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Being The Interviewer

Most of the time, tips are created for the jobseeker, especially when they are abouto go into that dreaded “job interview”.

But what about the interviewer?

Well, if this is you first time giving an interview, then you better read this article. Like getting interviewed, the person asking the questions must also be well prepped and ready to go.

 Know what to Ask

The right questions eventually bring out the right answers. List down what you want to know about the interviewee and convert them into questions. The favorite question format: What…? E.g. what do you consider you’re greatest achievement; you’re biggest failure, what have done to…etc. The idea is to let the interviewee talk about his or her qualifications about the job.

Listen

This is very important. As the interviewer, it is your duty to listen to what the interviewee has to say. So don’t go drifting off into Neverland while the jobseeker is itemizing his assets. Even if you do have a tape recorder somewhere that could remember all those words for you, you might miss out on the body language that is an equally important factor prior to getting hired.  

Smile:

The jobseeker is nervous enough without you glaring at her or him, don’t make it worse.

Maintain a Good Posture

You’re the interviewer; the ball is in your court. Therefore, you have to assert that by maintaining good posture and knowing you’re in charge. An interviewee would most likely not take you seriously if you slouch around on the chair.

Explain what the Position Entails

Most candidates have an idea about the job, but it’s always better to give them a more in-depth view of what you are offering. This is to clear some misconceptions plus to ascertain that the interviewee really wants the job. Not too much though, just enough to get the ball rolling. Watch out for facial expressions while detailing the information.
 

Minimizing Interview Nerves

One of the most formidable foes of an applicant prior or even during a job interview: nerves. Regardless of what you call it – interview jitters, anxiety, trauma, and pressure – the fact is that that little tremor in your voice because of nervousness could cause you to make boo-boo’s during that all important meeting. So what to do?

Interview stress can be minimized if not removed prior to the face-to-face discussion. Actually, the advice to control stress prior to the job interview is pretty basic: practice, practice, practice. Anticipate questions and supply short, logical and straight to the point answers. Prepare for personal questions, like being asked whether you have a boyfriend/girlfriend or not. Usually this would stump you and prompt you to stutter and stammer. Not a good picture.

During an interview, the most used – and perhaps funniest – trick is the patented “imagine them in their underwear” stunt. Some say that this would allow you to have a perpetual small smile on your face throughout the interview, making you appear relaxed. I’ve tried it and it doesn’t work for me. However, smiling is not a bad idea. It is an ice breaker that would allow you to have a better rapport with the interviewer.

Another style is “humanizing” the interviewer. One reason one job seekers are so nervous is because they seem to think that interviewers are “robots” who ask questions and proceed to either accept or reject your answer. It isn’t like that. Interviewers run the ideas through their head; weigh your statements before ultimately arriving on a conclusion. When you realize that the person asking you questions is just as human – and probably just as stressed – as you are, it would help you maintain a mellower disposition, minimizing the nervousness factor while still maintaining quality answers.

The Importance of Follow Ups

Ever heard the phrase: “Don’t call us, we’ll call you”?

It’s usually used as a pun to tell job seeker that they are not getting the job they want. Incidentally, if you follow this dictate, chances are you won’t really get the job.

Sometimes, the difference between getting hired and never hearing from the prospective employer again depends on a phone call or letter, more specifically – a follow up.

What’s a follow up? Basically it’s something you do to make sure that your curriculum vitae is not just being buried on so much mess. One common misconception of job seekers is that after passing their CV, their part in the process is done. Wrong. You could call the employers, say that you are following up on your job application, confirm that the company has received it and quite possibly schedule a meeting. It’s not rude; in fact, following up could stabilize your standing in the prospective employee roster because it shows your dedication and willingness to be a part of the company.

This goes the same with interviews. After that face to face meeting, you could try sending a “thank you” letter to the employer. This would once again allow him/her to remember you among the interviewees. In the letter, you could also try putting in a recap of your accomplishments and qualifications, adding further weight to your application.

Of course, don’t forget that the CV and interview must be polished themselves. The curriculum vitae must be updated and specially made to fit that particular job application. No copy and paste please. Before the interview, anticipate possible answers and supply short, accurate answers. Dress professionally and don’t act too jerky or nervous. Chances are, if you make a good impression the “follow up” would clinch the deal. You’re hired!

Thinking of Changing Careers?

Are you bored of fed up with your career and thinking of going for greener pastures? Doing so is not exactly a bad idea, in fact I know someone who made the big step and now she is happy and content with her new role.

However, the decision and change was not done overnight. In fact, it takes considerable thought and planning before implementing that “big move” in your job.

The most important thing is that you should know where you want go. Changing a career isn’t just “leaving a job” it also means you are going into another work path. The question is: If you leave, where will you go? This question is sometimes the last one to be asked, but I prefer to consider it first and foremost.

The next question would be: Why change careers?

If your answer is just relating to how much you hate your boss or officemates then that isn’t really an answer. Successful career changes should be driven by what you will find rather than what you would leave behind. Ask yourself first and analyze the forces driving you into the path of career change. This is after all, a life altering situation and must be handled carefully and systematically. Advices from family and friends are welcome but don’t let loved ones pressure you into a decision.

However, if all answers point out to a change in your career field, then the next best step is to plan. Don’t resign just yet, especially now that jobs are hard to come by. Research the facts about the career that you’re planning to move in to. Remember that some jobs are in season so check its longevity. It may be a “big thing” now, but after a few years or so, would it still be viable?