JOB INTERVIEWS

I had the pleasure of taking a young man to a job interview the other day. He was dressed VERY well and was quiet, so I had to ask what's up. 

He was a finance guy and had experience. The only problem was, he was going to a place I KNEW would have MANY folks to choose from.How could he possibly stand out from the rest?

Being a hiring manager for years, and sitting through MANY interviews, I felt I could ask this eager and optimistic man  a few of the questions I KNEW would come his way - and give him an idea of how someone would react to his answers. 

I wanted to see how he exuded his confidence. Not everyone can or will. It doesn't mean THEY aren't, but if a less-than-observant interviewer doesn't pay attention, it could be lost. He gave the standard statements and in general, didn't stand out among a group of one. 

It's easy to forget that YOU are interviewing the COMPANY at the same time THEY are measuring YOU. Not EVERY company is a good fit. The atmosphere may or may not be one you can thrive in. If you are just looking for a paycheck, a few good questions can bring that out and end your discussion early. NO ONE wants a person around that just puts in the time. 

So why are you there? 

Have you checked out the Company? Had a conversation with anyone that works there? Know who is in charge and what kind of leader they are? Even if you have the answers, these are the kinds of questions to ask.

What can you do better than most? Did you improve anything at your past employment?  Why should they hire YOU instead of the other 100 applicants? What makes you move beyond a faceless name on a piece of paper to memorable and desirable? 

What future do you see for yourself? Is this job change a part of that? Now is the time to start in the direction of your dreams and desires. If you wait till tomorrow, it will ALWAYS be a day away. 

Are you ready for the standard industry questions that you KNOW will come your way? Do you have a GOOD, HONEST answer ready or will you say the same thing the last 10 people that sat in the chair said? 

The job market has ALWAYS been competitive. Knowing someone always helps, but if you don't, what can you do when computer scans have taken the place of flesh and blood human beings? Obviously you need a resume that includes all the buzzwords applicable to your business. 

Once you get facetime with someone, the odds CAN increase in your favor, if you make the effort to be memorable. I hope the young man I met did...