I was having dinner with a group of people and one of them mentioned that they were scheduled for a job interview. This person is currently working, but like so many of us is looking for something to ignite a new spark. We were discussing the interview process when I asked what she was going to say when the company asked why she wanted to make a change? Her response was “I’m just going to tell them that I’m ready for a new adventure”.

Cough…cough, I nearly choked on my food. Why? Because I know, after interviewing thousands of people in my career that ‘that’ is definitely the wrong answer to give a potential employer. Why? Because it’s all about you and the employer wants to hear ‘what’s in it for them if they choose you’. The employer does not care if you’re looking for a new adventure. In fact, answering any interview question as if it is just casual conversation is like signing your own ‘turn down letter’. It is extremely important to remember that everything you say in an interview (everything) is used to either exclude you from the running or include you. You are being measured by every word you say - and in fact, even the tone you use with your words is providing the interviewer with clues as to how you’ll fit into the organization.

When an employer wants to know why you want to make a change what they are really asking underneath is “Why should we choose you? You already have a job, how do we know you will be happy with a change?” Use this question as a prime opportunity to convince the employer that you will be a good choice and a good fit. This is where you can assure the employer that you enjoy what you do, and what a great learning experience it has been for you. Tell them you reach out for new challenges and growth opportunities, which has been beneficial for you in your current job, as you’ve often been chosen for new projects and promotional opportunities (if this is true, but you get the idea here). Tell them that after researching information on their needs you believe that your strengths and experience gained in X, Y & Z (you fill in the blanks) will be very beneficial in their organization.

There are all sorts of ways to let the employer know ‘what’s in it for them’ and if you remember to focus your interview answers on that specifically, it will greatly improve your interview skills and experience – hands down.

Posted by Robin Ogden - FiredUP Careers

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I often here people talk about how excited they are to be scheduled for a job interview, especially with a company they’ve been pining after. But, when I ask how they are planning to handle the interview the response is usually “I’ll just take it as it comes and let things evolve”. Ouch… this is like screeching your fingernails down a blackboard to me. Why would anyone expect to land their dream job when they are on cloud nine about their interview?

People tend to do better planning for a dinner party or camping trip than they do for a job interview. Really – let’s say you’re going to have a dinner party, you will think ahead about what you’re going to cook, make sure you’ve got all the ingredients (you’re not typically heading out to the store when your guests arrive…right?). Then you’ll take time to be sure that the table is set, perhaps have some music playing and as a minimum a clean house. In other words, my point is that there is a lot of thought that goes into ensuring that your dinner party is a success. So, why is it that people will take almost no time in planning for their job interview?

What should be planned? Here are just a few things to start with:

• How will you respond during the first phone call from the employer? This is a time to set an initial impression.
• What will you wear for your interview? Have you done any research on the company culture?
• How will you introduce yourself?
• What will you take with you?
• How will you answer that nerve racking ‘first’ query “Tell me about yourself”. Are you prepared with a strong, encapsulated response that will lead the interviewer to the next question you would like them to ask?
• And what about taking care of the questions on ‘weaknesses’?
• Not to mention, how will you set yourself apart from the competition?

Remember, this is more than a dinner party (in fact your career is what will fund your dinner parties)! You must plan and practice for your job interview if you truly want to get the offer. So, if you’re in job search mode and expecting to interview – get a plan together and upstage the rest of your competition.

Posted by Robin Ogden - FiredUP Careers

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In today’s competitive employment world most people are interested in ‘standing out’ from the crowd. But, think again when it comes to the image you present to your prospective employer. What are they looking for? What does their culture support? Will the image you present blend in – or standout, and which is best?

The answer is really – both. Yet, how can you possibly standout and blend at the same time? And what does that mean when it comes to your ‘image’ anyway? Simple… research! From the employers point of view the fact that you have taken time to research your fit and taken steps to be sure you blend with the culture is what will help you standout. So, how do you make this trick happen?

Research is the single most important thing you can do before gracing the doorway of your prospective employer. Check their website – what’s the look? Formal, casual or somewhere in-between? Be sure to view the online photos of the top executives- what’s their look? Are they all in suits and ties – or polo shirts and khakis? And if casual, what area? Is it the Engineering, IT, Finance? What area will you be interviewing in? Many employer websites these days have a specific area with information to help candidates get to know the environment before they arrive.

But, don’t end your research there. Check the newswire and read articles, view photos. Network and find out what others know about the culture. If local, take a drive to the company and park near the door. See what the people who are coming and going are wearing. If you’ve got a recruiter by all means “ask”. But, also ask if the recruiter has ever met personally with the individuals you’ll be meeting with. Keep in mind that often recruiters have never set foot on the premises, let alone met with the client personally. They may have done all their work via phone conversations.

Also, if you’re in communication with the Human Resources Professional check on what they believe is appropriate attire and if there are any expectations you should be aware of in advance. What’s the impression this will leave with them? You prepare in advance and pay attention to details. And please, the question is not “What should I wear”? This will sound insecure and nervous nellie. Instead, simply say, “Are there any specifics that you’d like me to plan for in advance? Any particular attire you would suggest or will there be any presentations expected? This will allow for a free-flow of conversation.

The idea behind all this research is – you want give the employer the “feel” that you already work there. If it is a casual organization and people are in jeans and polo’s, you are going to be uncomfortable in a three-piece suit, shiny shoes and tie included. Impressive yes; but remember you want them talking about how well you will fit in and not “He was fine, but the suits got to go”. In other words, don’t leave them talking more about what you wore to the interview than about what a great fit you’ll be. Don’t balk at this – I bet you can probably bring back a memory right now about someone you remember who walked into an interview clearly out of sync with the company. Right?

Women should remember what would take away a good ‘blend’ too. Low cut shirts, high thin heels, anything extreme or loud (patterns, colors, jewelry). And here is a piece of advice that stands for both men and women; don’t wear any fragrance the day of your interview. You never know whether the person interviewing you has allergies or may just be repelled by the scent. This can end your interview before it even gets started.

So, with all that said – whether you’re interviewing in high tech, or vogue fashion – research, research, research and remember, blend so that who you are will standout.

Posted by Robin Ogden - FiredUP Careers

Visit us and get your FREE report and while you’re at it check out our Great Video ebook!