Important Job Interview Tips from Years of Experience | Yikes! Presentation Part 4
Here is the fourth part of the presentation of my book “Yikes! I’ve Got to Get a Job” with careerusa.org and careerdfw.org. I share some real important tips on how to land a great interview- from my 20 years of helping experience. This chapter covers step 4, which is about Phone Screens and Interviews:
Important Interview Skill #1: Don’t Over-talk!
One of the things on the phone screens and interviews— Answer the question they ask, and don’t volunteer more information! Be happy with some silence; let them digest your answer and write something down. Often, they’ll compare notes, either in a one-on-one or panel interview- they’re gonna wanna get together afterward. I got into always wanting to beat my chest and tell my story. Don’t over-volunteer. I talk about one of the worst interview experiences I ever had in the book—completely unprepared, talked too much, and it was a disaster.
Prepare for the Interview through practice and research:
Be very focused and practice answering questions. The pit crew is an awesome thing. A buddy of mine in Ohio had me spend three hours when I came back to Timkin. He’s the king of tough love, a former wrestling coach. He said, “Matt, you can’t say it that way.” It was just a great experience.
But I’ll also say- Have some questions for the interviewer! You need to be vetting the company, the culture, and what you’re stepping into. Simple questions like describing the culture, if there’s anything they’d change if they could, why the position is open—termination or promotion, etc?
I got great at getting jobs mechanically, but I didn’t do a good job at figuring out what I was getting myself into- and so in one instance I would drive through a red flag. A buddy of mine said a certain machine I was going to sell wasn’t ready for prime time, and he was right. That was a year I’ll never get back. And I would definitely always conclude with the opportunity to ask for the job; it’s inevitable. Practice, practice, practice—I can’t stress that enough.
Dress the Culture:
If you know the culture of the company, if you’ve done some research and you understand the look and feel of the company- great. Dress according to the company culture. If no ties are required- fine. If you don’t know and you’re kind of going in cold- men, err with in the suit and a tie. For women, definitely do the suit jacket slacks or skirts. Make the investment in a professional look- you should be the best person walking into that company! And for the day of the interview- be the best looking and best dressed person in the interview!
Have your tools to show you care:
Have copies of the resume ready, notepad, and pen in a folio. Write down answers when they answer questions- it does give them a little bit of silence and it shows them that you’re earnestly listening and taking this seriously. Again, don’t over-answer.
And here’s something I picked up that I like- At the end, ask if there’s anything that requires clarification: “Is there a gap that would prohibit you from making an offer to me? I’d like to address it now while I’m here- is there anything you heard that would prohibit me from being considered for the position that I can clarify while we’re together?” And I always say: Ask for the opportunity to join the team; express your interest in the job. Asking for the order, as a salesperson would say!
In next post, we will discuss about negotiating the offer!
About “Yikes! I’ve Got to Get a Job”…
Matt helped more than 200 people over more than 20 years. This has become his avocation. He wrote “Yikes!” because he learned about several areas that trip people up in job search. These lead to negative outcomes due to steep learning curves.
Matt researched and found there is limitless free and fragmented information, but no “linear process” as to how to manage and execute a job search. That motivated him to write “Yikes! I’ve Got to Get a Job”. Gainfully employed today, Matt continues to help people better prepare and manage their job search.
Matt Ostrofsky | Linear Career Solutions
Author: “Yikes! I’ve Got to Get a Job”
At its core, “Yikes!” is a linear, 6 step process roadmap to unlock your career potential. Each person’s career path is unique, and that’s why this book isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it’s a versatile guide that adapts to your circumstances and empowers you to make the most of your career journey.
Through its six steps, this book covers everything from assessing your skills and crafting the perfect resume to mastering LinkedIn, acing interviews, and skillfully negotiating offers. Think of it as your holistic guide to career development, one that recognizes the challenges you may face and provides you with the knowledge and skills to overcome them. We invite you to check out and get yourself a copy of “Yikes! I’ve Got to Get a Job” today!
About “Yikes! I’ve Got to Get a Job”…
Inspired by the insights and the journey of helping more than 200 people finding their job for over 20 years, I wrote this book in my earnest attempt to guide you through the sometimes rocky terrain of career development and job searching. Whether you’re a recent graduate just stepping into the professional world or a seasonal professional seeking new opportunities, my goal is to be your trusted companion on this journey.
At its core, “Yikes!” is a linear, 6 step process roadmap to unlock your career potential. Each person’s career path is unique, and that’s why this book isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it’s a versatile guide that adapts to your circumstances and empowers you to make the most of your career journey.
Through its six steps, this book covers everything from assessing your skills and crafting the perfect resume to mastering LinkedIn, acing interviews, and skillfully negotiating offers. Think of it as your holistic guide to career development, one that recognizes the challenges you may face and provides you with the knowledge and skills to overcome them. We invite you to check out and get yourself a copy of “Yikes! I’ve Got to Get a Job” today!
Matt Ostrofsky | Linear Career Solutions
Author: “Yikes! I’ve Got to Get a Job”