Author Archives: Joyce Richman

Don’t Talk Too Much or Too Little

You’re all set for your interview; you have on a new outfit, your shoes are shined, and your hair is as good as it’s going to get. So, what can go wrong? Plenty, if you concentrate more on how you look than on what you say and how you say it. If you are a savvy applicant, you will pay close attention to the people who are  interviewing you. Watch their body language. Do they Continue reading →

Interviewing Etiquette

A number of job seekers have called wanting to know the basics of interview- etiquette, for the interviewer as well as the applicant. They asked, they said, because they felt that they weren’t treated fairly by the process. Here are several different examples they provided.  See what you think: “I was kept waiting for more than half an hour.” “I was told after arriving at the meeting site that the interview had been canceled.” “My Continue reading →

Don’t Sell, Interview

“I get everything I interview for, everything! The problem is, I can’t keep any of those jobs more than a few months. I’m sure I need fixin’, I just don’t know what’s broke!” How’s that for an enviable problem? It’s not an exaggeration, either. There are folks who are so personable they blend into every situation they find themselves. They are so perceptive, they seem able to read the minds of those who interview them, Continue reading →

The Case for Networking

What are three reasons that applicants and organizations benefit from networking? Each has opportunity to learn more about the other without jumping too quickly or rejecting an opportunity prematurely. Each begins with a level playing field, putting more emphasis on the job challenge and what it takes to meet it than looking for individual differences and exceptions. Each can present and respond with greater candor and less concern of rejection.

Interviewing Mistakes

What are three mistakes that both interviewers and interviewees commonly make? They don’t listen as much as they should. They don’t probe as much as they could. They don’t create a safe environment that encourages a healthy exchange of information necessary to determine if there would appear to be a fit between the applicant and position being discussed. Good interviewers are able to strike a balance between intimacy and formality. They know what to say, Continue reading →

What to Achieve in an Interview – From Both Sides of the Desk

What are three things the applicant wants to achieve by the interview’s close? You want to have understood the challenges the company faces and how you can make a difference for them, going forward. You want to have made your case, presenting your track record of accomplishments as they relate to the position you seek. You want to have learned how working for the company can advance your career goals and objectives. What are three Continue reading →

Three Common Mistakes in Interviews

What are three common mistakes that interviewees make? Talking too much. Coming on too strong. Saying too little. Think through what you want to say, in advance of saying it. That’s called practice, and verbose candidates aren’t apt to do it. Coming on strong typically results in over-promising and under-delivering. Saying too little leaves too much to the imagination, none of it helpful or productive.

Three Rules for Resume Writing

What are three rules that every good resume writer should follow? On average, a company representative takes about twenty seconds to review your resume. Therefore, keep it brief and on point, saying as much as you can in as few words as possible. Outline the essentials without elaboration.  Be succinct! Start with your current position and go back in time. If you did it more than 15 years ago, summarize it. Include three accomplishments for Continue reading →

Three Things to Know before an Interview

What are three things you should know before heading out to an interview? Know about the company. Know why you want to interview them. Know why they ought to interview you. Learn about the Company Let’s get down to basics. Do your homework before interviewing. If you’re short on time, check the prospective employer’s web site. If you have the luxury of more time and the company’s track record is good enough to merit space Continue reading →

Preparing for a Telephone Interview

“I have a telephone interview scheduled for later this week. What should I consider when preparing for it?” More and more employers are conducting screening and even full interviews by phone or video.  Here are some thoughts specific to interviewing by phone to help guide you and prepare. Be mindful that while you and the interviewer will be asking and responding to questions, you’ll both be interpreting, evaluating, assessing, and concluding, without benefit of the Continue reading →