INTERVIEW TO GET THE JOB!

If you’re just job shopping, then skip this ……it’s designed for the individual who really wants to get a job offer.

The first phase of the hiring process is CRITICAL. The result of the first introduction to the company’s representative, whether it be by phone or in person, will determine the company’s interest in moving forward. And …you want them interested! Go for that offer………. what you then do with it is up to you.

This is a game where strategy is involved. And it’s never been easier to play because of today’s technology and social networking. But you can still blow it if you don’t follow a plan.

Every job opening is different in some way. You need to find out what is critical in filling that job, and what can they do without. Then apply your skills and background accordingly. After it’s decided that you have the qualifications, the hiring authority still needs to determine if it’s a cultural fit. The best qualified engineer at Microsoft may be a duck out of water applying at Boeing. We’ve seen the best skilled candidates on this earth get passed by because someone in the company didn’t feel it was a “fit”. Bummer.

Follow up is also important, however, don’t be a pest. A nicely composed thank you email or letter should include a cordial “thank you” for their time, a paragraph outlining why YOU feel your background would be a good match for the job, a comment regarding something discussed on the interview and finally a call to action, ie:”I look forward to hearing from you next week OR I look forward to meeting the panel next Tuesday”. We recommend having someone you trust who knows how to write to proof your letter before sending. We can’t count how many times a candidate lost consideration due to spelling errors or poorly composed letters.

Unless you were instructed to call the hiring authority, I would not do so right away. And for heaven’s sake, if you do call, be sure it’s during business hours.

We offer private consulting to help coach you through the interview and hiring process. Remember, however, if a company needs to hire a dentist, they are not going to hire an ophthalmologist…….no matter how good he is!

Call for scheduling and pricing at 805-527-9700 or email us at consult@focus-agency.com