Practical Interview Strategies

All the efforts you put into a job search are for one goal: to garner interviews that can lead to job offers.  Just as you learned the strategies for job search, so must you learn the most effective strategies with regard to interviewing.

Effective interviewing involves both mental, as well as technical preparation. Most job seekers focus on the later but are at a disadvantage by doing so since mental preparation is equally important in fostering a successful outcome.  Mental preparation involves envisioning success, as well as learning to deal with rejection and moving forward.

Common strategies for interview success include:

• Highlighting your unique value proposition to employers
• Devising a strategy to effectively handle roadblocks; e.g. gaps in employment.
• Asking probing questions about the company to determine if the “ fit” will be right
• Knowing how to effectively respond to difficult or awkward questions
• Following-up post-interview when you feel you did well but have not heard back.

Interviewing is a process rather than a single event. The evaluation process begins with the first phone call you make to the company to speak with the hiring manager,  in the manner you answer the phone during an initial telephone pre-screen, or even with the words you use in your voice mail message.

In this competitive job market, Hiring Managers expect that you know your value and that you have created a succinct yet substantive message to convey this value. It is also expected that you have done your homework with regard to the company and the position you are applying for, as evidenced by the questions you ask during the interview.

This is where mindset comes into play. Before you begin a job search, you must believe that there is an employer out there who will value your contribution to the company. Without this belief, you will find it hard to meet with much success during the interview process. After all, how can you convince others of your value when you doubt it in yourself?

Evaluate the career stage you are in. Do you wish to obtain a position that can serve as a stepping stone on your career path? Are you looking for a fast-track career that will involve an intense amount of time and effort? Perhaps what is important to you is a position that will permit a good deal of work-life balance.  Whatever career option you prefer, know that there is an employer will who will be attracted to, and benefit from, your unique career goals.

To find out how you can ‘win’ in your next interview, check out my new ebook, “Interview Strategies for Technical Professionals“

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