READ THIIS BEFORE YOU GO TO YOUR JOB INTERVIEW!
— Mike Grunsten
Each step in this paper is designed to keep the interview on track and at the same time make a statement about you. Follow them and like the man in the TV ad says “They’re going to like the way you look, I guarantee it.”
Start by preparing yourself by getting as much information on the company as you can. Most of it is online. When you go on the interview, you will be given most of this information, but it is much better to go in informed—it will show your interest and will prepare you to ask questions.
Defining the position
Before the interview gets underway—after you have exchanged greetings with the interviewer, ask that person to describe in his or her words, exactly what the position to be filled is. This serves three purposes. You will be clearer about what the position is, you will make it clear to the interviewer that you are there to get that position, and you will come across as a focused individual who can address issues in a direct manner.
What is the number one priority?
Ask what the immediate priority of the job is. There will be one! Otherwise, you would not be there. If they thought they could get by without you, they would not be interviewing; they need someone in that position. Again, you will come across as a well focused person and one who is ready to get to the task at hand.
The “Big Picture”
Now ask what the long term looks like. The company needs individuals who can see the “big picture”. You will get a better idea about where the company is headed from this one.
Who’s on the team?
Ask about the support that you will get to accomplish your mission in the company. You are a team player and you want to know the answer.
More about the company
You will be getting a lot of information about the company through these stages. If you have questions ask them, but save your responses until the interviewer has presented the company’s side.
How do you fit into the picture?
After you have heard everything you need to hear summarize your capabilities and how they relate to the company. Address each issue in the order that the interviewer presented them. Explain how you see yourself fitting into the company in terms of philosophy and skills. Remember, the company would want to hire you to fulfill their needs. If you feel that your needs will also be fulfilled, that is great, but remember they are the ones paying for your services.
What do you think of me?
After you have explained what your skills are, and how they relate to the company, there comes the part that may require a bit of courage. Don’t go home wondering what the interviewer thinks about how you fit the requirements, ask: “What do you think of me for this position?”
If you came across well, you will be told that you appear to be a good fit. It is also likely that you will also be told that the company policy is to evaluate several candidates before deciding.
If there are any questions about you, the interviewer will be so surprised by your candor, that whatever doubt there is will come right out. If the interviewer thinks that you might be a bit young for the position you might answer something like this: “I am young, but I have helped my mom and dad in their store since I was twelve. I am twenty–two now; you could say that I have ten years experience in attending customers!”
If you do not get to address any doubts that the interviewer has about you directly, you may never get to address them at all. Do it now. Remember that the company is on your side here. They would like you to be the person that fills the position. That way, they can get on with their work.
You want this job!
As you leave, let the interviewer know that you would like to have the job. Even if you have some doubts. The plant may have look different than you expected. Maybe the people are a bit different than those that you have been working with. You can contemplate and resolve those issues later at home. When you have a chance to absorb everything, you may decide that you would actually like to have the job. If you came across as disinterested during the interview, it will be too late. If you decide that you really do not want to work there, call back and let them know that you have decided to accept alternate possibilities, in this case, to keep looking.
Follow up
Write a thank you letter the day that you leave the office. If you feel that you there were some questions that you could have answered better, do so in your letter. It will be appreciated and show that you are an individual that follows up—another good trait.
Some cautions
One favorite question that comes up often is: “What are your weaknesses?” Do not feel obligated to come up with one. And do not say: “Some people think that I just work too hard.” It’s too obvious. An answer that I believe to be appropriate goes something like this: “There are things that I may not do very well, but I don’t believe that I have any flaws that would keep me from performing on the job. I take criticism well, and I work hard to correct any deficiencies.” Next question?
Another point: do not lose track of the fact that the company interviewing is primarily looking for how they will benefit from your experience. Keep the needs of the company interviewing you in mind, as well as yours.
I credit Manny Aldana of El Paso with the basic points in this method.