There is a huge difference between securing an interview and actually landing the job. Fortunately, the secrets to landing a job can be learned! In order to gain a competitive edge in today’s declining job market, you need become an expert interviewer.
You should look at any interview as the opportunity to “sell yourself” into a job! In the eyes of the interviewer, past performance always predicts future results. That is why you should answer the interviewer’s questions in a manner that illustrates the value you bring to the position and to the company. At The Hauptman Group, Inc. (Executive Recruiters and Career Coaching Firm), we recommend answering interview questions by using the “EAR” method: E = Example, A = Action, R = Result.
If for example, the interviewer asks, "What is one of your greatest strengths?" You might respond, "I am a self starter."
(Example) "In my previous job at XYZ Company, I noticed that orders were not being tracked and delivered efficiently."
(Action) "So, I developed an Account Management Spreadsheet to track orders by the date they came in, with a standardized follow up procedure."
(Result) "This simple solution improved product delivery on my accounts by an average of 2 days. Moreover, I saw a 12% increase in future orders as a result of enhanced customer service. Management was so impressed by my new process, that they rolled it out across all 300 national accounts."
Knowing the DO's and DONT's is the SECRET to a successful interview!
Do: Thoroughly research the industry and company.
Don’t: Go into the interview uninformed.
Do: Prepare answers to typical interview questions in advance.
Don’t: Wait until the interview to be spontaneous.
Do: Conduct a mock interview with a friend, spouse or professional interview coach.
Don’t: Expect to do well without practice.
Do: Get candid feedback to help you improve your interviewing skills.
Don’t: Allow valuable criticism to hurt your feelings.
Do: Realize that the interviewer is trying to identify the one candidate who best fits the needs for any given job.
Don’t: Think the interviewer is trying to trip you up.
Do: Be professional and personable.
Don’t: Try to make jokes or act chummy.
Do: Answer interview questions with real life examples that illustrate the value you bring to a company. Use the “EAR” method (listed above) when answering questions.
Don’t: Answer questions with hypothetical situations.
Do: Provide specifics (dollars and percentages) on how your past performance has impacted: Money Earned, Money Saved, Productivity, Market Share Growth, Customer Service, etc..
Don’t: Use generalities and vague language.
Do: Bring a “Brag Book” (with copies of awards, reviews, accolades, letters of recommendation, etc..) and 3 extra copies of your resume.
Don’t: Forget to bring information to substantiate your results.
Do: Ask questions about: the future direction of the company, growth drivers of the organization, timeline for the hiring process, etc..
Don’t: Ask questions about information a well-prepared candidate should already know.
Do: Be truthful.
Don’t: Say, “Can I be honest with you …” or “Truthfully, …”
Do: Ask for the job in the end.
Don’t: Assume that the job is yours.
Do: Send a thank you note or email within 24 hours of the interview. Make sure to express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time, and reaffirm your desire for the position.
Don’t: Delay following up.
Remember, searching for the right job IS a full time job! In order to gain a competitive edge, you'll need to take the time and preparation necessary to stand out above all other qualified candidates.
