Interview Tips (150)
I have a quick tip for today that I think will help.
It applies not only for job interviews, but also for annual reviews, salary negotiations, and, in fact, any kind of "difficult" conversation.
Here it is:
Pay close attention to when and how you use the word "but".
In fact, if you can, get rid of it altogether.
(You can often use "and" instead.)
Handshakes are important -- especially when it comes to job interviews.
Why?
Because they're often the first and the last impression you leave. Also, interviewers believe that how you shake their (and their colleagues') hand says a lot about your personality and character traits.
I'm not sure if that's true.
Nonetheless, it's important to shake an interviewer's hand right -- i.e. in a way that conveys confidence, authority, and trust.
With that in mind...
This one might sound a little strange.
But it's one of those creative exercises that could yield something big for you, and perhaps even lead to a breakthrough in your job search.
Here it is:
Get your daughter -- or your son -- to write a cover letter for you, explaining why they think their mom or dad is perfect for the job.
Why might this lead to a breakthrough?
Because:
It's one of the most dreaded interview questions of all time:
"Why should I hire YOU?"
Here's the important thing every candidate needs to know about this question: There is no "magic" one-size-fits-all, fill answer. Not if you want to blow the interviewers away and ace the interview.
How should you answer this question?
We talk a lot about out-smarting interviewers and beating them at their own game -- but it's also worth remembering something important:
Most hiring managers do NOT like interviewing candidates.
Many of them completely hate the hiring process altogether.
Why?
Because it takes them away from their *real* work, and forces them to spend days, sometimes even weeks, interviewing different people.
Each time a new person walks through the door and takes a seat, they're desperately hoping that he or she will be the one.
A member asks:
I would like to receive your advice if you do not mind.
I had an in-person interview a few weeks back, and the Hiring Manager gave me some immediate positive feedback as he escorted me through the door.
He literally said, "You did really good in your interview".
When I got home, I emailed a thank you note within 24 hours. However, since then I have not received any response from the Hiring Manager or Recruiter regarding the position.
I sent a follow-up note to the Hiring Manager one week later, and also emailed a follow-up note to the Recruiter two weeks after the interview.
Today, I'm going to share a "secret weapon" with you.
Don't laugh. Although what I'm about to tell you sound old hat -- and to be fair, it's nothing you probably haven't heard before -- it is extremely powerful. This subtle shift can make or break your next interview.
Before I go any further, let's talk about neediness.
We all know neediness is bad. The problem is, though -- when you need a job, you need a job! There's no getting around that.
Yes, there are certain techniques you can use to project confidence. (I'll share some in a future blog.) This is kind of like papering over the cracks. It works most of the time, but it doesn't solve the real issue.
This "secret weapon" I'm about to share solves the real problem.
It’s not unusual for companies today to have multiple rounds of interviews. The first interview is for screening a basic set of qualifications that people need to meet.
While the second interview, usually involves a longer schedule. This is because you’ll probably meet with a couple of people in different settings. So if you were invited for a second interview, congratulations! But remember this is just the first step.
Would You Like Help Finding Your Dream Retirement Career?
Written by Alan Carniol
Since I shared those three “retirement career” stories (about Dr. Jack, Kate, and Jody) over the last few days, two things have happened:
First, I received many emails from Daily Success Boost readers who said they could really relate to them – folks who are in a similar situation, and they’re now wondering if it’s worth grinding it out and waiting for retirement.
Second, a lot of these folks asked if I could share some more specific advice on how to find their dream retirement career as soon as possible.
The answer is, yes, I can.
Joni was an accountant for Lehman Brothers.
It paid her well, but she grew to hate her job and always dreamt of doing something else.
However, she stayed put and kept her nose to the grindstone instead of following her dreams.
Why?
The money was too good.
She kept getting massive bonuses in the form of Lehman stock, so she stayed on and kept socking it away until she had enough to retire.