Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Interesting answers to boring interview questions


Interesting answers to boring interview questions.


Tell me about yourself. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? Tell me about a time when you had to think out of the box. Tell me about an achievement of which you are proud. Why should I hire you?

Everyone has heard these boring (some say stupid) interview questions. Did you realize that these stupid questions are a great opportunity to continue your Core Message? Think about it. Something you said resonated with the employer. Do more of that. You did some research, and found where your strengths and skills matched their needs. Keep that up in the interview.

Here is how to do that. Let's say that you are an electronics salesperson and are interviewing for a better position at Best Buy. You met or exceeded your sales targets all 14 months that you have been at your current job. You won a local contest for adding batteries to electronics purchases, and received a commendation for turning a huge customer return into a different sale.

So on to the interview. They say “Tell me about yourself”. Candidate Second Place would answer “I am an animal lover, I have 6 cats, and two goldfish named Mr. Precious and Jaws Jr. I collect antique Pokemon Cards, and I love unemployment.”

YOU answer”I am a goal oriented person. I met or exceeded my sales targets 14 months in a row, because I help the customer find the solution that best fits their needs.”

The Interviewer says “Tell me about an achievement of which you are proud”. Candidate Unemployment says “When I was 9, I helped my Girl Scout Troop sell 18,000 boxes of Thin Mints.”

YOUR 'achievement' answer? “A customer walked in with a large return of cell phones one day. The Sales Associate who had helped them before was off, so I handled it. They were disgusted, and ready to throw the phones on the counter, get a refund and go elsewhere. They were seniors, and they bought 6 brand new smart phones for themselves, their adult children, and some grand kids. All with unlimited data, texting, GPS, cases, spare batteries, all the bells and whistles. I took the time to listen to them, saved the sale, and found the right solutions for them. They still bought 6 lines, but this time it was the right six lines. I was proud of that, and I received a District Customer Service Award”

At any rate, what you have said has been effective enough to get you into an interview. So, when they ask you stupid questions, seize the opportunity to sell yourself.

Good luck and best wishes,

Chris


Friday, May 11, 2012

Speaking tips for job interviews.


Speaking tips for interviews.

The traditional job interview is based on your speaking ability. It is not only what you say, but how well that you say it. Just at a time that the job seeker may be feeling nervous, or a little off-base, their message and delivery are being evaluated. Here are some public speaking tips to help you in a job interview setting.





1. Relax and Smile. In your mind, imagine a picture of the best Real Estate Agent or Car Salesperson you have ever met. You probably imagined them with a smile on their face.

2. Practice ahead of time. Make a video. Get honest feedback.

3. Use notes as guides, not as a scripted presentation. Use notes, but don't read them word for word.

4. Speak slowly. Tension makes people speak more quickly than they realize.

5. Pause before you answer. Watch a Bill Clinton debate. Politics aside, he is great in a debate. He takes a breath before speaking.

6. Focus on the other speakers. Make good eye contact. Give attention to Get attention.

7. Use positive body language and gestures.

8. Keep it short. Speak in bullet points. More isn't always better.

9. Vary your tone and pace. Be enthusiastic, soft, or quiet as appropriate. Monotones are bad.

10. Mind your manners. Say 'please' and 'thank you' appropriately. Take turns speaking.

11. Incorporate their words into yours. For example, if you are a Janitor and they refer to the position title as that of Custodian, a response might be “I have a great deal of experience as a Janitor Custodian...”. Speak their language where you can without coming across as a phoney.

I hope that the above tips are helpful to you, and can help in your job interviews.

Good luck and best wishes,

Chris

Monday, May 7, 2012

Rejection


Rejection after THE interview.




“Dear Employment Candidate, it is my sad duty to inform you that your qualifications, while impressive, were not the exact fit to fill the needs here at Initech...”

That type of “Thank you for your interest” letter can be demoralizing. As I mentioned in an earlier article about attitude, http://thejobsguy.blogspot.com/2012/04/attitude-during-job-search.html your ability to maintain a positive outlook is critical to eventual success. Job searches are about sales, and depressed salespeople typically don't do well.

So what are some tips when you have been rejected? First of all, don't take it personally. The decision to go with someone else is (usually) a business decision, not a commentary on you personally. Also, for what it may be worth, rest assured that there are a great many people who just got the same letter or email that you did.

Additionally, recognize that, while you may believe you have been turned down for THE DREAM JOB, that may not be true. Even The Jobs Guy gets rejected, and many years ago, I was passed over for a job in management at a national grocery chain. I was devastated at the time, but grateful now. Life/Karma/Fate led me to a place where I am doing what I love, and that is NOT managing a Produce Department. When you have a little space from the rejection, you can gain perspective.

Congratulate yourself just a little. OK, I know. At the Olympics they only play the national anthem of the winner, who is now standing one step higher than you are. However, you still came in second, or at least did well enough that you were selected to move forward in some competitive process. Someone was interested enough to invest time and energy into talking with you further.

You are “One Closer To Yes”. Job searches are sales functions. The old story about the Master of Sales leaps to mind. A young rookie was partnered with an old, successful Veteran. They went on their sales call, and together, made a fabulous pitch. The young Rookie was dejected when they left, full of self-doubt and loathing. In the car, driving away, he looks over, and sees the Veteran smiling. The Rookie says “How can you be smiling after that? We made a great sales pitch, and they still almost threw us out.” The Veteran looks at the Rookie and says “Over the years, I have learned that for every 100 times I make a sales pitch, 99 responses are 'No'. Now that one is out of the way, and I am 1 closer to a sale. What a great day!”

After what some people perceive as a job interview failure, they often ask if they should get feedback from the employer. Like many things in life, the answer is “It depends”. If you are a younger person, seeking an entry level or early career position, I absolutely recommend that you ask. A polite email saying “Thank you for your time. To help me with my future job searches, could you provide any feedback which will help me do better...” Some people will be gracious enough to help you know where you are lacking, while others will delete the email and avoid a potential liability.

Regardless, when you are rejected for a job, give yourself a break.


Good luck and best wishes,

Chris