Ask The Pro: How To Wow Them Every Time in a Job Interview
If there is ever a time to prepare, it’s when you are interviewing for a job. Think of it as the ultimate presentation! Successful people approach interviews as an opportunity to present themselves in the best possible light.
One major mistake people often make is failing to prepare great answers to the questions they will inevitably be asked. They assume they don’t know exactly what will come up, so they throw up their hands and wing it. Failing to plan, as they say, is planning to fail. And the truth is you can figure out in advance, just about every question you will encounter.
In preparing our executive and professional clients for job interviews, I use what I call the 98% rule: 98% of the time, you can anticipate 98% questions. If you anticipate the questions, you can prepare memorable, impressive answers!
Why is this important?
• You appear confident and in control
• Your answers are more thoughtful and interesting
• You are the more memorable candidate
• You stand out – and get invited back!
Preparing also helps you avoid awkward moments and lengthy pauses. It’s better not to have to say, “Gee, good question, haven’t thought about that!”
The Voice of Leadership interviewed Ginny Rehberg, of the Career Doc, for February’s Ask the Pro. Ginny has coached countless executives and professionals and helped them land the job of their dreams.
Ginny says even the most experienced, successful managers and executives often fail to prepare for the easy questions. As you progress in your career, the interviews get tougher because the stakes are higher. It pays to learn how to wow them if you want the big job.
Even if you’re not searching for a job right now – save these tips – you never know when your next opportunity will come knocking!
Voice of Leadership: What questions should you always expect on a job interview?
Ginny: The 4 key questions are:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Describe your strengths.
- Describe your weaknesses.
- What is your present salary?
Voice of Leadership: What is the biggest mistake people make in preparing answers to the obvious questions?
Ginny: They just don't do it! That is, many people fail to prepare answers to these critical questions (thinking that they can just wing it when they get there). A second big mistake is failing to rehearse your answers out loud. You need to "try out" your answers for content and form so you can adjust your answers before you get there.
Voice of Leadership: How can you answer questions without making it sound like a resume?
Ginny: Tell a story. Your resume has the facts about your experience. In the interview, you get the chance to "color in the picture" by telling stories that illustrate your experience. People remember stories. For example, a client told the story of how she instituted a new safety program in her organization to answer the question "Do you have experience launching new programs?
Voice of Leadership: Any tips on how to anticipate questions in advance?
Ginny: Pick up any interview book, review the lists of typical interview questions, prepare your answers and finally, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! But that's reactive. You also need to be proactive. Think about their problems and your ideas for solutions. Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes. He or she has a desk full of problems. If you can come up with some ideas for how to solve those problems, you are going to stand out as the most prepared candidate. It's as if you are already there, doing the job! The conversation will flow. The interviewer won't be forced to ask you "lame" questions about something totally irrelevant on your resume from 15 years ago.
Voice of Leadership: Should you ask the prospective employer questions, too?
Ginny: Absolutely. And if you've prepared correctly, you will be weaving your questions and/or discussion topics throughout the interview instead of waiting until the end (see problems and solutions above). Remember, it's a two-way street. You need to understand what you might be getting into just as much as they need to find out all about you.
Voice of Leadership: Are there any topics to avoid in job interviews?
Ginny: Your age, marital status, number of children or grandchildren, politics, sex, religion, "unusual" hobbies. Basically, don't bring up anything controversial or that could be used to discriminate against you. When in doubt, leave it out!
Voice of Leadership: Any final tips?
Ginny: Always remember; what's really going on in the interview is chemistry and comfort; what I call the 3 Likes: does the interviewer LIKE you, are you LIKE the interviewer in some way, and are you LIKE everyone else there so that you will fit in.
So pay attention to the subtle body language and non-verbal cues that the interviewer is sending and be as "likeable" as possible.
To contact Ginny Rehberg:
Career_doc@usa.net
617-964-5858