Always Be Closing……

One of the most important steps in the interview process is the closing.  Just like a good sales person asks for the sale, you need to ask for the job offer.  Here is how you do it.  When the hiring manager is wrapping up the interview you say:  One final thing…..  I want an offer!  And here is why:

(What excites you about this opportunity?)

Ex. Company, Leadership, Project, Team, Culture, Cutting Edge Technology, Saving the World, etc.

And this is why I want an offer!  (This will show your high level of interest and set you apart from the other candidates)

https://twitter.com/butch_reiser

The three parts of the hiring decision…

1)      Do you have the minimum requirements for the position and what additional value do you bring to the role?

2)      Can they afford you?  Are you going to be happy with the total compensation package?

3)      Do they like you?  People hire people they like.  Most often, the most qualified doesn’t get the offer.

https://twitter.com/butch_reiser

What is the best way to prepare for a Behavioral Based Interview?

Behavioral based interviews are based on the theory that past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior.

·         Identify the core competencies for the position.  You can pick these up in the job description and company’s values/ mission statement.

·         Think about your strongest accomplishments in each of these competencies.

·         Prepare stories to explain your accomplishments.  Be concise and complete with your answers. 

·         Keep your stories to 2-3 minutes.

·         Use the acronym STAR (Situation/ Task, Action, and Result)

·         Be positive and show enthusiasm.  Make your nonverbal communication support your stories.

What is your single most significant accomplishment in your career up to this point?

This is a Behavioral Based Interview Question.   You need to answer the question using the STAR acronym method.

Situation/ Task

Action

Result

1)      Start with “The accomplishment that I am most proud of is……”

2)      The Situation or Task was…….”

3)      The Action I took was…. “Here is how I approached it….”Note:  They are hiring you, not we.

4)      The Results were…. Ex. saved $, made $, quality, productivity, etc.

Your answer should be around 3 minutes long depending on how many follow up questions you get from the interviewer.

https://twitter.com/butch_reiser

 

Questions not to ask on an interview….

Until you receive a job offer, the focus should be on what “value” you can bring to the employer.  It’s not about you and your wants!  Anything that would be of value to you, don’t ask.  Such as the following:

·         Salary/ Bonus/ Commission

·         Travel

·         Vacation/ Paid Time Off

·         Work from Home

·         Medical Benefits

·         Work Hours

·         Next appraisal

·         Tuition Reimbursement

·         Promotion Opportunities

·         Other perks…

Gwinnett Library Presents an Interview Coaching Workshop with Butch Reiser - July 13 & 16 at 6:30PM

Gwinnett Library Presents an Interview Coaching Workshop with Butch Reiser

 

http://patch.com/georgia/gwinnett/gwinnett-library-presents-interview-coaching-workshop-butch-reiser-july-13-16-630-0#

Five Parts of the Face to Face Interview

1.       Arriving at the interview- Give yourself enough time, you can wait in the parking lot. But don’t walk in until, 8-10 minutes before your schedule interview.  Greet everyone with a smile, be respectful, leave your cell phone in the car, sit up straight, and look confident!

2.       Small talk- When you meet the interviewer, look them in the eye and give a firm handshake. When they ask… “How are you…?”  You say you are FANTASTIC!  I am very excited to meet you; this is the highlight of my week!

3.       Interviewer asks questions- You will get the “Tell me about yourself question…?” Behavioral based questions… “Tell me about a time when….?” And maybe situational based questions… What would you do if…?”

4.       You ask the questions- Have 4-5 questions ready.  Ideally, ask question that shows you were listening and shows your strengths.  Ex.  It sounds like you are looking for a strong Sales Manager who can also automate your data base, is that correct? I would really like to work for you, what do you think? *Always ask for their business cards!

5.       Follow Up- After the interview, send an e-mail thank you to everyone you interviewed with that day.  You also want to send hand written thank you cards ASAP.