Comments on: Heading Out on Your Own — Day 6: How to Ace a Job Interview

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:20:24 +0000

It’s a great list of pointers to keep in mind during an interview. I guess above all, it’s important to prepare and wear your confidence with a smile to be able to make a good impression to the one who will conduct the interview.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:48:01 +0000

One thing that’s worked well for me is taking in a 90 day new job action plan. It’s worked for two jobs I’ve applied for in the last 6 years and I recommend taking something like this in as it shows you’re prepared to take on the learning curve with specific SMART steps/goals. Something I’m sure other candidates probably didn’t think of!

By: David

David — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 03:33:10 +0000

I am a person who needs to write down items if there are more than two or three. Is it recommended to bring a small notepad and pen with me for an interview for the ‘do you have any questions?’ section?

Thanks.

Dave

By: Peter Harris

Peter Harris — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 07:37:08 +0000

Great article, my next interview in 2 hrs! Only the 5th in my career, so good to get experience. A couple of things I have read on this score are:

90:90 – 90% of the decision made on you is made by the first 90 seconds you are in the interview room. So appearance, welcome, and delivery are disproportionately weighted towards the first part of the interview.

ROLE: when in an interview, appear Relaxed, Open (no folded arms, crossed legs), Lean forwards to show interest, and make Eye contact/Engage with the interviewers.

All good tips, and good luck to all those undergoing interview soon!

By: A6

A6 — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:35:08 +0000

Solid post Brett but you forgot the MILLION dollar question:
Why should we hire you at xxxx?

By: L.T.

L.T. — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 14:46:39 +0000

Ah, the art of interviewing for jobs. For the last three weeks, I have been part of an interview panel of five and we have gone through about 140 applicants. Out of those 140, about five people were prepared to sit in front of us.
You younger men would be well advised to pay particular attention to this article. Several key points are covered. And for goodness sake’s, take the daggum tags off of your sport coats/suit coats PRIOR to the interview. Don’t wear your muddy work boots, don’t tell me of your affairs behind your spouse’s back, and how you intentionally “threw” the big wrestling match in high school because you weren’t that interested in it.
Sitting on that panel has been a real “eye opener” to how ill prepared most people are. It’s your interview……make the most of it.

By: Scott

Scott — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:20:26 +0000

Just a quick notice for everyone, it is now illegal in IL for an employer to request your social networking login.

So keep everything private, and they cant touch you anyway!

By: David Alexandre

David Alexandre — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:23:01 +0000

Much appreciated, Brett!

By: Brett McKay

Brett McKay — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 02:32:53 +0000

@David-

I’d say don’t do it. One, because it comes off as a little presumptions — they’re going to be thinking it’s not something you need to worry about yet. And two, because there isn’t a good response. If it’s too little, you’re very unlikely to say, “Well, in that case, I don’t want the job,” and get up and leave, nor can you at that point negotiate since you don’t have the job yet. If the pay is good, there’s still really no good, non-awkward response. “Oh, okay.” Where does the conversation pivot from there? Wait until you know they want you. If the pay is too low when they make an offer you can either walk away then, or try to negotiate it up. And you’re in a position to do that, because you know they want you.

By: David Alexandre

David Alexandre — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:49:30 +0000

@Brett: Hey, Brett… excellent post, but I do have one question on something you didn’t cover… how about enquiring about the pay rates? Is it always inappropriate?

Thanks!