Dr. Sean’s All-Time-5-Greatest-Interviewing-Tips
1) KNOW the purpose of the interview FROM THE EMPLOYER’S PERSPECTIVE. Are they looking to screen applicants? Are they hiring a lot of people? Or are they looking for just one person who will fit the company culture?
2) ADJUST your goals for the iinterview to MATCH the employer’s goal. If they are using the interview to screen out applicants, your goal should be to make it past the initial screening to the next interview. Too many times applicants go into the initial interview trying to get the job and screen themselves OUT by being too agressive.
3) LISTEN. (My good friend Clara used to say, “That’s why God gave us two ears and one mouth — so we could listen twice as much as we talk.” Not bad advice!)
4) ASK questions — To clarify. To learn more about the company or position. To determine the next steps, how many people are in the running, when you will meet next.
5) Be COURTEOUS. Thank the interviewer for his/her time. Send a handwritten thank you note — a lot of memorable credibility for a little amount of work!
A great resource for learning more about interviewing can be found at http://www.interviewcoach.com/. Carole Martin is The Interview Coach. Check out her free stuff!
Thanks Dr. Harry, these are great tips! Before, it never occurred to me to ask, “what is the employer’s objective for this interview?” Now I know to find out why they want to interview me, and prepare accordingly.
Comment by Kevin — June 12, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
Thanks Dr. Harry for your great advise on interview questions and job search approach. Also, I always enjoy your great inspirations and encouragements.
Comment by basisgood — June 26, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
I like your suggestion to ask questions in an interview. If you do not ask questions, I don’t feel it shows you have really put thought into the interview. Also, it is a good idea to think of the interview as a learning tool for you to gain knowledge about the company before deciding that YOU WANT TO WORK FOR THEM.
Make your questions polite,intelligent, and to the point.
Comment by arrowsmith2020 — July 11, 2007 @ 4:43 pm