July 23, 2012
Take control of interviews by telling your story
NWjobs
We've had some good news on the job opportunity front over the last few weeks. The state's latest figures on jobless claims showed that employers added more than 10,000 new seasonally adjusted jobs last month. An earlier job outlook study provided by Simply Hired found that job openings in the Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan region increased by 6 percent from the previous month and 3 percent since July 2011. Last month, the search engine found, the Puget Sound region retained a relatively healthy 2:1 job-seeker-to-job-opening ratio; nearly three years ago, the ratio was 3:1.
These data suggest that local job seekers are finding an increasing number of job opportunities. But, as anyone who's had a difficult job interview can tell you, just having more opportunities is only half the battle. The next challenge is to make that crucial positive first impression when you meet the hiring manager.
You've surely already heard the interview basics by now: Eye contact, smile, firm handshake, dress for success, lean forward, etc. These are all important elements, but pretty much anyone can clear these hurdles. Interviewing is not only about responding to tough questions, it's a two-way street that requires just as much engagement from you. One of the best techniques to reach this equilibrium is perhaps the oldest skill known to mankind: the art of storytelling.
Have work-history anecdotes at the ready. It's not enough to merely list your responsibilities at your previous jobs. Interviewers want to hear you describe how you handled these responsibilities. Before your interview, think long and hard about each job you list on your resume and come up with two or three examples about how you exceeded expectations or helped each employer succeed.
When discussing your past deeds, this is no time to be vague or modest about promoting your accomplishments. Use declaratory language as much as possible: "Under my leadership, my department saved $XXX..." or "My sales increased by XX percent and consistently beat annual goals..." Hiring managers like to hear that you are a team player and can share credit when it is due, but a healthy display of self-confidence will stick in their minds even longer.
Talk about the company for which you're interviewing. Most job seekers know they should do their homework about their prospective employers, but most do little more than memorize a few bullet points from the website. To truly stand out from the other candidates, engage with your interviewer(s) about some of the latest developments at the company. Describe some recent changes within the company ? perhaps a new brand change, a recently launched product, a new corporate merger ? and ask them questions about how this may influence your job duties.
I can't tell you how many times I've interviewed people for editorial jobs only to discover that the applicant has only a cursory familiarity with the publication. When I ask them to give me their opinions of the periodical or name their favorite elements of the website, most of them either stammer through a few platitudes or quickly flip through the pages in a panicked search for an idea. These direct questions about your perception of the company should never come as a surprise. The interviewer wants your opinions, so be sure to develop a few. Which leads me to my next point...
Don't be afraid to criticize. Any company that's worth working for wants new employees to offer ideas for improvement. I'm not advocating rudeness or lengthy diatribes, but at least come to the table with a few ideas for changes. There's no better way to show that you really want the job than to provide a few suggestions about how your unique talents can make the company more profitable. Also, have a few questions ready for the interviewers about what they are looking for in the position. If possible, prepare an outline of the things you would do in your first week or first 30 days on the job.
All of this advice ties into one essential quality that all job applicants must have: enthusiasm. Often, job interviews are almost as uncomfortable for the hiring manager as they are for the interviewee, especially if the interviewer has to do most of the work. If you chime in with your own input ? telling compelling stories, asking pertinent questions and offering your own advice ? this helps put everyone at ease and makes the interview more conversational. Once this comfort level has been achieved, you can take more control over the course of the interview and, in turn, provide a clearer demonstration of your skills.
Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.
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communication, criticism, interviewing, presenting, questions, research, self-confidence
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