The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #32709   Message #431597
Posted By: SINSULL
02-Apr-01 - 08:15 PM
Thread Name: BS: Interview Tips?
Subject: RE: BS: Interview Tips?
Morty, If you have reached the face to face interview stage, they are interested in you. Once you have a list of skills identified, find a way to work them into your interview.

He says: "What qualifies you this position?" You have a list.
Do your homework. Find out everything you can about the company interviewing you. Website, news articles, etc. and tailor your skills to fill their current needs.
Remember - you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. You don't want "a" job. You want the right job for your personality and skills.You want an opportunity to grow.
Be prepared for the "What would you say is your main weakness?" question and answer it in a positive fashion - eg. I tend to be impatient to get a task finished but have learned to dot all my "i"s and cross all my "t"s. Or I used to be a perfectionist allowing no room for error from those I supervise. Now I understand that people learn by their mistakes. My job is to see that they are comfortable enough to take a chance and informed enough to know the limits of risk-taking. In short - you have no faults. And don't volunteer any.
If the job requires overnight travel - you love to travel. If it requires that you sit at a computer all day - you live for the computer. Remember, you don't have to take the position when it is offered.
Don't bring up salary. But if they do, speak in terms of ranges knowing what the market is for that particular job. "I expect to earn $30 to $35000 base depending upon the benefits/bonus package that is included."
Always ask at the end: "Is there anything I haven't covered that you need more information on?" AND MOST IMPORTANT "Are there any concerns about me or my qualifications that I can clear up for you now?" find your own way of asking this but ask. You may be amazed at what comes up. And you can deal with it on the spot rather than try to backtrack later.
Get out on as many interviews as you can and treat each one as if it were the only job in the world for you. The job offers do wonders for your self-confidence and the practice is good for when THE job comes along.
Kate Wendleton has done several books on resume writing and interviewing. You can borrow mine if you like.
Good Luck. You'll be fine.
Mary, who successfully placed welfare clients in great jobs but alas rarely managed to see them stay for more than a month or two. Such a waste of talent and stuff for another thread.