Golden Job

It's all about Job and Career!

Are you presently unemployed and searching for a job? You may working right now, but still prefer to switch careers or change your job. If it is that case, then start searching for job openings in your locality. Also submit your resumes or applications for them. You will soon realize a set of interviews queued up for you.

The time you had your interview is important when it comes to a job interview. At times, you might have had one long ago and hence think of preparing and testing yourself. It is advisable that you go for some practice runs. Practice runs are otherwise called as Mock interviews. Many think that mock interviews are just simple and helpless, but it is a fact that you can gain more from them.

It is purely your choice whether to go for a mock interview before attending a job interview. Many ask their family members or friends to conduct a mock interview. Doing this, you will be intended to force them to ask simple questions regarding your weakness and strengths. This way can only provide common questions. Make sure that you answer them in a professional manner, i.e., in the same manner when you answer a real interview. Mock interviews can be practiced before a mirror too. Though it is not realistic, it helps you in getting practiced with the normal questions.

Doing mock interviews can help you practice more. You can gain more from them. They help you to avoid making mistakes in a real interview. This is another benefit of a mock interview. It is known that job interviews are extremely hard. It can make you nervous even it is not your first interview. Conducting mock interviews with the help of you family members or friends can boost your confidence level. This has been proved. It helps in driving off the nervousness a person has in attending a job interview. The more you practice the less you commit mistakes in an interview.

The other benefit of a mock interview is –Preparation. Of course, the aim of conducting a mock interview is to prepare a person for an interview. It teaches the common manners on how to enter an interview room and how to exit. It also teaches on how to effectively make use of the time in answering questions. Wishing methods are also learnt. If it is your first interview, then you surely don’t know the process. You do not know how to proceed if you have not attended one for a long time. The mock interviews can not only provide you confidence but it can also make you relieved from your nervousness. It is very helpful in being successful in your interview.

Numerous points can be gained from a mock interview conducted by your family members and friends. People who have their view or opinion unbiased are the best suit for a mock interview because they can very well monitor you. Your friends and family members can give suggestions and tips for an interview. Accept them to enhance your talents. It is true, that mock interviews teaches something new to someone.

The above said points show the benefits from a mock interview conducted by your family members or friends. You can also practice by speaking before the mirror. But it is advisable that you do that with someone’s help because he can rectify your mistakes and come up with suggestions and feedback.

A telephone interview may be the first contact that the prospective employer has with you so it is important to prepare thoroughly for your phone interview.  This article will outline the importance of telephone interviews, why they are used and what interview skills you need to concentrate on.

From an organization’s perspective, the telephone interview is a highly effective tool to quickly determine which candidates to interview in person and allows them to reach a number of people quickly, thus enabling the reduction of a long ’short-list’ to a final short list of candidates to call in for a face to face interview.

From your perspective as a candidate for employment, the phone interview allows you to talk to the organization without the pressure of a face to face meeting and with all your notes, other aids and data at hand.

How To Prepare For A Telephone Interview

Begin by studying the job description and the person specification or candidate profile. This will enable you to identify the organization’s particular needs and what specific information you need to successfully demonstrate that you possess the skills and experience they require.

Do some research to discover all you can about the organization’s products, services, history, and culture. Make particular efforts to identify where your skills and experience match their processes and may be of value to them.

Your online research must include a visit to the organization’s business website to get an appreciation of what it is like and what your initial impression is; you may be asked to comment on your thoughts about it.

Write your own list matching your achievements to the organization’s stated requirements. Keep this list in front of you during the interview and refer to it at every opportunity.

A telephone interview is similar to other interviews and demands the use of the same interview skills so avoid any temptation to generalize when asked about your accomplishments. Be specific, for example “improved stock turnover by 36%” or “reduced scrap waste by 24%”.

Interviewers need to hear about relevant challenges or problems you have experienced in the workplace, the specific actions you took, and the measurable results you achieved. They seek to identify key competencies such as communication skills, analytical skills, teamwork, drive and initiative. Work out and write down some examples of how and when you have demonstrated these key competencies.

As with any job interview, it is a good idea to compile a list of likely interview questions beforehand. To simulate the telephone interview ask a friend to ‘interview’ you by phone first. Prepare your answers carefully, matching your words and phrases to the job description and candidate profile. It’s best not to write out your answers in full because they never end up sounding natural or spontaneous.

Make sure that other family members know you are expecting the phone interview and keep the line clear and away from the the area you are using so will not be disturbed during the phone call. Have your resume and cover letter, a copy of the job advertisement, and all your notes laid out in front of you. Have a pen and paper to hand so that you can note down key points throughout the course of the telephone interview.

Professional presenters will advise you to stand up during an interview by telephone because this makes you sound more authoritative and helps project a positive and professional image. They will also advise you that smiling creates a friendly and enthusiastic impression. So make an effort, it IS worth it! To help you in establishing the all important rapport on the phone, try to vary your speaking rate and pitch so that you match yours to that of the interviewer.

As with every interview it is important to convey the impression that you are genuinely interested in the organization and eager to make a contribution, so include references to information you discovered during the course of your research.

Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and comments. If you don’t understand a question, its OK to ask for clarification. Provide well-developed, balanced, and analytical answers, not just a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

You may be asked to explain your reasons for wanting to leav your present job, so make sure you have positive reasons prepared. Under no circumstances should you criticize your previous employers or colleagues. Having researched the organization and analyzed the job description as suggested, you should find it easy to prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer when the opportunity arises.

At the end of the phone call, emphasize your interest in the job and the organization and reiterate your qualifications.

After the telephone interview, write a short thank-you letter, again reiterating that you would welcome the opportunity of a face-to-face interview.

Handling job interview rejection. You’ve had your job interview, you’re checking your emails, the post box and your phone. Then it comes through – “Dear John, we regret to inform you  …” -   the polite rejection. This is not what you expected, you know you’re the right candidate for this job.

Job rejection shock is a hard fact of life. It doesn’t matter how good a candidate you are, one or more rejections are inevitable. Even in good times organizations usually have a number of candidates to choose from and in today’s job market supply clearly exceeds demand.

What are your options now? What do you do when facing rejection? Take these simple steps and come away from the experience wiser and better equipped to manage your next job application and interview.

Contact the employer immediately

Phone or email and ask politely for constructive feedback. Ask questions like, “Where did I fall short of the requirements?”, “Can you give me some advice that will help me with any future applications?”  Avoid sounding defensive but rather focus on the future and suggest to the company that they can assist you by providing you with honest feedback. Listen carefully to their answers, thank them for their time and input and make good use of their advice.

Conduct an audit of your job interview keeping their feedback in mind. Ask yourself these questions:

Did I do my homework ?

Did you find out sufficient information beforehand about the organization and the job. Did you know all about the job you were interviewing for – the tasks, responsibilities, skills and abilities it involved?.  How much detail did you have on the organization? Did you know your strengths, weaknesses, selling points, suitability? Was the position a good fit with your skills and abilities?

Did I make a good first impression?

First impressions are critically important in job interviews as they set the tone for the rest of the interview. Did you arrive on time? Were you appropriately dressed? When you saw how the company employees were dressed did you feel comfortable with what you were wearing? Did you greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and use the correct name?

Did I listen carefully and answer questions appropriately?

Were you clear about what the interviewer was asking you? Did you respond with the relevant information? Did the interviewer have to repeat the question to get the information he or she wanted? Were your responses fluent and well organized or did you stumble over your answers? Did you get the job interview questions you expected or were you taken by surprise?

Did I show my enthusiasm for the position?

Did you use positive words and project a positive message with your body language? Did you display confidence in your ability to do the job or were you nervous and unsure? Alternatively were you too pushy and dominated the discussion?

Did I have informed and relevant questions to ask the interviewer?

Did you prepare good and insightful questions to ask about the company, the job, the management and the industry? Were your questions based on solid information you had gathered during your interview preparation or did you quickly think up something to ask when the interviewer said, “Do you have any questions?”

Did I have the right documentation with me?

Did you have a portfolio with you that included references, work samples, extra copies of your resume? When the interviewer asked for a document were you able to produce it?

Did I close the interview and follow up appropriately?

Job interview rejection can be the result of the final minutes of the interview.  Had you addressed all the interviewer’s concerns before leaving?  Did you restate your interest in the position and close with an expression of appreciation for the interview opportunity?  Did you follow up with a thank you letter within 24 hours of the job interview?

Thinking through your job application and interview in a constructive and proactive way will allow you to work through your disappointment at job interview rejection and shift your focus to the next opportunity. Build on what you have learned and try to keep positive. Keep looking for the right opportunity and stay determined. Getting the right job requires dedication, a planned approach and a great deal of focused effort – it’s a job in itself!  Go through the pre interview checklist to make sure you are properly prepared to make the best impression in your job interview. Persistence, preparation and constant improvement will land you the right job.

Handling job interview rejection. You’ve had your job interview, you’re checking your emails, the post box and your phone. Then it comes through – “Dear John, we regret to inform you  …” -   the polite rejection. This is not what you expected, you know you’re the right candidate for this job.

Job rejection shock is a hard fact of life. It doesn’t matter how good a candidate you are, one or more rejections are inevitable. Even in good times organizations usually have a number of candidates to choose from and in today’s job market supply clearly exceeds demand.

What are your options now? What do you do when facing rejection? Take these simple steps and come away from the experience wiser and better equipped to manage your next job application and interview.

Contact the employer immediately

Phone or email and ask politely for constructive feedback. Ask questions like, “Where did I fall short of the requirements?”, “Can you give me some advice that will help me with any future applications?”  Avoid sounding defensive but rather focus on the future and suggest to the company that they can assist you by providing you with honest feedback. Listen carefully to their answers, thank them for their time and input and make good use of their advice.

Conduct an audit of your job interview keeping their feedback in mind. Ask yourself these questions:

Did I do my homework ?

Did you find out sufficient information beforehand about the organization and the job. Did you know all about the job you were interviewing for – the tasks, responsibilities, skills and abilities it involved?.  How much detail did you have on the organization? Did you know your strengths, weaknesses, selling points, suitability? Was the position a good fit with your skills and abilities?

Did I make a good first impression?

First impressions are critically important in job interviews as they set the tone for the rest of the interview. Did you arrive on time? Were you appropriately dressed? When you saw how the company employees were dressed did you feel comfortable with what you were wearing? Did you greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and use the correct name?

Did I listen carefully and answer questions appropriately?

Were you clear about what the interviewer was asking you? Did you respond with the relevant information? Did the interviewer have to repeat the question to get the information he or she wanted? Were your responses fluent and well organized or did you stumble over your answers? Did you get the job interview questions you expected or were you taken by surprise?

Did I show my enthusiasm for the position?

Did you use positive words and project a positive message with your body language? Did you display confidence in your ability to do the job or were you nervous and unsure? Alternatively were you too pushy and dominated the discussion?

Did I have informed and relevant questions to ask the interviewer?

Did you prepare good and insightful questions to ask about the company, the job, the management and the industry? Were your questions based on solid information you had gathered during your interview preparation or did you quickly think up something to ask when the interviewer said, “Do you have any questions?”

Did I have the right documentation with me?

Did you have a portfolio with you that included references, work samples, extra copies of your resume? When the interviewer asked for a document were you able to produce it?

Did I close the interview and follow up appropriately?

Job interview rejection can be the result of the final minutes of the interview.  Had you addressed all the interviewer’s concerns before leaving?  Did you restate your interest in the position and close with an expression of appreciation for the interview opportunity?  Did you follow up with a thank you letter within 24 hours of the job interview?

Thinking through your job application and interview in a constructive and proactive way will allow you to work through your disappointment at job interview rejection and shift your focus to the next opportunity. Build on what you have learned and try to keep positive. Keep looking for the right opportunity and stay determined. Getting the right job requires dedication, a planned approach and a great deal of focused effort – it’s a job in itself!  Go through the pre interview checklist to make sure you are properly prepared to make the best impression in your job interview. Persistence, preparation and constant improvement will land you the right job.

I am frequently asked about questions that may be asked at a sales rep job interview. Everyone wants to know “How can I ace my job interview?

In this article we are going to look at tips on how to present yourself in the first interview, how to answer interview questions, how to prepare for your interview, how to behave during the interview, questions you can ask the interviewer and how you can maximize the chances of getting the job you really want.

The best way of approaching a sales interview is to think of it like a normal sales meeting with a customer. But instead of selling goods or services, in a sales interview, the product is YOU.

By thinking of the interview as an ordinary sales call, you will find it easy to structure the call and prepare for it. For example, when you are selling, your first approach will often include a brochure or other sales literature setting out your offering. When you are selling yourself, this is the function of your resume or CV. It is essential that you present an employer a carefully constructed document which highlights the features and benefits you have to offer. This will usually be in the form of achievements, qualifications and training. Similarly, a well crafted cover letter will help your application to stand out.

Professional salespeople never visit a customer without having done some research first. At the very least they will have Googled their customer to find out the latest developments and announcements. They should also have checked recent files and had a look to see what is going on in the customer’s marketplace.

In the same way, the interviewee should carry out some pre-interview research. This will not only boost confidence but is fine preparation for some standard interview questions like “What do you know about our company?” or “What do you think the biggest challenges we face in the market today?” It should also prompt you to think about questions you can ask at the end of the interview when you are invited to do so.

Nowadays, it is more and more common for employers to filter job applications by conducting a telephone interview. Although many people are concerned about this, in fact it is usually an easy opportunity to score well and make an early impression.

The first thing to remember is that you are in charge. When the phone rings, the interviewer has absolutely no idea what you are doing and will nearly always ask if it is convenient to talk. Unless you are fully prepared then your answer should always be “no”. Set a time when you know you will have had time to do your research and create an atmosphere conducive to giving the right impression. Make a list of the key points you want to get across and have any reference materials easily to hand. The objective of this session is for you to sound relaxed, confident and full of potential. The main goal of the discussion is for you to get a face to face interview. As the call draws to a close, it is essential that you try to set a date (remember to have your calendar to hand).

The main operating environment for a salesperson is when she is talking to her customer. When applying for a job, the potential employer is the customer, so the interview should use the same ground plan as you would for a customer sales call. Remember to arrive punctually, suitably dressed and with anything you might need (like a spare resume or a certificate of achievement) easily to hand in your bag. Remember that the interview starts the moment you arrive and your behaviour with garage attendants and receptionists may be assessed as part of the process.

There is no set pattern for a sales job interview. Some companies have a highly structured approach; others will be more amorphous in character. Regardless of structure, there are usually two questions that you can expect. You may be asked a something like “Tell me about yourself”. The answer should be a very brief recap of your career lasting no more than three minutes, which highlights key achievements and finishes with the question “…what would you like to know about in particular?” Do not fall into the trap of rehearsing details of your childhood and upbringing thereby wasting valuable time on information that will not support the product on sale – you.

The second question you can expect is a derivation of “Why do you want this job?” Again, you must align the answers with the skills you are offering. An answer like “I read in your accounts that you are planning to expand into the South West. I have built up a considerable network in that region, am very familiar with the political issues and feel that with the new products you announced last week I can make a significant contribution…” will play very well and serves both to demonstrate the skills you bring and the fact that you have done your homework.

Inexperienced interviewers will often take off their watch and say “sell this to me! Don’t be tricked into doing a “feature push” sale. Step back and remember your basic sales training. Respond by asking questions about what he wants in a watch before constructing a sales presentation aligned to his needs.

Good interviewers nearly always provide the opportunity to ask some questions. Do not let the opportunity slip by. This is your chance to showcase your research and ask about the company’s markets, plans and processes. Even if some of these items have been covered during the interview, you should be able to find a way to open up another angle especially if it will highlight one of your key strengths.

Although sales job interviews are very similar to other job interviews, they do differ in one important respect. At the end of the interview, the candidate is expected to attempt a close of some sort; if only to show that he is capable of asking for the business. This doesn’t need to be an in your face “am I hired?” question. Indeed depending on the circumstances, this could be counterproductive. However a gentle question seeking feedback or confirmation that the interviewer will be taking your application forward can rarely do any harm.

In some situations the interviewer may start to ask you questions about package. Be on your guard. This is am opportunity to close. Do not just jump in with your number. Remember that this is a sales interview and the question could be a ‘buying signal’. Therefore respond with a trial close: – “As we have started to discuss remuneration, can I take that as a sign that as long as the package is right your will be making me an offer?” If the answer is “yes”, you have a deal and you can then start talking about the salary and benefits package you need, usually best expressed in terms of a range rather than outright figures. If the salary is lower than your target, you can push for an improved car or better health or holiday benefits.

Occasionally a sales interview will end with a firm offer being made. More often than not though, there will be further stages before an offer can be issued. In this event is is good practice to follow up the interview with a “thank you” letter or email. This should be short, summarize the key strengths that you have to offer, clear up any uncertainties and if appropriate add some further information or collateral which the interviewer might find interesting or supportive of your application.

And finally you should approach every sales job interview with the thought that good sales people are really hard to find and keep. If you can demonstrate that you know how to sell and are confident, well researched and have the energy and drive to perform well them you will be well on the way to meeting your objective of passing the interview.

You’ve been invited in for an interview for a job that looks to be just right for you. You are confident that your qualifications are a good fit for the requirements of the job.Now, it’s up to you to conduct a winning face-to-face interviews with those persons who will make the final hiring decision. It’s time to sell the total package that is you and the benefits you can deliver. In other words, it’s time to close the deal. Will you make the sale? It’s not likely if you commit one or more of the most flagrant errors of omission or commission. Here are 14 such bombs that can sabotage your interview, along with advice on how to avoid them.

1. Be over confident. Assume the interviews are just a formality on your way to a job offer.

2. Fail to gather information about the potential employer before the interview such as mission of the organization; type of business; where the job you are interviewing for fits in the hierarchy and culture of the organization.

Having this information in hand enables you to demonstrate your interest and to tailor your presentation to fit the requirements of the position.

3. Fail to lay out a map for the case you want to communicate; include the points you mean to make and the questions you will ask.

Know the impression you want to leave with the interviewers. Identify at least three points you mean to communicate as well as a brief summary. Rehearse, rehearse, preferably with some one who can and will critique your presentation.

4. Be late for the interview.

There is no surer way to show a lack of respect and interest than to arrive late for an interview.

5. Fail to pay attention to your physical presentation from the moment you enter the premises of the potential employer until you are well away from all contact.

Remember, you are selling a total package.

Strive to make a favorable impression on everyone you meet from receptionist to the final interviewer. Adhere to the code of dress. Unless you know for certain that the environment is casual dress in business attire. In any case, be well groomed.) Walk briskly, heads up, shoulders back. Don’t slouch when seated. Avoid the dead-fish handshake. Speak distinctly. Keep in mind that everyone you encounter is important to your mission. Be courteous to one and all.

6. Fail to concentrate on the interviewer and the give and take of the discussion.

Maintain eye contact; avoid gazing out the window or admiring the artwork on the wall. Unless forced by the interviewer, avoid chitchatting about the weather and the score of last night’s big game.

7. Ask about work hours, time off and other benefits before an offer is in hand.

8. Fail to treat the interview as a two-way communication process. Sit out the interview like a knot on a log. Let the interview become a monologue conducted by the interviewer.

Asking well-informed questions demonstrates you are interested in the opportunity and shows off your qualifications, as well as personality. In addition, they develop information you need to evaluate how the opportunity serves your career goals.

9. Waste valuable time bad criticizing your former employer (s) and people you have worked with.

10. Lie about your qualifications.

11. Let your guard down when it appears the interview is over.

A canny interviewer may act as if the interview has ended, then blindside you with questions in order to see how you react to the unexpected. What appears to be an off-the-cuff comment or question could be among the most vital parts of the interview.

If you are invited to a meal, keep in mind that you are still being interviewed. Mind your manners. Avoid alcohol. If the interviewer insists, limit yourself to one glass of wine. Don’t order food that can be difficult to eat without making a mess.

12. Overstay your welcome.

Once the interviewer has signaled that it is time for you to go–even though you are anxious to keeping selling–wrap up the discussion and leave in short order.

13. Fail to make it absolutely clear that you want the job.

14. Fail to express appreciation for the opportunity to interview; thank everyone with whom you had contact during the interviewing process.

These days, the average person changes their career seven to ten times within their life span. This means that the average person is going to send out several hundred copies of their resumes in their lifetime…and yes, they’re going to have to go through several interviews in their lifetime.

Scary, huh?

If the interview process makes you nervous, well, you’re not alone. But right now, it’s time to stop worrying. You’re about to learn the nine vital steps for interview success…how to pass any interview you face!

Step 1: Research the Company that you are being interviewed for:

It’s a pretty obvious trick: research the company you’re interviewing for and be prepared to show off what you know about them. Way too many people show up for an interview without having the first idea about what the particular company stands for. The truth is that you should know at least something about the company’s mission, its general business process, and its particular needs. Know how long the company has been in business and whether they’re financially sound and profitable. Research the company with a view to determine what you can do to help them achieve their goals. Be prepared to say specifically how your personal goals and experience are going to be valuable to the company.

Step 2: Know your resume:

In virtually any interview situation, you’re interviewer is going to ask you questions about your resume, about your experiences and even about the quirky stuff you’ve listed to pad it out. You should read your resume over and over, and know the details of it because you never know when you’re going to be asked about your chess playing experience or your interest in literature. Make sure there’s nothing detailed on your resume that you’re uncomfortable talking about.

Step 3: Dress for Success:

Appearance can become nine-tenths of the law if you don’t pay attention to it. For every interview, make sure you wear garments that are professional and appropriate the position that you’re seeking. Your clothes should be comfortable, clean, and pressed. Don’t create a crisis for yourself on the morning of the interview when it comes to your clothes. Pick out your outfit and make sure it’s ready the night before your big interview.

Step 4: Make sure that you wake up early and are on time:

Just as you shouldn’t let your wardrobe run you down on the big day, you shouldn’t let traffic or public transport delays upset you either. It’s also crucial that you don’t get lost on the way so have directions -and confirm them if you have to – well before you set off. These days, with MapQuest, you have no excuses. Make sure you leave the house early, and plan to be at the interview at least ten minutes early.

Step 5: Review interview questions:

Interviews may be pretty scary but they’re also pretty predictable. It doesn’t take much to predict the basic questions you’re going to be asked. Here are some examples:

Tell me about yourself?

Tell me about a time you failed miserably in your career?

What is your greatest strength/weakness?

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

What are your salary expectations for this position?

Why should we hire YOU?

Prepare sample answers to these questions. Memorize a couple of key responses. Remember that no matter who you’re interviewing for or with, if it’s a job interview, the basic focus is going to be on your experience, your goals, and your potential to contribute to the company. Be sure you can argue a case for yourself on these key points.

Step 6: Let the interviewer lead you:

The interviewer is the one running the interview but you can set the pace. Wait for the interviewer to ask the questions. Take your time to listen to the questions. Give your answers carefully; make sure they are considered. That said, each of your answers should be given with an energetic and enthusiastic voice. Above all, smile and enjoy the interview. Be courteous and always thank the interviewer at the end of the interview. Tell them that you’re well qualified for the job, and that you will prove it to them upon being hired. Don’t be afraid to be confident in yourself and your abilities.

Step 7: Ask for the next step:

The interviewer will ask most of the questions but you will have a chance to get a word in shortly. Find out what will happen next, and what you should expect after the interview. When should you be hearing from them about the job? When will the hiring decision be made?

Step 8: Send a thank you note:

Everything you do regarding your interview has consequences. Just as a good sales person follows up on a lead, after each interview you attend you should be sure to send a thank you note to the employer and the interviewer, thanking them for their time. Going the extra mile in this way will generally show that you’re qualified for the position, or at least that you’re a serious and diligent person.

Step 9: Follow-up:

Of course, sending a thank you note is something you do immediately after the interview. A reasonable period after, usually a week or two at least, you should take one further step to follow up. Call the company offices and ask if you can speak to the hiring manager who interviewed you. You can start the conversation by asking if they received your note. Then you can ask them if any decisions were made and, if not, approximately when you should call back or otherwise expect to hear from them. Don’t be pushy; above all, be polite and courteous, even if a response is not forthcoming.

WHEN YOU’RE HIRED…THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…

If you are hired, remember that you need to stand up to your promises. You should always be putting 110% effort. An unspoken trick to get comfortable in interviews and to always get the job you want: in every job you accept, make yourself shine. Regardless of how much you are paid or how much responsibility and work you’re given, take the initiative to do more. The more you’re prepared to do for your job, the future each of your jobs will take you. Don’t worry about being rewarded, just keep working hard, and it will pay off.

1. Prior to the interviews, purchase a bunch of generic thank you cards, envelopes and a book of stamps.

2. Also, prior to the interviews, put a stamp on each envelope and either write your return address or paste a pre-printed label with your address on the envelopes.

3. During the interview, be on the lookout for a few pieces of critical information:

a. Anything interesting that occurred during the interview. For instance, your interviewer may have told you she likes to bake cookies or was on the college softball team.

b. What, if any, advice did she give you during the interview?

c. Two or three main points of what specifically was talked about in the interview.

d. What are the names of the people who interviewed you and what are their mailing and email addresses so you can send them a thank you letter.

4. Immediately, after the interview, this information should be written down so you can use it to help compile your thank you letter.

a. If you are wondering how to get names and addresses of the people who are interviewing you, the easiest way is to ask for their business cards. Even if they do not have a business card, which would be a sign of poor interview skills, you can ask them to relay their information to you as you jot it down.

b. If they ask you why you want the information, tell them you want it because you will be sending them an interview thank you letter. Whether they have business cards or not, you will come out of their looking like a professional by following this step.

5. After you have compiled this information, you will need to write out the thank you letter.

a. The purpose of the thank you letter will be to create a short note that thanks them for meeting you and creates a memorable impression of you in their minds. The best way to do this is to provide them with some scaled down reconstruction of the information you stockpiled in step 3.

b. By creating an interview thank you letter based on this information, you are showing them that you were truly listening during the interview and also, it gives you one final opportunity to showcase your strongest qualifications or squelch any lingering concerns they may have regarding your job candidacy.

6. Although the interview thank you letter can be sent through email, it is better to write these by hand and mail them. This more personal touch tends to go over with the interviewers better because it will make you look more like a friendly person than just another candidate.

a. Interview thank you letters should be sent on the day of the interview. If you cannot meet this deadline; then, send them out on the very next day. Remember it takes a few days for “snail mail” to be delivered and may take even longer for the letter to work its way up to the interviewers from the mail room.

7. One final point is to be sure you send an interview thank you letter to your contact in HR. If they were especially helpful to you in the process or were very professional, be sure to let them know this. Not only is this a nice thing to do, it may help you land the position because hiring managers will tend to ask their administrative assistant or HR contacts what they think about a particular person. If you have sent a kind thank you letter, you have increased the odds in your favor of getting a favorable review.

Let’s first define the “Traditional Interview”…

1. Traditional interviews are always unstructured, that is the hiring manager sits across the table from the candidate and has a general chat – often in an unstructured environment like the local coffee shop.

2. Interview questions tend to seek opinions, not explicit example of pasted behaviour.

3. The interview is one-on-one, inviting judgement of future performance on emotional and bias grounds. This environment also encourages too much talking from the interviewer and not enough listening.

4. The interview process is not “scored” and specific notes are not taken. If several of these unstructured interviews are performed, the hiring manager must rely on his or her memory in the final analysis and usually this will be based on appearance and likability – not the specific attributes and abilities needed to be successful in the job.

Besides being the most expensive  tool (management time) in the selection process, the unstructured interview is also the least valid – between .05 and .15 – so at best you’ll get it right one out of every six interviews. The structured interview jumps validity to between .40 and .60 – much better, but still the toss of a coin.

Traditional interviewing practices are historically and scientifically proven to be poor predictors of success on the job. Why?

1. Bias of the interviewer(s). No two interviewers assess the candidate’s  responses the same way. That’s why research tells us to have two or more interviewers.

2. The candidate’s responses to interview questions are affected by the environment in which they are interviewed and by the rapport established with the interviewer. The interview must be conducted in a “business environment” with no interruptions.

3. Many questions don’t accurately measure what you want them to measure. Most questions seek opinions, not evidence of past behaviour. Interview questions must be behaviourally based and be aligned to the core group of performance factors related to the role.

4. The responses sound and feel good, but they are not predictive of job success. Managers continue to assess on gut feel. Just because a person dresses well, looks attractive, talks we’ll and acts confidently doesn’t necessarily imply they can do the job. Remember, at interview the candidate is on their best behaviour, what you see is the best you will ever see them!

Statistics show, when it comes to applying for a job you can fool all the people some of the time. I read a frightening statement in Fortune Magazine recently that at least half of all new hires in US businesses don’t work out. Likewise, the US Dept of Commerce reports that 30% of business failures are due to poor hiring practices. I can’t find a similar measure for NZ, but I think we would be no different.

So, how can you hire with more accuracy for less cost?

For the sake of this example, let’s assume your cost of hiring equals $7500. Using scientific evidence on the validity of interview types, what is the real cost to hire the right employee based on the type of interview conducted?

Traditional Interview

% of right hire successes = 14%; Real cost adjusted for miss-hires = $53,571

Team Interview (but unstructured)

% of right hire successes = 35%; Real cost adjusted for miss-hires = $21,429

Behavioural Interview (with 2 or more interviewers)

% of right hire successes = 55%; Real cost adjusted for miss-hires = $13,636

Source: The Tax Advisor, September 1996

Summary

The above cost clearly demonstrate a 75% cost savings when you move from a traditional unstructured interview to a multi-rated behavioural based structured interview. And that’s just the interview -Imagine what happens when we add a valid personality/mental ability profile and a structured background and reference check!

Just like sport, when it comes to hiring new staff, the unprepared, untrained and over confident will pay the price after the event is over.

The manager who hires a person without a natural job match and hopes he/she can overcome the new employee’s shortcomings with training and coaching might as well try to train a turkey to climb a tree – would it be easier to hire a squirrel?