So, uh, what do you do?

As someone who’s unemployed, for the time being anyway, I don’t quite know what to say to that question anymore.

I took my car in to get the oil changed today and found myself asked this very question. The guy happened to like the model of car, an Olds Cutlass, great car, at least I think so and he agreed. That got him to want to talk and thus the question, to which I replied, “Nothing, right now.”

His response was, “You just hang out and get oil changes?” I did have a better answer, saying that I had been volunteering but truthfully I felt like I had just been called out. Something about not having a job, makes me feel abnormal, like a cat in a dog show or a visitor to a foreign country. Isolated, not quite knowing what I’m supposed to do or how to go about doing it, with a prevailing sense that I don’t quite belong there.

I guess the trick is not to think that way, but it’s easier said then done.

BassPro

BassPro called me back Thursday about an application I submitted back in August. They let me know there were some openings I qualified for but since it had been over 30 days I’d need to do a new application. I continue to be impressed, so far, by BassPro’s good communication, they clearly had my information on file when they called.

BassPro is one of the places that does an interview immediately after you fill out the application. I have an appointment set for this Thursday, so wish me luck. Just hope I can remember all my own advice when I get there.

In the mean time I’ve been volunteering at the Ozark’s Food Harvest. I just started so I’m not sure how it will work out but feel very lucky to get the opportunity. I’ve got to work in the office, not what I was expecting and an honor to be trusted with it. It really feels good, just to have something to do, I hope to keep doing volunteer work, time permitting, even after I find my next job.

Closing the Interview

Not only is the interview a time for the employer to ask you questions, it is an opportunity for you to find out information about the job and the company. You should have specific questions in mind before the interview ever begins. Some examples are:

• What would my duties and responsibilities be?
• What are my working hours?
• Is there a dress code?
• Would special equipment or tools be necessary?

At the end of the interview inform the interviewer that you are seeking employment on a daily basis and would like to know a convenient time for you to call back.

Finally, thank the employer for the interview and leave promptly.

When you have returned home, immediately review your interview. Identify the positive parts or your interview and not the negative aspects for future improvement.

Don’t forget to write a thank you letter.

Answers to Common Interview Questions

Your application and resume have gotten you in the door for an interview, now it is up to you to set yourself above the other candidates for the job. A good interviewer will be evaluating not only your experience and qualifications for the job, but also your personality and attitude to see if you will fit in well with that company’s environment.

Several common interview questions are listed below. Included with each question are possible answers an interviewer may be hoping to hear. You should always be honest at an interview, but there are ways to respond to questions that may be perceived better then others. Generally, questions are asked to determine a possible candidate’s stability.

Common Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why did you choose this field?
3. What have you done that shows initiative.
4. Why have you held so many (or so few) jobs in the past five years?
5. Tell about how you could be of an asset to this company.
6. Give an example of a problem you encountered in your previous job, and tell how you handled it.
7. What in your past work experience particularly relates to our company’s needs?
8. What are your salary requirements? Would you accept less?
9. How long will you stay with this job if we offer it to you?
10. What are your long term career goals? How will this job help you meet them?
11. What is the best/worst thing your previous employer could say about you?
12. How do you deal with stress?
13. Give two reasons why I should hire you.
14. What qualities do you see yourself bringing to this company?
15. Do you have any questions?

Tips on Interviewing Strategy

1. Be on time. That means around ten minutes early.
2. Know the interviewer’s name and use it in the interview. Using a person’s name personalizes the conversation and adds warmth.
3. Bring a few copies of your resume. Demonstrate that you’re prepared in case the one you sent isn’t available.
4. Expect to spend some time developing rapport. Don’t jump right in and get down to business. Personal chemistry is a main ingredient in the hiring process.
5. Watch your non-verbal communication. Pay attention to your physical posture. Maintain eye contact but don’t stare him/her down. Don’t appear over-relaxed or too rigid.
6. Don’t be embarrassed by nervousness. Being nervous can be a good sign-it shows you are taking the interview seriously. However, avoid nervous movements. Your stomach can be churning and your palms sweating, but don’t fidget with objects and bounce in your seat.
7. Don’t play comedian or try to entertain the interviewer. Unless of course you are interviewing for a job as an entertainer.
8. Don’t exaggerate. It will come back to haunt you.
9. Follow the interviewer’s lead. Don’t try to take over the interview. Stick to the subject at hand, but don’t dwell too long on one point.
10. Be prepared for personal questions. Anticipate how you will handle personal questions without blowing your cool.
11. Pay attention. Don’t let your mind wander. Stay focused on what is being said.
12. Be sure you understand the question. It is okay to ask for clarification.
13. Emphasize the positive. Don’t apologize for lack of experience or weaknesses. Have self-confidence.
14. Don’t interrupt the interviewer. Remember, the interview is a type of social interaction so keep manners in mind.
15. Wait for an offer to talk about salary. Otherwise, don’t ask unless the interviewer brings up the subject. You don’t want to look “money hungry”.
16. Pay attention to the timing of your answers. Time is occasionally needed to think and reflect-for both you and the interviewer. However, don’t stall on answers or be overly hasty with your reply.
17. Emphasize what you can do. Employers are mostly concerned with what you can do for them. Focus on your transferable skills. For example, your ability to learn quickly, communicate effectively, and other skills you can provide for that company.
18. Don’t try to give the “answer he/she wants”. Employers can see right through that.
19. Take pen and paper. However, don’t take notes during the interview. Immediately following the interview, write down all pertinent information as well as your thoughts and impressions. You will be glad you didn’t trust your memory to remember everything.
20. Don’t be argumentative. Avoid debate. Arguing with an interviewer will not make a good first impression.
21. Do not speak negatively about a former employer, a teacher, a friend, or an institution. It only reflects on you. If there were problems with previous experiences, try to put answers in the positive rather then the negative. If you slight a former employer, the interviewer may assume you will someday do the same to him/her.
22. Don’t overplay your technical knowledge. If you really know a particular computer program or hardware that’s great. Otherwise, avoid showing off knowledge that you don’t possess.
23. Try to be as specific as possible. Never say “I’ll do anything.” Have a sense of direction. Take charge of your own life or someone else will take charge for you.
24. Watch your grammar. Employers are interested in candidates who can express themselves articulately and properly. Even if you have to go slow and correct yourself, accuracy is preferred.
25. Have questions prepared. Having questions shows you have an interest in the company and your future.
26. Don’t bring in a pile of exhibits or samples unless asked.
27. Don’t expect an offer on the spot. Offers usually follow the interview, sometimes two or three weeks later. If you are offered the position on the spot, it is appropriate for you to ask for one or two days thinking time before responding.
28. Be very careful with the closing. End quickly and courteously. Don’t try to flatter the interviewer or linger too long after the interview ends.
29. Remember to follow-up on the interview. No interview is complete until you follow-up with a thank you note. This is professional business etiquette that also reaffirms your interest in the position.

How to Sell Yourself to an Employer

• Make a presentable appearance.-Make sure your hair and body are neat and clean.-Dress a little better then you would if you were working in the position to which you are applying.-Have clean and ironed clothes, polish your shoes.
• Be prompt. Arrive ten minutes early. Drive by the company the day before so that you are aware of how long it will take to get there.
• Do not take anyone with you to the interview.
• Bring to the interview:-Your own pen.-A master application.-Several copies of your resume and a list of references.-A list of questions that you would like to ask the interviewer.
• Learn as much as you can beforehand about the firm to which you are applying.
• When you meet the interviewer, call him/her by name, shake his/her hand, and introduce yourself.
• Maintain good nonverbal communication: posture, eye contact, SMILE!
• Answer questions honestly. Speak with confidence and enthusiasm.
• Do not speak negatively about past employers. This is usually not productive.
• Avoid mention of your personal or financial troubles. The employer is interested primarily in your abilities.

Ten Critical Qualities Employers Look For

1. Positive attitude toward work
2. Proficiency in field of study
3. Communication skills (oral and written)
4. Interpersonal skills
5. Confidence
6. Critical thinking and problem solving skills
7. Flexibility
8. Self-motivation
9. Leadership
10. Teamwork

Non-Verbal Communication

Many interviews fail because of lack of proper communication. But communication is more then just what you say. Often it is the nonverbal communication that we are least aware of, yet it speaks the loudest. Your body language, facial expression, and eye contact make up the majority of the communication process. It’s not just what you say but how you say it.

Preparing for an Interview

First impressions are everything! It is important to note that up to 60% of the hiring decision is made within the first three minutes of the interview, so your impression is critical! By preparing for the interview, both physically and mentally, you will feel more organized and ready for the meeting. It is natural to feel somewhat nervous about an interview. Take consolation, though, being nervous means you care.