A great, professional-looking resume is without any spelling or grammar errors printed on a bond paper. An equally professional cover letter, should be customized to the job opening. A job search plan that includes networking, informational interviews, a follow-up system and a spreadsheet to track your progress. There are books with tough interview questions to practice, suggestions on how to “dress for success.” All these elements can help maximize your chances of having a successful interview.
Even though you may have prepared well, an interview can still be stressful. There is always that one question that can trip you up. You may be comfortable with the interview itself, but may have burned a few bridges and aren’t sure you have enough solid references. In today’s ultra-competitive job market, how will your work history stack up against the other five people vying for the job you want? Regardless of your past work history or experience, there are three key elements that will ensure a stress-free interview. Without them you are almost sure to fail.
1. The truth shall set you free. Being “authentic” has become a new buzz word in just about every aspect of business and life. If you want to be relaxed and confident in your interview, the first key is honesty. Everything in your resume must be true and defendable. Resist the urge to massage your job titles or add a few months to your last position. Employers are doing more extensive background and reference checks since they know that up to 50% of applicants lie on their resumes. One false statement, no matter how small, will make your entire resume suspect. Be yourself. The employer liked what they saw on paper and called you in. When the information can be verified, it gives you an extra measure of assurance that comes across.
2. Do your homework. The second key is to prepare a list of questions and be sure that the job is right for you. In my seven years in human resources, I have conducted hundreds of interviews. No matter what the position, at the very end I would always ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” A “no” answer told me that either we had miraculously answered every question they had (not possible) or they hadn’t done any homework on the company or position or just were too lazy to take the time to determine their own job requirements. An interview is a two-way communication. You are interviewing the company to see if it is right for you just as the employer is sizing you up. Most employees leave a job within the first 90 days because the job wasn’t what they understood in the interview.
3. Qualify your references is the third key. Calling a reference only to find out they hadn’t agreed to be one is awkward for the employer and raises questions about the judgment and professionalism of the candidate. A reference that is hesitant or less than enthusiastic can sabotage your chances of landing the job. Your references are part of your job search team. Get their initial agreement and assurance of a positive reference. Then, as you go through your interviews, let them know who may be calling them, the company, position you are applying for, and what skills or qualities that they should emphasize.
These three keys will give you confidence in all phases of the interview process. Confidence, being your true self, and coming to the table with a clear idea of what you are looking for will help you rise above the competition and land the job that is best for you.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a freelance writer, blogger, and consultant. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in "Training" magazine, "Training & Development" magazine, "Supervision," "Pulse" and "The Savannah Morning News." You can read her blogs at www.skirt.com/savannahchick, www.workingsmartworks.blogspot.com/ and on the web at www.mjnhconsulting.com.
Even though you may have prepared well, an interview can still be stressful. There is always that one question that can trip you up. You may be comfortable with the interview itself, but may have burned a few bridges and aren’t sure you have enough solid references. In today’s ultra-competitive job market, how will your work history stack up against the other five people vying for the job you want? Regardless of your past work history or experience, there are three key elements that will ensure a stress-free interview. Without them you are almost sure to fail.
1. The truth shall set you free. Being “authentic” has become a new buzz word in just about every aspect of business and life. If you want to be relaxed and confident in your interview, the first key is honesty. Everything in your resume must be true and defendable. Resist the urge to massage your job titles or add a few months to your last position. Employers are doing more extensive background and reference checks since they know that up to 50% of applicants lie on their resumes. One false statement, no matter how small, will make your entire resume suspect. Be yourself. The employer liked what they saw on paper and called you in. When the information can be verified, it gives you an extra measure of assurance that comes across.
2. Do your homework. The second key is to prepare a list of questions and be sure that the job is right for you. In my seven years in human resources, I have conducted hundreds of interviews. No matter what the position, at the very end I would always ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” A “no” answer told me that either we had miraculously answered every question they had (not possible) or they hadn’t done any homework on the company or position or just were too lazy to take the time to determine their own job requirements. An interview is a two-way communication. You are interviewing the company to see if it is right for you just as the employer is sizing you up. Most employees leave a job within the first 90 days because the job wasn’t what they understood in the interview.
3. Qualify your references is the third key. Calling a reference only to find out they hadn’t agreed to be one is awkward for the employer and raises questions about the judgment and professionalism of the candidate. A reference that is hesitant or less than enthusiastic can sabotage your chances of landing the job. Your references are part of your job search team. Get their initial agreement and assurance of a positive reference. Then, as you go through your interviews, let them know who may be calling them, the company, position you are applying for, and what skills or qualities that they should emphasize.
These three keys will give you confidence in all phases of the interview process. Confidence, being your true self, and coming to the table with a clear idea of what you are looking for will help you rise above the competition and land the job that is best for you.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a freelance writer, blogger, and consultant. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in "Training" magazine, "Training & Development" magazine, "Supervision," "Pulse" and "The Savannah Morning News." You can read her blogs at www.skirt.com/savannahchick, www.workingsmartworks.blogspot.com/ and on the web at www.mjnhconsulting.com.
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