How to Rock Your Next Job Interview

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Great article, thank you. I appreciate your encouraging and positive tone.

Lisa Michaels of NY 1:39PM January 19, 2011

Excellent article! Thank you. I think sometimes people underestimate how important your first point, ‘Be Yourself’ is. In order for someone to fit and function effectively with a new team, his or her personality is very important. Who we are and how we present ourselves during a job interview can be very different to who we are on an early Monday morning three months into a new job.

Martin Bishop 11:56AM January 19, 2011

Great article, Tim! Valuable tips -- short, simple and to the point. So many job candidates focus only on talking about their knowledge, skills, and experience during an interview. I think most hiring managers want to find someone they'll enjoy having on their team... they value a great personality and positive attitude as much as (or even more than) good qualifications. New employees can learn skills; they can't learn personality. ;-)

Bonnie of CA 4:42PM January 14, 2011

Thanks for those comments everyone. A few thoughts:
@Rhonda: Yes, you should be ready with specific accomplishments for the phone interview as well. While you can share general benefits of your experience, I always want to hear specifically how your effort added value to your company or department. And give me #'s where possible ($ savings, % sales increase, etc). In terms of "owning the interview, you can certainly try to lead, but often you'll need to adapt to a very flexible interviewer or a very traditional one. Look for signs of either and try to get a productive conversation going.
@earlymusicus: I know it can be frustrating to apply so often and not get the opportunity to compete for the job. Make sure you are out networking in your community and not just "applying" online or via the post office. Knowing someone or being known by someone in the hiring company is increasingly important in today's job market.
@Sandy: Great point about the value of smiling. It works. The other is walking around to keep your blood flowing. :-)

Tim Tyrell-Smith of CA 4:14PM January 10, 2011

Great info. Love it!

4info2cash.com of MI 9:14PM January 09, 2011

Should you utilize the same strategy when interviewing in-person on a phone interview? In other words, should examples be given of your accomplishments during a phone interview?
I believe I am one who takes over the interview (while being myself). When I follow the guidance/structure of the interviewer, it appears so rehearsed. Can you offer any suggestions?
Rhonda

Rhonda of PA 3:22PM January 09, 2011

What next interview??? I'm a 99er and am in my 50s - and I have been applying for jobs for which I'm extremely well-qualified, and have heard nothing! I have good skills, and an excellent work record. I know it's because of my age. If I were in my 30s or 40s, I'd have gotten all kinds of calls. This job situation in this country is disgusting. It's way past time for the government to step in with a jobs program similar to the WPA program of the Great Depression.

earlymusicus of MI 9:18PM January 07, 2011

Great tips Tim and a good refresher for the new year! I want to also recommend that even if it's only a phone interview it's best to "smile when you dial" because the warmth of your smile comes through just like your excitement does.

Sandy Jones-Kaminski of CA 8:30PM January 05, 2011