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April 15, 2009
Three Job Interview Tips
Today I want to share with you "The Three H's of Interviewing."
They are: Be Happy. Be Hungry. Be Humble.
Be Happy. Have a positive upbeat attitude when you go into the interview.
Be Hungry. Not physically, of course, but be curious -- open to new ideas, questions put your way and the ones you will ask.
Be Humble. Don't come with the attitude that you’re “so great” and you know it. Be grateful you got the interview and for them taking the time to see you. Sell yourself but don't oversell. Remember your manners (please, thank you, yes sir, yes ma'am). Have a handshake that doesn't crush bones or feel like you're shaking hands with overcooked pasta.
Michele Techman, long-time eSight member, sent in two articles this week about interviewing which each reinforce these “Three H’s of Interviewing.” In the first, "Answering One of the Trickiest Interview Questions," Kip Parent writes, "Focus on positives. For example, if you're going to talk about why you are interested in this position, convey your enthusiasm for the new opportunities -- not that you are looking to get away from your current boss. Keep your interviewer's view of you in a positive light."
The second article is by Sarah E. Needleman of the Wall Street Journal. She tells us, "Recruiters and hiring managers say many unemployed candidates blow the opportunity by appearing desperate or bitter about their situations -- often without realizing it."
She says it’s important to keep your personal problems out of the interview and suggests that it is more productive to "always exude an upbeat attitude."
Read her full article, "The Interview That'll Bag a Job."
Posted by Liz Seger at April 15, 2009 04:41 PM
Comments
The art to bagging the interview consists of going in with a completely open mind. It is essential that you realize that you are not competing with anyone but yourself for the position. There is no one better than you for the position and you have to SELL that idea. If you are carrying emotional baggage from past interviews or jobs, check the baggage outside the door. Come in with a clean slate. Close every interview by asking for the job directly and bluntly. It should be a hard close. If they are not going to hire you today and there are second interviews, ask if you will be included. You have prepared for this moment, go for it full throttle. If they say no, you say NEXT.
Keep on trucking You are the best
Posted by: bmayse at April 16, 2009 05:38 PM
Very True Barney, thanks for your point of view and your advice.Liz S
Posted by: Liz S at April 17, 2009 05:57 AM
Whenever interviewing, the focus is, "It's not about me". The most significant attribute brought to any interview is what additional value can the organization gain from hiring me (in the case of competitive employment) or, what additional value do I give to those to whom I will be involved in serving (in the case of volunteering).
It's never about the baggage we carry, it's all about the value that we can offer to add to the organization or, our fellow humanity when it comes to community service. In reading the articles mentioned in this week's post, those were the two most important ideas reinforced in the reading.
Posted by: James J. Elekes, M.Ed, MPA, CPM at April 17, 2009 06:34 PM