I occasionally get to work with really bad candidates. Ones with an interview problem.
This one could not get a job. He was sure it wasn’t his fault. So, I did a mock interview with him. He leaned back in his chair, steepled his fingers in front of his face almost as if in prayer, and put his feet up on my desk. He was looking around my office as I talked. He glanced at me for a second when he started to answer my question. He was so pleased to allow me to be in his presence. I was sure that if I offered him enough money and time off he would consider working for me.
You will be proud of me. I resisted the urge to strangle him. I taught him a few basics about interviewing.
Interview basics
Impress the interviewer with your alert, hard working attitude.
Sit on the front half of your chair, back straight, no slumping.
Listen intently. Look the interviewer in the eye as he talks. Break eye contact occasionally to look at his mouth or hands.
Do not put your hands in front of your face. Put them in your lap or on the table.
Don’t ask about vacation, benefits, salary or paid time off until they offer you a job.
Never talk for more than two minutes at a time.
When you are done talking, stop. The interviewer may need a minute of silence to think.
He learned
Okay, I admit I exaggerated a little on my example. But it is much less of a stretch than you think. This person learned quickly and did get a job. A strong desire to be of help is the greatest asset you can bring to a job interview. Make sure it shows through in your every word and action.
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Something To Do Today
Watch for people who look around as someone is talking to them. Watch their eye contact and body language. How does it make you feel?
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Tomorrow: Sunshine collecting
Later: A job and a promotion networking
Scissors for jobs
How to close an interview
Double your chances after an interview
The international manager roundtable method of getting a job.