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What
am I doing Wrong?
by Dr. Lynne
Curry
Question:
When my employer downsized in March, I wound up on the street
looking for work. I’ve since interviewed for nearly forty jobs
and not received one offer. I’ve worked nonstop since graduating
college and am good at what I do so I’ve been "hired
away" from past employers every one to two years. As a
result, I’ve never spent time developing a resume or practicing
interviewing. Twice I’ve been told I was the runner up by
interviewers but the "honor" of placing second doesn’t
pay the rent. I don’t know what the problem is. It can’t be my
age as I’m only 42 or my resume as I’m getting interviews.
While I’m tempted to take the summer off, I also need the money.
Can you help?
Answer:
When you have more questions than answers, get information. Start
by calling the two interviewers who told you that you placed
second. Thank them for their courtesy and ask them if they’d let
you know what you could have done better in the interview. Explain
you’d greatly appreciate any and all comments but most want
constructive criticism. If they give you useful information, send
them a follow-up thank you card and ask that they keep you in mind
should another job open up in their company.
Next, critically
assess your interviewing skills. Do you arrive ahead of time for
interviews or "just on time"? How do you answer
questions – directly and concisely or do you ramble? Do you
prepare well enough to be able to give solid responses to most
questions or do you stumble because you’ve not thought out how
to answer standard questions such as "tell me about
yourself"? Do you give positive comments about past employers
or instead voice dissatisfaction with past supervisors and
jobs?"
If you want to
become an employer’s first choice, prepare for your next
interview by finding out as much as you can about the company and
job and being ready to answer the question "why do you want
to work at our company?" Think through how to answer standard
questions such as "How does your work experience help qualify
you for our position?", "How long would you plan to stay
with this job if hired?" and "Why should we hire you
rather than any other candidate?"
While it helps to
answer potential interview questions in your head or on paper, if
you read possible questions into a tape recorder or have a friend
ask them, you gain the preparation benefit of a "live"
practice. When you face similar questions during the real
interview, you’ll give well thought out answers. If a friend
interviews you, ask your friend to tell you honestly how you come
across. If you self-interview, tape your answers and when you
listen to the tape ask yourself, "If I did not know me, what
would I think about this person? Would I think him arrogant or
honest? Would I consider his answers vague or solid and
direct?"
Next, plan how
you’ll handle questions about your current liabilities. Because
your resume now shows a three month gap and a history of moving
jobs every one to two years, most employers will want to know good
answers to "How come you’ve been without a job for three
months?" and "What leads you to move from job to job so
often?" Fail to answer those questions well and you may blow
the interview -- regardless of your talent.
Finally, don't
give up -- while second place doesn't pay the rent it says you're
almost home. Practice until you hit a home run.
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