Five Tips For Delivering Job-clinching Interview Performance

Posted by: Letha B On: 4/29/2012 11:51 AM

I agree with everyone who commented.  I have been on the market for 2yrs now, and I got to say is it a process of elimination when it comes to interviews.  I just had an interview w/a company I was well familiar with.  The first was with the recruiter who contacted me and the second was w/the hiring manager.  I was ok with the questions asked until she asked, "What do you consider are good leadership qualities"? and "In your opinion, what is a good supervisor?" The job was for an entry level position for collector and no mention of being a leader or supervisor was mentioned in the job description.  Needless to say, I was not contacted on whether I was chosen for the position or not.  I thought that the questions were pointless, had nothing to do with the job I applied for and felt the company rude for not contacting me with a decision.  There is a lot of this in Colorado.  Employers here will find anything not to hire a person who is clearly qualified and you just about have to be a mind reader to pass the interview process.

Posted by: Debra B On: 4/25/2012 12:00 AM

Carol O:you chould research the parent company, which is probably in a totally different state.  Find out how the current company falls under the parent company and what that agency specializes in.Good luck!!!!

Posted by: Douglas B On: 4/8/2012 7:26 AM

For you over 50'ers, I say keep trying. When I opened a hotel in DC, we were fortunate to have a condo complex right behind up filled with professional people that knew how to look, act and treat our guests. Some of the best employees I had during my time there and were able to pass on their skills to the newer staff. Experience does count for a lot, and if I have the chance again, I would definitely hire some more "seasoned" employees. Do not give up, the market will hopefully see what they have lost in experience and knowledge.

Posted by: Sandra S

Marcelyn is right I've been out there for 5 months and a lot of what she says is correct. There is a nonchalant attitude with some of these prospective employers that's downright rude. I have turned down one interview this week because of the rudeness. And a flippant attitude towards turnover I have had 2 prospective employers tell me that there is a 40% turnover in their office. Boy now that makes me want to work there (no way).

Posted by: Rachel R

The info on behavioral interviewing was very helpful. The emphasis on preparing, and the reminder to have plenty of well-thought out q's is also really helpful so the experience is more collaborative as opposed to interogative.

Posted by: Lynn LeBean

Thank you for more great ideas.

Posted by: marcelyn carney

After reading all of these comments, I do truly feel the same as others. I have had several interviews in the last 6 months, been professionally dressed, arrive 15 minutes early, begin the interview with a firm hand shake telling them thank you for their time and allowing me this opportunity to interview with them, researching the companty, having the information with me, using the facts in my interview, being very qualified/exceeding requirements, feeling very good about my responses, asking appropriate questions pertaining to the position, reitering my skills and interest, exiting in a poised manner, with a thank you and followed up with a professional thank you letter and I cannot tell you how frusterated I get when there is NO response. NO phone call, NO e-mail, NO letter, No nothing, I truly feel that companys are losing the reality of what is important anymore. Companies expect us "interviewers" to be pepared, professional, intriguieng, respectful and thorough. It sure isn't being reciprocated back to "us" prospective applicants/interviewers who are prepared and very willing to do an excellent job for them. I am so frusterated in the commitment to prospective workers. There is a tremendous amount of applicants to every job, so is it just random pick, don't care, have enough, can't deal w/everybody attitude? It is Not right, we all deserve a response, it is only polite, but I guess manners aren't so important anymore.

Posted by: R. Montano- Levizon

Yes, Helpful info - somewhat inclined to agree with comments from Sheryl and Muhammad S. interesting to view others have similar opinions of the current political "crap-shoot" dynamics upon applying to enter any organization. ANY interview is biased to a point of being ludicrous providing an individual gets that far in the Organizations' Systemic Interview Process. As much as you coach the interviewees on inclusiveness pertaining to preparation, professional insight, confidence - our own realization of the USUAL non-level playing field is paramount. No, I am not a pessimist...however, the intimidating psychoanalytical process of an interview is indicative of the interviewees Courage, Perseverance and Motivation. ?Do believe there may be an opportune time for you to shine and the interviewer 'may' have the 'intelligence' to begin a process as simple as Negotiating particular areas of the position if an individual is "overqualified". ?I am puzzled as to WHY the interviews and available job positions can't result in more of a "Win-Win" mindset...

Posted by: Douglas Ortega

I've interviewed twice recently and in both situations the information I obtained through the HR/Recruiters was significantly different then the expectations from the hiring manager. You spend a great deal of time researching and preparing for the role as described by HR/Recruiters only to find out what you've prepared for (aligning your skill sets and experience to the role) is not exactly in line with the hiring manager needs. ?Be prepared to adjust your responses. ?In one case, I was downgrading my responses but it came to a point that if I downgraded any further it would look like I was desperate for the job. ?I had to make a decision during the interview and asked if there were any reservations in hiring me and the hiring manager came to the same conclusion...I was over qualified. ?Sure we could have gone on to discuss the company values and mission statement but the reality was the hiring manager continued to talk out of courtesy but in his mind he wasn't going to hire me. ?Don't beat yourself up if you don't get the job. ?Believe things happen for a reason and know that you have just as much right to withdraw your name from the selection process as the hiring company. ?Best of luck to all of you.... ?

Posted by: Nancy Farmer-Lanz

Good advise for all of struggling to find a quality permanent job in this harsh job market.Nancy

Posted by: Sharon

your tips and the comments of your readers are of great help- After 2 years of promoting my expertise and experience,(I am over 55) I have come to the realization that in this economy, many employers are thinking only of payroll costs and are looking for the younger job seeker with no experience and minimal skills that can be trained.

Posted by: Duane Gonyon

Thanks so much for the information! I have done the behavioral interview and at first it is a bit intimidating.

Posted by: Sandra

You've hit the ball out the park! Incredible!

Posted by: Rashell

My main concern are the behavioral or hypothetical questions like "tell me about a time when you had a problem and how did you fix it". I can never come up with examples or examples with detail & substance. I just go blank. Even trying to come up with them on my own while practicing does not work. I look stupid. One thing I've thought of is asking past co-workers what they can think of. As far as the no responses from prospected employers, I've had it happen a couple times now, even when they say they will call you either way is unprofessional and makes the interviewers look like cowards. It really gives a bad impression of their management style and that is not the kind of company I would want to represent.

Posted by: Anonymous

I to have been on interviews where the hiring manager had said the interview went well, then sent a thank you note to reiterate my skills. Afte about a week went by found out the company gired someone else. You wonder what these employers are looking for!  After reading all of these posts, I agree with everyone talking about the hiring managers thought process. Good luck to everyone, including myself!

Posted by: Linda Repsher

I recently interviewed for the "most perfect fit" position.  However, the initial HR persons were extremely young and uninterested from the get go. They told me they were calling prospects back within a week at the latest for second interviews.  Two weeks went by.  I called both of them and of course, went directly into their answering machine.  After several calls to both of them with no response, not even a response from the HR department, I e-mailed the CEO.  Telling him in a professional manner of the situation and the no reply, not an email, letter or phone call of rejection from the HR department, he emailed me back within 1-1/2 hours of my receiving my email.  He acknowledged his company's lack of professionalism, cc'd two supervisors of the HR department.  He told me I would receive a letter shortly of why I was not chosen.  6 weeks have passed and still no correspondence.  Would you want to work for this company?  HR persons are in my mind comparible to used car salesman.  If you can even get past them, that is 60% of the battle.  Because when you do interview with the C-level execs you have a remarkable chance.  Good luck.

Posted by: Shelley Burke

Sometimes I had what I thought was a great interview and send the Thank you's and never hear anything again. I feel that it is a game and the interviewers like the power of interviewing, especially when I have all the skills needed for the position/ I What are they looking for?

Posted by: Interview Questions

This is a wonderful opinion. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone.

Posted by: jms

I always won the job if I landed the interview. I know it's not my interviewing skills that are holding me back, but my age. There isn't much to be done about that. I wish the same Boomers who banded together in the 60s would do so again to fight age discrimination. Short of that - visit the AARP site (seriously!). They list age friendly employers. Finally, if all else fails, consider starting a business. I'm doing all three.

Posted by: Trichelle

This post was very helpful to me. I was recently being considered for a position and had to go through two interviews. I aced the first one which was easy, but I was passed over because I blew the second interview.

Posted by: Amazjohn

The advice given sounds like it would work in a " perfect world" but we live in an imperfect world where the hiring managers/ HRS Managers are ill  prepared fools that couldn't care less if you were prepared or not.  From past experience: if you sound too knowledgeable, you're over qualified and will probably leave them after being trained, and if you don't impress them, you don't get a call back.  The fact is: if they like what they see- they are more tempted to call you back.  They like window dressing.  Also, in the job postings placed in this imperfect world,the job description sometimes has a confidential employer...something you can't really have background on as ammunition for your interview.Key note: Look into the past history- some companies hire every 6 months because their retention programs are awful.

Posted by: William D.

Another thing I noticed after 35 yrs. as a professional facilities mgr., and applies to all fields, a younger general mgr. took over our property, coming from a smaller less productive property. The old business approach was, in-order to be successful, try to put intelligent people around you. But I hate to say that he was not capable of handling the job (over his head), and he knew it. Four of us (after 8 yrs.- security dir., marketing, admin. mgr.,myself) found that he had the authority (power) to eliminate us, and replace with lower level (experience) staff at same pay (some more)! The New approach is, if you feel threatened that you are not the #1 smartest in the office, you place lesser intelligent around you! This is just another hurdle for us 50 somethings! I am 56, have all my brown hair, lost 40 lbs.,exercise,excellent health, people say I look 40 (not bragging here), but the point is discrimination. I'm sitting across from a 20-30 yr.old interviewer, that all they see is their father! Good luck gang!

Posted by: Muhammad S.

Mostly, it doesn't matter what you do in the interview , only thing matters is who you know in the company. these days even interviews are hard to come by . Before you even go for the interview, find a reference at the company, otherwise it's hard-luck. You can't even get the worst job without reference these days.

Posted by: suraj

tomorrow is my first interview, thank you for your advice!

Posted by: Sati Z

In fact, many times it depends on whom you are talking to in the interview, and how they perceive you as a candidate, no matter how well you prepare.  If the interviewers like you and think you fit their company culture or team, you're already there 80% and the rest is your technical skills they're looking for.

Posted by: Donna P.

Thank you so much. This advice will be very helpful to me.

Posted by: Sheryl

I have been experiencing racism and age discrimination.  When I speak with recruiters at employment agencies in Phoenix, they are ready to put me in front of the employer right away.  When I show up to meet with them first, they say, "We don't have anything for you at this time."  I am extremely frustrated.

Posted by: d. friedle

Good article.  I agree 100% and have delivered on this numerous times and still did not receive the job offer!  So, let's remember there are many other unknown factors at play that you as the candidate cannot control. And no amount of preparing can help! Thanks.

Posted by: Deborah F.

It does seem that you can prepare for your interview doing all the right things including wearing professional attire, research, etc. but the bottom line as mentioned the company needs to go through all the formality but yet hire a friend, or told exactly who to hire.  I also believe there is age discrimination but again this is something we do not have control over. The only thing we can do is the best you can and hope for the best. If I don't get the job I know to no longer take it so personal because of all the elements that go into the hiring process. I now go in as if the interviewers are of a higher authority but having conversation with someone you know.  This helps my anxiety and yes we also need to let them know we are trying to see if the company is also a good fit for you. It's hard for all of us who need jobs more than others but do not seem desperate. Good luck everyone!

Posted by: Beth

Good article.  I think the climate in the job market right now is pretty dicey.  Being prepared for an interview is especially important with jobs being scarce, you really do have to sell yourself to the company.  I was offered a managers job only to find out later they hired someone else who is poorly fitted for the position, and has very limited people skills.  I believe there is age discrimination because it happened to me personnaly.  

Posted by: alicia s.

what would you answer if you were asked "do you owe your employer". please help me on this one, several answers heard from friends but i want your opinion on this. thanks.   

Posted by: Jessica

I agree with the other posters about referring to yourself as "gifted." Being confident is one thing, acting arrogant is another. I feel awful for the posters who had promising interviews but were subsequently ignored by the hiring personnel. I think that it's a sign of the times and HR feels that they can just get away with it. The truth is, however, that very few people are above losing their job these days. Interviewers should realize that the interviewee you snub today could be your boss tomorrow. My motto in life is treat others the way you would want to be treated - plain and simple.

Posted by: Lisamarie

Good tips.  However, what if you don't have a specific example to give about how you benefited your previous company, or can't recall all the details?  That's my problem with "why should we hire you" questions; I can point out my strengths but don't really have any dazzling stories to tell, particulary.  So how do you handle those questions and convince an employer to hire you?

Posted by: rozana reffit

very helpful

Posted by: Valerie Tucker

Very helpful. I have had several interviews and I follow up with thank you letters and emails, but I never get the job. I do think it is my interviewing skills that needs polishing up.

Posted by: Connie P

I do appreciate the good tips you give us. We need all the help we can get these days. It's unfortunate that no one understands what the unemployed is going through unless they have experienced it themselves. It's really sad that such talented people are getting treated so badly. I cannot wait until this turns around. It's horrible to feel like you are not qualified when you have over 30 years experience!

Posted by: Lakshmi Sangam

tips- handle interviews successfully

Posted by: Bill

For anyone who has hired people, the lack of professionalism displayed by many companies these days is appalling. At first it makes you think you wouldn't want to work for, or buy the products of such a company. It reminds me of the attitudes that so often play out in buyouts. The buyer often acts like a "winner" who's employees must be better than those of the acquired "loser" company. It's crazy since the "loser" was obviously good enough to make the "winner" want to buy it, and you can't do that without having some exceptional players.In reality, I think a lot of the "no response" trend after interviews may be legal concerns. It is one thing to say someone else was a "better fit" (although no one will tell you why). It is another way to explain how they decided someone with 3 years experience was a better fit than someone with 20 years without it really sounding like age discrimination or some other factor they would rather not take a chance of revealing.Then there is the networking angle. Everyone knows someone looking for work. As much as we would like to think employers always try to pick the best person for the job, it just isn't so. The CEO tells a hiring manager to hire the son or daughter of a friend. What is the hiring manager going to tell the top credentialed experienced applicants that nailed the interview? I had one of my former bosses tell me to hire the person that came out the lowest on a very thorough job matrix. While I told all the other applicants that the decision was to go with another individual, I had to be very creative about it. It would have been much easier to just avoid their follow-ups.The bottom-line is that, as irritating and unprofessional as employers can be when dealing with applicants, they feel they can get away with it and there isn't much you can do about it. It is best to focus on what you can control and that is your temperament, unflappability, desire to make the hiring manager look good, try to show how your experience is asset, etc. The more frustrated you become, the harder it is to keep that from coming through in an interview.I agree with other comments saying the example in the article was over the top when the applicant says he's/she's "gifted". Unless you graduated from college at age 13 or been tested in the top 1% in IQ or something, I would say something like, "I've been recognized for having strong leadership skills." Then be able to back it up with copies of commendations, recommendations or performance reviews.

Posted by: Bonnie B.

This article was very helpful to me.  It has been years since I have searched for a job. Thank you!

Posted by: Carl Dettlebach

As job seekers our first goal is to impress our interviewers and make sure they understand, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that we are the best person for the the job. Given the current state of employment in our nation, it may relieve some frustration if we try and understand the other side of the desk. I can only imagine how the number of applications received by a hiring manager has multiplied over the last three years. Once, I interviewed for a position where the hiring manager mentioned he received 700 applications. I didn't get the job but I was confident I was getting closer to my target. If you've researched the company and know the position you are applying for, then you should have a good feel for competition and why it is taking more time than usual to receive a response. However in Johnnie Ws case, I think a four week lapse in communication after an interview is inconsiderate; especially if you have written thank you letters. Perhaps a follow-up letter (paper or email) and a brief summary of what you can offer the company will remind them of your strong points and help stoke the fire.

Posted by: ELIA

It is sad how the managers of some companies now days play with the hopes and survival needs of some of us job seekers.  Interview after interview, silence afterwards, waiting for weeks, replies that tell you "wait, they will be hiring you"; again, nothing.  Can somebody explain to me, why they do that?  Didn't they have a decision to fill a position from the moment they posted it?  Don't they do some homework before calling people for interviews?  They can take care of interviews in one day, in one week. Don't play with our feelings. All we are asking is a job and they should be able to spot right away who can do it but obviously they don't.

Posted by: Marg

Thank you. It's always helpful to read perspectives and suggestions on the interviewing process and to stay updated, especially in this economy.

Posted by: Emily Moore

If you are interviewing with a placement agency.  What are the questions that you should ask and what to expect.

Posted by: Netsanet Alemu

Very helpful

Posted by: Stephannie Brown

This is very helpful and important information the interviewing process has really changed Thank you

Posted by: wm l davis

I have an upcoming interview tomorrow, I have a big problem and that it is the age (59) that is on almost all employers review of the new emoloyee, how do you get around this, 35 yrs of experience in the millwright field does not make any difference in the hiring aspect?

Posted by: Johnnie Walker

Like Mark and Jim, I had an interview that I thought went well, and I followed it up with thoughtful thank you e-mails to each of the 4 people who had interviewed me. One of the 4 acknowledged me with a terse response. After 10 days I called my interviewers to ask my status. Not one of them picked up his phone, so I left a voice message for the one who was my HR contact. No response. After 3 weeks I called my HR contact again, and one of the others who'd interviewed me, and I left a voice message again. A few days later I received a call informing me that I am still a candidate, no decision has been made, and they are still interviewing a long list of candidates. As of today, it's been fully 4 weeks since I had my interview, and I have neither a rejection, nor a call-back for a next level interview. Guys, I think common sense tells us that we aren't going to get the positions we interviewed for, and best to move on. In addition, maybe it tells us something about the decision making skills at the companies we've interviewed with, and best we make the decision for them. Tough market out there, but other, better opportunties will be there eventually. Hang in there!

Posted by: jasmine eacret

This was very helpful, yet I try to apply for opening business positions, so therefore there is nothing to research. no website, no customers, there isn't even a menu out for me to study up on, so this makes it much more difficult. I also have barely started college so though your "answer" to the interviewer's question is very perspective, a waitress or house cleaner or barista is not going to be as impressive so I agree with Maria Redden,  "There should be different levels of experience and education." thanks, Jasmine

Posted by: Kashae Green

I must admit that I always went into a interview. Thinking believing as long as I know who and what I'm about and looking for that this interview will be successful.Boy was I wrong in not realizing that I needed to educate myself better to be successful in a interview. This article is very helpful.

Posted by: Joe Pan

Very useful advices. And I fully agree that a job interview is very much a sales process; you yourself (experience, well prepared presentation of it) is the product you may want to close a deal with the hiring party - who also has a problem to identify a right person to fill up the vancancy.  

Posted by: Carol O

I have a interview with a manager and regional manager for a branch manager position. I do not know what company to reseach because it is a temporary agency. What do I research as far as knowing about the company?

Posted by: Maria Redden

Why is it that examples are usually read with the person being interviewed having degrees, and or, working for large/strong companies? There should be different levels of experience and education.

Posted by: Diane Chapman

Thank you very much! This article had very helpful interviewing tips. I especially liked the advice about being prepared to ask intelligent and relevant questions in order to convert the interview into a participatory discussion.

Posted by: Mitch Hamilton

These are well thought out suggestions.  It does boggle the mind that people fail to properly prepare themselves on these basics before walking in the door for the interview.  I'd like to also add to try and figure out where the company "fits" within their repective industry as compared to the competition.  Then try to creatively come up with ideas of expansion into other "niches" of that industry they could move forward.  That way, you'll come across as someone who has really done their homework; or tried at least.  Remember, if you get to an interview these days, take every one as serious as if you were going to be hired.

Posted by: Jim Beam

Two thoughts:1) I too have had some very productive interviews followed by silence.  It reflects poorly on the hiring manager and his company, and the recruiter and his company.2) If anyone I was interviewing started an answer with "I am a gifted leader", I'd probably laugh and ask if he really believed his own BS.  Or if he was more pompous than pretentious, or the other way around.  Come on folks, you can't sound like a parody.

Posted by: Diane Jackson

Thank you for this information, It is just what I need for my Interview coming up on Monday. It was a lot of help for me.

Posted by: Michael Hargrove

My latest telephone conference interview went extremely well with a fortune 50 company.  We ran out of time so the director gave me his cell phone # and a time to call him back.  As we discussed the first interview,(on the second phone call), I was informed that I was exactly what they needed for the next level up management vacancy, (not the level we initially interviewed on).  Short story --- I was told that I came across to intense and knowledgable. (I did ask them a couple of questions about their division that the four interviewers did not know the answers to).  Recognizing this I toned it down alittle.  I haven't heard anything in 3 weeks, even after I wrote a strong/gracious thank you note.  After giving the letter a chance to get there plus a couple of days, I initiated a phone call to his office (left a voice mail) then I tried the cellphone number he gave me (left a voice mai)  Third week and still no news.  Unbelieveable - two separate 1 hour long phone interviews and nothing.  What happened to old time consideration, or do I dare say professionalism?  

Posted by: Mark Little

This info is most helpful for today job seekers thank you very much.

Posted by: Alan Motkin

This was very helpful.

Posted by: Alba Guerra

This article is great because of the sample question you provided and then the the sample answer.  It gives me an idea on how to answer certain questions that I am not sure how to answer.  THANK YOU VERY MUCH