Interview Skills That Attract Offers


An interviewer's mission is to assess your qualifications compared to the other candidates interviewed. Asking you questions is their way of accomplishing that mission. Preparing meaningful responses in advance is your way of impressing the interviewer.

Be prepared to talk about your skills, competencies, qualifications and accomplishments especially as they pertain to the specific opening. Know how to state your likes and dislikes, your strengths, weaknesses and goals succinctly and fluently.

Especially know how to convey the value you bring to the table - the strengths, unique gifts and marketable assets that are distinctly yours. If you want to stand out in the huge ocean of candidates that represents your competition, you must be prepared to state how you differentiate yourself from the crowd.

You must be able to respond appropriately to the question of why you left your previous position, assuming you left voluntarily. No matter how challenging your supervisor was or how grueling the workload, you must frame your response in a positive light.

Make sure you do not discuss salary. Interviewers are aware of average job salaries and want to be sure you are in the ballpark. However, their knowing your salary history or requirements can disqualify you or lock you in to compensation that does not match your worth. If asked, you can simply state that your salary is negotiable.

While your answers will help the interviewer assess your skills for the position at hand, it's how you respond that more importantly determines your overall fit with the company. Personality is ninety percent of the battle. You may answer a question in a qualifying way, but your attitude could be telling them no.

At the outset, you must establish a rapport with your interviewer and maintain the chemistry between you throughout the meeting. You could be the most qualified candidate for the position, but the person with whom the interviewer feels the most comfortable gets the offer.

Be prepared to ask your own questions - about the position itself, the company and opportunities for your own growth. This allows you to quickly assess the viability of your pursuing the position further. An interviewer may like you, especially because of your questions, and want you to continue through subsequent interview stages; however, you may decide the job is not for you.

Come to the interview dressed appropriately, and on time. Your handshake needs to be firm but not gripping. Eye contact must be maintained throughout the interview. Sit upright in your chair and try not to shift your posture too much. Remember, you're there to sell yourself; before the interview is over, make sure you ask for the offer. Fully prepared, you will come away a success.

Copyright © 2005 TopDog Group All rights reserved.

David Richter is a recognized authority in career coaching and job search support. He has spent many years in recruitment, staffing, outplacement, counseling psychology and career management spanning most industries and professions. David founded TopDog Group in response to the needs of job candidates to have a higher quality of career coaching and support available on the Internet. David understands the mechanisms for success. He has formulated specific strategies anyone can use to secure interviews and receive offers. His extensive knowledge and experience sets David apart in this field, allowing him to offer a wealth of information and a vast array of tools, resources and strategies not found anywhere else. He has shown countless job seekers how to differentiate themselves and leverage their potential to the highest possible level, making a real difference in their careers. David holds both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology. David's website address is: http://www.procareercoach.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Wanted: Optician, Educational Advocate, Bank Branch Manager
Patch.com
Please do your own research about any potential employer you apply to. About this column: A look at what companies are hiring in St. Charles County. Know of an opening? Let us know. Related Topics: Careers, Employment, Help Wanted, and Jobs.



Post-Bulletin

Heard on the Street: Preston's back in the support game
Post-Bulletin
Look for him to soon re-launch the series of weekly meetings featuring local business leaders (and even an occasional journalist — I'll be talking in mid-February) speaking about careers, employment and the Rochester scene. While he is still working ...



Gain the Job Interview Advantage with Top Tips from Body Language Expert Gil ...
MarketWatch (press release)
"Having worked in the careers/employment industry for more than 30 years, I know that many job seekers inadvertently sabotage their own searches because they don't understand the messages that their body language communicates," said Wendy Enelow, ...

and more »


Jamaica Gleaner

Red Stripe widens view on Premier League
Jamaica Gleaner
"It can only augur well for the development of careers, employment, business development, community unity and nation building. I want to endorse and big up Red Stripe. This is a bold move on behalf of Red Stripe, and Monday night I will certainly be at ...

and more »


Wanted: Optician, Educational Advocate, Bank Branch Manager
Patch.com
Please do your own research about any potential employer you apply to. About this column: A look at what companies are hiring in St. Charles County. Know of an opening? Let us know. Related Topics: Careers, Employment, Help Wanted, and Jobs.

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006