Thursday, November 19, 2015

Five Basics for Effective Job Interviews

Have you had a job interview lately?

Someone recently told me that he was not feeling great about a recent job interview. He said, "I just didn't feel comfortable or confident."

Job interviews are unnatural but you can go into them feeling good about yourself. Here are some ideas on doing better in interviews.

Number one, your mental preparation is key! Know why you are there: your purpose, your value, and why they should hire you.

Next, know the job opening: what do they need? Ask yourself, how you can fill the need?

Then, know the organization. Research it on the web. Find out what is happening there.

Be sure to develop your list of questions that you want to ask them. Questions about the job and the company.

Finally and vitally important, have stories of your accomplishments ready to roll. When the interviewer asks you "Tell me about a time when..." that's your cue for an accomplishment story.

Prepare your stories in the C - A - R format for Challenge, Action, and Result. For example:

"One time we had a rush request from a very important customer. So we formed a special team and worked hard to get the product assembled and delivered. The customer was so happy that we hustled to meet their demands that they became a regular client."

A well-formulated CAR Story will convey your skills and capabilities to the employer. It is one of the best ways to convince them that you are the answer to their prayers.

Terrence H. Seamon is an organization development consultant who provides leadership and team development services to employers in New Jersey. His book Lead the Way explores the challenges of leadership. Additionally, Terry is a job search and career coach whose book To Your Success provides a motivational guide for anyone in transition. An alumnus of PSG, Terry co-founded and co-moderates the St. Matthias Employment Ministry in Somerset, NJ. He can be reached atthseamon@yahoo.com and via his website: http://about.me/terrenceseamon

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