Randy discusses how to keep control during the interview and how to ask the right kinds of questions to keep the conversation going in a positive direction. Also, Randy gives advice on how to end the interview with confidence and strength.
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Randy Wooden from The Wooden Group discusses how to handle some tough interview scenarios and how something you might say could harm your chances. He also discusses some of the things you should NOT ask in the interview.
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By: Randy Wooden
Ever heard these? “We’re not sure we can afford you… we’re not sure you’d be challenged in this position… I’m concerned you won’t be happy in this position.”
Failure to overcome those objections will doom your candidacy. And while there is no foolproof way to work through the “you’re overqualified” objection, I have some suggestions which could mitigate the damage and, hopefully, sufficiently overcome the objection in order to land the job.
First, don’t argue with the employer. Admit it’s a valid concern. And don’t counteract their objection by telling them they’ll get a lot of bang for the buck. They’re not arguing that point. The employer’s telling you they won’t be able to keep you… and consequently it doesn’t behoove them to hire someone they perceive will simply continue their job search until something better turns up.
So begin your answer by acknowledging their concerns. Then, share your take on the realities of the job market and how you recognize that the past position was with a different company at a different time. Briefly discuss why you’d want this position and why, despite it being a step back in pay and title, it fits with your longer term career objectives.
You might wrap up your answer with the confession that job hunting is right up there with battling an insurance company or a visit from the IRS. You’d much rather spend your time and energies in a new position.
Conclude by seeking confirmation. “Does that make sense… or… Can you see why I feel that way?”
If your past work history is one of long term stability, then you could also offer that as evidence. I’d suggest not leading with that, however, since it can be perceived as condescending toward the employer.
All that said, for many employers there is no getting around the issue. It’s sad, since statistics demonstrate that people change employers MUCH more frequently than they did a generation ago. So the 25 year old is as likely to remain with the company as long as the 45 year old.
As always, I welcome feedback. Reach me at randy@woodengroup.com. Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.
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By: Randy Wooden
www.WoodenGroup.com
Everyone has made mistakes in interviews. One of the things we do is train and coach you on how to master the interview process. Here is a list of some common mistakes made during interviews.
1. Not asking for the job. While not a literal question, asking for the job means restating your interest in the position.
2. Failing to ask appropriate questions. A lack of relevant questions shows a lack of adequate preparedness.
3. Failing to ask any questions. This shows not only your lack of preparedness, but that you just don’t care.
4. Failing to adequately provide examples from your work history to illustrate you have the skills to perform the job. This is especially important when you’re attempting to transfer your skills to a different industry.
5. Talking too long. Most candidates are nervous and seek to do an information dump on the employer. Too much information, particularly when you’re not a compelling speaker, leads to boredom and rejection.
6. Resume issues. Typos, length, lack of key words.
7. Thank you note. Didn’t your mom tell you to say “thank you” when you were little? Why stop just because you’re older? It’s another way to “touch” the employer and a good way to correct a statement you made in the interview.
8. Failing to “keep control.” This means making sure you understand what will be the next step in the hiring process and when that’ll likely occur.
To learn more, call us at (336) 793-8040 or visit www.WoodenGroup.com!
By: Randy Wooden
www.WoodenGroup.com
Here are 8 great ways to make a good first impression in an interview.
1. Preparation. This takes many forms, but make sure you understand what the employer’s looking for and cite examples from your past to show you meet their needs.
2. Resume. No typos, one or two pages in length, include key words which match with those listed in the requirements or qualifications.
3. Stand up in the lobby. Make sure you’re standing when the employer pops his head into the lobby. Why? People first look to other people at eye level. By standing you appear enthusiastic and ready for business.
4. Dress appropriately. This can mean different clothing for different jobs, but always err on the dressier side when in doubt.
5. Appearance. Don’t detract from your message of being a competent professional by exhibiting poor hygiene or inappropriate hairstyles.
6. Body language. This includes everything from maintaining good eye contact to a firm handshake to sitting up to avoiding nervous fidgeting.
7. Ask good, open ended questions.
8. Relax. The interview is an exchange of information. It’s a chance to convey why you’re a fit for the position. The employer’s not simply hiring a robot with skills, they’re hiring a personality. Let yours be one of enthusiasm and confidence.
To learn more, call us at (336) 793-8040 or visit www.WoodenGroup.com!
By: Randy Wooden
www.WoodenGroup.com
The other day someone asked me what was the biggest mistake I’d ever made during an interview. Well, as a human we live and learn, but one thing stood out.
I’d failed to ask for the job. Not once, but twice. Big mistake…let me explain.
Years ago I’d interviewed for a sales position selling textbooks to colleges. The interview occurred in Ohio during January, so I kept thinking of lugging a suitcase on rollers up some hill during the snow and slush of a mid western winter.
As the interview wrapped up, there was the perfect opportunity for me to share my enthusiasm for the position. To “ask for the job,” so to speak. But I failed to do that. I didn’t ask for the job because I truly didn’t want it, but that’s not my point.
The employer told me the next step. I was to phone her the next day for the result. My pride wanted her to want me, but my honesty couldn’t bring me to ask for a job I really didn’t want.
I called the following day. She said, “Randy, you were by far the best candidate I spoke with, but you never asked me for the job and I’ll never offer a job to someone who doesn’t ask for it.”
That’s been over 20 years ago, but I recall those words clearly. They came up a second time, but in that case it was a foregone conclusion I would get the job. Still, when my future boss said, “Well, Randy. Do you want this position?” It brought back memories of a previous mistake – a mistake I will never make again.
If you have a reasonable amount of interest in a position, NEVER leave an interview without reaffirming, in no uncertain terms, your interest in the position. I’d also add that you should leave with an understanding of the next step in the hiring process.
It’s not enough to merely show up for the interview. Employers have many candidates to pick from. The hiring decision largely rests on two factors. First, do you have the skills to perform the job? And second, does the employer “like” you? Do they like your attitude, enthusiasm, etc? Asking for the job can go a long way toward showing a positive attitude and enthusiasm. Try it next time!
To learn more, call us at (336) 793-8040 or visit www.WoodenGroup.com!
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By: Randy Wooden
I typically ask workshop attendees and my clients which questions tend to give them trouble. The two I hear most often center around compensation and ‘tell me about yourself.’ Both are difficult, but for different reasons.
Let’s tackle the most common and, likely, the most difficult question of all because it’s somewhat vague and is usually the first question asked in a typically nerve-wracking setting: Tell me about yourself.
Keep your answer to under one minute, remembering the question is merely an ice breaker and not the time to unload your entire life story. The employer is as often less interested in what you say than how you say it. How do you come across? Concise, professional? Or rambling?
Thank them for having you in for an interview, then give a brief summary of your education and relevant experience, then transition to asking the interviewer to tell you more about the position.
Asking them a question keeps you from rambling and directs the conversation to where the employer wanted it to go anyway - him discussing the company and describing the opening.
Also, by asking a question early on you establish the freedom to ask questions throughout the interview. That’s important in establishing somewhat of a peer-to-peer relationship and also doesn’t leave you hanging when they ask, “do you have any questions for me” at the end of the interview.
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By now most people know they’re not supposed to ask questions about age, race, religion and whether a woman is planning to have children. But beyond the illegal questions I’ve found clients sometimes confronted with the occasional inappropriate question.
These usually occur when the employer is a smaller one or a family-owned business. In other words, larger, more structured companies typically operate in a more standardized setting. But less structured interviews, particularly if they involve a lunch or supper meeting, can occasionally stray into question about public issues of the day. I don’t necessarily think the employer is trying to catch the candidate as much as the inquiry is simply born of ignorance.
Politics and pop culture can be dangerous topics if not handled properly. Imagine sitting there during the height of the Iraq War and being asked your view on President Bush and our nation’s strategy? Or President Obama and healthcare?
On the one hand you’re thinking, “What does that have to do with my ability to do my job?” And you’d be correct. Yet, how should you handle that inquiry without appearing rattled, confrontational or evasive? How can you convey that, well, it’s none of that person’s business without somewhat alienating the interviewer?
A simple technique I’ve found effective is to use a verbal cushion to acknowledge the question, but to then turn things around and ask the employer their thoughts on the subject.
For example, “I’m not sure there’s any easy answer on the war. There are certainly passionate opinions on both sides. I’m curious, Mr. Employer, what you think about it.” And if the interviewer doesn’t respond, change the subject. If they do respond while giving their opinion, at least you know whether what you might have said would have matched your with your potential employer.
If the employer responds, then further asks you your opinion, I think you’re within your rights to respectfully refuse to answer. Try, “While we both know it’s a hot topic, I hope you’ll appreciate my desire to separate my personal views and interests from my work objectives.” Be careful not to impugn the employer’s motives for asking or verbally slap their wrist too harshly.
Awkward, inappropriate or even illegal questions can easy rattle many candidates. How calmly you respond under such circumstances could help separate you from your competition.
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Watch and learn from Randy Wooden of The Wooden Group, as he addresses how to answer the inevitable interview question, “Why do you want to work for us?”
Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.
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By: Randy Wooden
Ever say these words to someone? “Right, OK, I understand, that makes sense, sounds good, sure.”
Now be honest. By the time you’d uttered any of those words you’d mentally moved on past what the other person was saying. And those words were your not-so-subtle hints to the person to stop talking.
As an interviewee we often possess a combination of nerves and a desire to do an information puke all over the employer. It’s the old adage, “Throw enough against the wall and something will stick.” We mistakenly think that since we weren’t interrupted (as we would normally be in peer-to-peer conversation) that the employer wants to hear more. So we drone on and on and on and… Mistake!
When the employer gives you those “word cues” my best advice is to end in another sentence or so. Then, ask the employer whether that addressed his question or whether he wanted you to provide more information. I’ll bet my dollar to your penny his answer will be along the lines of, “No, you’re fine.”
Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com. You can also connect with Randy on LinkedIn.
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