Pre-Interview
You've got a great resume- so why aren't you getting any interviews?
Often we spend so much time on the resume we neglect the other
important details. As a classic example if your answering machine
has any of the following change it
immediately:
. It sounds like a dating service
. Music to accompany your message
. Multiple voices
. Puns etc.. We're not in but we'll get back to you Barr-ing any
complications
*
Another twist on this is email. It is very hard to take someone
seriously with an email address of sexkitten69@qu.com or freakyman@ub.ca.
Take out a free email account with a more appropriate address.
If
you don't have an answering machine invest in one. Now let the
machine work for you. Have the machine answer the phone. Why?
It puts you in more of an advantageous
position. You have some time to think of what you are going to
say and to ask questions.
When
you call back, find out who is interviewing you. Depending on
the company it may be someone different than the person calling.
It may also be a panel (more than
one interviewer) and you want to know who they are and their position.
Ask if the job you applied for has a job
description that you could pick up. Always do your own leg work-
don't ask them to send it to you. If they tell you they don't
mind, don't argue, thank them and move on.
You've
got an Interview
The first thing you do is enlist your friends. Their first job
is the handshake. Don't ask your parents about this one, if you
have a weak handshake chances are they do too. Work on this. It
is the only point of contact in an interview and you need to project
confidence and enthusiasm.
Second
ask them what your pet word is. Mine is "like" other
common ones are "you know", "um", "well"
and the worst "um, well , like, you know". We all have
one, and for 30-45 minutes you need to minimize the use of this
word.Have your friends test you for endurance, see how long you
can go without saying the pet word.
At
the interview
When you get to the interview, early, take time to read any
brochures they may have in the office on their company. Ensure
you are not chewing gum, it sounds stupid, but it
happens all the time.
If
the receptionists asks you if you would like water or coffee decline.
You will be nervous enough and shaking hands with a glass in your
hand is very difficult.
Once
you are in the interview room. Pay attention to what is going
on. Your interviewer will direct you to a seat. If you are given
a choice of seating avoid sitting facing a window. Two reasons,
first you will get distracted, second the interviewer will be
in shadow if it's a bright day.
Hands
down the most common mistake everyone makes is not listening to
the question. The easiest way to pay attention is to bring a note
pad. The interviewer will be taking notes you should too. Taking
notes gives you a moment to reflect on the question and prepare
your thoughts.
If
the question is "Give us a time when..". You answer
should not start "If I..." or "I would...",
the interviewer is looking for what you have done. Your past behaviour
is the best
predictors of what you will do in the future. HR is also very
fond of situational questions. If you can't think of what to do
in a controlled environment then chances are you won't be able
to respond in the field.
After
the interviewers ask you their questions you will have an opportunity
to ask them questions.
Don't
ask about money!! Acceptable questions include, shifts, uniforms
or dress code, number of co-workers, and when you can expect to
hear from them.
Follow
up
It is entirely up to you if you choose to send a note to thank
the interviewer. E-mail is great because it is easily read and
you know the interviewer got it. The message should be brief and
is not opportunity to provide all those great answers you wish
you had said in the interview. Do not call to follow up.
The interviewer may have interviewed 20 people in 3 days
and will have difficulty placing you.
Parting
words
Be yourself. If you try to be what you think they want, you'll
most likely be miserable at the job. So if they ask if you prefer
to work with data or people, and you hate data.
Tell them. You might not get the job, and that might be the best
thing for you.
