| Ok. It's the moment of truth. But it could | | | | dozens of other candidates the interviewer is |
| also be job search myth 6! It's an | | | | meeting with. You do this by smiling a lot, |
| interview. | | | | putting out a hearty handshake, looking the |
| | | | person directly in the eyes when you speak, |
| Of course, interviewing can be tense. But | | | | and being extra friendly. |
| we've been taught to just answer the | | | | |
| questions and we'll be alright. But that's | | | | However, after you've done your best to |
| job search myth 6. Here's why. | | | | respond to the information the interviewer |
| | | | needs to acquire, then it's time for you to |
| If you've been lucky enough to pass muster | | | | ask some intelligent questions that promote |
| and get invited in for an interview, you'll | | | | your candidacy. For example, you should |
| face one of two interviewers: | | | | inquire about the goals of the organization. |
| | | | What role could you play in contributing to |
| 1. A lower level HR staffer or assistant | | | | its growth? What are the opportunities for |
| manager who is screening you for the boss. | | | | advancement? |
| | | | |
| 2. An employer who could be your next boss. | | | | On the other hand, if you are meeting |
| | | | directly with a decision-maker you have to be |
| If you're invited in for a screening | | | | in control of the procedure. You do that by |
| interview, the rules are a little different. | | | | advancing the conversation beyond an |
| You're not dealing directly with the | | | | interview into a dialogue in which you're |
| decision-maker who will ultimately make a | | | | taking the lead by asking intelligent |
| hiring decision about you. So your goal is to | | | | questions about his/her goals for the |
| reinforce the capabilities and assets that | | | | company. And then jumping in with stories |
| attracted an employer's interest when you | | | | that demonstrate you have the ability to |
| submitted your resume or application. | | | | contribute to the goals. |
| | | | |
| In other words, do no harm. You must | | | | The biggest mistake you can make is to sit |
| understand that a screening interview has | | | | like a lump and content yourself just to |
| some very specific goals to accomplish. | | | | answer questions as best you can. If you |
| These will differ from organization to | | | | don't take this opportunity to set yourself |
| organization. But basically it puts the | | | | apart by showing very specifically that |
| interviewer in control because you don't know | | | | you've done your homework you'll never rise |
| what the agenda is. It means you must | | | | to the top of the pack. |
| carefully and respectfully answer the | | | | |
| questions. | | | | Look, job search myth 6 can confound your |
| | | | chances of interview success if you don't |
| But it doesn't end there. You also need to | | | | think through carefully how to make it turn |
| distinguish yourself in the mind of the | | | | out right for you. |
| interviewer so that you stand out from the | | | | |