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Prepare for an Interview by Thinking Like an Employer - Bill Barnett
by Bill Barnett | 2:39 PM January 26, 2012 People have different natural talents at interviewing for jobs. But even the most talented can fail to get offers if they don’t prepare. This goes beyond arriving on time, dressing professionally, being polite, and preparing to discuss every detail of your resume. Of course, these things are important. An employer’s purpose is to help determine who best fits the job opening and who will improve the organization’s capability in that position. Consider these six steps to align your interview skills with an employer’s mindset: 1. But you can do better. This foundational knowledge leads to all the other steps. 2. 3. Imagine questions interviewers may ask and how you’ll answer. 4. This line of discussion is important for everyone, and it’s essential for senior roles. 5. 6. What more have you learned about the company? A winning PVP will set your direction, and your network can surface good possibilities. What do you do to prepare for interviews?
Inside the Recruiter's Head: What He's Really Asking You During the Interview
Jayne Mattson is Senior Vice President at Keystone Associates, a leading career management and transition services consulting firm in Boston, Massachusetts. Mattson specializes in helping mid-to-senior level individuals in new career exploration, networking strategies and career decisions based on corporate culture fit. You applied for a new job, and you've been called in for an interview. During the interview process, there are three main questions that need to be answered to help the HR person determine if you're the right fit for the job: Can this person do the job? By asking what I call “the question behind the question,” hiring managers have a better chance to making the right hiring decision. 1. This question gets at the heart of why you're leaving the current job or, in the case of a reduction in workforce, it helps the interviewer understand what was missing. 2. This is precarious territory because your answer needs to have a balance of positive and negative feedback. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Is this the job you want? How to find the right fit and then sell yourself in an interview
The following article by Wendy L. Werner appeared in the January 2012 issue of LAWPRO Magazine. On the face of it, interviewing should not be all that difficult – particularly for lawyers. As members of a profession who primarily make their living either writing or speaking, the idea that having a conversation about your interests and abilities in your own profession sounds both logical and easy. But throw the words “job interview” into the mix and a whole new paradigm emerges. At the same time, it also seems that candidates often appear at interviews unprepared for a conversation in which they have voluntarily decided to participate. Here are some thoughts about making the most of a difficult process, and in the end making good decisions about where you want to work. Preparation is key While most law firm interviews feature relatively standard questions, corporations now often employ what are called “behavioural” or “situational” interviews. The SAO formula
Five Steps to Assess Your Strengths - Bill Barnett
by Bill Barnett | 2:07 PM November 29, 2011 As discussed in my previous post, your personal value proposition (PVP) is why an employer should hire you or promote you over someone else. It’s the foundation of your career strategy. A product’s value proposition only works if it’s true, if the business has the organizational competencies needed to deliver the value proposition. Is it possible to come up with new insights about strengths? Pallab (name has been changed) was a marketing Vice President at a Fortune 100 company that acquired his company two years earlier. He needed a new career strategy. Pallab first thought he’d emphasize his experience with marketing and growth, especially in emerging markets. After a couple of frustrating months at this, Pallab looked in an unconventional direction. Pallab began an aggressive job search. Pallab found an exciting new position. When you start thinking about your PVP, follow Pallab’s example. List your strengths.
The Interview Question You Should Always Expect - John Lees
by John Lees | 11:26 AM November 4, 2011 Whether you are a new middle manager or a new President-elect, the common wisdom is that you have three months to make an impact in your new role. And yet when preparing for job interviews, candidates make the mistake of believing that most questions will be about their past experience, not what they plan to do once hired. New hires have to impress their bosses, peers, and employees in less time than it takes some of us to arrange a meeting. First, approach this question — and indeed, every interview question — as an audition. Second, beware of extremes. At the other end of the spectrum is the candidate who tells the organisation every mistake it’s making and offers to give things a pretty big shake-up — usually enough to put the interviewers’ backs up. The best answers take a middle ground, effectively saying, “Yes, I will learn and listen, but I will also get on with things.” Finally, think about your presentation. Analysis.
Three steps to a better first impression
The question Generally, I think of myself as a good employee – willing to work hard, work with others, and always willing to go the distance – which has always gotten me good performance reviews. However, I find it so difficult landing a new job since I generally feel that I do not make the best first impression (I got my current job through a job placement agency). The answer Making a great first impression is about three key things: self-confidence, knowing what you want to communicate, and doing your homework. Walking into an interview with a good amount of self-confidence is critical. Second, confidence also comes when you know what you want to say. Also, if the interviewer does not ask about a specific area of your experience that you think really showcases your work and that you will be an asset from the start, be sure to volunteer this information. You also need to do your homework on the company you are interviewing with. Katie Bennett is head of Double Black Diamond Coaching.
How to Keep a Job Search Discreet - Amy Gallo - Best Practices
Looking for a job while you already have one can be stressful, especially in the age of social media when privacy is scarce. You don’t want to rock the boat at your current company but you want to find the next great opportunity. Should you tell your boss you’re looking? What the Experts Say The job market may be bleak, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Do your homework Fernández-Aráoz says that the first step to any job search is a thorough analysis of what you’re good at and what you love to do. Consider internal options first Once you know what you want, start your search inside your company. Keep it secret if necessary Many people have to keep their search quiet. Network carefully If there is a colleague you trust, however, consider sharing the news. When to tell your boss No boss likes to find out from someone else that one of her direct reports is looking for a new job. Interview on your own time Most employers will want to interview you during normal business hours. Do: Don’t:
