Interview Bloopers and How to Correct Them

By Carole Martin

I’m sure you’ve sat through movie or TV “bloopers” at the end of shows and laughed at the mistakes the actors make during the filming of the show. If I could put together a film with bloopers that people make in interviews it might seem funny as well – but not when it happens in real life - to you! (read more...)

The Riley Guide
Featuring Margaret Riley Dikel

By Maureen Anderson

What do a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker have in common? They can all use the Internet to help them find a job. Margaret Riley Dikel is an expert on the subject, and says the Web can be a valuable research tool for job seekers, even those who aren’t willing to move. Dikel is the author of The Riley Guide, which was the first resource of its kind on the World Wide Web. (read more...)

Make a Lasting Impression at Job Interviews Using Questions

By Clay Barrett

Seth was just finishing an excellent interview. He had aced every question the panel threw at him. Questions ranged from how he had dealt with difficult customers to his management style; he even gave specific examples of how he had handled issues in the past. (read more...)

Interview Bloopers and How to Correct Them (^top)

By Carole Martin

I’m sure you’ve sat through movie or TV “bloopers” at the end of shows and laughed at the mistakes the actors make during the filming of the show. If I could put together a film with bloopers that people make in interviews it might seem funny as well – but not when it happens in real life - to you!

How do you avoid bloopers? First you become aware of what some of the pitfalls of interviewing are and then you prepare and practice so that it won’t happen to you. Here are 10 of those very pitfalls to watch for.

1.Poor non-verbal communication – slouching – fidgeting – lack of eye contact

It’s about demonstrating confidence - standing straight, making eye contact, and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning, or a quick ending to your interview.

2. Not dressing for the job or company – “over casual”

Today’s casual dress codes in the office, do not give you permission to dress as “they” do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well groomed, above all. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call and find out what the company dress code is before the interview.

3. Not listening – only worrying about what you are going to say

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not listening – turning up your intuitive - you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what they said. Observe your interviewer and match that style and pace.

4. Talking too much – telling it all – even if it’s not relevant

Telling the interviewer more than they need to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time you may tend to ramble, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting; matching your skills with the requirements of the position, and relating only that information.

5. Being over-familiar – your new best friend is NOT the interviewer

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. The level of familiarity should mimic the demeanor of the interviewer. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview, and to ask questions, but not to over-step your place as a candidate looking for a job.

6. Using inappropriate language – you “guys” know what I mean

It’s a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics, or sexual preferences – these topics could get the door slammed very quickly.

7. Acting cocky – being overconfident – “king of the hill”

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism, and modesty. Even if you’re putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, over-doing is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

8. Not answering the question asked – “jumping in without thinking”

When an interviewer asks for an “example of a time,” you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a “specific” example, you not only don’t answer the question, but you miss an opportunity to prove your ability and tell about your skills.

9. Not asking questions – a missed opportunity you will live to regret

When asked if they have any questions, the majority of candidates answer, “No.” Wrong answer! It is extremely important to ask questions. It demonstrates an interest in what goes on in the company. It also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview, and asking for additional information.

10. Appearing desperate – “Please, please hire me!”

It’s a tough job market, and you need a job! But, when you interview with the “Please, please, hire me,” approach you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three “C’s” during the interview: Cool, Calm, and Confident! You know you can do the job, – now, make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.

Everybody makes mistakes – that’s what makes us human. We can laugh at ourselves a great deal of the time when we get tongue-tied or forget someone’s name – even our spouse’s. But in the interview you want to be as prepared and polished as possible. If you do make a mistake, consider it a human error and learn from the experience. In the meantime do your homework and get prepared.

Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and an interview
coach. Her books, "Interview Fitness Training Workbook" and
"Boost Your Interview IQ" (McGraw Hill) have sold thousands of
copies world-wide. Receive Carole's FREE 9-week job interview
e-course by visiting her web site at: http://www.interviewcoach.com or
www.interviewfitnesstraining.com

The Riley Guide (^top)
Featuring Margaret Riley Dikel

By Maureen Anderson

What do a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker have in common? They can all use the Internet to help them find a job. Margaret Riley Dikel is an expert on the subject, and says the Web can be a valuable research tool for job seekers, even those who aren’t willing to move. Dikel is the author of The Riley Guide, which was the first resource of its kind on the World Wide Web. “I’ve heard of many job seekers who had very good luck finding things in their own backyard that they didn’t even know about,” she says. Her site, www.rileyguide.com, is popular with people new to internet job hunting because they find it easy to navigate. “I don’t try to tell you the best place for a job search,” she says. “I give you information about the sites so you can decide for yourself whether they will help you.”

One thing you’ll find on The Riley Guide is an A to Z index. Let’s say you’re apprenticed as a baker and want to research job opportunities. Click on the B in that A to Z index and you’ll find “Baking.” That will lead you to a page that says, “Food Services, Culinary & Baking Arts.” It’s there you’ll find links to sites like Bakery-Net.com for industry news and job listings, and PastryScoop.com for inspiration and career advice.

Each listing on rileyguide.com includes a short description. “It’s not really a review,” Riley Dikel says, “because again, I don’t presume to know which sites are worth perusing. I just want to give you enough information to make that decision yourself.”

Copyright 2005, North Shore Productions

Maureen Anderson is host of the syndicated radio program, The Career Clinic(R). She is the author, with Dick Beardsley, of Staying the Course: A Runner's Toughest Race (University of Minnesota Press, 2002). She is also the author, with Jon Hovde, of Left for Dead: A Second Life after Vietnam (Minnesota, 2005). Her articles and essays have appeared in publications ranging from Radio World to Spirituality & Health. You can learn more at www.thecareerclinic.com

Make a Lasting Impression at Job Interviews Using Questions (^top)

By Clay Barrett

Seth was just finishing an excellent interview. He had aced every question the panel threw at him. Questions ranged from how he had dealt with difficult customers to his management style; he even gave specific examples of how he had handled issues in the past.

The last question came up. It seemed to Seth more like a formality in contrast to the difficult questions he had already answered; yet this question could have been one of his most powerful allies in landing this position. That question was, "Do you have any questions for me?"

Unfortunately for Seth, his best answer was "No, you’ve pretty much covered all I need to know." He missed a great opportunity to make himself stand out from the rest.

In a job market where you may be among five other stellar candidates, it is essential to use every opportunity to make a lasting impression.

This final, standard question is often asked of applicants by both HR and hiring managers. Most of the time, managers expect to be asked about salary, benefits, or other perks. Although these are important issues, the candidate should never bring them up by in a first interview. Instead, impress the interviewer with some questions suggested below. This approach accomplishes four main purposes:

1.To discover specific needs of the hiring manager that you can address and meet.
2.To establish an impression of you as extremely interested in the position and truly curious about the company and the opportunities available.
3.To learn about the corporate culture and the company as a whole, including company values, ethics, and the way personnel are managed.
4.To uncover and discuss any concerns the hiring manager has about your candidacy.

First, the company obviously has a need; otherwise, the hiring manager would not be interviewing candidates for an open position. Learn to look beyond the job title and what you think that role should entail. Find out what specific problems are plaguing the company and tell how you have handled similar problems in the past. For example you could ask:

• "In six months, what would the successful candidate have accomplished?"
• "What is the most important and pressing problem for the new hire to tackle?"
• "What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this job?"

Each of these questions will reveal an issue or problem within the company that will affect your everyday work. If you can establish yourself as someone who has already seen and tackled similar problems, your perceived value will skyrocket.

Second, companies are looking for energetic and enthusiastic employees who are excited about the company and the opportunities they present. These candidates are viewed as more likely to stay with the company in the long run. In the current job market there may be many people with a skillset similar to yours. Your interest and enthusiasm about the company may be the deciding factor on an offer. Some questions to express this interest could include:

• "I noted on the company Web site that your firm’s mission is _____________. How do you see the successful candidate contributing to that mission?"
• "What are the company’s goals, both short and long term?"
• "How does this department affect the company’s profit?"

Listen to the responses. Research the company extensively before the interview so that you can intelligently discuss its products and services. Remember, not always does the most qualified candidate get the job. Sometimes it goes to the most enthusiastic.

Third, one of the most important things to remember in any interview is that you are interviewing the employer just as much as the employer is interviewing you. Asking the right questions could keep you out of the next Enron. It could also reveal to you a company that truly values its human capital and genuinely wants to contribute to an employee’s success. To discern corporate culture and company values you could ask:

• "What is the company’s code of ethics and how is it communicated to employees?"
• "How would you describe the company culture and personality?"
• "How are risk taking and creativity rewarded?"
• "How does the company recognize outstanding employees?"
• "What do you value about this company and why do you enjoy working here?"

Hiring managers who work for a company that values its employees will readily have answers to the above questions. If they aren’t sure or if they become uncomfortable, there could be a problem. Probe deeper to determine the issues by conducting targeted research on the company or by speaking directly with employees, if possible.

Fourth and finally, thank the interviewer for his or her time, express your interest and determine the next steps in the hiring process. This is an excellent time to address any concerns or hesitations your interviewer may have. Some questions that might be beneficial are:

• "Do you have concerns or hesitations based on anything we have discussed regarding my candidacy that I could address for you before I go?"
• "What is the next step in the process?"
• "I am very excited about this position and feel that it would be a great fit. What would it take to close the deal on this position today?"

In a job market flooded with qualified candidates you must take every opportunity to make yourself memorable and increase your perceived value in an interview. Find out what matters most to the hiring manager. When invited to ask questions, ASK THEM! But make those questions count. Show your interest in the company and establish yourself as a proactive thinker ready to find out what the tough challenges are and to tackle them. Just as important as giving the right answers in an interview is … asking the right questions.

Editor's note: You can find even more questions you can ask by going to Questions You Can Ask at the Interview.

Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.

A Technical Recruiter for JSfirm, Clay Barrett specializes in the aviation/aerospace industry. With a background in career management and career counseling, Barrett has written a number of articles on career-search topics.

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