Watch my 18 interviewing tips video above, then read on. I’m dedicating this article to today’s job seeker. If you already have a job, take a moment to think about someone you know who might benefit from it, and forward it.
Hiring? We can help! Email Joseph Michaels International at info@josephmichaels.com.
“Joseph Michaels has conducted two retained searches for me at two different companies… two of the very best people I have ever hired! I would highly recommend Joseph Michaels International.” ~ JMI Client
Find your people
Job seeking is a lonely road. So wherever you are, find a job seeker support group and plug in. These groups provide important fellowship, understanding, knowledge, leads, contacts and valuable feedback. Many meet in person on weekend mornings over coffee, and plenty now meet online or on LinkedIn. I was once honored to speak at a job seeker group’s leadership summit that drew over 600 attendees, employed and unemployed alike.
When should you talk about salary?
I was catching a flight once, grabbed a USA Today, and couldn’t believe what I read. It was a poll asking: “When is it appropriate for job candidates to ask about compensation and benefits during the hiring process?”
- 30 percent said at the first interview.
- 26 percent said after the second interview.
- 17 percent said it was okay on the phone interview.
- 12 percent said at the job offer.
- 10 percent said at, or after, the third interview.
- 5 percent said they don’t know.
Let me clarify. Only 12 percent got it right. In the interview, talk about salary only AFTER the employer brings it up! Today many job postings list a pay range up front, which helps you decide whether to apply. Once you are in the room, or on the video call, let them raise compensation and focus on showing you are the best person for the job.
Practice the most common interview questions
I guess the reason so many people do silly things in interviews is that they don’t get much practice. Practice answering these with a friend, spouse, mentor or family member. Have your “interviewer” ask again until you like your answers, and aim for a great answer to at least 75% of them. Writing your answers down helps even more. Since so many first interviews now happen on Zoom or Teams, and some companies use recorded video screens, record yourself on video too. This will build your confidence, a huge part of winning in an interview.
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What are your accomplishments?
- Why do you want this job?
- Why do you want to leave your current job?
- Why do you want to come to work here?
- What are your personal and professional goals?
- What do you like most about your current job?
- What do you like least about your current job?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Tell me about your favorite boss and what you like about him or her.
- How would you describe yourself?
- What was the most difficult situation you have faced? How did you react?
- How would a close friend describe you?
- Give an example of a time when you took the initiative at work.
- Think of a crisis situation where things got out of control. Why did it happen and what was your role?
- Have you ever failed?
- If you had your life to live over again, what would you do differently?
- What are your goals?
- Why did you select your college or university?
- What college subjects did you enjoy the most and why?
- What college subjects did you enjoy the least and why?
- What are your hobbies?
- How did you like school?
- Did you hold any positions of leadership in any organizations?
- If you had the chance to repeat your career, what would you do differently?
- What past jobs have you held?
- What job did you enjoy the most?
- Why should I hire you?
- If you could meet anyone in history, living or dead, who would you meet and why?
- What words best describe you?
- What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
- What do you know about our company?
- Describe your ideal boss.
- Give an example of when you have gone the extra mile.
- Describe your management style.
- Are you willing to relocate?
- How do you feel about working overtime?
- Have you ever been fired?
- Why should we choose you over any other candidate?
- What’s the most important thing you want me to remember about you, based on this interview?
The other thing that will get you in the right frame of mind: arrive early, sit in your car (or at your desk before a video call) and think back on the best interview of your career.
Bring your own questions
You should also have 20 written questions for YOU to ask on each interview. You may not ask them all, but just having them with you will boost your chances.
Remember MOPFI, taught by Dale Carnegie? It stands for Make Other People Feel Important. Here’s a great interview question using MOPFI: “You seem like the kind of person who could work anywhere you want. Why did you choose to work for this company?” See how many more you can think of and write them down!
I know you already know not to ask these, but just to be safe, DO NOT ASK:
What are your benefits?
What’s the salary?
Let them ask you.
Get in front of people
While job seeking, you want to turn emails into phone calls, and phone calls into face to face interviews. A lot of people spend too much time applying online. If you want to get a job, get on the phone, get on video and get out there in your interviewing suit. Even if you think the opportunity is not quite right for you, take the interview. When they see you, they might just fall in love and have another job that’s perfect for you. You can always say no if the offer isn’t what you want, plus it’s good practice. Better to have 5 interviews and 2 offers than one interview and one offer, right?
Say thank you
Lastly, send a thank you note after every interview. When you get a job, be a class act and send an announcement to EVERYONE you talked to during your entire job search. Thank them for their help and tell them where you are going to work. A short email or LinkedIn message works, and a handwritten note still stands out. Note: 18 out of 20 people skip this last step, so it’s an easy way to show the world you are a class act and be in the top 10 percent.
Warm regards,
Joe Pelayo
One of the top 75 Recruiters in the United States ~ Recruiter Life Magazine
Questions? Email info@josephmichaels.com. For more tips for job seekers, visit josephmichaels.com.
