Interviews and Interviewing

Interviewing and Interviews

“The interviewer often makes the conclusive decision about you in the first three to five minutes of the interview. However "open-minded" he or she may try to be, the rest of the interview is often spent simply justifying that first impression.”
Kathryn and Ross Petras, The Only Job Hunting Guide You'll Ever Need

“If the interviewer has no problems, or if you cannot solve them, there is no place for you.”
Kate Wendleton, Job-Search Secrets (The Five O'Clock Club)

“Do not (repeat, do not!) fall victim to the myth that by showing enthusiasm for the job or the company, you weaken your chances of being hired. Playing it cool may work in poker, but it doesn't work in job hunting.”
Max Messmer, Job Hunting for Dummies

“The key to preparation is to do more than simply assemble a hodgepodge of facts about a company. Absorb the information so that you have a clear idea of what the company does and how you fit into the picture.”
Max Messmer, Job Hunting for Dummies

“When preparing for an interview, remember to act like a consultant. Think about them first, and then think about yourself."
Kate Wendleton, Job-Search Secrets (The Five O'Clock Club)

“Your interpersonal skills are more important than your background, experience or education.”
Kathryn and Ross Petras, The Only Job Hunting Guide You'll Ever Need

“Remember, this is show biz. Even if you don't feel self-confident, act as if you do. If you come in looking defeated, like a loser, why would anyone want to hire you? Act as if you are successful and feel good about yourself, and you will increase your chances of actually feeling that way. Enthusiasm counts. Every manager is receptive to someone who is sincerely interested in the company and the position."
Kate Wendleton, Job-Search Secrets (The Five O'Clock Club)

“Small talk isn't a waste of time. It serves an important function, giving you and your interviewer an opportunity to break the ice. In the meantime, you have an opportunity to settle in and calm yourself. If it's possible—and natural—you can bring up your own topics, but don't overdo it, and don't prattle.”
Max Messmer, Job Hunting for Dummies

“Most people don't talk enough during the interview. Instead of taking charge of selling themselves, they allow the interviewer to ask all the questions, and content themselves with just answering them. They respond, they don't initiate.”
Kathryn and Ross Petras, The Only Job Hunting Guide You'll Ever Need

“Make sure you are addressing the company's problems—not your own.”
Kate Wendleton, Job-Search Secrets (The Five O'Clock Club)

“The best interviewees do it fast. they set the tone of the interview in the first few minutes, then spend the rest of the time enhancing what they've said. This requires that you have a strong idea about what you're going to say before you say it, which can only be accomplished through preparation.”
Kathryn and Ross Petras, The Only Job Hunting Guide You'll Ever Need

“Do not appear to be "shopping around." Be sincerely interested in this particular company—at least during the interview.”
Kate Wendleton, Job-Search Secrets (The Five O'Clock Club)

“The average job hunter goes into the interview saying, 'I sure hope you want somebody like me, and here are my credentials.' These may not be the issue. The issue may be whether or not they should start a new system, for example, and how they should go about it. Until they have figured this out, they won't know who would be right for the job. Address the issue that's bothering them rather than the issue that's bothering you.”
Kate Wendleton, Job-Search Secrets (The Five O'Clock Club)

“The handshake should be firm, but not a hand-crusher—unless you're applying for a spot on the Worldwide Wrestling tour.”
Max Messmer, Job Hunting for Dummies

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