 |
  |
HOME |
     | ||
 | ||
| ||||||||||||
|
 Preparing for the Employment Interview The elements of an effective strategy for handling the employment interview can be summarized as follows: I. Being properly and adequately prepared requires you to:
Properly preparing for your employment interview enables you to:
Employment Personal Inventory Sheet (prepare one sheet for each job title at each employing company) should include:
Research the company. Never go on an interview without knowing the company's products and services, markets, sales volume, growth, locations, and subsidiaries. Spend an hour in the library utilizing Standard & Poors, Moody's, Dun & Bradstreet, state manufacturing directories, etc. Log onto the Internet for up-to-date company information, press releases, and so on. Be properly attired. Most employers categorically reject improperly attired candidates, For men: wear a conservative suit, a white shirt with contrasting tie, shined shoes, and business socks. For women: wear a skirted suit or tailored dress, create a professional, feminine image. Your demeanor should be conservative and business-like. Use the 2/3:1/3 Rule: God gave you two ears but only one mouth ... use them in that proportion. Like the best salespeople, the best candidates are those who are good listeners! ANSWERING QUESTIONS: Your answers to questions asked by the employer will directly influence the hiring decision. When answering questions, follow this basic Question Answering rule: ANSWER EVERY QUESTION IN TERMS OF YOUR BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS OR IN TERMS OF THE JOB TO BE FILLED. There are five types of questions that employers generally ask: 1. "Tell me about yourself" means "Tell me about your qualifications." Pre-plan a 4-6 minute answer then, when asked the question, describe your education and mention each of your jobs in terms of accomplishments or performance indicators. State your educational background, work credentials, and qualifications. Be concise and be brief. 2. Personality questions attempt to determine if you possess the qualities being sought. They may include: "What kind of manager are you?", "Are you creative?", or "Can you do the job?" Answer personality questions in terms of the obvious answer supported by past or present experience as proof of your claim. 3. Motivation questions attempt to determine if you will enjoy doing the job. They may include: "Describe your ideal job.", "Would you prefer to work for a large or small company?", "What do you like most/least about your present job?" Answer motivation questions by again following the Question Answering rule: answer in terms of your qualifications or the job to be filled. Be specific, don't be vague; be empathetic. DO NOT bad-mouth your current or previous employers. 4. Behavioral questions will be asked to discover how you responded to specific situations in the workplace. Describe actual events that occurred, what you did, what resources you called upon to solve problems, how you handled the situation, and (hopefully) a favorable outcome. DO NOT describe how you think you might act or try to invent a situation. Be honest, forthright, and clear in your responses. It is perfectly satisfactory to take a moment to formulate your thoughts before you respond. 5. Salary questions: When asked the salary you desire, respond, "I'm presently earning $(number) and although I expect an increase to change positions, I don't know enough about this specific opportunity as yet to put an exact dollar amount on it." Negotiate from a position of strength -- avoid answering this question until the job is offered; if currently employed, seek a 10 to 15% increase; if unemployed, seek your most recent salary. If required to fill out a company application form that asks salary desired or least considered, write "OPEN" or "NEGOTIABLE." In summary, remember to follow the Question Answering Rule: answer every question in terms of your background and qualifications or in terms of the job being filled. ASKING QUESTIONS: Proper and adequate preparation will assist you in formulating your questions. Prior to the interview, research the company General Questioning Guidelines:
Job Satisfaction Questions: These questions will testify to your motivation to do the job and should focus on meaningful work (the importance of the job), your responsibilities and the accompanying authority, recognition for superior performance, and career potential. Past Performance Questions: These serve a dual purpose -- they enable you to avoid making a wrong decision and help sell your candidacy. They should concentrate on people who previously held the position, their performance, and where they are today. Sales Questions: These enable you to determine the kind of person the employer wants to hire in terms of education, experience, future performance, and personality. When you understand the kind of person the employer wants to hire you can then say, "I can do the job you want done because I've done it before and I've done it well," or you can describe your compensating assets and/or education. Ask for the Job: "I can do what you want done and I want the job." Avoid Questions: You should avoid questions relating to salary, fringes, vacations, retirement, etc. until the job is offered and you are prepared to accept. Summary: When asking employers questions avoid salary and fringe benefit questions, ask interest questions, ask job satisfaction and past performance questions, ask the sales questions, always ask for the job, and confer with your Newtown Consulting Group Account Executive. |
||||
|
|
|
[Top] HOME | About Us | Candidate Services | Client Services | Job Center | Submit Resume Copyright© 2000-2003 Newtown Consulting Group, Inc. |
Group Life Insurance