I recently attended an event at which three recruiters from large companies told us what they are looking for in potential recruits. It was interesting. Verrry interesting! Here are some of the things I learned [peppered with my own HINTS]:
1) When a company posts an opening they usually get 300 or more applicants. Thus, the ONLY way they can sort through them all is to use some kind of software. If your resume doesn’t exactly fit the job posting, it probably won’t make it through the initial screening. [HINT: If you are going to apply for an online posting, be sure your resume fits as closely as possible with the job description in the posting -- and NEVER lie about your experience!]
2) They KNOW this process probably causes them to screen out a dozen of candidates who are more qualified than the ones they are actually interviewing, but they simply have no choice. [HINT: Get to the recruiter BEFORE they put the posting online -- we have some helpful ways to do that!]
3) Recruiters would rather see their job as a strategic effort of the organization, than simply a “position filling” service. In that regard, the BEST recruiters are looking to fill positions down the line as well ad the one in front of them. [HINT: help the recruiter see how you have potential to get promoted within their organization, as well as how you can do the current job for which they are interviewing.]
A business colleague recently found his “dream job” after only two months of searching. He is going to do EVERYTHING he enjoys most and nearly NOTHING he doesn’t enjoy. He will be paid handsomely for his efforts — more than he thought he ever would! When asked, “How did you do it?” His response was, “Networking. I didn’t apply for even one job in the traditional way. I conducted over 80 Informational Interviews, refined my Elevator Pitch, and basically created a position for myself.”
If you KNEW that finding that dream job depended upon your conducting 100 interviews, how would you approach your search differently? Would you spend more time on the Internet, or would you hit the streets trying to find anyone and everyone to interview that you possibly could?
YOUR dream job is just 100 interviews away. I suggest you go find someone to interview.
In both the Informational and Job Interview you are bound to be asked one of these three questions. They are often the most challenging questions job seekers face. Having thought about (and rehearsed) your answers will allow you to address these questions with as little pain as possible.
1) Why did you leave your last job? I have two Cardinal Rules for job seekers: NEVER lie about your situation, and NEVER “badmouth†a former employer. Depending on the situation for leaving your last position you may feel inclined to do both when this question comes up. DO try to put as positive a face on your situation as possible. Talk about the challenges and growth opportunities that you seek in your next position. Help the employer see that you are right for THIS position.
2) Tell me about your weaknesses. Our greatest strengths are also our greatest weaknesses. I recommend that you acknowledge this to your potential employer. Focus on how your strengths match up with the position you are seeking. Acknowledge your weaknesses, and tell them how you are working to mitigate them. If you are a person who is very intuitive, has an ability to speak frankly with people and make friends easily you may be a great salesperson. The downside is that you may also talk too much. Let your potential employer know that you have been working on your active listening skills – then demonstrate this throughout the interview.
3) What do you expect to be paid? A bit of homework is in order here. You should know what similar jobs pay in your area. I suggest you be honest about this and say to your interviewer something like, “I know that persons with my education and experience in this area are making between $xxx.xx and $xxxx.xx. Now you would probably like to pay me at the lower end of that range, while I would like to make the upper end. I’m sure we can work out something mutual that will benefit us both. However, I think it’s a bit premature to discuss salary when we are not certain that there is a good fit here.â€
Be prepared and you will look professional, informed, and right for the job!
