Interviewing for Success
In the previous blog we discussed Six steps to nail the job interview and the expectations of an employer. Now that you know what to expect in the form of interviewing we will discuss the qualities the employer is looking for in an exceptional candidate for employment.
You have arrived early for the interview. The night before you have utilized deep breathing exercises we discussed and you are feeling energized and at the top of your game. So, don’t blow it!
As you respond to the interview question you must answer honestly . Wow what a concept. Yes, mother was correct, honest is the best policy. Honesty fosters trust in any relationship. Whether you are chosen for the position or not, being truthful about who you are is essential for developing rapport with the interviewer. As you answer honestly, remember you must keep your word. If you say you are going to complete the project complete it. We all have unforeseen circumstances interrupt our best laid plans. We trustworthy and honest during the interview. You never know who knows who. Think if the interviewer did a Fact Check on your responses, could they stand the light of day?
I once worked for a boss, who would know the answer to the questions he was asking of me to see if I knew what I was talking about. But actually, I believe he was testing my integrity to see if I knew or if was going to make up an answer.
Another quality you must display in the interview is that you are a hard worker Don’t be afraid to talk about the various times you have stayed after business hours to complete a project, send off that last email, met your client after hours to accommodate a scheduling conflict or just couldn’t leave that last email until tomorrow.
While talking about your work behaviors and hard work speak with enthusiasm and passion. An employer gets excited about employees that share like passion and enthusiasm for the work they do.
Of course, you are not working on an island or in a silo, talk about your various team projects that you are proud of participating in with others. The team process is more common in most jobs today and employers are looking for employees that are patient with others, accepting of new and or different ideas and methods of completing tasks.
In any team you work on you have to have skill in problem solving. How do you approach problem solving? Please do not say that you will ask your supervisor or boss. The employer needs you to solve problems without constant supervision from them. My philosophy is, “if it takes the two of us to do your job, then one of us is not needed. And it isn’t me that’s not needed.”
How do you approach solving those problems? Are you using your creative skills? All of us have the ability to be creative, if we would choose to let go and try something new. The boss is not looking for the same thing over and over and over again. With the constant changes occurring in today’s workforce, new ways and methods of responding are needed. Think outside the box, try something different.
Do you take the initiative? Talk about the chances you took at work with previous projects when you exercised independent judgment and started a task. What were the results? Did you finish it? Was it a total and complete flop or success? The employer is looking for someone who is willing to try or to take a calculated risk. Risk is involved in everything thing we do. Weigh the odds and benefits and talk about the initiative you have used in the past in taking on new assignments, even if you knew the initiative meant the assignment would be yours to keep.
Are you a good listener? Are you listening to the questions asked of you? Do you listen to others? Do you seek clarification and say you don’t know instead of answering with what you think the interviewer would want to hear? Listening is a skill that can be learned. You have two ears and one mouth for a purpose, providing us with the ability to take in more than we give out. Words to live by. Always respond honestly to the interviewer’s questions.
Are you the
Lastly, employers are looking for the total package. The employer needs a competent, qualified individual, who is punctual, willing to work, think on their feet, and provide honest feedback for the good of the organization. There are numerous qualities employers are looking for in an exceptional candidate. Mastering the ones discussed thus far will set you apart from any other candidate.
You can be that person!
