May 4, 2005 13:59 - Understand What the Interviewer Looks For
By knowing what interviewers are looking for, can give you a competitive advantage in your interview!5 Interviewing Mistakes That Can Lead To Hiring The Wrong Person
by: Helen Wilkie
Mistake #1: Going with the flow
Inexperienced interviewers sometimes fall into the trap of letting the interview become "free form", spending different amounts of time on different questions, basing follow-up questions on on how the candidates answer. This can result in a candidate taking control of the interview and leading you where he or she wants to go, rather than where you can get the information you need.
Solution: Ask everyone the same questions. Prepare a list in advance, based on the information you need, and use it as a guide throughout the interview. Put each question on a separate sheet of paper and prepare one set for each candidate. As you move through the questions, use the appropriate sheets to make notes of the answers and your own observations and impressions. You can vary the follow up questions as necessary, but keep your notes on the main question page. When you have followed this structure with all the candidates, you'll be able to compare them on an "apples to apples" basis.
Mistake #2: Asking predictable questions
Job applicants have many sources of help for interviewing, and it's easy to learn acceptable answers to the standard questions. That means even the wrong candidate for your position could answer the questions in a way that fools you into thinking he or she is a fit.
Solution: Ask candidates questions that force them to expand on their answers, illustrating their thinking skills as well as their attitudes and job competencies. Such questions might include:
- If you could design your own job, what would it look like?
- What's your favourite part of the work you do now? Why do you like that?
Ask questions like these and, instead of practised responses that tell you virtually nothing, you'll get insights into who these people really are.
Mistake #3: Whitewashing the job
If you have a candidate in front of you who seems like a great choice, you obviously want that person to accept your job offer. Sometimes, though, you know the job has inherent challenges or downsides, and you may be afraid if you talk about these thing you will lose a good employee. The trouble is, if you hire them and they discover the negatives themselves, you may well lose them in the first week!
Solution: Be candid about challenges in the job or within the company. Watch for candidates who embrace and relish the challenges, and who can see beyond the negatives. These can become your most valued employees.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the question of "fit"
Every organization has a culture. It comes from a blend of the industry you are in, the ages of those who work there, the size of the company, the number of people, the geographic location and many other factors. But that culture creates its own work environment, and if employees are not comfortable with that environment or do not work well within it, they don't "fit". This person will never be an asset to your company, and may in fact leave very quickly.
Solution: Ask questions whose answers will demonstrate the candidate's personality and character, their attitudes towards the workplace. An example of that type of question might be: Do you prefer a structured environment or a more loose, easy-going one? Why?
Mistake #5: Letting a candidate's one major positive blind you to the negatives
Sometimes a person might have one outstanding positive: worked for your major competitor, attended a university with a track record of successful graduates, or even just comes from your home town. If you also instinctively like the individual, it is tempting to be overly influenced by this fact, and not pay enough attention to others that are not so attractive.
Solution: When recording your notes on each candidate (see solution to Mistake #1), be sure to record negatives as well as positives on the appropriate pages. When you review your notes after the interview is over, you will be better able to balance the pros and cons impartially.
Candidates are often sophisticated job seekers, who are well prepared for the interview. To avoid costly hiring mistakes, hiring interviewers must be equally prepared for the process.
I trust you found the article interesting.
To learn more about resumes, interviews & careers, visit our site now!
Regards
Roger Clark
(Senior Editor)
May 8, 2005 16:20 - Job Seekers Benefit From Launch of New Career Web Site
May 12, 2005 17:17 - 5 Simple Rules for A Great Job Interview
by: Donna Monday
Many years ago, when I was a young job-searching greenhorn, I ventured to New York City to take a bite out of the big apple of opportunity.
When it came to finding a job in a crowded city of millions, I quickly learned that it’s much easier on one’s sanity to sign up with one of the many employment agencies which helps job seekers looking for work.
I scoured the newspaper and found a large ad for one such well-known employment agency. True to their word, they promptly sent me off on several interviews – none of which I felt particularly comfortable at. Needless to say, I didn’t get any job offers.
While nursing a cold, I decided I needed a change. So, I contacted a much smaller agency and decided to see if my luck would be different.
These people rocked! They were down-to-earth friendly and genuinely concerned about helping me find a job. Before they sent me out on any interviews, they put me through a mock interview session and evaluated my performance (something the larger fancy-pants agency didn’t do). Afterwards, an advisor sat me down and we chatted about the results of my mock interview.
I am forever grateful for the feedback I got that day, because the interview preparation tips they gave me have served me well over countless interviews these many years. I’ve condensed their pointers into five simple rules that anyone can follow for better success at a job interview.
- Eye Contact – Look directly at your interviewer. Don’t cast your eyes down.
- Sit up Straight – Don’t slouch in your chair – it makes you look lazy and uninterested. Good posture makes you look like a confident person.
- Don’t Fidget – Keep your hands in your lap when you’re not making a point in the conversation. Fidgeting looks unprofessional.
- Speak Up – Don’t mumble your words. Speak directly at your interviewer with a clear, strong voice.
- Smile and Show Some Personality – It’s ok to be a little nervous, but remember to stay loose and be yourself. Personality counts for a lot.
Of course, there’s a lot more to think about when preparing for an interview. But even if you only remember these five simple interviewing rules, you’ll be able to make a good impression on the one person standing between you and a job – your interviewer.
May 13, 2005 23:20 - Interview Tips # 1
Today we present the first in our new mini series of interview tips:Tip # 1 Dress appropriately.
If you don't take the time and effort to wear appropriate clothing to the interview, you will lose the job before you even get a chance to explain why you are the best candidate.
What you wear to the interview will greatly depend upon the industry or field for which you are applying.
Any office related position will require that you wear clothing that is no more casual than a button up shirt, slacks and tie for men and either a nice slacks/skirt and blouse combo for ladies or a dress/suit.
Only under rare circumstances would you need to wear anything more casual and this generally includes fields such as transportation, construction, mechanics, etc.
Additionally, clothing should be conservative and preferably reflect neutral tones. Avoid excessive jewelry. Don't go overboard on the use of cologne or perfume.
Many people suffer from allergies and the last thing you want to do is cause your prospective employer an allergy attack.
Regards
Roger Clark
Senior Editor
p.s Have a look at these 5 new job titles we have added to Rogers Resume Help Center
Dental
Graphic Designers
Hospitality
Medical
Mortgage
May 19, 2005 17:29 - Interview Tips - #2
Today we present the second in our new mini series of interview tips:Tip # 2 - Go To The Interview Alone
There is absolutely no reason for anyone else to attend the interview with you and this includes parents, children as well as spouses and significant others.
If you are having a friend or relative drive you to the interview, politely ask them to wait outside for you. If for some reason, you are unable to obtain childcare for the time of your interview, phone ahead and politely ask to reschedule.
While this is not the best way to start off your relationship with the employer, it is a much better option than taking your child with you.
Regards
Roger Clark
Senior Editor
p.s Have a look at these 5 new job titles we have added to Rogers Resume Help Center
Dental
Graphic Designers
Hospitality
Medical
Mortgage
May 22, 2005 13:15 - Interview Tips - #3 and #4
Today we present you with two interview tips:Tip #3
Pace your conversation during the interview.
There is a fine line between not talking enough and talking too much. Answer questions directly, elaborate when necessary but don't ramble.
Tip #4
Make sure you are polite to everyone you meet while you are waiting for your interview.
This is extremely important because...
1. These people may be your future co-workers
2. You never know who has the boss' ear and will report your rude behavior or unseemly conduct once you're out the door.
I hope you are finding these interview tips to be of value.
Best Regards
Roger Clark
(Senior Editor)
May 25, 2005 16:15 - Interview - Tips #5 and #6
Today we present interview tips #5 (arriving early) and #6 (preparation):
Tip #5 - Arrive early. If your interview is scheduled for 1:00 pm; make sure you are there no later than 12:30 pm. It is quite common for employers to ask candidates to complete applications and other paperwork prior to their interview, whether they specify this when they schedule the interview with you or not.
Tip #6 - Make sure you are prepared for the interview.
This means that you have both practiced for the interview and have brought along all materials that you may need for any circumstance. (pens, pencils, notepad, extra copies of your resume, etc.)
Also make sure you have copies of your drivers’ license and Social Security card in case the employer needs to make copies for future employment records.
Regards
Roger Clark
Senior Editor
May 30, 2005 14:06 - Interview - Tips #7 and #8
Today we present interview tips #7 (Honesty) and #8 (Smoking):Tip #7 - Be honest!
This cannot be emphasized enough. Employers many times move in the same social circles and there is a very good chance that if you fib during an interview you will be found out sooner or later.
Even if you have already been hired, lying on an application or during an interview is grounds for dismissal with most companies.
Tip # 8 - Don't Smoke or Chew Gum
Don't smoke or chew tobacco just before or during your interview. Also remember to spit out gum, if you chew it.
Additionally, if you do smoke, remember to spritz yourself with light cologne or perfume before you meet with the employer as well as pop in a breath mint.
Regards
Roger Clark
Senior Editor
