How to Ace the Job Interview How to Ace the Job Interview Every Time!Every Time!

August 7, 2014

Who am I?Who am I? Mark S. James, CPC Over 25+ years as an Executive Recruiter and

Career Transition Coach. President of Hire Consulting Services for 15 years! Certified Personnel Consultant awarded by National

Assoc. of Personnel Services in 1998 Host and Facilitator of the monthly ExecuNet

Meetings in Carlsbad and Newport for last 9 years. Creator of The Career Catalyst Blog in 2006. Motto: “Job Security is the Ability to Secure a Job!” Slogan: “Find, Assess and Hire Great Talent!”

Trends & ConditionsTrends & Conditions The average 40 year old has changed jobs 10 times.

(every 18-38 months = 2.3 years) 1M people turn age 60 every year in U.S. 15,000 people celebrate their 65th birthday – EVERYDAY! By 2020 there will be 20M new jobs and only 14M people

to fill them. 69% of U.S. companies have less than 100 employees. 60% of people do 2 things after losing their job:

1. Call friends and family2. Get on the job boards and post their resume

85% of all jobs are never advertised!!!!! Most job seekers have no job search plan at all! 1 out 20 people have gone through interview training Most job seekers are unrealistic of job market in relation

to their skills!

Research the CompanyResearch the Company Office Locations Affiliates - Divisions Products & Services Customers Served Philosophy - Vision Current - Recent News Financial Information Review Website Get Annual Report &

Product Literature Management Team &

Board of Directors

Prepare for the InterviewPrepare for the Interview Conduct a professional

mock interview Practice with a friend Prepare materials to

take on interview Bring several copies

of your resume Dress appropriately Bring pen and notepad

to take notes

Adopt a New Empowering IdentityAdopt a New Empowering Identity“The Ultimate Power is to Know Thyself” Socrates

Distinguish yourself by knowing “Your Highest and Best Use” to any organization.

What is your brand, slogan, motto or mantra? Are you forgettable or memorable? Truly understand and discover your P.L.A.N.

Passion (your highest and best use = expertise)Lessons (what you’ve learned & how you’ve grown)Accomplishments (your top 8 career wins)Needs (People + Challenge + Balance + Worth)

Common Interview QuestionsCommon Interview Questions Tell me about yourself? How do handle pressure? Why should we hire you for this position? Why did you leave your last job? What are your best skills & competencies? What is your biggest weakness? What are your career goals? What is most significant achievement? Tell me about a time when you…….? What salary are you expecting?

Job Interview TypesJob Interview Types

One-On-One Interview Screening Interview Lunch Interview Committee or Panel

Interview Telephone Interview Informational or

Networking Interviews

Benefits Of Conducting Benefits Of Conducting Informational InterviewsInformational Interviews

Obtain a great deal of information about the companies' future hiring plans

Gain insight into the hidden/confidential jobs with the company

Become aware of the currents needs/challenges of the company

Opportunity to make personal contact with internal management level personnel

Understanding of the companies' current corporate culture locally and abroad

Making a Good ImpressionMaking a Good Impression Be on time (10 min. early) Be positive & relax Establish rapport quickly Be a GREAT listener Reflect before answering Be enthusiastic Act confident – not cocky Take no longer than 2

minutes to answer questions Send a personal thank you

note by U.S. Mail

Five Interview MindsetsFive Interview Mindsets

1. Be a Buyer – Not a Seller Mindset

2. The Doctor – Patient Mindset

3. Your First Day on The Job Mindset

4. The Independent Consultant Mindset

5. The Winning Lotto Ticket Mindset

Ask the “Right” QuestionsAsk the “Right” Questions

Hint: Remain Neutral Q. What are the 5-6 most important deliverables to accomplish in the first 6-12 months for the person in this position to be successful? Q. What does this person need to do be successful?Q. What would you like to have done within the next two or three months?Q. What did you want the last person (who had this job) to achieve that he or she failed to do?Q. What are the most important traits you look for in the right candidate for this job?Q. Do you have any questions or concerns about my abilities to perform this job or function extremely well?

Wish List Characteristics Wish List Characteristics of the Ideal Candidateof the Ideal Candidate

Someone who exhibits “active listening” to everyone they encounter during the recruiting process.

Has a customer focus both internally and externally Has a skill set of "people skills" of empathy, passion, and

development Looks to move the organization forward regardless of the

"level" of their role. Has a solid career goals & vision for themselves. Leads a balanced life with their work Team player and cultural fit with the executive team. And the #1 Ideal Wish List item ….Has a proven track record

of integrity, honesty and ethics.

Red Flags to AvoidRed Flags to Avoid

Non-verbal cues during interviews and interactions often reveal the "true” message and/or feelings of candidates.

Someone who is not prepared for the interview, the position or knowledge of the company.

Someone who is arrogant and/or is not a "hands-on" person

Makes negative and/or derogatory comments about former employers

Inconsistent on answers to questions or information on resume

Shows no passion for what they do or in the opportunity they are seeking

Negotiate what you are worthNegotiate what you are worth Don’t go first – you will lose leverage Keep the main thing – the main thing (Establish priorities

on what matters most) Your decision is not all about the money….. 1. People 2. Challenge 3. Balance 4. Worth Be realistic and think WIN – WIN – WIN Your goal is always to remain whole Expect to make a counter-offer at least once Justify your worth based on your contribution factors and

past performance proof Pretend you are employed and never cave for less Get a severance/separation agreement (6-12 months) Get EVERYTHING in writing

Connect with me:Connect with me: Mark S. James, CPC Founder and President Hire Consulting Services Website: www.HireConsultant.com Phone: 760-230-4301 Skype: mjames444 Email: mjames@HireConsultant.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/markjamescpc Blog: coachingcatalyst.blogspot.com Twitter: HireConsultant