1. . The Art of Interviewing NJ Unemployed Hamilton Public library Tuesday, January 10, 2012

2. . www.landingexpert.com AGENDA An interactive presentation – not a monologue Approximately one hour with Q & A at end Topics covered Why learn the art of interviewing? Who might interview you? The screening and selection interview Preparing for the interview What is important for the interviewer? Dealing with references What questions to ask? Salary negotiations

3. . www.landingexpert.com Why learn the art of interviewing? Changes at workplace are increasingly frequent The average tenure today is 3 years Most people get promoted by zigzagging between jobs Interviewing is a competitive act Must beat the competition to win You need to convince the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate

4. . www.landingexpert.com Who might interview you? Someone who makes significantly more or less than your old salary Someone who is significantly older of younger than you Someone with a very different background than yours Panel interview, group interview, Skype/video interview or interview with the PC

5. . www.landingexpert.com The screening interview The purpose is to weed out unqualified or problematic applicants Finding out salary history Validating skills necessary for the job Identifying gaps and inconsistencies Surfacing lies in the resume Identifying required traits such as: reliability, trustworthiness, team-player

6. . www.landingexpert.com The selection interview (decision making interview) Normally not performed by pros. They act on gut feelings Checking for: Personality (fit into their culture) Qualifications/skills Job experience – specific details Ability to handle specific situations Ability to solve their particular problem

7. . www.landingexpert.com Preparing for the interview It takes 10 to 20 hours of preparation and not 1 to 3 as most people do! Take the job description and prepare a T-letter to see how well you fit into what they want. Research the company History When established Private or public Is it a subsidiary or division Has is grown? People? Financially?

8. . www.landingexpert.com Preparing for the interview Value Total sales Earnings Assets Profit Culture Business philosophy Its reputation Management structure Types of employees it has

9. . www.landingexpert.com Preparing for the interview Competitors Who are the competitors Current major projects Latest great accomplishments Impact of technology on company Can it be outsourced? Products and Services What are the key products What expertise they are known for?

10. . www.landingexpert.com Preparing for the interview Direction of the company Current priorities Its mission Any known problems Working on new products What do they do Presence globally Number of employees? Major clients

11. . www.landingexpert.com What is important for the interviewer? Fit with their culture – 100% Passion and excitement - ~ 82% Verbal communication skills Other communications skills (body language, steady eye contact, assertiveness) Looks (well groomed, proper attire) Match for job description, via technical skills Knowledge of employer

12. . www.landingexpert.com Dealing with references Social media replaced what used to be reference checking 39% of employers check people out before they are called for an interview Companies still check references for legal reasons

13. . www.landingexpert.com Dealing with references For different jobs there are different reference checks. For examples: Employment reference Background check Criminal record, driving record, sex offender, arrests, warrants etc.

14. . www.landingexpert.com Dealing with references There are companies who test your references for a fee. For example: www.badreference.com www.Jobreference.com If you suspect that the boss to be vindictive then have a lawyer write a letter saying that the slander must stop.

15. . www.landingexpert.com Basic concepts about the interview The interviewer knows that you are there to sell yourself but he is not ready to buy everything that you want to sell He is open to buying when: You give him facts When someone else is providing information about you Nervousness is caused by focusing on self. Once the focus is on the other party the nervousness is gone. Practice till you are confident about the content and delivery

16. . www.landingexpert.com What questions to ask? The questions you ask are critical. A good question propels you to the next stage. A bad one fails you. Dont ask questions that deal with your personal agenda Being prompted for questions is a sign that the interviewer has all the information he wants and needs about you. He is eager to move on. Ask questions about your candidacy Ask about the traits that are important for the job Ask about what does he perceive to be difficult in the initial period Dont ask questions to which you were supposed to find out the answer on your own

17. . www.landingexpert.com Salary negotiations Research reveals that 8 out of 10 HR people expect to receive counteroffers A good negotiator may impress the hiring manager When negotiating look at the entire package. Check out base pay, variable pay such as bonus, stock options, professional conferences, vacation. Check out indirect pay such as fringe benefits, vacation, health insurance tuition reimbursement If salary question comes up too soon it is advisable to try and postpone it till both sides are comfortable When dealing with recruiters you must disclose some numbers. Preferable give a range.

18. .. Questions and Answers If you have questions youd like to ask me privately, do not hesitate to contact me. Alex Freund 609-333-8866 alex@landingexpert.com www.landingexpert.com Blog: http://landingexpert.posterous.com