The Interviewer is Not Your Friend – Helpful Interviewing Tips From an Interview Coac

Administrator — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:19:02 +0000

By Ross Calkins

Most career or interview coaches end up in this line of work because they love working with people and have a gregarious personalities. These traits can help network and land clients but need to be tempered when it comes to coaching. Coaches all have different styles when it comes to techniques but providing honest and feedback is paramount to help candidates land the job or get to the next level.

We had a client show up for a mock interview session this week in a running suit. We sent her home. Our client was enraged and tried to remind me that she was my customer (the customer is always right). I made the point that if you are not going to take this seriously, then we can’t help you. To quote George Halas, the famous football coach, “don’t do anything in practice that you wouldn’t do in the game”. A mock interview session should be handled by both the coach and the client with as much realism as possible. Be ready for tough interview questions. Point out and deal with weaknesses. See how you hold up under pressure when grilled about your skill set.

I like chatting with clients on the phone to find out more about their personalities, what is going on with their job search and what their goals, dreams and aspirations are for the future. But when it comes time for coaching, they should know that the interviewer is not your friend. Discourage idle chat and too many personal stories. Provide honest feedback with tact. I would rather hurt someone’s feeling then not help them and get them prepared.

Every job opening should be viewed as a strenuous competition. There are so many job applicants for so few jobs and no silver medal for second place. Competitors in this type of market need coaches to get them prepared, help train them, help present themselves and be their best. Also, for those who have been on numerous interviews get worn down. It’s depressing getting to the final steps in the job process and come away empty. Do not expect an interviewer to be sympathetic to your situation. Sympathy does not win jobs and a dejected candidate is a turn off. You need to get “pumped up” and excited for each interview.

Unfortunately, the career and interview coaching business is about trying to make your client not need your services. We are the mother birds that must push our clients from the nest to take flight. If we do a great job your client will ace the interview, land the job and make you obsolete at the same time. We are our own outplacement service but the rewards are tremendous.

Ross Calkins is the co-founder of the Interview Coaching Association and an Interview Coach for MVPSource.
He loves helping people prepare, get motivated, practice and do their best on interviews and “win the job”.

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Job Interview – Tips to Ensure a Successful Interview Process

Administrator — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:58:00 +0000

Mort Ferguson asked:

After sending a resume to an employer, you may be asked to two or three interviews. The initial interview is critical because that is when the employer is likely to decide whether how you might fit with the company. This step is crucial, and you need to be prepared to enhance the likelihood of a successful interview and an eventual job offer.

Before you even step foot in the door of an employer, in advance, you should fully investigate the company, its background, corporate goals, senior management, and anything concerning the position to which you have applied.

Furthermore, knowing the background of the company and what you are going to do will help you prepare for questions that will be asked of you.

Practice is time well spent– answering questions from a test with a friend or member of the family so you can provide the answers with confidence an appear well informed during the interview and make a positive impression.

When you appear on the day of the interview, it is best to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time of departure. Doing so will show you are punctual and that the job interview is important to you.

You must also be prepared with extra copies of a couple of your cv’s if they feel additional people should sit in on the interview. Make sure your attire and general appearance reflects the standards of the company. Put on your best show in the clothes that are clean, ironed, and sharp. You do not want to use makeup or excessive jewelry, and for a man, you must be neat and clean shaven (unless the style for your type of work suggests rumpled and ill-shaven).

If, for example, this is a “suit and tie ” company and you come to the interview in jeans, you will probably lose the interview. Looking professional, you show you are ready to blend in with their business needs. The thought of the rebel can help you land a great position, but not a maverick!

Greet everyone with a firm handshake and offer an enthusiastic hello. The more optimistic you are – without appearing fake – it is more people will be drawn to you. Keep good eye contact with the person you are interviewing with you during the meeting.

You do not want to appear intimidating, however, so occasionally look away when they are talking to you. Conversely, you do not want to keep looking up or down because they might confuse this from dishonesty or disinterest. (You may be surprised by what a person is conjecture ‘body language of s.), when the interview has finished, make sure to shake every last person’ s hand again and thanks them for their time.

State how interested you are in the work and that you look forward to hearing from them. Sending brief thank you letters to each person for their time and interest in you will not hurt your chances either.

Following these tips certainly will not assure that you are hired but will help maximize the positive impression you make,

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The Interviewer is Not Your Friend – Helpful Interviewing Tips From an Interview Coac

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Job Interview – Tips to Ensure a Successful Interview Process

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