Experts Reveal Interview Secrets
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(c) Copyright 1995 Mark Roberts. All rights reserved. Taken in part from the video "How To Get Hired, After You're Fired" volume one. Permission for non-commercial distribution is hereby granted, provided that this file is maintained in its entirety. Feel free to distribute this document on commercial networks and bulletin boards.
By Mark Roberts
As a radio talk show host, I have had the opportunity to interview many experts on job search. If you are looking for a job, this information could give you the edge over the competition.
What is the purpose of the interview? Contrary to what you may believe, the interview is not where individuals exchange information. According to Kenneth and Sheryl Dawson, authors of "Job Search, The Total System" (John Wiley & Sons, 1988) it is a performance as if you where an actor or athlete. The interview can best be described as a psychological game that you control through learned skills. The purpose of the interview is to get an offer. Ultimately the goal of the game is for both you and the employer to be in a win, win situation.
What questions will they ask in the interview? First, to be successful you need to know what questions will be asked in advance. How do you find out? It's easy! Just call up the potential employer and ask him over the phone. Yes as incredible as that may sound, you can talk to the person in charge of hiring and find out what kind of individual they are looking for! Then you can ask how they want their questions answered! For example, on the phone, ask the person in charge of hiring, "what kind of employee are you looking for and how would you like him to respond in the interview?" Then when it's time for the interview, you will tell them what they want to hear.
What do employers ask themselves? They want to know how you can make their life easier. Are you a team player? Are you dependable? Are you a self starter? How can you help the employer to cut costs and increase revenue? This gets the employer's attention.
What is proof by example and why is it important? Keep a list and all written examples of your job accomplishments. You will first use this in resume preparation and later in the actual interview. In the interview you might explain how you increased sales. However, you need to prove it to the interviewer with something tangible. Anyone can say they increased sales, but can they prove it? In contrast to the other applicants, you will have written (proof by example) for the employer.
How should you act in the interview? According to Judith A. Dubin and Melanie R. Keveles authors of "Fired For Success" (Warner Books, 1990), you want to demonstrate a positive attitude, high energy and spirit, enthusiasm and excitement. Richard Bolles, author of "What Color Is Your Parachute?" (Ten Speed Press, 1989), believes that energy and enthusiasm is of immeasurable importance. In summary, the more excited you are the more attractive you are.
Now that you know how to act, how do you build self confidence? One of the best ways to improve your speaking and listening skills that in turn will build confidence is to join a Toastmasters organization in your community. Toast- masters is the premier speaking and listening club and has been in existence since 1924. As Public Relations Vice President of a local Toastmasters organization, I can attest to the fact that it will help you think quick on your feet and how you come across in public. Club members also will be happy to help you practice possible interview questions. Being affiliated with Toastmasters International also looks good on your resume. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce for the nearest club in your community.
As I mentioned earlier, interviewing is not only a game between you and the interviewer, but it's also a numbers game. The following statistics will help you understand the averages in the game so you will not get discouraged when you are rejected. According to Patricia Noel Drain, author of "Hire Me! Secrets of Job Interviewing" (Price Stern Sloan, 1992), it takes about 32 resumes to get one response. You have to send out 47 resumes to get one live interview. On average it takes 21 interviews before you will get an offer. The greater the numbers, the better your chance. As actor and author Jake Steinfeld states in his book "Dont Quit" (Warner, 1993), believe in yourself, and others will believe in you.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mark Roberts is a radio talk show host and producer of the video "How to Get Hired, After You're Fired" volume one. In it you'll learn valuable tips and advice gleaned from his interviews with celebrities, authors, experts and motivational speakers. It also includes the top ten interview questions asked most by headhunters and employers, and how to answer them. The video is approved by the NATIONAL FORUM OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION JOURNAL that is the leading nationally recognized scholarly refereed journal in educational administration and supervision.
For more information on the video "How To Get Hired, After You're Fired", send e-mail to Compuserve at CIS:MARKROBERTS or internet address MARKROBERTS@CIS. CompuServe.com or GFBU04A@prodigy.com.
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