The Most Important Interview Advice You’ll Ever Hear

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So true Alison, and you've just inspired me to change the questions I ask at my next interview. I am a real people person, and like it best when I work in an environment with people who have similar interests as I do and when I'm managed by someone who will come to me with problems, and who will listen to me when I have problems (work-related, of course!).
I need to concentrate more on finding somewhere that's a good fit for me, rather than snatching up the next place that will have me. Thanks for the reminder :-)
P.S. Followed you over from your blog.

JessB 1:44AM October 22, 2011

Couldn't agree more. It can be hard at first to convince my clients of this during our interview coaching sessions, but that confidence (balanced, not arrogant) is attractive to most employers, and so empowering to job seekers. It's a dual benefit approach, it serves the applicant and the employer with mutual regard and respect.
And I tell my clients to also think of it this way - taking the wrong job just means you may be back out here looking again sooner than you want - and no one wants that! And this time, with a short job to explain on your resume. Do your best to get it right the first time :) Thanks for yet another great article!

Shannon Terry of FL 11:47AM October 20, 2011

This is a refreshing take. I never understand when I see articles that offer a bunch of insane strategies for "how to land your dream job." It seems like "be qualified" and "have good interpersonal skills" should be 90% of the battle. Why would you ever want to game your way into a position that you don't actually have the skills and experience to do?
There is definitely something to be said for taking any job that you can get in this economy, and I wouldn't encourage someone to choose unemployment over a job they aren't a great fit for. But this advice is good for someone who is looking for a job they will be happy in long term.

Hannah of MA 4:18PM October 19, 2011

This is a great point. Rather than going into an interview thinking of how to ace it, it's a good idea to approach it as a dual ended conversation. If the job's not a right fit, chances are that the employee won't last long anyway.

Emily Carter of NJ 3:23PM October 17, 2011