You Should Hire Me! Interview Secrets to Get the Job You Love

Description

ISBN: 1-57023-270-9 (10-digit), 978-1-57023-270-1 (13-digit)

By Ron and Caryl Krannich, Ph.Ds

#5909    You simply must do well during the job interview in order to get a job offer. But what exactly must you know and do in order to ace the interview? What questions should you anticipate and how well prepared are you to give answers that clearly emphasize your competencies? And what questions are you prepared to ask during the job interview?

Based on the pioneering work of leading career professionals, this book examines the dynamics of interviewing for job seekers by focusing on two critical interviews – referral interviews and job interviews. Covering everything from preparation to close and follow-up, the book shows how to:

• Penetrate the hidden job market
• Avoid key interview mistakes
• Recognize eight types of interviews
• Prepare for the interview encounter
• Dress properly
• Make positive first impressions
• Engage in small talk
• Respond to every question
• Ask the right questions
• Handle behavior-based questions
• Deal with illegal questions
• Negotiate salary and benefits

Rich with sample dialogues and examples of questions and answers, this book takes you into the offices of employers where you engage in one of the most important meetings of your life. 190 pages. 6 x 9. February 2008.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Job Interviews Get Jobs
2. Determine Your Interview Readiness
3. Interview Myths
4. Types of Interviews
5. The Referral Interview
6. Prepare for the Job Interview
7. The Day of the Job Interview
8. Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions
9. Questions You Should Always Ask
10. Negotiating the Offer

SPECIAL QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE.

THE AUTHORS: Ron Krannich is one of America’s leading career and travel writers who has authored more than 100 books. Caryl passed away in 2008.

Once you are at the meeting [referral interview], you should begin by thanking the individual for taking time to meet with you. Explain the purpose of your visit and recap your letter’s purpose. Reassure the person that you do not expect him or her to find or give you a job. After stating your purpose, you might, for example, say something like this:

“I am currently researching alternatives in which I can use my leadership and technical trouble-shooting skills. In my recent conversation with John Jones, he spoke very highly of you and suggested that you, as a successful manufacturing manager, would be an excellent source of information.”

Since the referral interview is a meeting to gather information and advice relevant to your marketing campaign and your career, the logical starting point is a discussion of your job objective and your areas of strength.

Most interviewees will want to know about your background as well as your objective. Use the accomplishments mentioned on your resume to illustrate your areas of strength.

Unless the interviewee sees clearly who you are and where you are going, it will be extremely difficult to provide relevant information. Check to be sure the interviewee has a clear understanding of your goals as well as your background. You might ask:

• Do you believe my objective and experience are clearly consistent?
• Are there areas which I should emphasize more strongly?

When you are certain that the interviewee has understood your objective, proceed with your other questions. Make them brief but clear, and be sure that you give your interviewee time to respond.

When you get your interviewees talking, you get them thinking and actively involved in your campaign.

Provide background on yourself, expertise, and relevant work history. Mention that before you actually commit to a new career field, you want to make sure it’s compatible with your interests, skills, and goals.

If you have already committed to this field or position, explain that you are making a job transition and want to present yourself in the best possible manner to potential employers.

Ask for their professional opinions on what and how you’ve just presented yourself. Be prepared to take their suggestions graciously.

Your questions should be arranged in the following format, with two to five questions under each category:

1. Ice breaker, small talk to build rapport.
2. Questions about the individual as related to information you’re seeking.
3. Questions about the industry: where it’s going, current challenges.
4. Questions about your background summary; how the individual thinks your strengths and achievements can be utilized.
5. Networking/referral questions.

You should develop specific questions for each individual you see. Ask questions that are answerable by the interviewee; keep them within the same sphere of reference.

It would be helpful to take a deductive approach, i.e., ask questions that generate a broader response and follow them with more specific ones to key in on ideas of particular interest.

Remember, you will be conducting interviews with individuals who possess information critical to your successful marketing campaign. It is incumbent upon you to draw it to the surface. You should ask the following questions:

1. Do you think my objective is realistic, achievable, and clearly stated and supported?
2. Based on my background, which industries or types of companies or organizations would seem most appropriate for me to explore?
3. Are you aware of companies or industries that are in a growth or transitional position?
4. Are there any current trends or developments of which I should be aware?
5. What obstacles might I encounter? How can I overcome them?
6. Where would you see someone like myself fitting into a company such as yours? (Ask only where appropriate. For instance, you wouldn’t ask this of a lawyer if you wanted to be in banking.) You can ask the interviewee’s thoughts on these specific areas:
   • Responsibilities
   • Qualifications
   • Problems dealt with
   • Advancement
   • Training
   • Travel
   • Kinds of people who succeed/fail
   • Salary range/starting and long range potential

    

7. Are there any professional organizations I should join or publications I might want to read?
8. If you were me, how would you go about finding a new position?
9. Who are some people you would recommend I contact for information and advice?

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