| Ok. It's the moment of truth. But it could also be job | | | | interviewer is meeting with. You do this by smiling a lot, |
| search myth 6! It's an interview. | | | | putting out a hearty handshake, looking the person |
| Of course, interviewing can be tense. But we've been | | | | directly in the eyes when you speak, and being extra |
| taught to just answer the questions and we'll be alright. | | | | friendly. |
| But that's job search myth 6. Here's why. | | | | However, after you've done your best to respond to |
| If you've been lucky enough to pass muster and get | | | | the information the interviewer needs to acquire, then |
| invited in for an interview, you'll face one of two | | | | it's time for you to ask some intelligent questions that |
| interviewers: | | | | promote your candidacy. For example, you should |
| 1. A lower level HR staffer or assistant manager who | | | | inquire about the goals of the organization. What role |
| is screening you for the boss. | | | | could you play in contributing to its growth? What are |
| 2. An employer who could be your next boss. | | | | the opportunities for advancement? |
| If you're invited in for a screening interview, the rules | | | | On the other hand, if you are meeting directly with a |
| are a little different. You're not dealing directly with the | | | | decision-maker you have to be in control of the |
| decision-maker who will ultimately make a hiring | | | | procedure. You do that by advancing the conversation |
| decision about you. So your goal is to reinforce the | | | | beyond an interview into a dialogue in which you're |
| capabilities and assets that attracted an employer's | | | | taking the lead by asking intelligent questions about his |
| interest when you submitted your resume or | | | | her goals for the company. And then jumping in with |
| application. | | | | stories that demonstrate you have the ability to |
| In other words, do no harm. You must understand that | | | | contribute to the goals. |
| a screening interview has some very specific goals to | | | | The biggest mistake you can make is to sit like a lump |
| accomplish. These will differ from organization to | | | | and content yourself just to answer questions as best |
| organization. But basically it puts the interviewer in | | | | you can. If you don't take this opportunity to set |
| control because you don't know what the agenda is. It | | | | yourself apart by showing very specifically that you've |
| means you must carefully and respectfully answer the | | | | done your homework you'll never rise to the top of the |
| questions. | | | | pack. |
| But it doesn't end there. You also need to distinguish | | | | Look, job search myth 6 can confound your chances |
| yourself in the mind of the interviewer so that you | | | | of interview success if you don't think through carefully |
| stand out from the dozens of other candidates the | | | | how to make it turn out right for you. |