Plan, Prepare, and Practice

The Bureau of Labor Statistics report on Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for October, 2009 shows new job openings decreased by 80,000 in October to 2.5 million. During the same period, the number of unemployed workers increased by 558,000 to 15.7 million. Hence, there were 13.2 million more unemployed workers than job openings in October, or 6.3 job seekers per available job as compared to 1.7 job seekers per job in December, 2007. These statistics exclude candidates simply looking to change jobs. A recent Management Recruiter International (MRI) survey claims that 49.5% of employed respondents were looking to change jobs within the next six months, and 80% within a year. From a job candidate perspective, the average number of interviews per job offer increases from approximately 6, in times of plentiful opportunities and high candidate demand, to 17 during recessionary periods.

Nearly all candidates understand that well executed marketing campaigns and great resumes generate job interviews. However, not all candidates are as judicious in planning and preparing for the interview process. The most common interview mistakes include:

Not asking for the Job: Close each interview with a summation of what you bring to the job. Ask for the opportunity to deliver results.

Winging the Interview. In addition to a brief “Tell me about yourself” introduction, you should have 6 to 8 succinct two-minute success stories that can be used to address soft skill, (behavioral, situational, and analytical), questions. These well crafted stories, based on several of your previous successes, support your candidacy and set you apart as the best person for the job.

All things to all people. Devote your talking point time to areas of expertise that will result in benefits to the employer. Don’t stretch your qualifications too far. Be honest and selective in the positions you apply for.

Inadequate Employer Research. Be well informed about the company and up to date on breaking news. Ask thoughtful questions about their immediate needs, future plans, products and services.

Lack of Enthusiasm. Hiring Managers are looking for candidates that are enthused and excited about working there. Avoid becoming overly fixed on your talking points. Personality, warmth, understanding and tasteful humor demonstrate your team fit.

Termination. It’s normal for people to be hurt or angry having lost their last position to downsizing or elimination. Don’t carry emotional baggage to the interview. Briefly discuss the situation, your understanding of the business decision and positive lessons learned;  then, move on to what you can do for this employer.

What you want. Listen to what the interviewer is saying. Steer conversations toward what you have to offer and how you will be a good team fit.

Job offers are won and lost during the interview process. It’s not uncommon for the candidate with the best interview skills to displace the most qualified person for a job. Plan, Prepare, and Practice your interview talk points. The competition is tough; don’t give hiring managers reasons to disqualify you.