How to Get Your Foot in the Door of One of America's Top Companies - Job Interviewing Skills for the Twenty-First Century

Interviewers from some of the top national and multinational corporations agree. They see fewer and fewer applicants able to navigate the interview process in today's corporate world. The skills needed to get a job have changed and apparently those seeking those jobs have not kept up with the times. This vital disconnect results in frustration for the job seeker and bewilderment for those seeking applicants. What are interviewers looking for? How can the job applicant position themselves to take advantage of the needs of the market? Having a strategy for success will mean a better paying job, whether you are a degreed professional or an hourly service industry applicant.

A recruiter of a very successful multinational company recently shared an experience that highlights the extent of the issues under discussion. The recruiter was interviewing for a receptionist position. Duties associated with the position included interpersonal communications, computer skills, switchboard duties, and occasionally making reservations for the management lunch appointments. The successful applicant would be the face of the company in many ways, as he/she would be the first person encountered by many who visited the company's offices for the first time.

More than twenty applicants were interviewed for the well paying position. Here are some of the startling statistics. More than half were late for the appointment and only one called to explain she would not arrive on time. Even though the advertisement stated a dress code for the job only two dressed in business attire. Shorts, halter tops, flip-flops, etc. were the standard faux pas scattered among the other applicants. The interviewer's litany of issues went on and on. Of the twenty interviewed no one was hired.

So, what are the keys to getting a job in today's world? While the truisms that follow may simply be common sense, in today's world, an ounce of common sense may be your biggest asset.

First, realize that your interview begins long before you actually show up at the company. Make plans to arrive on time. Nothing closes a door to a job like being late. It is your responsibility to plan ahead for eventual delays like traffic jams, car problems, finding your location, etc. These are not excuses. You need to plan your moves, be on time, find your location the day before, and do everything you can to arrive at the agreed time. The old adage-if you are not fifteen minutes early, you are late-is a good rule of thumb. Arriving early allows you the luxury of relaxing and composing yourself before the interview.

Dress to fit the job description. Today's lack of concern for personal appearance speaks volumes to a potential employer. Remember that while you may be forgiven for over dressing for a job interview, you will never get over being under dressed. Dressing like you are out for a day at the beach is never acceptable. For most positions, business casual is a nice compromise. Conservative dress is always safe. You do not usually have any idea of the age, background, and sex of your interviewers and must always take into account what might be offensive to them.

Women should be exceptionally wary of suggestive dress. While a very few male interviewers might respond to miniskirts and halter tops, their response will not usually result in hiring you for a job. Women interviewers will be totally turned off by such displays. You are the face of the company and should dress accordingly.

While waiting for the interview to begin, do not be distracted with magazines, newspapers, etc. in the waiting area. First impressions are lasting impressions. When the interviewer enters the room, always stand and shake hands firmly, looking the person in the eyes with sincere interest. Do not fumble for brief cases, purses, etc. Those can be retrieved after you have met the person with whom you are interviewing. This is a point often missed by interviewees. The interview begins with that initial contact and if you fail to impress you may not recover lost ground.

You should have a neat, well written resume highlighting your experience, education, and life goals. If the interviewer does not have a copy of your resume you should present it to him/her as the interview gets underway. Make sure it is neat, clean, and up-to-date. Presenting an interviewer with a dirty, crumpled, outdated resume reeks of lack of concern for getting the job! Investing in a professional resume is money well spent!

Interviewing has changed significantly in the past twenty years as have the skills necessary for success. Unless you are applying to a small company, most interviews will be composed of several steps and with several different interviewers. The successful applicant must be able to quickly assess the temperament of each interviewer and adapt his responses accordingly.

Always answer truthfully. Information is so widely available that the interviewer may already have the answer to the question he/she is asking and you will sink the interview with anything less than being candid. Remember you can always recover from telling the truth, no matter how bad the truth is. You can never recover from a lie. Even if you get the position and you have been less than truthful, that cloud will overshadow your career and if discovered will cause you untold grief.

Interviewing for a job has changed drastically over the past decade. To get the job you want means you must be able to adapt to the times, be more versatile, and learn how to respond to a variety of situations. Your ability to change will result in your getting the job of your dreams and maybe a whole new career.