Just Because You Can Talk...
...doesn't mean you can interview.
I've done alot of interviews. At least several hundred as a recruiter and many hundreds more as a career coach. But this morning, as I conducted a mock interview with a student, I was reminded of some of the most obvious mistakes that are the easiest to fix.
So if you're ready to walk out the door for an interview, stop and ask yourself:
1) How do I answer the "tell me about yourself" or "walk me through your resume questions?
If your strategy here is to parrot back your resume or give the interviewer a historical tour ("my parents liked State U., so I went there first and when I graduated I wanted to live in New York so I met this guy who gave me this job...) think again. It's time to sell. Try this recipe:
- "Currently I am senior studying business and marketing with a specific interest in marketing communications...."
-"During my four years here I have done X, Y, and Z to prepare me for a career in marketing communications...."
- "I also did an internship for ABC company where I learned how to research market demographics and their impact on communications...."
-"Which brings me to today and my interest in your company...."
It may seem simple, but it's a world of difference. Sell yourself as a perfect fit.
2) How do you answer the strengths and weaknesses question?
If you hesitate on strengths or ramble on about all of your weaknesses you're not painting a picture of someone that's hireable. Instead:
- List 2-3 clear strengths and provide a brief example of a time you exhibited them.
- Use the positive sandwich! Remind the listener of your strengths (+), suggest 1-2 areas for development (-), and then indicate what you are doing to correct or build on those areas of development (+): "While I am really good at teamwork and have a strong attention to detail, I do feel that one area I can develop is in my leadership experience. I am often hesitant in leadership situations and may take some time to determine the best way to lead a situation. However, in order to develop my leadership skills, I am working to take on more leadership roles in my classes so that I can practice my decision-mkaing and response time as a leader.
3) Are you a rambler?
Almost everyone rambles when they answer questions in personal situations, but this can't be the case in an interview. Tape yourself answering common interview questions and ask yourself:
- Am I answering the question asked?
- Do I have a specific, easy-to-understand example?
- Do I close strong?
If the answer is no, try outlining some of your answers: "This is how I handle situations like that, here is a specific example, and here's how I would handle them at your company."
- Susan Strayer is an HR and business professional, and former recruiter and hiring manager who has worked with hundreds of Fortune 500 companies. She is the author of The Right Job, Right Now due out in December 2006 from St. Martin's Press.
I am compelled to give this writer both of my thumbs up for differentiating between talking and communicating. Practice with a tape recorder and a good friend as often as possible. It can sharpen your skills for any business situation.