| Typically, in a time of recession and uncertainty, job | | | | Certainly, preparation is good, however, the questions |
| interviews become even more taxing. A couple of | | | | do not take into consideration the interview settings. |
| years back, to get a better job, all it took was a | | | | In particular, they fail to take into consideration what |
| quick email, smiles and a display of confidence to | | | | managers fear about the job interview. Since they are |
| convey professionalism. | | | | responsible for getting high quality candidates, they |
| Nowadays, getting a new job might mean keeping | | | | are under a different pressure. |
| the house, not having to move, not being evicted, | | | | Many guides for managers recommend to ask exactly |
| ceasing an unvoluntary diet, not filing for bankruptcy, | | | | this type of questions. The smarter job interview |
| gaining back a little of your bruised self-esteem. All | | | | guidelines differentiate between how a |
| these stress factors increase your risk of being | | | | candidatessees him or herself and how they actually |
| uneasy when the crucial appointment has come. | | | | are seen by others. The teacher who states that |
| Add to this that some employers use the so called | | | | all students can learn but whose classes are always |
| method of stress interviewing: placing the candidate | | | | full of "dummies" might unconsciously mislead. |
| under stress to observe how he or she behaves. | | | | As an candidates one can address these concerns |
| The guides for interviewees seldomly address | | | | by providing SPECIFICS: "This is an example of what I |
| these issues. Often standard questions are provided | | | | actually did". Explain how you dealt with engineers and |
| (Name of company, position, job title and | | | | give examples. Bring a sample piece of well |
| description, dates of hire.What were your | | | | documented programming code to your interview. |
| expectations for the job and to what extent were | | | | Practicea very specific hypothetical. |
| they met? | | | | Providing specifics or developing hypotheticals are a |
| What were your starting and final levels of | | | | good way to paint yourself in the |
| compensation? What were your tasks? What major | | | | brightest colours. An additional benefit of this |
| challenges and problems did you encounter? What did | | | | method is that, your interviewer will retain more easily |
| you like or dislike about your former job ? Which | | | | your answers since concrete situations stick in |
| was most / least rewarding? What was the biggest | | | | memory better than general thoughts. |
| accomplishment in this position? | | | | Not one method alone for a job interview will |
| What did your co-workers say about you ? What | | | | guarantee success, however, mixing in some |
| was it like working for your boss? What do you | | | | consideration for the person interviewing you, might |
| expect from our company? ) together with the "best | | | | give you the edge. |
| way" to answer these questions. | | | | |