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November 27, 2010
Getting To The Point - Plus, Other Interviewing Tips
By Ken Sundheim
Being candid is one of the best business and interviewing traits / techniques one could have. In addition to being straightforward, there are many seemingly small, but important interviewing strategies one can implement.
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Too many times, upon interviewing a job applicant, regardless of level, the individual does not get to the point upon being asked a particular question. They tend to oversell themselves and say or do other small things that make them appear to be less of a competitive candidate than the others interviewing for the same position.
"If You Want Me To Elaborate By All Means I'd Be Glad To"
Every answer during an interview does not need to be a story. Get to the point and directly answer the question. Every minute detail you give puts you further and further away from the job. A lot of time, upon interviewing, the interviewer wants to see a sharp thought process; they don't want to know your family history. If you try to oversell yourself, it comes across as desperate and will not bode well during the course of your job search.
Your Resume Should Speak for Itself
Remember, going into the interview, the person with whom you are interviewing with already knows what you have done, accomplished, etc. Therefore, they want to get to know you as a person. Come across as someone who is very open, pleasant to deal with and someone who is confident that they can be an asset to the company.
Don't Talk Money During the First Interview Unless Asked
"So what's the job pay?" The answer is nothing if you ask this question because you're probably not going to get the job. Even though money is a concern to everybody (even Warren Buffett I'm sure counts his - just may take longer), though make the interviewer feel as if you are more interested in the company and not taking a job simply for compensation.
While Interviewing, Get a Feel for the Person on the Other Side of the Table
Regardless of how relaxed and "cool" the interviewer is, never use profanity. You're not there to make friends of find a buddy for happy hour, you're there to get a job offer. Plain and simple. If the person who is interviewing you slips in a bad word, don't shoot back, judge or even think about. Keep the conversation going. However, if the person whom you're interviewing with continuously uses profanity, you're wasting your time. No true businessman or businesswoman does this. It is a sign that the corporate culture is not conducive to being successful.
If You Have the Choice Do Not Pick a Chair That Goes Face to Face
If there is a chair next to the person, simply ask, "Do you mind if I sit here?" Most likely, they will not have any major objections. If you sit on the side of them, the conversation will lend itself to taking a more relaxed tone. Also, if there are chairs of all heights, make sure to pick the tallest chair. If it is a chair that swivels, make sure to sit perfectly still. You will never see anybody in business, during a meeting that is, swivel back and forth in their chair. Seemingly, these are little aspects, but at the same time, they are very big assets if used correctly.