Job Interview Skills: What Does The Employer Want To Hear?

By John Groth 

In any job interview the interviewer wants to be assured that the candidate can do the job. Taking it a step further this question needs to be answered, "Why should this candidate be hired over the other equally qualified candidates?"

Your ability to effectively communicate why you are the best fit for the requirements of the job will, in the majority of cases, determine if you get the job offer. Every presentation starts with an agenda. How you prepare your agenda and then communicate it in the interview will go a long way to move you ahead of the other candidates.

In preparing your interview agenda you must learn as much as possible about the needs of the employer. Clues can be found in the job announcement; if you know someone working for the employer they may be able to provide you with additional valuable information. And you must prepare a group of questions that will provide you with the challenges of the job, priorities and company management styles.

During the job interview you should actively listen to the answers to your questions and how the interviewer's questions are phrased. This means you ought to be flexible and not assume even though the job has a particular title that all the job duties and problems can be easily pigeon-holed.

"Program Manager," in one situation may be heavily weighted to resolve budgetary issues in another it may be managing a diverse group of professional disciplines. Even though you may have significant program manager experience in both areas getting this right in your interview answers is the key to a successful job interview.

Recognize that the employer is looking for candidates who can fill a specific need and contribute to the success of the company. The interviewer will not take the time to connect the dots and assume because you did a function well that it will translate into performing well in an allied function.

Moreover, these needs differ from company to company and certainly from industry to industry. You answers to interview questions must, as much as you can, demonstrate that you are the only candidate that can fill the employer's needs.

All this means when preparing for the job interview get the basic information down pat, but build in the necessary flexibility to effective answer the questions.

As a general rule the job interview consists of a buyer (the employer) and the seller (you). If you sell what the buyer wants to buy the possibility of success goes way up. You need to give solid examples of how you resolved challenges that the employer is facing.

This is what successful candidates do in their job interviews, give the interviewer strong assurances that they can do the job. Why, because they effectively performed identical functions in the past, and there is a high likelihood they will do the same in the future. Copy this model and you will also be successful in your job hunt.

John Groth has changed careers seven times during his working life. Learn more about changing careers, interviewing skills, resume and cover letter writing and career planning at http://careersafter50.com. Discover how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by using effective interviewing skills after 50.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_Groth/124598

The Job Search Challenge - The Interview

By Steve Scott S 

You have written your resume and now you are ready to interview. Or are you? There is nothing more discouraging than getting through the first cut with your resume only to be in over your head on the interview.

A Good Interview Equals Good Interviewing Skills

Let me define a good interview. A good interview is where you were able to have a positive information exchange that reveals to the interviewer your assets. Notice that I didn't say a good interview is one that lands you the job. That would be great. More often than not you may go through a series of interviews before there is an offer.

A good interview does one of two things. It either keeps the process going. Or, it makes it clear that your skills and aptitude are not a match for the prospective employer. That way you can readily move on to the next opportunity.

As a personal business coach, I have observed that a great resume doesn't translate into a great interview. I work with my clients to develop good interviewing skills.

Good interviewing skills involve many things. Obviously, you must be qualified and have some ability to connect with your interviewer. Having said that the two most important interviewing skills have to do with:

1. How you use your resume to answer questions

2. How you use your resume to control the interview

Remember that very often, the person who is interviewing you is not a skilled interviewer. They may be asking questions from a prepared list. Regardless of the skill level of your interviewer, my goal for my clients is to increase the odds of them being in control of the interview.

A Good Interview-Answering Questions

Most people understand that how you answer questions is key to having a good interview. The questions you ask that show a familiarity with the company, position or how you may contribute are important. But I have observed that the questions you ask are not where you are likely to stumble.

Where the stumbling takes place is in how you answer the questions that the interviewer gives you. Questions will be asked in an interview that could have the true question lurking underneath. For example:

"Mr. Scott I see that you moved around a great deal in your previous company and held several positions. What brought about all these moves?" Now you may be thinking that this is a great question because you get to show them how you were valuable in many areas.

Yet, here's what they may really be asking you. They see that you moved around a lot within your last company. They are wondering, "Are you a team player?" "How do you get along with authority?" Many questions can be a trap and I teach my clients to recognize the traps and how to avoid them or turn them in their favor.

A Good Interview

When in doubt about a question ask the interviewer the following, "What was it on my resume that piqued your interest to ask that question?" Always go back to the resume. Why? In the resume, which is now accomplishments oriented, you are talking about your accomplishments and your positives.

Find out what prompted them from your resume to ask you the question. When you know what interested them you are more likely to have an answer that works to take you to the next step in the interview process.

About Author: More detailed information can be found at www.businesskeystosuccess.com [http://www.businesskeystosuccess.com/] and Created by Steve Scott. The definitive guide to a better business and a better you for entrepreneurs, solo professionals and self-employed individuals striving to reach the top and who are serious about their success.For more information: www.businesskeystosuccess.com/resume-interviewing-promo/ [http://www.businesskeystosuccess.com/resume-interviewing-promo/]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steve_Scott_S/871598

How To Find A Job - The Interview

By Larry B Gray

After what seems like an eternity it has finally happened. Your stellar resume and cover letter has landed you an interview. Now what? This is the moment you have been waiting for, the moment you can sell yourself and get that dream job.

For a successful interview there are two parts that need to be reviewed, the preparation and the actual interview. Each part will require time and effort.

Remember an interview is a two-way street. Not only are you being interviewed by the company but you are also making a decision if you want to work for them.

Preparation

Prior to the interview you need to do research on the company and learn as much as you can about the following.

1. Learn its history.
2. Learn the company's Mission Statement and goals.
3. Learn its philosophy about its people, the community and the environment.
4. Learn about its products, services and markets.
5. Where are its locations.

This information will help you shape your answers to the interviewer's questions. It will make you look like you are really interested in the company and the position.

You also need to research how to be interviewed and what are typical questions asked by potential employers. The internet is full of examples of interview techniques and sample questions. Practice your answers to the basics questions and always try to mold your answers to fit their philosophy wherever possible. You will find it easier to handle the hard question when asked.

Review your resume and be prepared to expound upon each of your bullet points. Most interviewers will ask you to elaborate on your accomplishments and successes. This is a time for you to brag.

Another key element to the interview is your appearance. Remember the old rule of "Dress for Success." It is true that most interviewers form a lasting opinion of you in the first few seconds of meeting you based on your appearance. Here are a few tips.

1. Everyone needs an interview outfit.
2. It should be conservative, tasteful and not a fashion statement.
3. Your outfit should be appropriate to the job level to which you are applying.
4. I recommend dressing one level above.
5. Business casual will be appropriate for most non-executive job interviews.
6. Wear appropriate shoes.
7. Polished and clean.
8. No tennis shoes, flops, or casual sandals.
9. Depending on the nature of the job, ladies may want to avoid wearing high heels. This is for safety reasons if there is a facility tour.
10. Limit jewelry and especially cologne.

Interviewing

Arrive on time. Often being late can be the kiss of death for an interview. If you are going to be late because of traffic call ahead and let them know. Also, arriving too early does not impress an interviewer. It tends to imply you can't follow instructions. Fifteen minutes is an appropriate time unless they ask you to come in earlier to fill out paperwork.

You should always bring multiple copies of your resume. Offer one to each person you are interviewing with. Most likely they will have a copy but offer one as a courtesy.

Always offer a handshake. It should be firm but not exaggerated. There are still people who will judge you based on your handshake.

During the interview answer all the questions as completely and honestly as possible. Remember to tie in the company's philosophy to your answers whenever possible. When answering a question, don't overdo the answer. Sometimes too much information can hurt.

Don't feel like you have to fill in idle time or lulls in the conversation. When you do this it often results in you saying something you did not mean to. This is a tactic some interviewers use to get you to reveal more information. When you have answered the question, patiently wait for the interviewer to ask you the next question.

If the interviewer asks you a negative question try to answer it with a positive. It is important to turn negatives into positives.

It is alright if you are a little nervous but this is not the time to be humble. It is the time to brag about you, without being obnoxious. Let the interviewer know your strengths.

It is okay to take notes. I always bring a memo pad to jot down information and potential questions I have. But, don't let your note taking interfere with answering questions.

It is also okay to ask questions. Remember you are also interviewing the company. Just don't let your questioning dominate the interview. Keep them simple and use mostly clarifying questions.

Here are a few interview don'ts.

1. Don't bring anyone to the interview with you. Even if they wait in the car, don't. You need to be flexible to respond the company's request, such as lunch.
2. Don't bring your mother.
3. Don't bring your children. If you need an interpreter bring an adult not a child.
4. Don't bring up time off and vacation schedules.
5. And, most importantly, don't bring up money. Let them bring it up.

The most important tip for an interview is to relax and enjoy it. You can gain a lot of valuable information about a potential employer at an interview. This will help you make an informed decision when they make you an offer that you can't refuse.

Finally, after each interview, thank the interviewer for their time and offer a handshake.

What tips do you have from a successful interview experience?

Larry Gray. I was born and grew up in Eastern North Carolina in the small rural town of Aurora. After marrying my high school sweetheart I moved to Lakeland, Florida where I spent my adult years raising a beautiful family and working in the Citrus Industry, with over 38 years in various leadership and management roles (http://www.larrygraysells.blogspot.com).

Come join me on this great adventure, remembering the past and building the future.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Larry_B_Gray/681983

What Job Interview Answers Will Get You Hired?

By BJ Current  

Have you ever wondered about why you can make good impressions at some interviews but walk out of others knowing that you bombed?

The answer is how you answered the questions that the interviewer asked you. Sometimes you click and sometimes you don't but the fact is that having and knowing the right answers to typical questions can get you closer to being hired.

How To Answer Questions

You have to be prepared. They are going to ask you for specific dates, people and work assignments. They will ask about the projects you have done, how they helped you to grow and how you handled the pressure.

Always bring a fresh clean copy of your resume along with you to the interview. Resumes get lost or misplaced and having one available will help you look better prepared. Think about how you will answer a question about how you handle difficult people. It's sure to come up.

Be Prepared

It is crucial that you do research on the company and position for which you are interviewing. Knowing what product or service they sell will give you a leg up on your competition. If you are asked how you would sell their widget but you have no idea what the widget is or how they are currently selling it all you'll be able to do is stammer around in circles.

You are sure to be asked if there are gaps in your employment history or you have had a lot of different jobs. Make sure that you have an answer so that you won't be caught unawares.

What are you going to do if they ask you about how you handled difficult people? Make sure that you are prepared with a good answer. Any question that is asked on this question needs to be answered carefully. Make sure that you have a positive response that shows you can be tolerant and understanding.

Bottom Line

The right answers can help you get the job that you want. Get the tips that you need at [http://www.hiringtips.info]. Make sure that you are prepared for any question you might be asked.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/BJ_Current/294583

How to Give Good Interview Answers Involving Salary

By Scott Christopher Maxwell  

Isn't that the real question? How do you answer questions about salary requirements when you have little idea about the salary ranges? In fact as a longtime professional I consider it to be a tremendous disadvantage to you. My goal here is to offer some suggestions on how to be in the ball park of an asking range.

Here is what I want you to understand first. No matter what your background is your goal is to get the best working environment, benefits, and cash. PERIOD. Do you really want to go through all of the interview hoops to realize it is not what you wanted?

Now as I am writing this the USA and world are in a recession. So many people act (not think) out of desperation. That's a BIG mistake. You should be getting TOP dollar. Especially if your in a field that is specialized. Specialized knowledge is the number one reason people get top dollar in their fields. And in case you were wondering experience ranks second. This is why 2nd year brain surgeons sometimes earn more than a 5th year general practice doctor.

Do your homework below and don't be afraid to ask for top dollar.

DO NOT ACCEPT LESS AS THE VERY BEST. 

1. Do your research on that position not only in the company but across the web: Search across the web, LinkedIn other companies, job directory listings. You have to get an idea of what the company is offering.
2. Connect with a recruiter to see if they have any ideas about the range: A recruiter is a great way to find out because it's easy to tell them "hey I am not interested if the price is below..." and then name your price. But here is the trick to that. You first must ask them what price ranges have they come across in your field. That way you are both on the same page while looking.
3. Ask the HR department of the company your trying to interview for their ranges via email: And Hey email the HR department saying "I don't want to waste your time or mine but I wanted to get a clear idea of the salary range for that position."

Understand that I am not trying to get you to discuss salary at a interview. That is of course a big taboo no no. I only want you to be prepared for the salary range BEFORE the interview. The answer is easy if you know what to expect.

Scott C. Maxwell is a 35 year veteran expert consultant to human resource specifically in the engineering departments of several industries. He provides information about great answers to Great Interview Questions at http://www.secretinterviewanswers.com/good-interview-answers/.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Scott_Christopher_Maxwell/702244

Interview Questions And Answers - Worst And Good Job Interview Answers

By Paul Sarwanawadya 

If you are in the market for a job and are nervous about the job interview, then you should know that when it comes to job interviews having the same motto as the boy scouts will go a long way in seeing you through successfully. And if you haven't already guessed what that is, then let me tell you that it's "be prepared".

Of course, it's no secret that when you apply for a position at any firm, you need to prepare yourself to contend with a variety of interview questions and answers based on the type of job and interview processes. For instance, some companies might want to test you based on your reaction in different scenarios and may conduct a behavior interview whereas other corporations might hold their interviews in group sessions.

The key to making a good job interview is to speak the right answers and ask the right questions. Depending on the job you apply for, you should be prepared not only for the questions the interviewer might ask you but you should also have your own list of questions ready that you might want to ask the interviewer.

Employers usually hire people who have displayed a keen level of interaction in their interviews. This is because; companies prefer to hire personnel who have a genuine interest in the company and are thinking about the company's future as well.

Unfortunately though, some interviewees end up saying the wrong thing at the right time. Here are two perfect examples of worst interview answers to avoid. In other words, the two things you should NOT say during a job interview question and answers session:

Q#1 : How long have you been looking for work and why did you leave your last job?

A#1 : I've been looking for a job for ages now and I quit my last job because everybody there hated me and they always accused me of coming to work drunk. So one day I got sick of it and decided to walk out of the joint.

Q#2 : We require managers to work longer than the basic 8 hours per day? Are you willing to put in that kind of effort?

A#2 : Oh yes! I would love to spend most of my day here; it sure beats watching Oprah and eating chips on the couch at home!

Although the interview question and answers mentioned above may make you giggle, you should know that as bad as those answers were, there are some good job interview answers for the same questions that you can say to seal the deal in your favor. Let's take a look at them now:

Q#1 : How long have you been looking for work and why did you leave your last job?

A#1 : I left my last job because I had a definite goal in mind and my position in the company where I previously worked directly conflicted with that. So, after I left that firm, I took some time out to assess my career ambitions and where I was headed with my life. In fact, I began my job search in the last few weeks and your company and this position, both are of great interest to me.

Q#2 : We require managers to work longer than the basic 8 hours per day? Are you willing to put in that kind of effort?

A#2 : I have no problem working for longer durations of time and I have worked 12 to 14 hour job days in the past. Although, I have learned that it is more important to work smarter rather than longer. Having said that, my primary goal is to get the job done no matter what it takes and in the most efficient manner possible.

To conclude, there really is no way of accurately predicting the questions you might face in an interview. However, you can always prepare yourself with possible interview questions and answers based on the factors that might concern your prospective employer before the interview.

Paul Sarwanawadya offers job interview questions and answers tips to help career changers pursue their ideal careers. He runs an informational website that provides tips on making a midlife career change for career changers. Please visit http://www.career-tests-guide.com/ to get more quality interview questions and answers information.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Paul_Sarwanawadya/74199

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