Interviewing Skills Rich Fenton A

Interviewing Skills

Richard D. Fenton, MBAVice President, Executive Search

Tal & Associates

Top CandidateWhen it comes to the interviewing, recruiters

and hiring managers look for signs that indicate a candidate’s a keeper.

Aside from the job requirements, a polished resume, a professional appearance and an upbeat attitude, there are many other signs

that indicate your candidate is topnotch.

Take a look at our list and tell us if you agree.

Demonstrates IndustryKnowledge

Prepared andOrganized

Reluctant to Bad Moutha former Boss

Researched the Companybefore the Interview

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Skilled atMinimizing Tangents

Skilled at AnsweringStump Questions

InterviewFollow-Up

Solid Referrals &Previous Work Experience

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Keeps Personal Drama Personal

Exhibits ConfidenceBefore & After the Interview

The OneInterview Question

You Aren’t Prepared For!

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“Tell me something I wouldn’tknow from looking at your CV”

“Tell me something no one elseknows about you”

What is the recruiter looking for?

• How do you organize your thoughts?• Can you think on your feet?• What do you consider most important

for the interview to know?• Are you able to relate the story back to

the job?• Are you saying anything you shouldn’t?

How to Prepare for this Question


As with all interview questions, it’s important to think about how you might answer. But don’t

compose your answer and memorize it word for word.

Any savvy interviewer will be able to tell



Keep your Core Strengths in mind



Think about Intangible Strengthsand Soft Skills



Explain WHY you want the job



Share something Personal

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6 Things NOT to Say in a Job InterviewPosted on The Ladders by Amanda Augustine

Photo by Arpad Nagy-Bagoly – Fotolia.com

You Say…I’m a highly motivated, proactive problem solver.

They Hear…I have no noteworthy skills.


You Say…What’s your vacation policy?

They Hear…What do I get out of this job ifyou’re so lucky to hire me?


You Say…My greatest weakness? I’m a perfectionist.

They Hear…Nothing.


You Say…My last boss? Terrible.

They Hear…I’m unprofessional.


You Say…What do you do around here?

They Hear…I didn’t do any research!


You Say…No. I don’t have any questions.

They Hear…I’ve heard enough, I’m not interested.

What isCorporate Culture?

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When exploring a new career, it’s important to look for a corporate

environment that: Makes you feel comfortable

Reflects your taste and style

Allows you to function and move along with ease

Every workplace has a specific culture, and no two are exactly alike.

A company’s culture usually reflects the management style and preference of the chief executive, who typically sets the tone for the work environment.

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How people dress

How people act

How employees present themselves and conduct work

How workers interact with supervisors

How people interact with each other and across departments

How people interact with the public

The way business is conducted

The corporate culture is shaped by…



If you want to be successful at a company and also enjoy working there, you must fit

in (or adapt to) the company’s culture.

Never expect the company to adapt to you.

To succeed, you must:

Know and respect the company’s culture

Be aware of accepted behaviors and work styles

Build and maintain positive relationships with managers and co-

workers

Display a passion for the company

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TheInterview

First…Make no mistake; this is you YOUR most

important opportunity to position yourself as “the solution” to the problem they are trying to

solve.You need to do 4 things…It’s that easy!

Uncover and understand the motivating needs of the organization Identify the issues that are key to the specific interviewer

Match those needs to specific skills and experiences you havePackage those skills and experiences for that interviewer so there

is no doubt that YOU ARE the solution

Researching the FacilityResearch the

organization’s history, products or services. Find

recent news by visiting the website, reading industry publications and talking to members of your network.

Research will help you specifically address the company’s needs during

the interview.

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When asked why you want to join the facility, your answer should be…

Your company has an excellent reputation, and I want to be a part of an exceptional team.

Your research will enable you to give specific examples of

excellence within the facility.

Researching the Facility

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The ProcessPhoto from www.Forbes.com

Punctuality and Professionalism Always arrive 15 minutes early

Map out directions to the office – plan on leaving early and know who to call in case you get stuck in traffic

Dress appropriately: a business suit or its equivalent is always appropriate – EVEN if the company has a casual dress code

Keep your makeup, hair, and jewelry understated and minimal and avoid heavy perfume or cologne

Put your phone on silence and do not answer calls or texts during the interview

Remember your body language – smile, make eye contact, sit up straight and maintain composure. Don’t fidget!

Be prepared. Bring with you extra copies of your CV or resume, something to write on and write with, and questions you might need answer

Always keep it professional: although interviewers often try to create a comfortable setting to ease the job seeker’s nerves, business decorum shouldn’t disappear. Avoid offering personal details that can be controversial or have no relevance to the position, such as political and religious beliefs

Preparing for QuestionsEncourage the interviewer to describe the position and responsibilities early in the conversation so you can relate your skills and background through the discussion

Stress your accomplishments Have in mind THREE career achievements Anticipate tough or strange interview questions Think on your feet. Develop concise, yet informative

responses When asked about your greatest weaknesses, your response

should be candid, but brief Don’t lie Be comfortable and confident Come with questions of your own

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To be successful, you must engage the interviewerOnce you have addressed each

identified issue, prepare a summary of the collective issues and how you will be successful at resolving them

quickly and completely. Then…

Ask for the Job!


Make a commitmentJoin their team

Solve their problem


Remember… Respect their time and concerns Be direct Be humble Be brief but complete Address only their specific issues And ask for the JOB!

Closing & Thank You Note

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End on a high note by expressing your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and consideration. Too many people second-guess themselves

after an interview. By closing strongly and asking the right

questions, you can eliminate post-interview doubts

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Shake each person’s hand who interviewed you; ask for their business card

Show your interest in the position by asking what their next step will be

Immediately write down issues uncovered in the interview

Match your strengths to the required qualifications

Call your recruiter! Follow-up now is critical

Send a thank you letter within 24 hours

Tips for aneffective

SkypeInterview

Photo from Wikipedia


Look the PartPrepare your Surroundings

Practice it FirstDon’t Forget to

SmileStay Present

Go Ahead and CheatAddress Tech Issues

ImmediatelyAfter the Interview


Watch this video on YouTube for more

Skype tips!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMex-9FyljU

How to Look Good on a Webcam




The Counter Offer

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While it may be tempting to accept a counter offer at your current job, it is important to give the matter careful consideration to avoid committing to

something you will regret


You should consider your response to a counter offer before one is even extended


Evaluate key factors when you aren’t under the pressure to make an immediate decision


Offers typically include: More money A promotion/more responsibility A modified reporting structure Promises for future considerations Disparaging remarks about the new company/job Guilt trips


They often come with flattery such as: You’re too valuable; we need you Don’t desert the team/your friends We were about to promote you What did they offer? Why are you leaving? What do you need? Why would you want to work for them? The President/CEO wants to meet with you before you make

your final decision


A counter offer can be a stall device to give an employer more time to replace you

The very best of companies rarely make counter offers

Before you make your decision…

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Will there be opportunities for future growth?

Will your devotion be doubted?

Will you be burning bridges?

Will you tarnish your professional reputation?

Thank You

Richard D. Fenton, MBAVice President, Executive Search

Tal & Associates

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Interviewing Skills Rich Fenton A