Simple Tips to Interviewing and Getting the Job!

As a Human Resource Manager for Recruitment I am frequently asked how do I know if my application and resume will be reviewed? How do I survive and respond in the dreaded behavioral interview? The answers and tips will help you become a viable candidate.

Don't overlook the simple things that can limit your chances of consideration for a position. To begin, be sure if you cut and paste to your cover letter that you mention the correct company. We in Human Resources know that candidates are submitting their applications to many companies. But we do not want to see a cover letter addressed to our competeter voicing an interest in their position.

Be careful of typos, spelling and grammatical errors. Many managers tell me they will not look beyond a letter with errors even if this is not an administrative or secretarial position. They feel the lack of attention to detail tells alot about someone and how they will perform in any position.

Be honest and truthful. Do not inflate your title as you will be discovered. Employment verification and or the interview process will uncover the truth.

Be prepared to tell why you left previous employers or why you have changed employers every year. Job hopping or opportunities? Many organizations are focusing on reduction of turnover, especially first year turnover. Managers are looking to make the right hire. Employers will want to know why they should take a risk and invest in you for onboarding and or training. Loyalty and commitment are not extinct qualities. They just look different today. Be prepared to discuss what you are looking for from an organization, such as opportunities for growth and career development. What will make you commit for a length of time? A frequently asked question in the interview is where do you see yourself in three years?

When you finally get a call for an interview don't be surprised if you are asked to schedule a telephone interview. This is usually a quick study of the applicant and determines next steps: interview or no thank you. To make the best impression over the phone a few quick reminders: don't chew gum, find a quiet space where you will not be interrupted and if you are using a cell phone be sure it is fully charged.

The interview is usually comprised of different types of questions. There are the informational questions which one usually covers when walking the candidate through their resume. These cover education, certifications, knowledge and skill set and queries such as "tell me what you did when you worked at ABC company and why you left them."

There are situational questions which are typically hypothetically based such as "tell me how you would handle conflict with a superior." This type of question is used less frequently in the interview process as it is not necessarily a good indicator or predictor of how someone will truly perform in a given circumstance.

Behavioral interviewing, the most popular in Human Resources and companies today, is based on the fact that past behavior is a fairly good predictor of future behavior. Questions are asked requesting the candidate to "tell me about a time when.(you had conflict with a superior)... give me an example, how did you handle a specific situation successfully and a time when you were unsuccessful. Take the time to think of specific examples in your career. If you answer generically or are non specific, the interviewer may redirect you to be more specific. If you wander off course and do not provide examples that clearly demonstrate a response to the question, you will not be considered for the position.

Make an impression!

Arrive on time. If you are late it may be telling the employer that this could be an issue in the future.

Do not chew gum.

Dress appropriately.

Be prepared. Know something about the organization. Go on line and do some homework before the interview.

Take your time to respond to questions. Breathe, think, respond.

Do not ramble or go off track. Remain focused.

Respond to the behavioral interview questions by telling a story.

Ask questions:

"Where you are in the interview process?" Have they just begun their search?

If the position has been vacated, why did the person leave? listen to read between the lines and look for non verbal clues.

Reverse the behavioral interview process. Instead of, tell me about your management style, ask the manager, "give me an example that demonstrates your management style, or ask if questioned, what would staff say about your management style?"

What will make you stand heads above the rest of the candidates? Education and skills are no longer enough. You must be the right fit for the organization and the organization must be the right fit for you. Learn as much as you can about the organization's values and culture. Do you fit?

Your competetive advantage is your unique experience that can translate into how you will perform in the position for which you have applied. Tell the story and be prepared to be hired.