Visit Gaye's websites:
10 Interview Tips for 2010
What is it about the job interview that creates the cotton mouth experience and kicks our sweat glands into working overtime?
Since there are very few job searches that skip the all-important interview, it’s best to plan, prepare, and practice for this critical question and answer session.
Here are ten tips for acing your interview:
1. Identify your accomplishments. Focus on results. The interviewer doesn’t need to know about your job description–she needs to know what you accomplished in those responsibilities.
2. Focus on the organization’s needs. Make the conversation about them, and how you can solve their problems. This isn’t about the fact that the commute would be easy for you.
3. Tell your stories. Give examples of how you did your work. Use the PAR model: what was the Problem? the Action you took? and the Results.
4. Do your homework. Learn about the organization. Has it been in the news lately? Reorganization? New leadership? New products? Research it. Do your own SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) as you prepare so you sound knowledgeable and prepared.
5. Breathe. When you get nervous, it’s easy to forgot to breathe! If your hands start sweating more than usual and things are starting to swirl around you, just take a deep breath. Relax your shoulders. Refocus on the question.
6. Listen carefully. Make sure you understand the questions. Ask for clarification if you don’t. Listen for the opportunity to share an example of your work that tells them you can do what they need done.
7. Make the connection between their needs and your skills. This is all about them. They have a need–you can meet that need. Make it easy for the interviewer to see how you can be the solution to their problems.
8. Practice, practice, practice. Always.
9. Know yourself. The questions are about you and your experience, and nobody knows you better than you! Your preparation and practice will help you remember all the skills and experience you have to offer.
10. Be yourself. The interviewer wants to make a connection with you. Let your professional personality come through. Smile, laugh, engage.
