Five Interviewing Tips
1. Hey! What are you looking for?
Interviewing is just like playing darts. The interviewer's screening
criteria is the target and each dimension of your talent is represented
by a dart. At the start of the interview you must find the target
and decide which 3 "experience darts" to present. "What
skills do you feel are required to be successful in this position?" is
an effective question for you to ask at the start ("opening
phase") of the interview. If you don't ask an "opening" question
you are shooting your talent darts in the dark.
2. Ask Questions:
It is your responsibility to make sure the interview is an interview
and not an interrogation. You do this by asking questions throughout
the interview. If you don't ask questions you force the interview
to be an interrogation.
3. Specific Examples:
Interviewers ask questions about your past experience to predict
your future performance. In response to thier questions provide specific
examples of your work and life experience. Focus on the actions you
took and the results achieved. Interviewers are less interested in
what "the team did" or what you were "responsible
for". They want to know what you did. Behavioral Event Interviewing
is a strategy used by skilled interviewers where they ask you for
specific examples of your experience.
4. How do you like me so far?
At the conclusion of each interview ask the interviewer for their
opinion of your background. Ask them what they feel your strengths
are and what concerns they have about your ability. Interviewers
form opinions based on a 45 minute interview. The potential for misunderstanding
is enormous. Ask a couple questions at the end to make sure they
understand your experience accurately.
5. Visual Aids:
Bring visual aids whenever applicable to convey the quality of your
work. You can even prepare a few PowerPoint slides or one page document
to communicate the quality of your work. Visual aids can include
anything that you feel conveys what you have done and what you can
do.
by Michael R. Neece, CEO Interview Mastery
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