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Written by Heather Resnick
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Monday, 20 June 2005 |
Last issue – PART 3: Help is on the Way - Government/Placement Agency Resources
Our Women Reworked series is intended to help you negotiate returning to the workforce after a long absence. If you have followed each article’s advice, by now you’ve conducted a thorough self-assessment (Part 1), set career goals and created a plan of action (Part 2) and investigated some of our suggested ideas and resources to help you get started (Part 3).
You now need to get ready for the next step — the job interview. If you feel intimidated at the prospect of sitting across from a potential employer trying to favourably impress them into hiring you — you’re not alone. Most people feel the same way. But, as Nike so succinctly states, it’s time to…“JUST DO IT!”
The key to successful interviewing is preparation. The more you know walking into that all-important meeting, the more you’ll feel in control, calm and confident.
Prepare for the interview:
- Research thoroughly the company with which you have the interview.
- Check out their website.
- Read their financial reports, if it is a public company.
- Read articles about the company.
- Memorize your résumé. You want to be able to respond smoothly to any question the interviewer may ask you about your experience and qualifications.
- Carefully prepare questions for the interviewer:
- Ex.: “I noticed from my research that you are expanding into the Asian economy. How do you plan to meld the cultural differences to ensure future success?”
- Ex.: “How do you gauge a successful person in this position?”
- Prepare answers for potential questions they may ask you. Try to read between the lines. Your aim is to provide solutions for them.
- Ex.: “Tell me about a difficult situation in your last job that you diffused.” The interviewer wants to know if you are able to solve problems with peers in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
- Ex.: “Tell me about yourself.”
They are looking for a few clues about your personality traits and accomplishments that could benefit their company.
- Do mock interviews several times with colleagues, business people. If possible, videotape these practice sessions so you can evaluate/amend your body language and verbal responses.
- Have all the supplies you need for the interview ready:
- Pens
- Paper
- Clothing
- Know where you are going, how long it will take you to get there. It’s better to be 10 minutes early than one minute late.
- Know your legal rights regarding questions that you do not have to answer:
- Ex. They have no right to ask your age, marital status, sexual preference, race, etc. (laws.justice.gc.ca/en/charter) - egalite; www.employer-rights.com/d3.html - 1) Prepare a diplomatic response should one of these questions arise.
D-Day
It’s time for the interview. Your palms are dripping wet, your stomach feels like a construction site, your heartbeat is racing. But, did you know that as nervous as you may be, the interviewer may feel even more worried. It’s true! According to the famous job search book, "What Color is Your Parachute", by Richard N. Bolles, many employers are afraid of making bad hiring choices. They just know how to hide their fear better than you do!
To reduce anxiety:
- Breathe deep and often.
- Dress confidently.
- Give yourself time to get to the interview. Do not arrive earlier than 10 minutes at the actual site.
- Have a relaxing drink away from the site, if you arrive too early. (Brush your teeth or use a breath mint afterwards.)
- Think of the interview as a mutual information-gathering meeting. You are interviewing the interviewer to see if their company fits your values and the interviewer is determining whether you fit with their company.
Seize the Moment
Upon meeting the interviewer:
- Make eye contact long enough to notice the colour of their eyes while giving a firm handshake and SMILE.
- Observe something that could help you could break the ice.
Ex.: If they display many awards, say, “I see you have been awarded several times. What are they for?”
- Let the interviewer lead about the job position.
- Remember, you are going to provide them with solutions. Give concrete examples of how your skills can benefit their company. Why do you stand out from the crowd?
Ex.: “In my previous job, I initiated a cost-effective and time-saving program which increased revenue for the company.
- Listen carefully.
- Respond skillfully and calmly from your memorized answers, even to such uncomfortable questions as, “Tell me a weakness that you have?” Respond to a negative question with a positive answer.
Ex.: “Sometimes I am impulsive, but I am learning to take the time to think before I react.” Remember, it is better to pause for a moment to think of an appropriate answer than it is to blurt out something you will regret.
- Ask questions throughout the interview about the company and job, but only ask questions that you have not been able to find answers for in your research.
Ex.: “What do you value most in an employee for this position?”
- The interviewer should be the only one bringing up salary and benefits.
- Ask directly at the end, what the hiring process is and if they have any concerns about hiring you. You may be able to rectify their issues.
- Thank them with a handshake and smile, get their card and tell them you will follow-up within a certain time.
- Send a thank-you note that same day, either handwritten by post or email.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed an interview.
Next issue: PART 5: Queen Bee ? Self-Employment
Is self-employment for you? We’ll take a look at the traits and resources necessary to be your own boss.
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Heather Resnick
Email Heather
Heather is committed to writing words that provoke positive change. Her first novel, Ms. Humpty Dumpty, a “powerhouse of emotions” about a woman who keeps falling off the wall and tries to put back the pieces (www.mshumptydumpty.com). |
Share your success stories, hopes, and fears by visiting www.womenreworked.com and completing an on-line survey to help Heather with her upcoming book Women Reworked for women considering entering the workplace after an extended absence or for the first time.
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