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Communication Tips for Job Seekers
During the interview:
- Answer all questions honestly, but in the most positive light possible.
- Do not bad mouth old employers.
- Feel free to ask for clarification before answering a question. Take time to formulate answers.
- Reinforce ability to communicate effectively by speaking clearly and avoiding "um", "you know", "like", and other slang terms.
- Remember to listen actively. A good interview is a two way conversation that flows both ways.
- Interviewers most often gauge your interest level by the questions you ask or don't ask.
- This is an opportunity to ask any questions regarding job responsibilities and the organization.
Examples:
- "Is there anything on my resume that you would like me to elaborate on?"
- "What do you see as the biggest challenge in this position?"
- "In your opinion, what are the key personality traits necessary to be successful in this position?"
- "What are the long term goals for the company?"
- "Is there growth potential in this position?"
Use acquired knowledge of the company if there is a lull in the conversation.
Examples:
- "I have heard that the company is expanding its services to include 'xyz'. When will the company be offering this new service?"
- "Your organization has recently added a xyz to its product line. How has that impacted your overall business?"
In general, interviewers are happy to discuss the company's achievements and highlight the most impressive attributes of the organization. Be prepared to answer frequently asked questions such as a candidate's:
- Personal potential improvement that could be developed further to enhance productivity.
- Reasoning and desire for position; lack of enthusiasm and interest in both the company and the position is most often the reason why a potential candidate does not get hired.
- Marketable skills personally possessed
- Personal interests; employers often use non-work related questions to get a better idea of a candidate's personality.
After the Interview:
- Take notes regarding the interview so specific details of the job qualifications and any questions can be addressed.
- Call recruiter and discuss the interview
- Leave a favorable lasting impression with the company by sending a thank you note
A note of appreciation should include:
- The correct spelling of the interviewer's name and title
- Appreciation of the interviewer's time
- Allude to the interest in the position and personal ability to achieve success
- Finalize by expressing interest in speaking with the employer in the near future
Be prepared for an offer! Contact references in advance to verify an affirmative conversation.
