JOB HUNTING ADVICE

Looking Good on Paper - Resumes
Let's Talk About You - The Interview
The Interviewer's Hidden Agenda

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LET'S TALK ABOUT YOU -- THE INTERVIEW

Be prepared
Try to think of all the possible questions that might arise in an interview. Every good interviewing book will list many different kinds of questions that you should be prepared to answer. Remember this can include both positive and negative questions. It is recommended that you entertain possible question and answer scenarios in your mind and then role play the interview process with a friend or whoever will put up with you. Verbalizing out loud offers the best preparation for the actual interview.

Company knowledge
You should know a little about the company/organization that is interviewing you. Don't be afraid to drop some familiarity with the organization during the interview process. The internet is an excellent source of company information. You may even want to talk to existing or past personnel of the company to get the feel for environment, philosophies, etc. Reminder: Understanding of a particular industry and/or specific firm cannot be seen as anything other than an asset to you and your prospective employer.

Be inquisitive
Quality questions are a good barometer of brain activity to the interviewer. The more you know about the job, the better. Keep in mind that the hiring process is not simply a one sided affair. Obviously, the employer is looking for the best available candidate. Often companies will go to great lengths to diminish the chances of making a hiring error. The right fit, however, should be equally important to the candidate. Therefore, ask all the questions that you may deem relevant to your understanding of the company and the available position.

Dress up
When in doubt with regard to appropriate attire, dress professionally. While an office may be casual, interviews are not.

Be yourself
Be honest, and above all, don't accept a job unless it is what you really want.

Be punctual
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview. It is recommended to be ten minutes early.

Special note to Generation X'ers
We love your style, your approach to your career, your need to be true to yourselves, etc. Unfortunately, the business world hasn't caught up to you yet. While the Boomers think they're hip, they are also having a problem being replaced by an in-your-face generation that may be challenging their own demons of the aging process. Advice? You might compromise in your interview dress code by humoring the Boomers during your initial interview and dressing professionally.

Another note to Generation X'ers when being interviewed by Baby Boomers or pre-Baby Boomers

You've got a problem. Again, you're ahead of your time. What you're looking for in the first few years of your job, they had to wait 5, 10, or 15 years to achieve. In many instances, they resent your impatience.

Remember, if you get what you want, when you want it, you will be replacing them before they are ready to be replaced. Is this threatening? You bet. Will they be excited about hiring you? No way.

Advice? Learn how to ask for information about opportunities, promotion, training, etc., without having a threatening edge to your questions.

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