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Epi Wit & Wisdom Resources
Interviewing
For Success
By Roye
Johnston
There is an art to getting a job
offer. We have listened for over two decades as companies have said,
“We like him because of this...We didn’t like him because of that.”
There are buttons that can be pushed to enhance your likelihood of
getting an offer. You have to remember that until you have an offer,
you don’t have a decision to make, thus, it is important to go after
that offer, even before you are certain you want the job. To
accomplish this, there are several major agendas that must be met and
dealt with in the interview process. First and foremost, you must
evidence enthusiasm about the company, the job and its future
potential throughout the interview. Next, attempt to make everyone
feel like you will be a friend—they only hire those they like. Also
come across as an aggressive, take charge individual—but not as an
“arrogant turkey.” Lastly, be prepared to ask many pertinent
questions.
Enthusiasm
Most important in an interview
is that you have to be enthused (but never gushy!) about the company,
the job and the future, from the time you set foot in the place until
the time you leave. There is no point in going on an interview unless
you’re willing to do this, because you won’t get an offer any other
way. The people who already work there will feel you show good
judgement if you also like their company. A parallel is marriage—you
want to marry someone who is pleased to have you and no one else, most
certainly not someone who has to be coaxed. The next thing you want to
remember is that everyone you talk with can help or hurt you. Never
assume anyone is less important than another—it can ruin your chances.
Friendliness
In addition, you have to make
friends with the people you will be meeting. If they don’t really like
you, there will be no offer. Therefore, you must be perceived as a
friendly, easy to work with individual. Whenever possible, ask the
people you interview with questions about themselves, their education,
their history with the company, families, interests or hobbies. The
more people talk about themselves the better they will like you.
Aggressiveness
Being perceived as aggressive is
vital and, simultaneously, being careful not to appear to be arrogant
or a braggart is mandatory. Example: near the close of the interview
ask when they plan to make a decision, then say “May I call you
Tuesday or would Wednesday be better?” You are saying, I don’t wait
for things to happen, I make them happen. You are giving them a choice
of yes or yes. The phrases “I did” and “I know” should be replaced
with questions to avoid sounding like a braggart. Any brilliant,
technical questions will tell the company what you know better than
any other approach.
Questions
To expand on the questions
aspect of an interview, it can’t be said too strongly that this is a
major thrust. Companies will almost universally dislike someone who
fails to ask a lot of questions. Therefore, out of necessity, you need
to prepare! This is your homework: You should prepare 10 - 30
questions pertaining to everything you need to know about the company,
their policies, procedures, the department, the position, as well as
the potential and future within the company or corporation. Spend a
lot of time...they can tell as much about what you know by the
questions you ask as by what you tell them you can do. It is a way of
bragging and no one can ever feel that that is what you’re doing.
“Have you tried this policy or has this one been more valuable? Is
this procedure your policy or do you prefer this one?” Memorize the
questions, but do not bring them with you. You will not remember all
of them, but if you’ve put a lot of thought into them, you will
remember far more than you would otherwise.
Lastly and of major importance
is to ask for the job. Preface it with “I want this position...how can
I get an offer from this group? How can I get rid of my competition?
I’ll do a better job because I’ll work harder than anyone else you
could possibly find.” Anything you would be comfortable saying—but
remember to slightly push for a decision...never, never shove.
Thank You Notes
Once or twice a year when
everything is equal, a company will decide on the one who sent them a
thank you note. Send a handwritten note—not a letter—to everyone with
whom you interviewed. Four to eight sentences such as, “Thank you for
the time you spent with me, it was greatly appreciated...the position
is very appealing...In addition, I want to emphasize to you that I
really want to work with you in taking the program to success...”
Cover these items in your own words and it is acceptable to add
something you forgot, or feel was not covered as you wanted. But be
brief—handwritten is the key.
Personal Appearance
Another thing that is important
is your appearance. That is, professionally and spotlessly groomed.
Also, look people in the eye and have a firm handshake.
Give the entire interview your
best shot, go for broke, and have a great career!
Published February
1992
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