Avoid a Three-ring Circus with These New Interviewing Strategies

I referenced the circus because I just finished another interviewing book that recommends asking for the job before leaving the interview. I can envision up to 15 qualified professionals each asking the interviewer for the job. If each asks for the job, doesn't that make the question null and void ? cross out each other's great gesture? If everyone jumps through the same hoop, performing like a good little circus monkey, what's going to set you apart from other candidates?

Giving this great thought, I decided to look at the things that would impress me. I've been in the career industry for many years, and if I hired individuals on a daily basis, I wouldn't be impressed by someone asking for the job. By showing up for the interview, I know this person wants/needs the job. The real question is who is the best fit for the position - the person that will add the most to my bottom line.

A number of new strategies that I recommend include discussing the position at the time of scheduling the interview, creating a position-specific presentation for the interviewer, and shocking the interviewer with specifics on how you will transform their business.

I've seen many instances where stepping up to a challenge have been very rewarding. Benefits can cannonball into your favor because going the extra mile has its own rewards. Years ago, for example, I heard a story about an executive who was applying to a well-known jean company. Rather than taking the traditional route, she opted to write her résumé on the back of a pair of jeans. Wouldn't you know it, she got the job! Another example I'll share is of a gentleman who wished to serve on a school board. Rather than submitting his request, campaigning, and holding his breath, he went around and spoke to school administrators and teachers about the condition of the school district. He valued their input, focusing on many of the important issues plaguing the school's progress; and when it came time for the election, he won without trouble.

Each of these people did the same thing: they went against the grain of their competitors. If there are 6 clowns stuffed in a 2-seat car, yet in the rear there is one clown riding a float with fireworks coming off the back. Are you looking at the small car stuffed with clowns, or are you looking at the great show behind the car?

Setting yourself apart has become critical because - let's be honest - the interview process is flawed. The best candidate doesn't always get the position. It's generally the person who says all the right things, at all the right times. The person who has best performed their stage act is not necessarily the one that has the best skills. With this said, I suggest doing something unique, yet professional, showing employers that you care about their successes.

Probing for Information Prior to the Interview

Some individuals love to dish out dirt, so you need only ask the right questions beforehand. Holding the answers to certain questions will make the interview saturated with elements relevant to the company's current situation and needs. Examples of questions that you can ask a secretary or clerk (also referred to as the gatekeeper) at the time of scheduling an interview:

  • Specifically, what are the challenges in this position?

  • Can you tell me why the person in the job is leaving/has left?

  • What problems are keeping the department from running smoother?

  • Are there concerns the department manager has about filling this position?

  • Is the department behind or lacking support to complete certain functions?

  • Can you give me any additional direction that would help me identify what elements of my background will help your department manager meet his or her objectives?

On occasion, you only need to ask one question, sit back, and listen. Remember to hear more than you speak, taking notes throughout the entire conversation. You should cultivate enough information so you can create a nice presentation for the interviewer on your special day.

Create a Presentation that Solves Problems

I'd hire the first person that walked through my door and convinced me that they could make all my problems go away. I know that sounds farfetched because realistically no one can fix everything, but I would hire the first person that came close to being a savior to my exhausting daily workload. Managers want to hire individuals that will satisfy the job description, continue to solve problems independently, and excel regardless of the pressure, all while making the direct manager look good, of course.

As an example, imagine that the gatekeeper said the department experiences huge backlogs of acquisitions. Reference your own experiences to determine the types of obstacles the company may be facing. Log each of your solutions and make notation of a couple of solutions along with implementation procedures. Also, jot down the number of acquisitions you can complete daily and how quickly you can catch up on any backlog the company may be experiencing.

Give the interviewer an offer that can't be refused, rather than performing the same mundane act as the other performers. Sales positions revolve exclusively around clients (revenue); so if you KNOW that you can secure a certain prominent client then offer it as an asset. You can say something like, "I noticed that S3 Corporation isn't an existing client of yours. I know they spend up to a million dollars per year buying products inferior to yours. I have a contact in the business development department that would love to meet with us to discuss ways we can save them money and offer a better product matched by your award-winning service ? once I'm offered the job, of course."

Some newspaper publications offer an archive for tracking a company's history relayed in print. Learn about new contracts awarded to the company, a new division or location, or possibly, a new CEO. Mentioning current events within an interview shows that you are taking an interest in the business. On the other side, you can use these items as ammunition in your presentation.

You'll WOW them only if you do your homework. If you plan to attend the interview with all the magical answers that everyone else practiced, then you should go out and play the lottery. Your chances are stacked against you, especially with today's job market. The competition is fierce, so I recommend modifying drab strategies to incorporate "death-defying" initiatives to get you to the other side of the tightrope rather than falling onto the net.

About The Author

Written by Teena Rose, a certified and published resume writer with Resume to Referral (http://www.resumebycrpw.com) and author to "Resume Designs & Job-search Strategies for College Grads" (published by CareerEpublications) --forecasted to release September 2003.

admin@resumetoreferral.com


More Resources

Write Resume Keywords That Gets Your Application Read
As children we often used to read stories where magical words can open caves filled with treasures or magicians using words like abracadabra..
How to Make Your Career Change Easier
Despite what your grandmother told you, life is not supposed to be a struggle. The same is true for making a career change.
Now, Do You Have Any Questions?
"Who is that hot babe in the picture?" isn't the type of reply an interviewer expects to hear when he or she invites you to ask questions near the end of an interview. In fact, the way you approach the Q&A session will have a direct impact on the interviewer's perception of you.
Negotiating Skills: How to Obtain the Salary You Want
Salary negotiating is an important topic that must be addressed prior to your initial interview with a prospective employer. Knowing your bottom rate, and being able to live with it [or on it?] is an important thing for candidates to uncover before the first interview.
Are You In A Groove Or A Rut?
Ruts: the routines in our work and lives that have become uninteresting and bothersome.Everyone has a favorite rut or two.
Women Who Quit Work Abrubtly After Childbirth - Are You the Type?
According to statistics one out of every five pregnant women will not return to work. Quitting abruptly after childbirth could wreak havoc on your finances, your career and even your relationship with your partner.
Changing Careers? How to Get Around the Three Major Mental Roadblocks to Success
A part of you can't wait to dive into your new career -- but you're also smart enough to know that you can expect a few bumps along the road to success. By far, the biggest roadblocks exist between your own two ears! Let's take a look at three common mental roadblocks and learn how to overcome them.
Resume Posting: Tips for Jobseekers
Recruiting firms, like most businesses today, must embrace technology in order to prosper. Part of modern recruiting is understanding the value and benefit of internet job boards.
Job Search -- One of the Secrets of a Trade Show
A trade show is a great place to network, look for a job, find a new employee or develop a partnership.Are you in the market for a change? Maybe.
Wishing and Hoping
Years after Disneyland was built, after the completion of Walt Disney World, the story goes that someone went up to Mike Vance, Creative Director for Walt Disney Studios and said, "Isn't it too bad Walt Disney didn't live to see this?" Without pausing, he replied, "But he did see it, that's why it's here."If any outside figure influenced my life early on, it was Walt Disney.
Manage Your Boss - And Get Ahead!
It's clear there are a number of common issues faced by business people across totally unrelated industries and environments. This series was created to provide some perspective and guidance to executives as they negotiate their way up the corporate ladder.
5 Steps to Standing Out Above the Crowd at Work
Do you feel like one in a million at work - and not in a good way? When you run into your boss in the hallway, do you get the impression she isn't sure who you are? Are the juicy projects always going to someone else?If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you need to raise your work profile. Here are some tips to get you started.
Telecommuting Website (Part Two)
Last article I discussed why a telecommuter would benefit from starting a website, and what you should include on the website. This article, I'm going to cover how to market the website and the basics of getting one set up.
Is Your Resume Doing ITS Job?
Is it opening doors to new opportunities? Does it compel the reader to think, "Hey! This applicant can ?put that one on top of the 'call in for an interview' pile!" Does it showcase what you have accomplished for past employers as well as what you can accomplish for the potential employer?Your resume is your personal marketing tool that must immediately convey to the reader that you CAN and WILL be a positive driving force to further their organization's mission. They have a need to QUICKLY get thru all the resumes received in response to their job posting so you've got to QUICKLY grab their attention.
Brainteasers: Or, How Many Crazy Interview Questions Does It Take to Get Hired?
You've looked at all the job interview tips and techniques. Did your homework and studied all the potential employer interview questions you may be asked.
How To REALLY Look For A Job
Are you looking for a job -- really looking? Or are you simply waiting for employment to fall into your lap?If you're like about 75% of the job seekers I've met over the past nine years, you're probably doing too much waiting and not enough searching.Stop.
Free Resume Examples: Untold Wealth In 10 Minutes!
Doesn't every job search start with Google?Way back in another lifetime, I was looking for a job after one of my startups failed. Conveniently, everything went to pot in early 2000.
Does Retirement Fit Into Your Busy Schedule?
Why do you work?Stop and think about it. Other than the income you derive from the various tasks and responsibilities you perform on the job, are there any other reasons you get up every morning before the birds do, drive your car in rush-hour traffic, get into the office and go to several meetings throughout the day that have yet to change life as we know it, and sit at your desk going through all the things you need to go through that are a part of what's been called, work?You've been doing this for a long time.
Students Discover Your Niche By Using Career Assessment
In our ever changing world where job competition is rampant it can be difficult to understand one's strengths and what one wants to do in life.If you feel uncertain about your career path you're not alone.
Sweeping Up Worms
With the opening of a new venture and numerous reporters arriving in an hour, it felt like one of those "chickens with heads off" days. We were close, but not ready.

More Careers & Employment Information:

Related Articles

Are You Ready To Start A Business? Take This Quiz and See
Don't get discouraged! A "no" answer to any of the questions will identify an area for development -- not a roadblock. I am available to help if you would like to discuss your options in greater detail.
When All Is Not Well With Work
When all is not well with work, what do you do? Do you quickly get frustrated and feel discontent? Do you look at each situation as a tiresome challenge or as an opportunity to learn something new? Have you ever considered looking at work problems from a spiritual point of view?When you look at work from a spiritual perspective, you will see that there are lessons for you to learn. Let's look at a couple of situations that you or someone you know may have encountered.
How to Pick the Best Career For You , Part 2: From Exposure-to-Opportunity
Gain an audience by recognizing opportunityThere's a sexier method to salsa into a great career with less tripping and more flair. Look for problems to solve and create a personalized solution.
It May Be Time to Walk in an Employers Shoes
If you are in a job search and aren't receiving viable hits, it's time to walk a mile in an employer's shoes. Okay, I realize what you may be thinking.
Getting Past Fear
Have you gotten tons of career advice, solicited and unsolicited? You nod when you hear it and think, "Yeah, I know this stuff." So, what else is new?But what have you done with the advice? Fess up.
Searching for Jobs Online
Searching for jobs online is easier than ever, but also more confusing than ever. Any Internet user doing a job search online will find that they can choose from hundreds of national employment listing web sites and the numbers can often be staggering.
Mastering the Job Interview - 5 Tips to Make Yourself Irresistible to the Interviewer
So you've figured out, more or less what you want to do and where the opportunities are. Now; you have been called for an interview.
Now, Do You Have Any Questions?
"Who is that hot babe in the picture?" isn't the type of reply an interviewer expects to hear when he or she invites you to ask questions near the end of an interview. In fact, the way you approach the Q&A session will have a direct impact on the interviewer's perception of you.
How to Manage Your Career Like a Business
Look upon yourself as a company with a product or service to sell. Understand your market and devise a dynamic marketing campaign, remembering that companies hire employees who offer them the best results and the best value for money.
Tips for Requesting a Raise
You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your boss think so?Here's how to go about convincing your boss that you're really worth more than you're being paid.
Three Ways to Transition to a New Career
As a Certified Personnel Consultant working for Find Great People International in Greenville, South Carolina, I receive telephone calls from people who are considering a career change. For some, transitioning to a new career is easier than others.
Job Hunting: Its Still The First Impression Stupid!
In the 1992 USA Presidential election, political strategist James Carville hung a sign in Bill Clinton's Little Rock campaign office that read, "It's still the economy, stupid." His intent? Simply to keep everybody focused on the most important issue of the day.
Im just me - An Overview of an Web er.. Designer, Developer, Consultant and Friend
I am going to give you a breakdown of my ..
Job Search - Understand Employers
Think like an employerTo be successful in your job search campaign you must think like an employer or a recruiter. If you are going to do this right, you need to appreciate the ways that employers sift through the flood of resumes.
50 Things To Do To Your Boss That Are Fun For You, But Not For Them
1. You're eavesdropping and you hear your boss has reservations at his favorite restaurant.
Common Resume Myths & Misconceptions
For the person crafting their first résumé the task can seem a little bit daunting, even a bit frightening. Human Resources [HR] specialists, résumé writing professionals, school advisors, and even friends and family members all have their say.
Adapting To Change In A Changing World
Have you learnt a new skill or improved upon your existing skill in the last six months to one year?According to the world acclaimed management guru and Writer Professor Peter Drucker - "The only skill that will be important in the 21st century is the skill of learning news skills. Everything else will become obsolete over time.
Business Experience is YOUR Security Cover
Some may want to interpret "independent" to mean WITHOUT others. None of us are truly independent or able to make it in life alone.
Need a Job? Put a Gun to Your Head
A legendary marketing genius once said that, if he had to write a killer sales letter, he would imagine he had a gun pointed at his head and that he would be shot if his advertising didn't deliver.This motivated him to create some of the world's most-profitable ads.
Dissatisfied with Your Job? Take Your Power Back!
Apparently, there are all sorts of reasons to be dissatisfied with your job..