7 Keys to Getting the Job

When job-seeking and successful interview advice becomes too tricky. . .honestly, it's just too tricky.  Below are seven foundational elements that I have found influence potential employers in an interview situation.  Here we go. . .


1.   Know your stuff.  Be prepared to demonstrate, through examples of past experiences and knowledge of the world at large, that you truly are very skilled in the area for which you are interviewing.   Beware of catch phrases and emphasis at past employment that may not be known or play well for potential employers - in other words, truly expand your vision within your skill set.  Be prepared to talk about what other companies do and your viewpoints on their actions.

2.  Know their stuff.  Maybe more important than knowing your stuff - is knowing their stuff.   Spend several hours researching your potential employer on-line - you will find information that will guide your decision should you get an offer.    More importantly, however, you should be well versed on their positioning, their news, their sales. . .what analysts are saying and what competitors are feeling.  Use that information liberally in your conversation.

3.  Be natural.   This  is almost oxymoronic in an interview situation in which you feel that so much is on the line.   Re-frame the conversation in your mind;    mentally reposition yourself that it really doesn't matter that much whether you get the job or not - you are just looking forward to having a great conversation about the business.    Which brings us to. . .

4.  Have a conversation, already.     The traditional framework of the interview (answer a question, answer the next question. . .) is deadly.     Get people talking with you.    Once you answer a question, ask a specific question back.   For instance, "That's my general view on garnering sales. . .are there specific areas of concern in this position that you would like to have addressed?"   Which then leads to. . .

5.  Do more listening than talking.    Again, this challenges the traditional framework of the job interview - which is great.   If you can get your potential employer talking about their needs and their business. . .I'm thinking the chances are well above the fifty percent mark that you've got the job.   Moreover, you are getting a lot of information that can help you make a job acceptance decision.

6.  Ask smart questions.   Frame questions that indicate you have knowledge and skills for the job.   For instance. . ."What analytical tools do you already have in place. . .and are they working for you?"  Avoid assumptive questions like "As a competitor, you must stay awake nights worrying about the expansion of Bob's Burgers, what do you intend to do about it?"

7.  Be likable.    And this is probably the most important of all.    People want to work with people they like.     Be likable - heck, be lovable.   You want to leave the room with the interviewers feeling that their day would be just a little bit better if you were on their team.

Like it?   Share it!

My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available for PCs, e-readers and tablets from Amazon Kindle.
https://kindle.amazon.com/search?keywords=courageous+questions+confident+leaders&x=0&y=0