Tricky Interviews

"Sell Yourself!

The interviewer begins the conversation by bluntly asking, "Why should I hire you?"

Many job seekers immediately become nervous and tongue-tied and make a poor impression when asked this question. Yet there’s no better opportunity to establish your qualifications.

Try being just as blunt as the interviewer when describing your most salient strengths and accomplishments.

The interviewer starts the meeting with, "Tell me about yourself."

This statement can be nerve riveting to some candidates, but it offers another great opportunity to explain why you’re the best fit for the job.

Tell the company how you can benefit them . Briefly summarize your background, then conclude with a strong statement outlining your most important strengths and accomplishments as they relate to the open position.

Interviewers who begin a meeting with "Why should I hire you?" and "Tell me about yourself" are giving you a great way of promoting yourself and explaining your talents and goals. The interviewer is handing you a great opportunity to tell them about your qualifications. Instead of dreading these opening remarks, prepare for interviews to begin this way.

Some interviewers want to make things hard for you..

They may constantly interrupt or disagree with your comments. These interviews are especially nerve racking if you’re being interviewed by two or more people simultaneously. In these settings, candidates often become so nervous that they end up wanting to leave the interview and not accept the position.

The best way to handle this situation is to play along with the interviewer. Remember that the interviewer is playing a game. They want to see if you can maintain your composure. By remaining calm, no matter how rudely the interviewer behaves, you’ll demonstrate your professionalism. This is something all employers seek.

Some interviewers will see just how aggressive or assertive you can be. They will be so rude that they are only trying to get you flustered. Its OK. Stay calm. This is a test. ONLY A TEST.

Other strategies to arouse applicants include welcoming them then leaving them in a room for a very long period of time. Then they will return to the interview and pay very close attention to your actions. This is another way for them to tell how well you handle pressure. This moment alone can be a tension building time for you. Just relax and realize that the interviewer will soon return and stay calm. This is another test.

Some interviewers use silence as weapon

Some interviewers won’t say anything after you’ve answered a question. They’ll just stare at you. In response, most job hunters think of extra things to say, but their remarks often backfire.

A short period of silence is easy to manage. You’ve answered the interviewer’s question, and now it’s up to him or her to continue the conversation. Simply return the interviewer’s gaze. If you feel pressured to break the silence, ask a question about the position or company. Your question will be especially effective if it uncovers details about the available job.

Rather than dreading difficult interview situations, prepare yourself to handle them effectively. While your competition will make a poor impression and lose points with interviewers, you’ll cast yourself in a favorable light and be well on your way to winning an offer.

Preparing for the Interview:

To increase your chances of being hired, follow these 10 steps before, during and after your next job interview.

1. Research the company.
Try to find out as much as possible about the company you are interviewing for. An employer will be impressed when you have taken enough interest to investigate their business. Knowing a few things about an employer will help you decide if the company is right for you, and will make you more of an asset to the employer, should you be hired.

2. Go over your CV.
Know your CV like the back of your hand. If you answer a question based on your CV incorrectly you can lose all credibility with the employer. Make sure you know the dates of employment for your previous employers. Your CV should be as close to perfect as possible. You should read over your CV before the interview so you will be confident answering any question based on it.

3. Practice answering interview questions.
Here are a few typical interview questions you may be asked:
Tell me about yourself?
What do you know about our company?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Why are you searching for a new job?
Tell me about your background and accomplishments?
How does your background relate to this position?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How would you describe your most recent job performance?
How would you rate your attendance record at your previous job?
What are some of your hobbies?
Why do you want this position?
What other jobs are you considering?
Why should we hire you?

4. Be ready to ask questions
This will impress the employer. It lets them know you are interested in the job and want to learn more about the company while making you seem more aggressive. Remember that you’re also interviewing the employer. Create a short list of questions based on your earlier research and any concerns you have. Here are a few questions you may want to ask:

What are some of the things that will be expected of the person in this position?
Are their goals or monthly quotas?
What are some of the responsibilities included with this position?
Why is this position open?
Will this lead to management opportunities?
How long would it take to lead management?

5. Dress for success
The first impression you make on the employer will always be your appearance. Always wear proper business attire to the interview and check your appearance before you meet the interviewer. Make sure and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake. This impression of this first contact cannot be overstated enough. You only have a few seconds to make a first impression, so make it count.

6. Know exactly where the interview takes place
Drive by the company a day before the interview and make a note of how long it took you to get there. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early and never, ever show up even 1 minute late.

7. Behavior is important
During the interview if you are presented with and application, fill it out neatly and completely. Greet the interviewer by his or her last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not ask the interviewer to repeat it. Give the appearance of confidence as you enter. SHAKE HANDS FIRMLY! Wait to be offered a chair before sitting down. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good communicator. Always look the interviewer in the eye while speaking. Try to get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can apply your background, skills, and accomplishments to the position. Try to make your good points come across to the interviewer in a sincere, factual manner.

8. If you are interested in the position, let the interviewer know
Say something like "I am very impressed with your company, its products, and the people I have met. I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position we have discussed" The interviewer will be impressed with your enthusiasm. Don't be discouraged if no commitment has been made. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with other people in the company or possibly interview more candidates before making a decision. If you get the impression the interview is not going well don't let your discouragement show. Once in awhile an interviewer will seem to discourage you as a way of testing your action.

9. Thank the interviewer
Always thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. If you want the job, don't be afraid to ask for it.

10. Follow up the interview with a note or a phone call
This is necessary to land any job. Call or e-mail the interviewer to let them know it was nice to meet them, thank them for their time, and once again remind the employer that you’re still very interested in the opportunity. "