What do you need to have on hand so you can confidently interview for your targeted jobs at the drop of a hat?

Your “what to wear” kit. Do you have your interview attire clean and ready to wear? If someone calls, you should be able to get dressed and go. If you’re not ready, now is the time to get organized.

Your marketing materials and pitch. It’s your job to come in with a clear understanding of what the organization needs and to raise those points during your conversation with the hiring manager.

Answers for questions you don’t want to address. Were you fired? Be prepared to discuss it. Did you hate your last boss? Have a good answer if and when the topic comes up. Is there a skill the employer wants that you don’t have? Plan what you will say when it surfaces. Smile, give an answer that helps him or her feel confident that you’re not the type of person to blabber on about negative topics, and move on.

Questions for your interviewer.  Your interviewer hopes you’re smart and capable, so ask questions proving you have both of those qualities.

Your follow-up plan. Another often overlooked aspect of the interview process: Most job seekers don’t send a thank you note, nor do they follow up with their interviewers. Be sure you have the complete names, titles, and contact information for everyone you meet; it makes following up so much easier.

Read the entire post on my column on the U.S. News & World Report site.

photo by calsidyrose

The post How to be ready for the interview appeared first on Keppie Careers.

However, I like the gist of the book – you don’t need to memorize pat answers to questions in order to get the job. This is something I absolutely agree with, so I thought it would be worth reviewing Michael Farr and Dick Gaither’s Next-Day Job Interview for my readers.

I was not disappointed! Even reading the introduction can help job seekers dramatically improve their readiness for an interview. Questions such as: “Can you talk the talk of the industry, using buzzwords, jargon and acronyms that are common to the industry?” and “Can you identify three prominent employment-related successes or achievements you’ve had and talk about your role in them?” These are two of the key, important elements of interviewing that I teach my clients.

The book continues by describing various interview formats. It’s important to be prepared to handle all different circumstances and types of questions, so this section is a great help.

Self-analysis (knowing what you have to offer – and how it relates to your targeted job) is another crucial aspect of interviewing well, and the book helps walk the reader through identifying his or her skills, as well as outlines important skills that most employers seek, such as the ability to learn, communication and writing skills and others.

This in-depth book also offers four different approaches to the all important question, “Tell me about yourself?” (Skills based, personal history, defined focus and “returning the question.” The descriptions include impressive suggestions and tips to think about how to respond to this “make or break” question.

Next-Day Job Interview is a very thorough, well designed book to assist the job seeker in mastering the all important interview stage. However, I really think the title is a bit of a misnomer, as I have yet to meet  job seeker who can really take full advantage of this terrific information in less than several weeks without a coach.

So, my advice? Get this book NOW – before you are preparing for a specific interview – use the tips and tricks and you will be way ahead of the game when you get the call for an interview “tomorrow.”

Win a copy of this book! Just comment on one of my blogs regarding the review. Enter at all of my posts for a better chance at the random drawing:
GreatPlaceJobs
Secrets of the Job Hunt
Examiner

Sometimes, it pays to  hire a coach to help you prepare for an interview! Need some help getting your job search jump started? Not sure you can put all of the great tools at your disposal to good use? Need a great resume? Learn how I can help you propel your job hunt forward.

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