» Who we are
» Why use a recruiter?
» Contact Us

» Speaking
» Consulting

» Candidate Tips
» Employer Tips

Candidate Interviewing Tips

The Other Side Of Interviewing

Getting to a face to face interview with a prospective new employer is hard work. How many times have we heard that finding a new position, whether or not one is employed at the time, can be a full-time job? As a "job", all of the behaviors associated with professional work are called into play--being organized, deliberate, planful, doing your research, staying focused, acting in a way appropriate to the setting. In other articles, we will describe some of the more important business-like things that candidates can do to maximize their chances of receiving an offer.

Paradoxically, the very business behaviors that get a candidate to the interview often need to take a back seat during the interview itself.... in order to allow a whole other side of the candidate to be projected. In our opinion, this aspect of the interviewing process is frequently misunderstood, and we feel that it's at least as important as showing up with the right business suit, or sending the best follow-up letters.

Over the past years, we've been involved in setting up and monitoring the results of thousands of on-site interviews, and we know that when candidates relax enough to be able to enjoy the process, and consider it an adventure, rather than an ordeal or a stiff negotiating process, the chemistry changes, and the hiring managers are much more likely to be left with a positive impression, and therefore are more likely to extend an offer. What sorts of things are involved when the interview is regarded as an exciting adventure?

Any adventure involves a certain amount of imagination, and the most successful interviewers we know are able to tap their imaginations. They are able to use the interview as an opportunity to imagine themselves in a totally new setting, with new technologies, or new problems to solve, with new people, often in a new geographical setting. It's like going on a vacation to a new part of the world, and fantasizing about what it would be like to live there permanently. Here are suggestions about how to enter that mode:

1. Focus strictly on the positive aspects of the new situation while you're on the interview, and allow your excitement to show. For example, let the interviewer hear you thinking out loud about what it would be like to tackle a particularly challenging problem, or by sharing with the interviewer how exciting you think it would be to work for the company. This will allow the hiring manager not only to assess your skills and the potential value of the skills to the company, but also to have an image of you as an enthusiastic, energized new team member, one who will bring that energy to the department or company. These images are powerful--if the manager can "see" you in the role, he/she is much more likely to give you the chance to play it.

    

2. Focus on what is new and improved about the job you are interviewing for, rather than on what you'd be leaving behind if you received an offer and accepted it. There will be plenty of time after the interview to bring your "business" skills into play and reflect in a more balanced way on the pros and cons of the new position. Cultivate your excitement about what's new, rather than focusing, even in your own mind, on what you'd be leaving behind. There's no better way to kill your chances than by talking or even thinking about the corner office you'd be leaving, or the accrued vacation time you'd be giving up. There could be a time and place for such "pros and cons" thinking, but certainly the first face-to-face interview is not it. Give your positive side the chance to indulge itself!

    

3. Managers are much more likely to want "givers", contributors, in their organizations, rather than "takers", people looking constantly for what's in it for them. During the interview, act as if you're already on board, by offering suggestions, ideas, ways in which you would contribute to the overall effort. You want to be "seen" in this light by the prospective new employer. And remember: nothing will create the opposite impression as instantly as your talking about how much money you want. Again, you want to leave that "business" or negotiating mode to a later point in the process. When you think about it, negotiations regarding money only make sense after you've shown the company what you would be able to do for them, and the company agrees to think about you, i.e., can "see" you, as a new employee.

    

As we've said, if the interview goes well, and things are proceeding toward an offer, there will be plenty of time to shift gears into a more careful, restrained mode. At that time, you will be able to compare and contrast what you have in your current situation with what you would have in the new position. You will be able to consider money issues without the distractions or pressure of the interview. If you're working with a recruiter, you will have the benefit of his/her experience, and the clear advantage of a third party who can negotiate issues for you (such as compensation and benefits, start date, even job title) in a way that protects, even enhances your relationship with a potential new employer. Please look into our articles on related job search topics in our growing library of career resources. And remember to enjoy your interview. Don't be afraid to enter into the spirit of the new company, and let it show. It can only help bring you closer to your goal: getting the offer!

Here are some tips you should keep in mind:

Be enthusiastic and assertive.
Remember that you don't have the benefits of expression and eye contact to show your excitement and interest. Be ready to provide specific examples of projects and accomplishments which showcase your skills. Avoid: speaking too fast, having music or other noises in the background, chewing or smoking, speaking too close to the receiver - anything that can create an unpleasant image of yourself.

Do not ask questions that appear to be selfishly motivated.
This is the most common mistake people make on phone interviews - you should not even bring up the subjects of money or benefits. Your only goal at this point should be selling the company on your skills and experience - talking about money prematurely can only have negative effects.

Prepare your answers to the obvious questions such as:
 

• Why are you leaving your present position? (Have a positive reason for this move)
• What are your strong/weak points?
• What were your biggest accomplishments in your last position?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What contributions can you make to our company?

The best way of answering this last question is to do research on the company you will be interviewing with: check out the company's web site, do your homework, find out what they are doing and be prepared to point out how you can help them achieve their goals. As a parting comment let the potential employer know that you are very interested in the position and why. The enthusiasm you display could be the deciding factor between you and another candidate.

Good luck, and please call us immediately after the phone interview to discuss a follow-up strategy.

• 10 Tips for Dealing with Recruiters
• Questions Recruiters Receive From Candidates
• Resume Do's and Don'ts
• Interviewing Tips
• Interviews
  • How to Talk Money
  • Preparing for The Interview
  • The Day of The Interview
• Interview Questions and your answers
• Counteroffer - 10 reasons NOT to accept one
• For additional information on interviewing, and career search methods I highly recommend a book called: Knock em Dead and Knock em Dead Resumes, written by Martin Yate.

» More Jobs!

» More Articles