In today’s competitive landscape, landing your first or next job can be challenging if not daunting. If your goal is to get a job and start earning money, it may seem like a win or lose situation. So if you don’t get the job, how can you interview so that you can’t lose?
Learning these skills below will help you win at every interview.
- know yourself first
- develop a winning interview mind set
- learn to maximize each encounter
- learn to ask the right questions
Know Your Self
Be honest with yourself about your characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. Know your why, then the terms of the agreements will be clearer. If you are only in it to get experience this will likely be clear to someone who is listening for commitment. You can’t lose by being honest.
Mind set
There is a technique from the days of cold call sales that can help you interview so you can’t lose. This technique is called, “Dialing for Diamonds.” The mindset is that you are looking for the right customer and in your case, the right job. When you take on a customer it is more than “the transaction” – It is a relationship, so it is about multiple transactions. Likewise a job is a package, of relationships, conditions, circumstances and expectations. The philosophy that follows is, “A no is just getting you closer to the next yes.” Acceptance and letting go are skills used to win. you can’t loss if you leave an interview with understanding and perspective.
Maximize each encounter
Did you ever think about the fact that you are interviewing the company? Whether you get the job or not, do not miss the value of using the interview time to observe and learn. Beyond salary and schedule, what else can you glean form the interaction and facility tour? Is the person doing the interview someone you would want to work for or with? Is the atmosphere around the workplace energizing? Do your potential coworkers greet you? How is the lighting and the workspace? You may want to check you gut on this stuff too. In the long run you can’t lose by following your gut even if you learn that you should have listened to it.
Ask the right questions
Use the interview to get information. As suggested by Joe Konop, the founder and principal of One Great Resumé, in his article in Forbes online Magazine, “The questions you ask confirm your qualifications as a candidate for the position.” He recommends preparing three to five questions for each interview, and actually ask three of them. Mr Konop generously provides 10 interview questions you could ask, and why:
- What skills and experiences would make an ideal candidate? This is a great open-ended question that will have the interviewer put his or her cards on the table and state exactly what the employer is looking for. If the interviewer mentions something you didn’t cover yet, now is your chance.
- What is the single largest problem facing your staff and would I be in a position to help you solve this problem? This question not only shows that you are immediately thinking about how you can help the team, it also encourages the interviewer to envision you working at the position.
- What have you enjoyed most about working here? This question allows the interviewer to connect with you on a more personal level, sharing his or her feelings. The answer will also give you unique insight into how satisfied people are with their jobs there. If the interviewer is pained to come up with an answer to your question, it’s a big red flag.
- What constitutes success at this position and this firm or nonprofit? This question shows your interest in being successful there, and the answer will show you both how to get ahead and whether it is a good fit for you.
- Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications? I love this question because it’s gutsy. Also, you’ll show that you’re confident in your skills and abilities.
- Do you offer continuing education and professional training? This is a great positioning question, showing that you are interested in expanding your knowledge and ultimately growing with the employer.
- Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with? Notice how the question is phrased; it assumes you will get the job. This question also tells you about the people you will interact with on a daily basis, so listen to the answer closely.
- What can you tell me about your new products or plans for growth? This question should be customized for your particular needs. Do your homework on the employer’s site beforehand and mention a new product or service it’s launching to demonstrate your research and interest. The answer to the question will give you a good idea of where the employer is headed.
- Who previously held this position? This seemingly straightforward question will tell you whether that person was promoted or fired or if he/she quit or retired. That, in turn, will provide a clue to whether: there’s a chance for advancement, employees are unhappy, the place is in turmoil or the employer has workers around your age.
- What is the next step in the process? This is the essential last question and one you should definitely ask. It shows that you’re interested in moving along in the process and invites the interviewer to tell you how many people are in the running for the position.
These skills will help you interview so that you can’t lose. Besides the job, you get information, insight, feedback, next step action items.
OH, and one more important thing to know is that you can ask the wrong questions!!
… Like never ask for information you can easily find by doing a simple Google® search!
Read Complete Article and others by Joe Konop >>>
Want to Learn 10 Questions You Should Never Ask in an Interview Read More>>>
–NMF
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