- How does the organization measure
performance?
- Is there anything unique about the
position?
Questions Frequently Asked to
Candidates!
- Tell me about yourself?
- What do you like about your present
position?
- What do you dislike about the positions you
have previously held?
- If you were starting your career over, what
would you do differently?
- What four critical things do you want in
your next job?
- What do people see as your best
qualities?
- Why do you want to join our
organization?
- Why would you hire yourself for this
position?
- Tell me about a time when a supervisor
disagreed with the way you handled a situation.
How was the issue resolved?
Compensation &
Benefits!
Do no talk about compensation, benefits or
salary. If you state a salary requirement that is
too low, you could cost yourself thousands of
dollars. If you quote a salary that is too high,
you may have priced yourself out of the market. Why
not say that you are open to a competitive offer
based upon your qualifications and what you can do
for the organization. The key is to not give the
impression that money is your motivation.
Factors That Lead to
Failure!
- Poor Personal Appearance
- Intolerant, Strong Prejudices
- Know It All Attitude
- Limp Hand Shake
- Inability to Express Oneself Clearly
- Lack of Knowledge of Career Field
- Lack of Purpose, Goals and Objectives
- Poor Handling of Personal Finances
- Lack of Interest or Enthusiasm
- Expressing Unhappy Attitude
- Lack of Confidence and Poise
- Overemphasis on Money
- Low Moral Standard
- Expects Too Much Too Soon
- Emphasis on Whom They Know
- Making Excuses and Evasiveness
- Inability to Take Criticism
- Lack of Tact, Courtesy, Maturity
- Radical Ideas
- Late to Interview
- Indefinite Response to Questions
- Condemnation of Past Employers
- Little Sense of Humor
- Lack of Social Understanding
- Failed to Look Interviewer in the Eye
- Ask no Questions About the Position
- No Interest in Community Activities
- Poor Knowledge of Company
- High Pressure Personality
- Unwillingness to Travel
- Cynical
- Wants Job for Short Period
- Indecisive
- Failure to Express Appreciation for
Interviewer's Time
Send a Follow-Up
Letter!
Write a short note or letter to each person who
interviewed you thanking them for their time and
reminding them of your interest in the position. To
be most effective, these letters should be sent
within 24 hours of completing the interview
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