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Please also see the checklist on
Organizational Fit
Interviewing
First and Lasting Impressions
The most important item in this Career Rx is the first one -
Preparation. Prepare thoroughly and
specifically! Practice your answers to a neutral listener or in front of
the mirror.
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Prepare!!! |
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Be In the Know:
Research the company. Learn all you can about its products, services,
mission, dcurrent initiatives, culture, standing in the field. |
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Mark Up:
Underline the required skills and experiences listed in the ad or
position description and develop answers for each one. |
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Parrot:
Mimic the terminology used in the ad or job description - if you've done
customer relations and they use the term "client service" - you use
"client service." |
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Killer Question:
Prepare an answer for the most common first question: "Tell me about
yourself?" - or any similar question that asks for an overview of your
work history, skills,
and experiences. |
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Tell Tales:
Develop brief (true) stories about your skills and accomplishments that
show how you contributed to the organization. Bottom-line them as much
as possible. |
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Anticipate:
Generate a list of other possible questions you might be asked and
develop answers; include your stories in the answers whenever possible. |
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Ramblin' Rose:
Don't ramble. Answer the questions directly, succinctly. 1) Answer
directly - "Yes, I've _____"; 2) Elaborate briefly - or tell a
story, 3) give a result. |
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Time Out:
If you are unsure how to answer a question, give yourself time to gather
your
thoughts; ask for a minute to think about it or ask the interviewer to
come back to it later. |
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Repeat:
Ask the interviewer to repeat or re-state a question if you don't
understand it. |
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Du-uh:
Don't be caught flatfooted when asked if you have questions. Prepare a
good list
of questions to ask. You'll look sharp and prepared! |
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Attitude:
Be positive; don't give the interviewer anything negative. |
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Clock Watch:
Arrive on time, don't be late; use the time to gather clues about the
organization |
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Dress for Success: Dress appropriately. A pin-stripe
suit for a bank, business-casual for a retail manufacturer of surf wear. |
My current book, Performance Reviews, Empowered
Careers, gives many examples of ways to demonstrate your
contributions to the organization in bottom line results. Check
out "Products" on my web site.
Organizational Fit
Check It Out Before You Check In
In addition to the job and benefits, check out the culture of the organization before you accept a job offer to make sure it's a good fit with your values and style. Plant yourself in an environment that nourishes you and supports you in the ways you need. Here are some things to consider.
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Does the leadership provide a vision and direction for the organization? |
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Are the organization's mission, goals, and purpose compatible with your values? |
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Does the organization have a history of wholesale firings, housecleaning, or a high turnover rate? |
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From which departments do the leaders come? |
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What evidence is there that the organization values its people and customers? |
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Where is the organization in its current stage of development - growing, maintaining, declining, changing, and is it financially sound? |
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Where does the organization stand in relationship to other companies in the industry: leader, laggard, maverick, mediocre? What is its reputation? |
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What is the overriding management style: humanistic, autocratic, entrepreneurial, paternalistic? |
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If it is a technical organization, what percentage of its budget is allocated to research and development? |
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What do other employees say about the organization? |
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Is the physical facility and layout functional, attractive, or suitable for your working style? |
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Who are the "stars"? Who and what does the organization value and how are promotions
determined? Do you need to relocate to get promoted? |
a Check
our next CareeRx for clever ways to discover this information.
© Coil and Associates, 1998, All rights reserved
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