This may appear obvious, but interviewers’ questions are as important as your
ability to get into their heads. Most
believe that having a clever retort will suffice.
The instant you receive an
invitation to interview, you have already passed the prescreening process. Someone
determined you either met or surpassed the qualifications. The follow-up interviewing
process is designed to determine best fit.
For any opening, many will apply.
Whatever the amount, only a handful will be invited to exchange repartee. From
that handful, the elimination process amounts to letting candidates disqualify themselves.
Last person standing usually receives the offer.
Employers design questions as they
relate to the position. The probing inquires will be preplanned, and designed
to penetrate your otherwise flimsy façade. The questions will range from basic,
behavioral and stress, to a mixture of trap and judgment-probes.
The important aspect is being
able to anticipate those questions. Candidates failing in this are often caught
looking sideways. At the opposite end are those who over rehearsed. Of the two,
being over rehearsed is better than being caught off balance.
The third faux pas involves unrehearsed questions generated from candidate’s prior
response. Interviewer asks, “Why are you looking for a new position at this
time?”
Placating gestures such as, “I need a new challenge,” or “I’ve taken my current position as far as it
can go,” often generate a backup question. The fast-thinking interviewer
now asks, “How long will you be able to serve in this position without becoming
bored or under challenged?”
The perceptive interviewer awaits
a candid response. If the candidate scrambles to proffer a vague or evasive reply,
the interviewer has what he or she needs to know.
Candid responses—even if
negative—curry more favor than pandering this-is-what-I-think
you want to hear. This latter approach, however, is the one candidates tend
to use.
It has often been stated that the
truth sets you free. In most job interviews, it still does. The technique
amounts to knowing how to present that reality. It comes down to anticipating the
question and then being able to deliver a thoughtful, sincere response—sans an
excuse.
Too often, jobseekers attempt to
project an image of something other than who they really are. They worry that
being genuine and sincere will somehow make them appear weak or flawed. Well
guess what—aside from those who are legends in their own minds, everyone is flawed.
For those concerned with
navigating interviewing sessions—concern yourself with getting the interview.
Then, be prepared to address questions designed to uncover the real you.
Employers are more willing to hire a flawed candidate over phonies and those
divorced from reality.
That’s advice you can take to the
bank.
Copyrighted © 2014 by Robert James