John Q. Employer is expecting you. He’s been interviewing for the last few weeks and he’s getting a little frustrated. He wants to hire someone and he’s determined to do it right. He’ll take the time he needs. It’s worth it to him.
You were due at 2:00 p.m. It’s 2:15 p.m. and you are nowhere in sight. You finally roll in close to 2:30, flashing a broad smile, extending an energetic handshake and brandishing several earnest excuses.
You’re late. Strike one.
John Q., irritated but not deterred, begins the interview. He starts with a few basic questions.
“Fred, why are you interested in coming to work for us?”
You’re immediately thrown off guard. You don’t know if you are interested in working for him and you don’t know anything about the company. What can you say?
“John, I’m glad you asked me that question. I’m interested in working here because you have a job opening.”
Bad answer. Strike two.
John Q. Employer is giving this young man one more chance.
“Fred, what can you do for us?”
Rats. Another tough question. How are you supposed to know what you can do for him? Turn up the charm and personality, that usually works.
“John, I’m glad you asked that question. What do you need doing?”
Strike three. Go home, Fred.
What does it take to have a successful interview and subsequent job offer? How about Three P’s: Punctuality, Preparation, and Priorities.
Punctuality. This one is easy. Get there on time. Be on the safe side, and get there a little earlier than on time. That gives you time to settle your nerves, focus your thoughts, and remember your name.
Preparation. This one has three parts and as the word implies, takes some time and effort.
- Prepare questions for the interviewer by researching the company’s history, reputation, products, markets, and profit potential.
- Prepare answers to questions. Examples: Why do you want to work for us? What can you do for us? How quickly can you do it? Why should we hire you? (If you need more examples of open ended interview questions, check the careers section of the public library or your favorite bookstore.)
- Prepare to negotiate.
- Know your real value (skill X experience).
- Know your perceived value (who benefits from your skill and experience).
- Know how to communicate your real and perceived value.
- Know your walk away offer (if it’s any lower you’ll walk away).
Priorities. It’s a given that you need income to pay for your basic needs (food, shelter, and clothing). You need a good income to pay for anything more than that. If an interviewer asks why you want a particular job and “for the money” is the only reason you give, you’re likely to disqualify yourself. Not because money is your priority, but because it would appear to be the only priority you have. The one time a money answer works is when joining a company that’s only interested in hiring warm bodies. In that case, you’re a good match.
Priorities describe the relative order of your values. Your values are a composite expression of self interest, self awareness, self discipline, self esteem, and self expression: What do you care about most? What interests you most? How far will you go to achieve what you want? What aren’t you willing to do? What lines won’t you cross?
The more aware you are, the more clearly you can describe yourself, your strengths, your skills, and how you can make a difference to the company that hires you.
The more aware you are, the more clear you are about the kind of company that brings out the best in you, and enables you to be your most productive, loyal, and trustworthy.
John Q. Employer is expecting you.
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Yes! You may use this article by Executive and Career Coach, Joyce Richman, in your blog, article in your blog, newsletter or website as long as you include the following bio box:
Joyce Richman (www.joycerichman.com) has been specializing in executive and career coaching since she started her own practice in 1982. She works in a variety of environments including: higher education, manufacturing, sales, marketing, media, technology, pharmaceuticals, medicine, banking and finance, service, IT, and non-profit sectors. A member of the adjunct faculty at the Center for Creative Leadership, Joyce is certified to administer a number of feedback and psychological instruments. Joyce is a weekly guest on WFMY-TV and the career columnist for The Greensboro News & Record. She is the author of Roads, Routes and Ruts: A Guidebook to Career Success and co-author of Getting Your Kid Out of the House and Into a Job. A popular speaker, Richman conducts seminars and workshops throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Her coaching profile can be found at TheCoachingAssociation.com.
