introducing 10 critical steps to ace a job interview · “my new resume brought three interviews...

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Introducing 10 CRITICAL Steps

To Ace A Job Interview

Or how to stack the job interview deck in your favor!

The NEW Rules

(The internet has changed everything) Discover:

• What to say and how to say it. (Critical to position you as the top choice.)

• What NEVER to say during a 1st interview. (Miss this and you've got no chance.)

• What to make sure to bring with you. (You'll be remembered even if you're interview #1.)

• Reputation management. (Our check list has you covered.)

• The job seekers cheat sheet. (The most common questions HR will ask you.)

• Phone interview secrets. (How to appear confident but NOT cocky.)

• How to close/end the interview. (Done correctly, you're the only obvious choice!)


More Inside

A product of

Forward Motion, LLC Career Success: Plan, Process, Results

Prepare to Succeed!

www.forwardmotioncareers.com

®


Copyright © 2007 – 2013 Forward Motion, LLC.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Forward Motion, LLC.

Forward Motion, LLC 7 Andrea Lane

Bloomfield, CT. 06002 (860) 833-4072


Table of Contents

1. Successful Interviews, Step-by-Step .............................. 1

2. Don’t Air Your Dirty Laundry in Public ........................ 2

3. Interview Manners…and Mannerisms .............................. 3

4. Pre-boarding Checklist .............................................. 4 - 5

Statement Preparation

Scenario Preparation

Printed Materials

5. Phone Interviews: Permission to board .................. 6 - 7

Phone Protocol/Demonstrating confidence

Request to schedule

Giving and asking for feedback

Closing the interview

6. On-site interviews: Are you the real deal? .......... 8 - 10

Cue sheet

What to wear

What to take

Demonstrating confidence

Asking questions

Closing the Interview

7. Conversation vs. Interrogation (Fitting in) ................... 11


8. Interview follow-up: Send Flowers................................ 12

9. The waiting game .......................................................... 13

10. Responding to an offer: Hold steady ........................ 14

Additional resources ........................................................... 15

Forward Motion contact information ................................ 16

Learn how these people got hired!


Successful Interviews: Step-by-Step

Managing interviews is no small feat. It takes practice. Tracking your progress can be encouraging and also reveal areas where additional preparation may be necessary.

1. Call to schedule (phone)

2. Phone interview

3. Follow-up

4. Call to schedule (face-to-face)

5. Follow-up

6. (Additional interviews possible)

7. (Follow-up)

8. Reference Checks

9. Drug Testing

10. Contract offer

11. Negotiation

12. Contract acceptance

13. Start date


Actions

Track your progress with each application you make. As you move through the process, troubleshoot as needed.

Example: If you receive three phone interviews and do not move to the next step, then get help with phone interviewing!

“My new resume brought three interviews in the first two

weeks.I went to the interviews, prepared to respond to

questions with confidence.

Now I’m employed!"

—Robin M. 8th Grade Teacher, CT.


Don’t Air Your Dirty Laundry in Public

Imagine if someone with your name is a convicted felon. What will your potential employer think when they find that information in an online search? Check the following places for unexpected blemishes on your reputation.

Checklist:

Email address ([email protected]…not good!)

Phone message (hard rock background music? – not good!)

LinkedIn Profile Digital Dirt

Search your name and variants in quotes: “Marcia LaReau”, “Marcia La Rue”

Facebook YouTube Twitter MySpace Google+ Friendster Flikr MyLife


Plaxo Xing Yelp

Actions: Digital Dirt Problems?

VISIT

http://forwardmotioncareers.com/interviews/digital-dirt-2/

“I highly recommend Dr. LaReau’s program. As a recent college graduate, I found myself unhappy in my first "real" job. I was very frustrated, and was not sure how to get out of my situation. I decided to take Dr. LaReau’s career workshop, and I am so thankful that I did. I learned how to successfully navigate the current job market and find a career that was right for me. I highly recommend Forward Motion, LLC.” —Ashley P. Storrs, CT.

http://forwardmotioncareers.com/interviews/digital-dirt-2/�


Interview Manners and Mannerisms Your job in the interview is to make your interviewer comfortable. Here are some tips. What to do:

Make positive eye contact. Nod where appropriate. Smile. Take occasional notes. Respond directly to the question. Ask clarifying questions. Ask for feedback. Reiterate your understanding of critical

points. What to say:

Clarifying questions: Did that answer your question? Would you like me to expand on any part of

my response? I understand that (…..) is essential for this

position.


Suggestions:

Chew a cough drop before your interview. Practice: Record your responses on a cell or

smart phone and listen to how you sound. Rehearse: Work with friends, and others to

get feedback.

"The careful preparation enabled me to approach

interviewing with confidence and a greater awareness of

the importance of communication styles.

Because of my Forward Motion training, I was able to

quickly adapt my interview responses."

—Alan G. Information Technology, New Britain,


Pre-boarding Checklist Statement Preparation:

Why I’m here I believe statement Wow factor! Hard-to-answer questions

(Search: Job Interview Questions for grads) Tell me about yourself. Why do you want to work here? What are your greatest strength /

weaknesses? What is your GPA?

(Explain if it’s below 3.2.) Where do you see yourself in 5/10

years? What are your salary requirements?

Scenario Preparation Scenario 1: Expertise/Problem solver

Describe a time when you were able to bring a solution to a situation.

Scenario 2: Team player/Influencer Describe a time when you were able to

bring a group to consensus.


Scenario 3: Managing failure Describe a time you failed, how you

handled it, what you learned.

Actions 1. Practice the above statements, question

responses, and scenarios out loud. You should not sound scripted.

2. Practice with someone else and get feedback. 3. Record yourself and listen. Adjust, repeat.

"During a company reorganization, I received guidance

that enabled me to see the value of what I can offer and

just as important, showed me how to communicate my

talents to others."

—Jacob G. Curriculum Writer, San Francisco, CA.


Pre-boarding Checklist (cont’d) Printed Materials:

Cue Sheet Notes for your prepared statements Key points for scenarios Key questions, and place for to take

notes Résumé (3 copies) References (2 copies)

Title, Name Position Context statement Email address Phone number with type

(Cell, Office, Home) Company website

Home page Mission/Values Statement President’s/CEO’s message “Like” on FB, “Follow” on TTR Recent media/press releases Interviewer profiles (LinkedIn)

Actions


1. Have someone else check your Résumé and Reference sheets for typos/formatting. Print on white paper.

2. Highlight key statements from company website as a reference.

3. Highlight information about key people. 4. Organize papers in a portfolio or folder.

"The Forward Motion search strategies are based on

insight and integrity.I learned to master the techniques

and capture employers’ attention. These techniques are

invaluable and practical. Forward Motion is built on

knowledge, professionalism, reliability, and trust. They

help job-seekers achieve their goals.”

Karin D. —VP Sales. Hartford, CT


Phone Interviews: Permission to board This is where many jobseekers are dropped. Check out and practice every point here to move to the next step. Phone Protocol/Demonstrating confidence:

Smile. Research conducted for call-centers repeatedly demonstrates that smiling changes our voice tone into a more positive sound.

Record yourself. Your vocal inflection is critical to convey your enthusiasm about the inquiry. Record and listen to yourself on a cell or smart phone to ensure that your interest in the position comes through.

Ask/give feedback. Since they cannot see you, you must ask for and give feedback.

“Thank you, I understand.” “Was my answer clear?”

Manage dead space. Use preparatory comments:

“That’s an interesting point/question.” “Let me think about that for a few

seconds.”


Request to schedule:

Schedule the interview at least one full day in advance to ensure you have time to prepare. Give/obtain the following information:

Express your delight in being considered. Name and phone number of the person

scheduling the appointment. Name and position of the interviewer. Length of the call (30 minutes is

common.)

Suggestions: Be sure you are in a quiet place. Use a LAN line if possible. Have your preparatory notes where you can

see them. Dress up – it helps you feel/act professional. Chew a cough drop before the call. Place a glass of water where you can reach

it. Yawn or stretch before the call to relax. Smile. Do not type on a keyboard. (Your caller will

think your are answering emails…)


Closing the interview:

This is your opportunity to tell the interviewer that you are a good candidate. Checklist: Reiterate your understanding of the position. Restate your “I believe/value” statement. Indicate that you look forward to learning

more. Identify next steps and the time frame. Ask permission to follow-up if you haven’t

heard back. Email? Phone call? (Ask for the address/number.)


"The Forward Motion System brought more interviews

than I got in two years.”

—José R. Sr. Product Owner, Windsor, CT


On-site interviews: Are you the real deal?

Inquiries to Human Resource professionals and hiring managers indicate that taking prepared materials to your interview shows that you have thoughtfully prepared for the event. Take a folder or portfolio. Keep papers neat and organized. Cue Sheet:

Consider putting cue notes (reminders of your prepared statements) on your résumé. You may not need them, but if you draw a blank, they can get you back on track.

What to wear: Crisp, conservative, neat attire. Women: Navy, black, or grey suit or dress. A

scarf, pin, or necklace with a tad of red. Knees covered. Long-sleeves. Moderate heels.

Men: Navy, black, or grey suit (w/jacket). White shirt, long-sleeves. A tie with grey, silver, and a tad of red in the design.


Don’ts:

Casual shoes. Unkempt hair/hairstyle. Tight clothing. Pins or other insignias that indicate

controversial allegiances (i.e. sports teams, social organization, etc.).

What to Take Checklist:

Folder or Portfolio of Printed Materials (List from Pre-Interview Prep Checklist) Papers neat and organized. Cue sheet (on top) Pen or pencil Job Posting Prep sheet Résumé (3 copies) Reference List (2 copies) Website printouts Profiles of your interviewer Questions to ask

Directions to the interview location Driver’s License or other picture ID


Demonstrate confidence:

Do’s: Smile Firm handshake Direct eye contact (8-10 seconds) Conversational manner Affirming gestures (nods, smiles)

Don’ts:

Cross your arms Fidget, leg movement, finger drumming Sighing, overuse of “uh” or “um”.


Face-to-face Interviewing (cont’d)

Asking questions: Asking questions is one way to ensure your interview is conversational in nature. As you move through the process, there will be opportunities to ask the interviewer to clarify or include additional information. Your primary goal is to 1) identify the responsibilities associated with the position, and 2) clarify the expectations they have for the final candidate. You want to be sure the position is a good fit and the interview is your opportunity to make certain, to the best of your ability, what the position will be like.

Closing the interview (Similar to the phone interview):

Confirm to the interviewer that you are a good candidate and that you want the job (assuming that is the case). Checklist: Reiterate your understanding of the position.


Restate your “I believe/value” statement. Indicate that you are excited about the

company and the position. Identify next steps and the time frame. Ask permission to follow-up if you haven’t

heard back. Email? Phone call? (Ask for the address/number.)

"My new resume brought interviews from the corporate

sector. The presentation of my credentials gave me a

great salary."

—Boris M. Graphic Designer, Hartford, CT


Conversation vs. Interrogation Fitting In

Just graduated? It is likely (and reasonable) that your experience level in your profession may be considered a weakness. However, from an employer’s perspective, it may be an asset and you can point this out when the opportunity presents itself during the interview.

Regardless, you can bet that your interviewer is focused on your ability to fit in and work within the day-to-day culture. Ensuring that people feel comfortable working with you is a critical part of getting and keeping your job.

Your demeanor and ease of conversation are big cues. If you feel like the interview is an interrogation maneuver where a question is asked and you answer, then your goal is to turn it into a conversation. You don’t have to wait to be asked if you have questions. Intersperse them throughout the interview.

Questions to ask: Are my responses giving you helpful

information? Did my response answer your question? My thought is (….). Is that the approach you

were looking for?


(Respond to the question) Then ask, “This sounds like a critical factor to this position.” (Wait for confirmation)

Also, check out the section under Listening and Speaking Skills: Clarifying questions.

Interview follow-up: Send Flowers

At some point in your interview (usually after the introductions, or before you close), be sure you receive a business card from the people you have met. You will need their contact information for follow-up. If you have followed the advice in this booklet, then you asked the critical question at the end of your interview about next steps. Follow-through as you indicated in your response. Thank you notes:

Hand written: The chances of a hand written note finding its way to an individual in a timely manner is remote in a large company. Use this


method for smaller businesses or when timing is less of a factor. Email: Send a thank you email the same day as the interview, the following day at the latest.

Dos and Don’ts: Use formal salutations (Mr. Ms. Dr. etc.). Three or four sentences maximum. Do not restate your résumé or other information

that you presented during the interview. Keep your message easy and light in tone. Include something personal about the interviewer. Invite further interaction. Send Thank You notes (again) after you accept a

job offer, or when you receive notification that you have been eliminated.

Include your contact information. The Waiting Game

The journey to finding employment is arduous for most people. Perhaps the most difficult part is waiting to find out your status after an interview. At this point, most jobseekers have invested a lot of time, thought, effort, and care. The forthcoming news


can be devastating, or exhilarating and managing the emotions in anticipation of the unknown is difficult. Dos and Don’ts: DO NOT post to your social media connections

until you have a written, signed contract and a start date.

Be positive, professional, and upbeat in ALL your communications, both in person and online.

If appropriate, alert your references that they may receive a call from a potential employer.

Continue to apply for other opportunities. Continue to network. Manage your mental traffic to ward off negativity. Research job negotiation information to prepare for

a possible offer: www.forwardmotioncareers.com/resources.php

Keep busy with projects that add value to your employability, your living environment, people you care about, and your community.

Refrain from calling your contact at the company to ask for updates on the position unless they requested that you do so or the timeline for the next step in the process has lapsed.


"The workshop was a fabulous eye-opening experience

as I learned how to effectively respond in my cover letters

and resume and in face-to-face interviews.

The practical real-life examples were so helpful. I

wholeheartedly recommend the personal coaching

sessions. Thanks to the training I am now in a job that is a

terrific match."

—Jessica M. Paralegal, Hartford, CT.


Use Promo Code: HOPE

and receive $50 off Part 1 of the Differentiation Workshop Online. Sign up today.


Responding to an offer: Hold steady

Job offers usually come in the form of a phone call. Emotions can run high and it is not a good time to make a decision. You should not be asked to make a decision at that time and you should ask for time to consider the offer. Receiving the offer: Express your delight in being offered the position. Ask for and take notes on the details of the offer:

Salary Hours per week Work Schedule (flexible hours) Time off Relocation Benefits (Healthcare, 401(k), dental, vision) Professional Development Opportunities

(Certifications, Advanced Degrees/Coursework) Request a day or two to consider the offer. This is

an important decision for both you and the company.

Negotiating the offer: Consider the Negotiation presentation notes at: www.forwardmotioncareers.com/resources.php


Again, express your delight in the offer. Negotiate the terms of the contract. Consider a coach. Accepting the offer: Thank them for their assistance through the

process. Reiterate the terms, as you understand them. Accept the offer and confirm your start date. Send thank you notes.

Find Company Reviews

Manage Job Negotiation

Articles & Tips

Your ability to land the best possible job offer and start your career in a job that fits is determined by your ability to articulate who you are what you are looking for both on paper and in person. It is also determined by your ability to demonstrate excellence, polish, and potential within the company or organization.


Consider the Forward Motion

Differentiation Workshop

Consider a Forward Motion Mid-Career Interview Prep Early Career Interview Prep

I know what it's like. (…I've been in your shoes) I understand how HR works. (…and thinks) I understand how the technology has changed the rules. (it can be heaven or it can be…) I want to help you and I WON'T abandon you.

Please accept the following coupon code: HOPE

It's worth $50 on any Webinar.

Just apply it at check out.

http://forwardmotioncareers.com/products/differentiation-workshops/�

http://forwardmotioncareers.com/products/mid-career-programs/personal-interview-preparation-mid-career-2/�


You are not alone.

Forward Motion, LLC Career Success: Plan, Process, Results

Prepare to Succeed!

www.forwardmotioncareers.com

Marcia LaReau, PhD President

[email protected] (860) 833-4072

®

http://forwardmotioncareers.com/�


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Google+: Forward Motion LLC Twitter: @ForwardMotionUS LinkedIn: Marcia LaReau

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Please read my story and learn more about Forward Motion.

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introducing 10 critical steps to ace a job interview · “my new resume brought three interviews...

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